bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Responsive Dynamic DNA‐Origami‐Based Plasmonic Assemblies
Authors: Ryssy Joonas , Natarajan Ashwin K. , Wang Jinhua , Lehtonen Arttu J. , Nguyen Minh‐Kha , Klajn Rafal , Kuzyk Anton
Published: December 2020

DNA nanotechnology offers a versatile toolbox for precise spatial and temporal manipulation of matter on the nanoscale. However, rendering DNA‐based systems responsive to light has remained challenging. Herein, we describe the remote manipulation of native (non‐photoresponsive) chiral plasmonic molecules (CPMs) using light. Our strategy is based on the use of a photoresponsive medium comprising a merocyanine‐based photoacid. Upon exposure to visible light, the medium decreases its pH, inducing the formation of DNA triplex links, leading to a spatial reconfiguration of the CPMs. The process can be reversed simply by turning the light off and it can be repeated for multiple cycles. The degree of the overall chirality change in an ensemble of CPMs depends on the CPM fraction undergoing reconfiguration, which, remarkably, depends on and can be tuned by the intensity of incident light. Such a dynamic, remotely controlled system could aid in further advancing DNA‐based devices and nanomaterials.
Use of remote sensing tools to predict focal areas for sea turtle conservation in the south‐western Atlantic
Authors: Prosdocimi Laura , Teryda Natalia S. , Navarro Gabriela S. , Carthy Raymond R.
Published: December 2020

Fisheries bycatch of non‐target species in the commercial fleet is a major source of anthropogenic injury and mortality for sea turtles and marine megafauna.

The Río de la Plata maritime front (RLPMF) and its adjacent international waters – comprising part of the Argentine and Uruguayan exclusive economic zones, is a highly important fishing ground in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean as well as feeding and development grounds for sea turtles.

This paper analyses the distribution of the bottom and pelagic trawling fishery within the RLPMF using information from Vessel Satellite Monitoring System. With this information, areas of highest trawling intensity were defined and further evaluated their overlap with sea turtle habitat‐use areas from available sea turtle satellite tracking information.

Results besides identifying high‐susceptibility areas for sea turtle bycatch by the commercial trawler fleet along the RLPMF, provide predictive tools to identify vulnerable areas to interaction of sea turtles and the commercial fishing fleet.

Implementation of bycatch mitigation measures, such as reduced fishing effort areas by the Argentine and Uruguayan fisheries management agencies has the potential to benefit the fisheries as well as marine megafauna. Furthermore, there is a need for additional research on the impact that this fleet can have on sea turtles present in the area.
Status of aquatic and riparian biodiversity in artificial lake ecosystems with and without management for recreational fisheries: Implications for conservation
Authors: Nikolaus Robert , Schafft Malwina , Maday Andreas , Klefoth Thomas , Wolter Christian , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: December 2020

Humanity is facing a biodiversity crisis, with freshwater‐associated biodiversity in a particularly dire state. Novel ecosystems created through human use of mineral resources, such as gravel pit lakes, can provide substitute habitats for the conservation of freshwater and riparian biodiversity. Many of these artificial ecosystems are subject to a high intensity of recreational use, however, which may limit their biodiversity potential.

The species richness of several taxa (plants, amphibians, dragonflies, damselflies, waterfowl, and songbirds) was assessed and a range of taxonomic biodiversity metrics were compared between gravel pit lakes managed for recreational fisheries (n = 16) and unmanaged reference lakes (n = 10), controlling for non‐fishing‐related environmental variation.

The average species richness of all the taxa examined was similar among lakes in both lake types and no substantial differences in species composition were found when examining the pooled species inventory. Similarly, there were no differences between lake types in the presence of rare species and in the Simpson diversity index across all of the taxa assessed.

Variation in species richness among lakes was correlated with woody habitat, lake morphology (surface area and steepness), and land use, but was not correlated with the presence of recreational fisheries. Thus, non‐fishing‐related environmental variables had stronger effects on local species presence than recreational fisheries management or the presence of recreational anglers.

