bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Antioxidant Value and Chemical Groups in Selected Medicinal Plants Used for Conditions Associated with Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster Infections in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Radol Antony Omondi , Kiptoo Michael , Makokha A. O. , Tolo Festus M.
Published: February 2020

Aims: To Determine antioxidant value and chemical groups in selected medicinal plants used for conditions associated with Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster infections in Mukhwa sub-location, Kakamega County, Kenya.

Study Design: A qualitative ethnobotanical survey for plant identification and chemical analysis for antioxidant assay and chemical group detection.

Place and Duration of Study: Plant samples were collected in Mukhwa sub-location in September 2014. Sample processing and chemical group detection was carried out at the Center of Traditional Medicine and Drug Research of Kenya Medical Research Institute. Antioxidant assay was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences of the Kenya Medical Training College.

Methodology: All 12 Community Health Workers, comprising 7 females and 5 males, were interviewed for identification of plant species. Antioxidant assay was carried out using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction assay and detection of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkanoids, saponins and phenols carried out using physicho-chemical methods.

Results: Caesalpinia decapetala, Garcinia buchananii and Entada abyssinica, were the most potent sources of antioxidant with the concentration giving 50% DPPH reduction (RSa50) of 50, 20 and 10  µg/ml, respectively. The most abundant chemical groups were; alkaloids in Schkuhria pinnata, terpenoids in E. abyssinica, flavonoids in G. buchananii, the latter also contained the highest amount of phenols.

Conclusion: The findings of antioxidant and chemical groups in selected medicinal plants support their use for HIV conditions.
Human Development, Government Spending and Economic Growth in West Africa
Authors: Olofin Olabode Philip
Published: February 2020

This study verifies the role of government spending on the relationship between human development and economic growth in West African Countries using an extension of human development measure. We generate a new measure of human development that considered environmental influence by performing Principal Component Analysis on environmental variables such as: (i) Atmospheric Pollution (i.e. carbondioxide (CO2), (ii) emmissions, fossil fuel energy consumption, methane (CH4) and (iii) Nitrous (N2)) and incorporate welfare measures used by HDI (i.e. Education, Health and Income) to generate a scientifically weighted index (HDIGEN).The study employed Fixed effect method using annual time series data between 1980 and 2017. The results showed that human capital on its own is positively, statistically and significantly related with output. However, when human capital is interacted with government spending (GSHK), negative relation was found, but not statistically significant. These results might not be found wanton in the sense that all the countries under study are documented among the corrupt nations. Most of the funds meant for augmenting human capital might not be spent for the purpose for which they are meant. We found negative relationship between human development and output when we used the most common measure of human development (HDI) and the generated one (HDIGEN), but only the one generated was statistically significant. The results showed that measuring human development requires holistic approach of measure, especially consideration of environmental factors. When we interacted government spending with HDIGEN, we discovered positive relation and statistically significant results, while the interaction of government spending with HDI, showed negative and statistically insignificant results. The implication is that if government of these countries can be sincere in spending on improving environmental factors while focusing on improving human development, sustainable development goal can equally be achieved.
Correlation of Leptin and Vaspin Serum Concentration in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Priya K. , K. Bansal S. , K. Sharma D. , Y. Birendra K.
Published: February 2020

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the correlation of circulating leptin and vaspin levels with lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and anthropometric variable as inflammatory markers between diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted with 120 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with age-matched 120 non-diabetic subjects as controls.

Results: We found that there is significant increase in the parameters like serum Leptin, Vaspin, FBS, PPBS, HbA1c and lipid profile (TC, TG & VLDL). No significant differences were found between BMI, LDL & HDL parameters of T2DM patients compared to non-diabetic subjects. The results have been shown a significant positive correlation between Vaspin and Leptin in T2DM patients, (r = .755) and (P˂0.01) as compared to controls. The body mass index was positively correlated with Vaspin in T2DM patients, (r = .50) and (P <0.01) and with leptin in T2DM patients, (r = .265) and (P <0.01). A positive correlation had also observed between vaspin and LDL in T2DM patients, (r = .189) and (p <0.05). We also found that significant increased level of leptin and vaspin in females compared to males in our study group.

Conclusions: Serum leptin and vaspin level is positively associated with BMI and LDL and negatively correlated with fasting blood sugar, post-prandial glucose, HbA1c, VLDL and age.
A Bithiophene‐Promoted ppm Levels of Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Hydrosilylation of Terminal Allenes
Authors: Chen Jun‐Jia , Zeng Jia‐Hao , Yang Ying , Liu Zhi‐Kai , Jiang Ya‐Nan , Li Miao‐Ran , Chen Li , Zhan Zhuang‐Ping
Published: February 2020

A bithiophene−alkyne‐based compound was synthesized and first utilized as a ligand for the selective hydrosilylation of allenes with primary and secondary phenylsilanes. It shows high selectivity towards the production of branched allylsilanes with a wide range of allenes. It is worth mentioning that the catalytic loading of the palladium can be reduced to 500 ppm. This work opens a new front of using bidentate thiophene ligand as a reaction promoter in transition‐metal‐catalyzed organic reaction.

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Evaluation of early seedling development of Chickpea and its relation to seed yield
Authors: Walia Maninder K. , Mohammed Yesuf A. , Franck William L. , Chen Chengci
Published: February 2020

The rapid establishment of crop seedlings for competitive resource use is critical for both organic and conventional production systems. Seedling vigor is directly related to a plant's seedling establishment and ability to compete against weeds. Knowledge is lacking on the variation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seedling vigor traits among the cultivars at early growth stages and how these vigor traits measured in the greenhouse and field correlate to final grain yield. Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate 23 chickpea cultivars. Nodule numbers per plant, nodule fresh weight, aboveground biomass and shoot height, and vigor index (VI)‐I significantly differed among the commercial chickpea varieties and breeding lines in the greenhouse study. Aboveground and belowground biomass, N uptake, and VI‐II also showed significant differences among the cultivars in the field study in 2017. The greenhouse‐measured parameters did not correlate well with field measurements, except for VI‐I and field‐measured biomass. Although chickpea seed yield in 2017 was positively correlated with field‐measured seedling VI‐I and VI‐II, greenhouse‐measured VI‐I and VI‐II did not correlate with the 2017 seed yield in the field. Although vigorous seedlings enhanced seedling establishment, chickpea seed yield in the field is limited by the availability of plant growth resources such as available water. Smaller‐seeded chickpea cultivars yielded higher under a drier year, and larger‐seeded cultivars performed better in a wetter year.
Expanding the phenotype of the CDKL5 deficiency disorder: Are seizures mandatory?
Authors: MacKay Conor I. , Bick David , Prokop Jeremy W. , Muñoz Ivan , Rouse John , Downs Jenny , Leonard Helen
Published: February 2020

Pathogenic variants in the cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) gene cause the neurodevelopmental disorder, the CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Reports of individuals with pathogenic variants in CDKL5 without seizures are exceedingly rare, and in‐depth analyses of their variants have been lacking. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on a 29‐year‐old female with mild intellectual disability who, in the absence of overt seizures, presented with multiple episodes of altered mental status over a 24‐year period. Clinical history was supplemented by a parent completed questionnaire from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database. We identified a de novo heterozygous variant in CDKL5 (NM_003159.2:c.645T>A;p.Ser215Arg). In‐depth computational analysis performed to predict the impact of the variant on protein structure and function demonstrated that the variant was likely pathogenic. In this light, cell‐based studies showed that the S215R substitution causes a marked reduction in CDKL5 kinase activity. Similarities between our case and one previously reported case are striking. These cases, both without seizures but with apparent behavioral symptomatology, together question whether seizures are mandatory in this neurodevelopmental disorder.
The moral hazard of conditionality: Restoring the integrity of social security law
Authors: McKeever Gráinne , Walsh Tamara
Published: February 2020

This article examines the extent to which the Australian and UK social security systems meet their legal obligations to provide basic relief to citizens in need. Conditionality and “mutual obligation” are at the core of both the UK and Australian social security systems and are based on the concept of moral hazard, the goal being to ensure that claimants do not consider living on benefits to be preferable to engaging in paid work. Yet, we argue that the element of “mutuality” is missing in both systems; welfare claimants are subject to myriad conditions and obligations, whilst the state operates free of any legal responsibility to provide even basic relief to those in need, to prevent or alleviate extreme poverty and destitution. We outline the extent to which Australian and UK social security laws require governments to relieve destitution, examining both domestic and human rights law. We conclude that legal protections are weak and that both systems fail to meet the basic conditions of humanity toward their citizens. On this basis, we argue that such failings demonstrate a lack of integrity which undermines the standing of both the UK and Australia to invoke a claim of moral hazard to defend claimant conditionality.
Antibacterial effect of nanometer‐size grafted layer of quaternary ammonium polymer on poly(ether ether ketone) substrate
Authors: Oai Keiko , Inoue Yuuki , Nakao Aiko , Fukazawa Kyoko , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: February 2020

Owing to its excellent physicochemical properties, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been used clinically for medical implants. However, its surface properties should be improved to further enhance its compatibility with a living organism and infection resistance. Here, we examined the surface construction via a combined process, that is, the self‐initiated photoinduced graft polymerization of N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMA) on PEEK substrate followed by polymer quaternization using various bromoalkanes (Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK). Using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the grafting and quaternarization of poly(DMA) (PDMA) on the PEEK substrate was confirmed. The degree of quaternizations was at least 60% even when the various bromoalkanes were reacted. The Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK with 1‐bromooctane (BrC8) (C8‐Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK) substrate exhibited the highest ζ‐potential of other Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrates. However, no significant differences were observed in the degree of quaternization, thickness of the polymer layer, and hydrophilicity of all modified PEEK substrates. In addition, from antibacterial test with Escherichia coli, the C8Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrate exhibited the highest antibacterial rate (80%) among Q‐PDMA‐g‐PEEK substrates examined. Therefore, we concluded that the surface ζ‐potential is the one an important parameter for manufacturing PEEK substrates with bactericidal properties.
Reductive Aromatization of Quinols with B2pin2 as Deoxidizing Agent
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Yin , Luo Zhibin , Xie Jimin
Published: February 2020