Collectively, no evidence was found that anglers and recreational fisheries management constrain the development of aquatic and riparian biodiversity in gravel pit lakes in the study region; however, the conservation of species diversity in gravel pit lakes could benefit from an increasing reliance on habitat enhancement activities.
Anion‐Templated Self‐Assembly of Silver(I) Frameworks Bridged by μ‐, μ3‐, μ4‐1,2,4,5‐Tetrazine
Authors: Kim Younghun , Kang Philjae , Jeon Yonggoon , Cho Hyeon Mo , Choi Moon‐Gun
Published: December 2020

The formation of Ag(I)‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazines(ttz) based coordination polymers via the Ag−N coordination and anion−π interactions is described. Coordination‐driven self‐assembly is a key step to construct coordination polymers, and ttz, an electron‐deficient aromatic ring compound, forms interesting anion−π interactions. In this study, a series of silver salts, AgX [X = BF4, PF6 and CF3SO3 (OTf)], is introduced to determine the influence of shape and size of anions on the formation of coordination polymers, {[Ag(ttz)](BF4)}n (1), {[Ag2(ttz)3](PF6)2}n (2) and {[Ag2(ttz)3(OTf)](OTf)}n (3). It shows different types of channels in polymers and the coordination modes of ttz (μ, μ3, and μ4). The structure of coordination polymers and the influence of anion−π interactions are revealed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In particular, 3 shows not only the anion−π interaction but also the coordination between the anion and Ag(I) which contributes to the unique framework compared to 1 and 2.
Molecularly imprinted spongy columns for Angiotensin(II) recognition from human serum
Authors: Yıldırım Mehtap , Baydemir Peşint Gözde
Published: December 2020

Angiotensin II (AngII), the effector peptide of the renin angiotensin system and has an important role in regulating cardiovascular hemodynamics and structure. AngII is an important biomarker for certain diseases that are associated with cardiovascular disorders, i.e., influenza, SARS‐CoV‐2, tumors, hypertension, etc. However, AngII presents in blood in very low concentrations and they are not stable due to their reactivity, therefore spontaneous detection of AngII is a big challenge. In this study, AngII‐imprinted spongy columns (AngII‐misc) synthesized for AngII detection from human serum, and characterized by surface area measurements (BET), swelling tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR studies. AngII binding studies were achieved from aqueous environment and maximum binding capacity was found as 0.667 mg/g. It was calculated that the AngII‐miscs recognized AngII 8.27 and 14.25 times more selectively than competitor Angiotensin I and Vasopressin molecules. Newly produced AngII‐misc binds 60.5 pg/g AngII from crude human serum selectively. It has a great potential for spontaneous detection of AngII from human serum for direct and critical measurements in serious diseases, that is, heart attacks, SARS‐CoV‐2, etc.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids production by solid‐state fermentation on polyurethane foam by Mortierella alpina
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Fernandes Helena , Peres Helena , Oliva‐Teles Aires , Belo Isabel , Salgado José Manuel
Published: December 2020

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential in healthy diets and their production is extremely important. Natural sources of PUFAs includes animal and aquatic products such as marine fish oil, however there are several limitations such as the decrease of fish stocks throughout the world. Thus, microbial oils are a preferable source of PUFAs. Herein, it was studied the production of PUFAs by Mortierella alpina under solid‐state fermentation (SSF) using polyurethane foam as inert substrate and synthetic medium or lignocellulosic hydrolysate as source of C, N, and other nutrients. Several parameters of fermentation conditions were evaluated as carbon source, inductors addition, ratio C/N and temperature. The highest amount of total PUFAs per mass of solid (535.41 ± 24.12 mg/g), linoleic acid (129.66 ± 5.84 mg/g), and α‐linoleic acid (401.93 ± 18.10 mg/g) were produced when the culture medium contained 20 g/L glucose, 10% (w/v) linseed oil, the C/N ratio was adjusted to 25 and the incubation temperature was 25°C for 3 days decreasing to 16°C on the remaining 4 days of fermentation. In addition, a hemicellulosic hydrolysate can be used as low‐cost substrate to produce PUFAs, although the production was lower than the achieved with synthetic medium. SSF showed an interesting technology for microbial PUFAs production.
Prognostic impacts of extracranial metastasis on non‐small cell lung cancer with brain metastasis: A retrospective study based on surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database
Authors: Wang Miao , Wu Qiuji , Zhang Jun , Qin Guizhen , Yang Tian , Liu Yixin , Wang Xulong , Zhang Boyu , Wei Yongchang
Published: December 2020