We have demonstrated B2pin2 as superior deoxidizing agent for the reductive deoxygenation of quinol derivatives under basic conditions. A wide range of highly functionalized phenols were obtained in good yields including a complex drug molecule, which revealed the high functional group tolerance of this protocol.
Quorum Sensing System Used as a Tool in Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Ge Chang , Sheng Huakang , Chen Xin , Shen Xiaolin , Sun Xinxiao , Yan Yajun , Wang Jia , Yuan Qipeng
Published: February 2020

Quorum sensing (QS) is a ubiquitous cell–cell communication mechanism in microbes that coordinates population‐level cell behaviors, such as biofilm production, virulence, swarming motility, and bacterial persistence. Efforts to engineer QS systems to take part in metabolic network regulation represent a promising strategy for synthetic biology and pathway engineering. Recently, design, construction, and implementation of QS circuits for programmed control of bacterial phenotypes and metabolic pathways have gained much attention, but have not been reviewed recently. In this article, the architectural organizations and genetic contributions of the naturally occurring QS components to understand the mechanisms are summarized. Then, the most recent progress in application of QS toolkits to develop synthetic networks for novel cell behaviors creation and metabolic pathway engineering is highlighted. The current challenges in large‐scale application of these QS circuits in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering fields are discussed and future perspectives for further engineering efforts are provided.
Prior probability of significant obstructive arterial disease in the contralateral lower extremity
Authors: Winscott John G. , Hillegass William B.
Published: February 2020

Key Points

The probability of significant contralateral lower extremity mirror lesions ranges from 11 to 57%, with the superficial femoral artery and tibial arteries having the highest likelihood.

Assessing the prior probability of contralateral disease based on ipsilateral angiography may help inform proceeding with or forgoing angiography in the asymptomatic contralateral extremity, particularly in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease as well as inconclusive noninvasive tests.

These single center observations in 225 patients with significant peripheral arterial disease, if confirmed, suggest a larger multicenter investigation may yield a useful prediction instrument for contralateral disease based on unilateral imaging.
Bioresorbable scaffold: Never say never
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Baralis Giorgio
Published: February 2020

Key Points

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) were designed to overcome the limitations of metallic stents.

Absorb BVS has provided information about strut thickness, scaffold degradation, vessel wall coverage, and their influence on thrombosis.

Clinical trials have shown higher rates of target vessel myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis with the absorb BVS than with second‐generation drug‐eluting stents.
Biochemical characteristics of soft wheat grain associated with endosperm separation from bran and flour yield
Authors: Ji Taehyun , Ma Fengyun , Baik Byung‐Kee
Published: February 2020

Background and objectives

Endosperm separation from bran during wheat grain milling has a substantial influence on flour yield, whereas little is known about the endosperm characteristics affecting its detachment from bran. The associations of the outer endosperm characteristics with its separation from bran during milling, and subsequently with flour yield, were determined.

Findings

The yields of flour and remnant endosperm of bran (REB) for ten soft red winter wheat varieties ranged from 66.7% to 75.9% and 1.7% to 3.7%, respectively. The ash, water‐soluble AX, and β‐glucan contents of the REB exhibited significant relationships with flour yield at p < .05. Wheat varieties of >75% flour yield exhibited higher ash and lower water‐soluble AX contents of the REB than the varieties of <68% flour yield. The ash and water‐soluble AX contents of flour also exhibited significant relationships with flour yield at p < .01.

Conclusions

The water‐soluble AX content of endosperm is implicated in the separation of endosperm from bran during milling of wheat grain.

Significance and novelty

Wheat grain outer endosperm that is low in water‐soluble AX could positively contribute to flour yield because of its role in the efficient detachment of endosperm from bran during milling.
Recent Advances in the Rational Design and Synthesis of Two‐Dimensional Materials for Multivalent Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Lianmeng , Zhou Limin , Kang Yong‐Mook , An Qinyou
Published: February 2020

With the increase of device requirements, rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries are facing tremendous challenges in large‐scale applications due to the high price and gradual shortage of lithium sources. In contrast, multivalent ion batteries, such as aluminum, magnesium, and zinc, are promising candidates for the next‐generation energy‐storage systems because of their high volumetric energy density, safe operation, and abundant reserves. The strong intercalation between multivalent ions and the host materials, however, will cause lower ion‐diffusion kinetics and a poor discharge capacity. One of the main challenges is to search for a suitable cathode material with a high capacity and good structural stability to overcome the abovementioned problems. Two‐dimensional layered materials, with characteristic unique structural features, good conductivity, and high electrochemically active surface, have attracted attention from researchers during the past decade. In this review, the design approach and synthetic procedures for the preparation of two‐dimensional materials as cathodes for multivalent ion batteries, including interlayer engineering, two‐dimensional heterostructures, pore/hole engineering, and heteroatom doping, are summarized. Meanwhile, the relationship between the design configuration and optimized electrochemical performance is rationally and systematically presented. Additionally, perspectives for the sustainable synthesis of cathode materials are proposed for multivalent metal‐ion chemistry.
Assimilation of fuzzy clustering approach and EHO‐Greedy algorithm for efficient routing in WSN
Authors: Pattnaik Satyajit , Sahu Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2020

The problems related to energy consumption and improvement of the network lifetime of WSN (wireless sensor network) have been considered. The base station (BS) location is the main concern in WSN. BSs are fixed, yet, they have the ability to move in some situations to collect the information from sensor nodes (SNs). Recently, introducing mobile sinks to WSNs has been proved to be an efficient way to extend the lifespan of the network. This paper proposes the assimilation of the fuzzy clustering approach and the Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO)‐Greedy algorithm for efficient routing in WSN. This work considers the separate sink nodes of a fixed sink and movable sink to decrease the utilization of energy. A fixed node is deployed randomly across the network, and the movable sink node moves to different locations across the network for collecting the data. Initially, the number of nodes is formed into the multiple clusters using the enhanced expectation maximization algorithm. After that, the cluster head (CH) selection done through a fuzzy approach by taking the account of three factors of residual energy, node centrality, and neighborhood overlap. A suitable collection of CH can extremely reduce the utilization of energy and also enhancing the lifespan. Finally, the routing protocol of the hybrid EHO‐Greedy algorithm is used for efficient data transmission. Simulation results display that the proposed technique is better to other existing approaches in regard to energy utilization and the system lifetime.
Mammalian hemicentin 1 is assembled into tracks in the extracellular matrix of multiple tissues
Authors: Lin Meei‐Hua , Pope Bill D. , Sasaki Takako , Keeley Daniel P. , Sherwood David R. , Miner Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2020

Background

Hemicentins (HMCNs) are a family of extracellular matrix proteins first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, with two orthologs (HMCN1 and 2) in vertebrates. In worms, HMCN is deposited at specific sites where it forms long, fine tracks that link two tissues by connecting adjacent basement membranes (BMs). By generating CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated Hmcn1 and Hmcn2 knockout mice, we tested the hypothesis that HMCNs perform similar functions in mammals.

Results

Hmcn1
−/− mice were viable and fertile. Using new, knockout mouse‐validated HMCN1 antibodies, HMCN1 was detected in wild‐type mice as fine tracks along the BM of hair and whisker follicles, in the sclera of the eyes, and in the lumen of some lymphoid conduits. It was also observed in the mesangial matrix of the kidney glomerulus. However, HMCN1 deficiency did not affect the functions of these tissues, including adherence of coat hairs and whiskers, the sieving function of lymphoid conduits, or the immune response to injected antigens. HMCN2 deficiency did not lead to any discernible phenotypes on its own or when combined with HMCN1 deficiency.

Conclusion

That Hmcn1
−/−, Hmcn2
−/−, and Hmcn1/2 double knockout mice did not display any overt phenotypes implicates compensation by other members of the fibulin family.
Regulatory feedback on receptor and non‐receptor synthesis for robust signaling
Authors: Lander Arthur D. , Nie Qing , Sanchez‐Tapia Cynthia , Simonyan Aghavni , Wan Frederic Y. M.
Published: February 2020

Elaborate regulatory feedback processes are thought to make biological development robust, that is, resistant to changes induced by genetic or environmental perturbations. How this might be done is still not completely understood. Previous numerical simulations on reaction‐diffusion models of Dpp gradients in Drosophila wing imaginal disc have showed that feedback (of the Hill function type) on (signaling) receptors and/or non‐(signaling) receptors are of limited effectiveness in promoting robustness. Spatial nonuniformity of the feedback processes has also been shown theoretically to lead to serious shape distortion and a principal cause for ineffectiveness. Through mathematical modeling and analysis, the present article shows that spatially uniform nonlocal feedback mechanisms typically modify gradient shape through a shape parameter (that does not change with location). This in turn enables us to uncover new multi‐feedback instrument for effective promotion of robust signaling gradients.
A Galerkin‐free/equation‐free model reduction method for single‐phase flow in fractured porous media
Authors: Han Dongxu , Li Tingyu , Tang Qingfeng , Yu Bo , Sun Dongliang
Published: February 2020