This study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of the number and sites of extracranial metastasis (ECM) in NSCLC patients with BM. NSCLC patients with BM from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015 were enrolled in analysis. Patients from 2010 to 2013 were included in the training set and those from 2014 to 2015 in the validation set. ECM sites among different subtypes of NSCLC were compared by Chi‐square tests. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression models were performed to analyze survival data. Competing‐risks analysis was used to predict cumulative incidence rates for CSS and non‐CSS cause. We included 5974 patients in the training cohort and 3561 patients in the validation cohort. Most (nearly 80%) NSCLC patients with BM showed 0–1 involved extracranial organ, with the most and least common ECM organ being bone and distant lymph nodes (DLNs) among all subtypes of NSCLC, respectively. The number of involved extracranial organs was an independent prognostic factor for patients with BM from NSCLC (p < 0.001). Patients with 0–1 ECM had better survival than those with larger number of involved extracranial organs (p < 0.001). Cumulative incidence rates for CSS were increased with the number of ECM raising (p < 0.001). All involved extracranial organs were associated with worse survival (p < 0.05). In patients with single‐organ ECM, we observed a better prognosis in lung and bone metastasis, while liver metastasis showed worst survival. But the difference in survival in these patient groups was relatively small. Patients with liver metastasis had higher cumulative incidence rates for CSS than that in patients with lung and bone metastasis (p < 0.05). More extracranial metastases were associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients with BM and ECM sites showed limited effect on survival. Tailored treatments would be reasonable for BM patients from NSCLC with different metastasis patterns.
Incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor in Chinese urban population: A national population‐based study
Authors: Xu Lu , Ma Yanpeng , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Wang Jinxi , Liu Guozhen , Xiu Dianrong , Fu Wei , Zhan Siyan , Sun Tao , Gao Pei
Published: December 2020

Background

Information on incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), the most common type of mesenchymal tumor in gastrointestinal tract, was limited in China. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of GIST in urban population from mainland China in 2016.

Methods

Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Residence Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) in China were used. The denominator of incidence was the total person‐years of insured individuals in 2016 in the database, covering approximately 0.43 billion individuals. The numerator was the number of incident GIST cases in 2016.

Results

The crude incidence in 2016 was 0.40 per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI, 0.06–1.03). Male incidence was higher than female incidence (0.44 vs. 0.36, rate ratio: 1.22, p < 0.001). The mean age at diagnosis was 55.20 years (SD = 14.26) and the incidence among those aged 50 years or older was 2.63 times (0.84 vs. 0.32, p < 0.001) higher than those aged under 50. The highest incidence was observed in East China (2.29, 95% CI: 0.46–5.54).

Conclusions

The incidence of GIST in mainland China was lower than Europe, North America and Korea. The mean age at diagnosis of GIST in China was younger than that of Europe and Canada. This study provides useful information to further research, policy formulating and management of GIST.
Plasma concentration of amitriptyline and metabolites after resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest following an overdose: A case report
Authors: Ando Motozumi , Tamura Ryo , Nakasako Shinji , Takimoto Satsuki , Ariyoshi Koichi , Yamaguchi Marie , Sakizono Kenji , Eto Masaaki , Fukushima Shoji , Sugioka Nobuyuki , Hashida Tohru
Published: December 2020

It may need to pay attention to the sustention of moderate cardiotoxicity and delayed elevation of plasma 10‐hydroxynortriptyline level in severe amitriptyline overdose case.
Guidewire knot formation with peripherally inserted central catheter
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Suda Tsuyoshi , Nishida Yoji
Published: December 2020

The formation of guidewire knots during PICC insertion is an extreme rare complication. Forced insertion or withdrawal of a knotted guidewire may cause tearing of the veins. Surgical guidewire removal is required due to risk of vascular injury.
An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on the Oxidation of CO over Pd/C Derived from the Spent Pd Catalyst
Authors: Palliyarayil Ansari , Selvarajan Premkumar , Prakash Pavan Seethur , Sathish C. I. , Dasireddy Venkata. D. B. C. , Vinu Ajayan , Kumar Nallaperumal Shunmuga , Sil Sanchita
Published: December 2020

Development of novel materials and methodologies for removal of toxic and poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas is important to solve serious health and environmental related problems. Existing materials used for the removal of CO gas are quite expensive and therefore, the synthesis of low‐cost and earth‐abundant catalyst for CO oxidation is urgently needed. In the present work, we report the preparation of Pd nanoparticles loaded on porous carbon supports from the spent Pd/C and the subsequent catalytic oxidation of CO. Different Pd based catalysts are prepared by using various reducing agents with different reduction potential such as formaldehyde, green tea, ascorbic acid, and sodium borohydride. The prepared catalysts are characterized and employed for the oxidation of CO. All the prepared catalysts show excellent activity towards CO oxidation at room temperature either in presence or absence of moisture depending on the Pd0/Pd+2 ratio in Pd/C which follows the order Pd/C−NaBH4>Pd/C−HCHO>Pd/C−Ascorbic acid>Pd/C−Green tea. Experimental findings of the present work also reveal that depending on the oxidation state, and moisture plays a critical role in Pd catalytic properties on the oxidation of CO. Theoretical calculations performed using Vienna ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) support the experimental observations and further confirm that the reaction proceeds through Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism.
Optimization of Gas‐Solids Contact in an Industrial Multistage Circulation Stripper
Authors: Yao Xiuying , Liu Biao , Liu Mengxi
Published: December 2020