Using traditional high‐fidelity numerical simulation to simulate fluid flow in fractured porous media in a real field remains challenging. It involves a large number of degrees of freedom when matrix and fracture equations are solved. To address this challenge, we propose a Galerkin‐free framework to construct a reduced‐order model (ROM) based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Compared with the typical POD‐based modeling process commonly used in previous studies, the POD‐ROM can be built without performing the Galerkin projection of flow equations onto the low‐dimensional space spanned by the POD basis functions. The numerical integration method was incorporated to obtain the POD time coefficients based on the flow equations solved by the conventional finite volume method. Two complex fracture cases reflecting high‐contrast porous media in a two‐dimensional domain were designed to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the established Galerkin‐free POD‐ROM. Sensitivity analysis of parameters was conducted to examine the adaptability of the ROM. The results illustrate that, compared with the fine‐scale model, the ROM can significantly reduce the CPU time without compromising the quality of the numerical solutions.
The effect of instream logs on river‐bank erosion: Field measurements of hydraulics and erosion rates
Authors: Zhang Nuosha , Rutherfurd Ian D.
Published: February 2020

This is the first substantial field measurement of river‐bank erosion around fallen logs in rivers. Whilst numerous studies have established that living trees can stabilize river banks, and that fallen trees can cause scour of the river bed, knowledge of bank erosion effects from logs is largely restricted to qualitative observations. Recent flume studies suggest that a single log can increase near‐bank velocity (and thus erosion) and this increase is related to the blockage ratio of the log and the distance between the log and bank. However, hydraulic interactions between logs can reduce this increase or even decrease the near‐bank velocity. These theories, developed in a straight flume, have not been tested in the field. We measured erosion rates (relative to controls) on river banks adjacent to 35 large logs for 2 years, and velocity distributions around 11 logs during a near‐bankfull flow in anabranching channels of the River Murray, SE Australia. These channels have abundant large instream logs, consistent bank material, and consistent regulated high flows. The field results generally supported the velocity changes caused by single and multiple logs in the flume studies, with single logs increasing near‐bank velocity, but with the hydraulic interactions between successive logs tending to reduce this increase. Flow patterns caused by logs adjacent to curved banks were more complicated as the local effects of logs reinforced or weakened recirculating flows. Instream logs did not change overall, average, bank erosion rates, but they tended to shift the erosion from bank top to bank toe. However, individual logs increased or decreased bank erosion rates in patterns that generally concur with the near‐bank velocity changes predicted in flume studies: that isolated logs increased erosion rates whilst hydraulically interacting logs did not increase erosion rates. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaf temperature and its dependence on atmospheric CO2 and leaf size
Authors: Konrad Wilfried , Katul Gabriel , Roth‐Nebelsick Anita
Published: February 2020

There is general concern that the rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration will lead to reduced stomatal conductance and subsequent increases in leaf temperature. Such an increase in leaf temperature is expected to adversely impact a plethora of processes connected to leaf metabolism and microbial/fungal communities on leaves. A model is proposed that combines the leaf energy balance with leaf gas exchange and photosynthesis to explore such issues. The model represents a hybrid ecological/physiological approach described by systems of equations based on steady‐state leaf‐gas exchange theories and leaf energy/radiation balance, equilibrium thermodynamics within the leaf, stomatal data, and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The model allows separating air from leaf temperatures thereby permitting exploration of the dependence of leaf cooling or heating for any combination of environmental conditions (e.g., wind velocity, atmospheric humidity, and atmospheric CO2 level), anatomic leaf properties (e.g., leaf size), and physiologic quantities (e.g., assimilation rate and transpiration rate). The model permits to distinguish whether leaf cooling or heating is to be expected if these parameters are varied. Based on model calculations, it is shown that leaf temperature is far more impacted by leaf size or wind speed than reduction in stomatal conductance caused by elevated atmospheric CO2. The model results are consistent with measurements of leaf cooling and heating.
Inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp‐9) regulate photoreceptor regeneration in adult zebrafish
Authors: Silva Nicholas J. , Nagashima Mikiko , Li Jingling , Kakuk‐Atkins Laura , Ashrafzadeh Milad , Hyde David R. , Hitchcock Peter F.
Published: February 2020

Brain injury activates complex inflammatory signals in dying neurons, surviving neurons, and glia. Here, we establish that inflammation regulates the regeneration of photoreceptors in the zebrafish retina and determine the cellular expression and function of the inflammatory protease, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp‐9), during this regenerative neurogenesis. Following photoreceptor ablation, anti‐inflammatory treatment suppresses the number of injury‐induced progenitors and regenerated photoreceptors. Upon photoreceptor injury, mmp‐9 is induced in Müller glia and Müller glia‐derived photoreceptor progenitors. Deleting mmp‐9 results in over production of injury‐induced progenitors and regenerated photoreceptors, but over time the absence of Mmp‐9 compromises the survival of the regenerated cones. At all time‐points studied, the levels of tnf‐α are significantly elevated in mutant retinas. Anti‐inflammatory treatment in mutants rescues the defects in cone survival. These data provide a link between injury‐induced inflammation in the vertebrate CNS, Mmp‐9 function during neuronal regeneration and the requirement of Mmp‐9 for the survival of regenerated cones.
Functions of histone modifications and histone modifiers in Schwann cells
Authors: Duman Mert , Martinez‐Moreno Margot , Jacob Claire , Tapinos Nikos
Published: February 2020