An industrial multistage circulation stripper (MSCS) is simulated to improve its stripping efficiency. In its baffle region, an amount of vapor is easily to be gathered under the baffle and forms the vapor bypass near the walls. The comparison of the vapor flux at each row of holes indicates that the reason is an improper hole layout in the baffles. A method of hole layout to improve the vapor‐particles contact is built based on the Bernoulli equation. The enhanced baffles can decrease the average standard deviation from 0.1783 to 0.0056 and improve the stripping efficiency in the downer baffle region. The vapor distribution in the baffles perfecting the hole layout is sensitive to the superficial gas velocity but not to the mass flow rate of particles.
Topological Insulator‐Assisted MoSe2/Bi2Se3 Heterostructure: Achieving Fast Reaction Kinetics Toward High Rate Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yu , Han Manshu , Zhou Zhihao , Xia Xinhui , Chen Qingguo , Chen Minghua
Published: December 2020

Owing to the large interlayer spacing and the excellent theoretical capacity of MoSe2, it has great potential to be applied as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the rate performance of MoSe2 is strongly limited by the insufficient intrinsic electron transfer kinetics. Herein, a simple two‐step hydrothermal method to construct MoSe2/Bi2Se3 heterostructures was developed by growing MoSe2 nanosheets onto Bi2Se3 nanoflakes directly. The typical topological insulator possesses ultrafast surface electronic conductivity, which makes the batteries exhibit a superior rate capability and considerable cycling stability. At a high rate of 10 A g−1, the MoSe2/Bi2Se3 electrode still delivered a superior capacity of 244 mA h g−1 (about 60 % of the discharge capacity at 0.1 A g−1), which is better than that in some of the previously reported MoSe2/carbon composites. It also can compare with some of the MoSe2‐containing complex sandwich architectures. Such unique rate performance is bound strongly with high interlayer spacing and rapid electron transfer kinetics. Besides, the different Fermi level energies of Bi2Se3 (work function is 5.61 eV) and MoSe2 (work function is 4.3 eV) probably induce a built‐in electric field nearby the heterofaces. The electric force could promote Na ions diffusibility upon cycling, leading to high reversible capacity and excellent rate performance.
Recycling of Catalysts from Surfactant Systems
Authors: Schwarze Michael
Published: December 2020

Surfactant systems belong to the green solvents and can be used as reaction media for very different stoichiometric and catalytic reactions. The possibilities to separate catalysts and products afterward are very diverse. This overview article illustrates the different possibilities, with selected examples. There is no general separation concept, but the separation method has to be chosen according to the selected reaction system.
The role of inherently safer design in process safety
Authors: Amyotte Paul R. , Khan Faisal I.
Published: December 2020

The role of inherently safer design (ISD) in process safety assurance has changed significantly over the past 40 years. When first introduced by Professor Trevor Kletz following the 1974 Flixborough explosion, the ISD concept challenged the manner in which process risk was addressed in the chemical industry. The prevailing view of adding on safety devices and implementing procedures aimed at controlling hazards was now complemented by a way of thinking that sought to remove or reduce hazards at their source. The past 20 years have seen ISD mature into an established risk reduction strategy that is widely known in principle and increasingly adopted in practice. The current paper reviews the authors' collaborative research efforts aimed at integrating ISD into various process safety systems, activities, and applications. The primary inherent safety principles (minimization, substitution, moderation, and simplification) are explained with example‐based guidance provided for their use. ISD features and performance indices are examined throughout the early design and operational stages of a typical process life cycle. Preventing and mitigating undesirable occurrences such as domino effects and dust explosions are shown to be feasible by adopting an inherent safety approach. The importance of reviewing ISD case studies developed from incident investigations is also discussed. Finally, we present our personal opinions on the current status of inherently safer design and future possibilities for its continued growth.
Discovery of New Iridoids as Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists from Morinda officinalis: Agonistic Potentials and Molecular Stimulation
Authors: Luan Zhi‐Lin , Qiao Fei , Zhao Wen‐Yu , Ming Wen‐Hua , Yu Zhen‐Long , Liu Jie , Dai Sheng‐Yun , Jiang Shuang‐Hui , Lian Chao‐Jie , Sun Cheng‐Peng , Zhang Bao‐Jing , Zheng Jian , Ma Shuang‐Cheng , Ma Xiao‐Chi
Published: December 2020