Schwann cells (SCs) are the main glial cells present in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Their primary functions are to insulate peripheral axons to protect them from the environment and to enable fast conduction of electric signals along big caliber axons by enwrapping them in a thick myelin sheath rich in lipids. In addition, SCs have the peculiar ability to foster axonal regrowth after a lesion by demyelinating and converting into repair cells that secrete neurotrophic factors and guide axons back to their former target to finally remyelinate regenerated axons. The different steps of SC development and their role in the maintenance of PNS integrity and regeneration after lesion are controlled by various factors among which transcription factors and chromatin‐remodeling enzymes hold major functions. In this review, we discussed how histone modifications and histone‐modifying enzymes control SC development, maintenance of PNS integrity and response to injury. The functions of histone modifiers as part of chromatin‐remodeling complexes are discussed in another review published in the same issue of Glia.
Accuracy of automated amygdala MRI segmentation approaches in Huntington's disease in the IMAGE‐HD cohort
Authors: Alexander Bonnie , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Beare Richard , Ahveninen Lotta M. , Lorenzetti Valentina , Stout Julie C. , Glikmann‐Johnston Yifat
Published: February 2020

Smaller manually‐segmented amygdala volumes have been associated with poorer motor and cognitive function in Huntington's disease (HD). Manual segmentation is the gold standard in terms of accuracy; however, automated methods may be necessary in large samples. Automated segmentation accuracy has not been determined for the amygdala in HD. We aimed to determine which of three automated approaches would most accurately segment amygdalae in HD: FreeSurfer, FIRST, and ANTS nonlinear registration followed by FIRST segmentation. T1‐weighted images for the IMAGE‐HD cohort including 35 presymptomatic HD (pre‐HD), 36 symptomatic HD (symp‐HD), and 34 healthy controls were segmented using FreeSurfer and FIRST. For the third approach, images were nonlinearly registered to an MNI template using ANTS, then segmented using FIRST. All automated methods overestimated amygdala volumes compared with manual segmentation. Dice overlap scores, indicating segmentation accuracy, were not significantly different between automated approaches. Manually segmented volumes were most statistically differentiable between groups, followed by those segmented by FreeSurfer, then ANTS/FIRST. FIRST‐segmented volumes did not differ between groups. All automated methods produced a bias where volume overestimation was more severe for smaller amygdalae. This bias was subtle for FreeSurfer, but marked for FIRST, and moderate for ANTS/FIRST. Further, FreeSurfer introduced a hemispheric bias not evident with manual segmentation, producing larger right amygdalae by 8%. To assist choice of segmentation approach, we provide sample size estimation graphs based on sample size and other factors. If automated segmentation is employed in samples of the current size, FreeSurfer may effectively distinguish amygdala volume between controls and HD.
Unravelling evapotranspiration controls and components in tropical Andean tussock grasslands
Authors: Ochoa‐Sánchez Ana E. , Crespo Patricio , Carrillo‐Rojas Galo , Marín Franklin , Célleri Rolando
Published: February 2020

The study of the environmental factors that control evapotranspiration and the components of evapotranspiration leads to a better understanding of the actual evapotranspiration (ET) process that links the functioning of the soil, water and atmosphere. It also improves local, regional and global ET modelling. Globally, few studies so far focussed on the controls and components of ET in alpine grasslands, especially in mountainous sites such as the tussock grasslands located in the páramo biome (above 3300 m a.s.l.). The páramo occupies 35 000 km2 and provides water resources for many cities in the Andes. In this article, we unveiled the controls on ET and provided the first insights on the contribution of transpiration to ET. We found that the wet páramo is an energy‐limited region and net radiation (Rn) is primarily controlling ET. ET was on average 1.7 mm/day. The monthly average evaporative fraction (ET/Rn) was 0.47 and it remained similar for wet and dry periods. The secondary controls on ET were wind speed, aerodynamic resistance and surface resistance that appeared more important for dry periods, where significantly higher ET rates were found (20% increase). During dry events, transpiration was on average 1.5 mm/day (range 0.7–2.7 mm/day), similar to other tussock grasslands in New Zealand (range 0.6–3.3 mm/day). Evidence showed interception contributes more to ET than transpiration. This study sets a precedent towards a better understanding of the evapotranspiration process and will ultimately lead to a better land‐atmosphere fluxes modelling in the tropics.
Effect of anisotropy on solute transport in degraded fen peat soils
Authors: Wang Miaorun , Liu Haojie , Zak Dominik , Lennartz Bernd
Published: February 2020

Peat soils are heterogeneous, anisotropic porous media. Compared to mineral soils, there is still limited understanding of physical and solute transport properties of fen peat soils. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of soil anisotropy on solute transport in degraded fen peat. Undisturbed soil cores, taken in vertical and horizontal direction, were collected from one drained and one restored fen peatland both in a comparable state of soil degradation. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (K
s) and chemical properties of peat were determined for all soil cores. Miscible displacement experiments were conducted under saturated steady state conditions using potassium bromide as a conservative tracer. The results showed that (1) the K
s in vertical direction (K
sv) was significantly higher than that in horizontal direction (Ksh), indicating that K
s of degraded fen peat behaves anisotropically; (2) pronounced preferential flow occurred in vertical direction with a higher immobile water fraction and a higher pore water velocity; (3) the 5% arrival time (a proxy for the strength of preferential flow) was affected by soil anisotropy as well as study site. A strong correlation was found between 5% arrival time and dispersivity, K
s and mobile water fraction; (4) phosphate release was observed from drained peat only. The impact of soil heterogeneity on phosphate leaching was more pronounced than soil anisotropy. The soil core with the strongest preferential flow released the highest amount of phosphate. We conclude that soil anisotropy is crucial in peatland hydrology but additional research is required to fully understand anisotropy effects on solute transport.
Deep learning and optimization algorithms for automatic breast cancer detection
Authors: Sha Zijun , Hu Lin , Rouyendegh Babak Daneshvar
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer is caused by the abnormal and rapid growth of breast cells. An early diagnosis can ensure an easier and effective treatment. A mass in the breast is a significant early sign of breast cancer, even though differentiating the cancerous mass's tissue from normal tissue for diagnosis is a difficult task for radiologists. The development of computer‐aided detection systems in recent years has led to nondestructive and efficient cancer diagnostic techniques. This paper proposes a comprehensive method to locate the cancerous region in the mammogram image. This method employs image noise reduction, optimal image segmentation based on the convolutional neural network, a grasshopper optimization algorithm, and optimized feature extraction and feature selection based on the grasshopper optimization algorithm, thereby improving precision and decreasing the computational cost. This method was applied to the Mammographic Image Analysis Society Digital Mammogram Database and Digital Database for Screening Mammography breast cancer databases and the simulation results were compared with 10 different state‐of‐the‐art methods to analyze the proposed system's efficiency. Final results showed that the proposed method had 96% Sensitivity, 93% Specificity, 85% PPV, 97% NPV, 92% accuracy, and better efficiency than other traditional methods in terms of Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV, and Accuracy.
Improved chicken swarm optimization to classify dementia MRI images using a novel controlled randomness optimization algorithm
Authors: Bharanidharan N. , Rajaguru Harikumar
Published: February 2020

The objective of this research paper is to categorize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images as demented (DEM) or nondemented (ND) using improved chicken swarm optimization technique (ICSO). In literature, CSO technique is widely used to solve numerical optimization and feature selection problem. Using this optimization technique for medical image classification problem will be a pioneering idea. If this technique is directly used to classify the medical images, it provides poor results. Hence, appropriate enhancements are made on the original algorithm using a novel controlled randomness optimization algorithm and control parameter tuning. Cross‐over and Rooster selection methods are also implemented in cascaded manner for further performance improvization. All the experiments are made for two cases: with and without statistical features. The brain MRI images of 65 ND and 52 DEM subjects obtained from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies website are used in this analysis. The ICSO without statistical features provides the highest accuracy of 86.32%, whereas the original chicken swarm optimization technique provides the accuracy of 52.13% and 52.99% with and without statistical features, respectively.
Electrically conductive materials for in vitro cardiac microtissue engineering
Authors: Baei Payam , Hosseini Mahya , Baharvand Hossein , Pahlavan Sara
Published: February 2020

Cardiac tissue engineering, a fairly new concept in cardiovascular research, could substantially improve our success in both in vitro modeling of cardiac microtissue and in vivo cardiac regenerative medicine. To a large extent, this success was attributed to mechanical as well as electrical properties of cardiac‐designated biomaterials which inherit the fundamental characteristics of a native myocardial extracellular matrix. Large efforts have been made toward designation and construction of these scaffolds which paved the way for more natural‐like biomaterials. As an important characteristic, electrical conductivity has grabbed special attention, thus opening up a whole new area of research to achieve the best biomaterial. Electroconductive scaffolds have benefitted from both incorporation of conductive particles in polymeric matrix and fabrication of organic conductive polymers which supported cardiac tissue engineering. However, conductive scaffolds have not yet achieved full success and more work is required to obtain the optimal conductivity with highest similarity to the native heart for in vitro cardiac microtissue engineering.
Definitions and determinants of audit quality
Authors: Dresdner Hana , Fischer Dov
Published: February 2020

Based on a review of the academic literature, we define audit quality from the perspectives of auditors and investors. We then discuss historical events that have impacted audit quality, including the effects of Sarbanes–Oxley; Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's restriction on auditor‐provided tax services; mandatory audit partner rotation; and the merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand.
Pelvic morphology medial to the femoral head center predicts anterior coverage and range of motion after curved periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Hayashi Shinya , Hashimoto Shingo , Fukuda Koji , Takayama Koji , Tsubosaka Masanori , Takashima Yoshinori , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki
Published: February 2020

This study observed anterior coverage extent after lateral rotation of the acetabulum, without anterior or posterior rotation, during curved periacetabular osteotomy by three‐dimensional simulation, and determined if preoperative pelvic morphology affects postoperative anterior coverage and range of motion. Thirty patients scheduled for consecutive primary curved periacetabular osteotomy for developmental hip dysplasia at our hospital between 2016 and 2017 were included. Virtual acetabular osteotomies were performed to achieve a postoperative lateral center‐edge angle of 30°. We measured anterior center‐edge angles before curved periacetabular osteotomy through the medial one‐third and one‐quarter of the femoral head as an index reflecting the pelvic morphology medial to the femoral head center. The range of motion simulation was performed after virtual curved periacetabular osteotomy. Single linear regression analysis was performed to examine correlations between preoperative pelvic morphology parameters and anterior center‐edge angles after virtual osteotomy. Furthermore, linear regression analysis was used to assess correlations between center‐edge angles and simulated range of motions (P < .05). Anterior center‐edge angle after virtual osteotomy was more strongly correlated with the anterior center‐edge angle through the medial one‐third (r = .92, P < .0001) and one‐quarter (r = .84, P < .0001) of the femoral head. Flexion angle and internal rotation at 90° flexion showed significant correlations with anterior center‐edge angle through the medial one‐third (r = −.62, P = .0003; r = −.57, P = .001) and one‐quarter (r = −.60, P = .0005; r = −.55, P = .002) of the femoral head and anterior center‐edge angle after virtual osteotomy (r = −.67, P = .0005; r = −.62, P = .0003). Measuring preoperative parameters reflecting pelvic morphology enables surgeons to predict postoperative anterior coverage and range of motion in curved periacetabular osteotomy cases.
Effects of exogenous compound sprays on cherry cracking: skin properties and gene expression
Authors: Correia Sofia , Santos Marlene , Glińska Sława , Gapińska Magdalena , Matos Manuela , Carnide Valdemar , Schouten Rob , Silva Ana Paula , Gonçalves Berta
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Cherry fruit cracking is a costly problem for cherry growers. The effect of repeated sprayings (gibberellic acid – GA3; abscisic acid – ABA; salicylic acid – SA; glycine betaine – GB, and Ascophyllum nodosum – AN) combined with CaCl2, on ‘Sweetheart’ cherry fruit‐cracking characteristics was investigated. Cracking was quantified in terms of cracking incidence, crack morphology, confocal scanning laser microscopy, cuticular wax content, cell‐wall modification, and cuticular wax gene expression.

RESULTS

All spray treatments reduced cracking compared with an untreated control (H2O), with fewer cheek cracks. The least cracking incidence was observed for ABA + CaCl2‐ and GB + CaCl2‐treated fruits, indicating an added benefit compared to spraying with CaCl2 alone. In addition, GB + CaCl2‐treated fruits showed higher fruit diameter. ABA + CaCl2 and GB + CaCl2 sprays showed higher wax content and higher cuticle and epidermal thickness compared with the control, including increased expression of wax synthase (ABA + CaCl2) and expansin 1 (GB + CaCl2).

CONCLUSION

In general, factors that improve the cuticle thickness appear to be important at the fruit‐coloring stage. At the fruit‐ripening stage, larger cell sizes of the epidermis, hypodermis, and parenchyma cells lower cracking incidence, indicating the importance of flexibility and elasticity of the epidermis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of six alkaloids in tobacco and tobacco products by direct analysis of real‐time triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with a modified pretreatment method
Authors: Li Chao , Li E'xian , Ma Ming , Liu Xiuming , You Junheng , Wu Yiqin , Jiang Wei , Liu Zhihua , Qin Yunhua
Published: February 2020

In order to determine six alkaloids (mass fraction) of nicotine, nornicotine, myosmine, anatabine, anabasine, and nicotyrine in tobacco and tobacco products quickly, accurately, and simultaneously, a novel method based on direct analysis of real‐time model in situ ionization technique combined tandem mass spectrometry with a modified sample pretreatment was established, in which experimental parameters such as the type and amount of extraction solvent and injection rate were optimized, respectively. The samples of five commercial cigarettes and five kinds of tobacco leaves were analyzed by the established method, and the determined values were compared with those obtained using a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method: (1) Under optimized conditions (30 mL ultrapure water as extraction solvent and with extraction rate of 0.6 mm/s), analysis could be completed within 10 min. (2) The linear range of the method was 0.002–2000 μg/g with, the recovery ranged from 86.8 to 105.6%, and the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.004–0.835 μg/g and 0.013–2.787 μg/g, respectively. (3) The relative standard deviation between direct analysis of real‐time method and the gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method was 0.34–8.83%. The established method is rapid, reliable, and suitable for the ultrafast determination of six alkaloids in tobacco and tobacco products.