Main observation and conclusion

The investigation of Morinda officinalis led to the isolation of twelve compounds (1—12), including three new iridoid glycosides morindalins A—C (1—3) and nine known compounds (4—12). Their structural identifications were conducted using HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra as well as quantum chemical computations. Compound 6 displayed the most significantly agonistic activity against farnesoid X receptor (FXR) with an EC50 value of 7.18 μM, and its agonistic effect was verified through the investigation of FXR downstream target genes including small heterodimer partner 1 (SHP1), bile salt export pump (BSEP), and organic solute transporter subunit alpha and beta (OSTα and OSTβ). The potential interaction of compound 6 with FXR was analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics stimulation, revealing that amino acid residues Leu287, Thr288, and Ser332 played a crucial role in the activation of compound 6 towards FXR. These findings suggested that compound 6 could be regarded as a potential candidate for the development of FXR agonists.
Safety and feasibility of low‐dose ticagrelor in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Jiang Yunfa , Zhi Wei , Fu Yang , Wang Qing , Zhou Jianli , Zheng Shaochen , Hao Guozhen
Published: December 2020

Background

Previous studies have confirmed the safety and feasibility of half‐dose ticagrelor in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome, but currently there is no plan for the use of ticagrelor for Chinese ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Hypothesis

It is safe and feasible of low‐dose ticagrelor in patients with STEMI.

Methods

The STEMI patients who were undergoing emergency intervention and taking ticagrelor were enrolled. Patients whose level of platelet aggregation rate (PAR) less than 30% after 7‐day treatment with standard‐dose ticagrelor were randomly divided into low‐dose group (LD group, 45 mg twice daily) and standard‐dose group (SD group, 90 mg twice daily). The changes of levels of platelet parameters were compared between the two groups. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), bleeding events were compared between the two groups within 6 months of follow‐up.

Results

The levels of PAR in the SD group decreased compared with baseline, and was lower than those of LD group at the same time point. The levels of platelet distribution width in both groups decreased from the baseline values (all p < .05) at 1, 3, and 6 months after grouping treatment, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of MACE was similar between the two groups of patients. There were decreasing trends in the incidences of minimal bleeding event, minor bleeding event, dyspnea, and gout in the LD group.

Conclusion

It is safe and feasible of low‐dose ticagrelor for patients with STEMI based on the monitoring of PAR.
Hypoglycemia and Glycemic Control With Glyburide in Women With Gestational Diabetes and Genetic Variants of Cytochrome P450 2C9 and/or OATP1B3
Authors: Bouchghoul Hanane , Bouyer Jean , Senat Marie‐Victoire , Mandelbrot Laurent , Letourneau Alexandra , Bourcigaux Nathalie , Becquemont Laurent , Verstuyft Céline
Published: December 2020

Glyburide is mainly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzyme and enters the liver via the transporter OATP1B3. The variants OATP1B3*4 (699 G>A; rs7311358) and CYP2C9*2 and *3 are known to have a significant influence on the hepatic uptake and metabolism of glyburide, with lower clearance than in the wild type. In an ancillary study of the INDAO trial, we selected 117 pregnant women with gestational diabetes treated by glyburide and assessed the role of the combined CYP2C9 and OATP1B3 genetic polymorphisms in hypoglycemia and glycemic control. Three groups were constituted: (1) the wild‐type genotype group (wild‐type allele genotype for both CYP2C9*1 and OATP1B3*1 (699G)), (2) the intermediate group (carriers of CYP2C9*2 allele or OATP1B3*4 (699G>A) heterozygous), and (3) the variant group (carriers of CYP2C9*3 allele and/or OATP1B3*4 (699G>A) homozygous variant). We found that the risk of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the variant genotype at the second week of treatment: 20.0% (4/20) vs. 8.1% (3/37) in the intermediate group and 4.1% (2/49) in the wild‐type genotype group (P = 0.03). The last daily dose of glyburide during pregnancy was lower for patients in the variant genotype group: 4.7 mg (SD 3.5) vs. 8.7 mg (SD 5.7) in the wild‐type group and 5.7 mg (SD 3.7) in the intermediate group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the no‐function variants CYP2C9*3 and OATP1B3*4 are associated with a higher risk of hypoglycemia and a lower dose of glyburide in women with gestational diabetes treated with glyburide, which is consistent with the pharmacokinetic roles of both CYP2C9 and OATP1B3.
Cotton phenotyping and physiology monitoring with a proximal remote sensing system
Authors: Adams Curtis B. , Ritchie Glen L. , Rajan Nithya
Published: December 2020

Substantial progress has been made in developing sensor‐based proximal phenotyping systems for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), but research is needed to improve in‐season prediction of lint yield and to improve accuracy in monitoring crop water stress using such a system. Here, we report on results of a 2‐yr field study in which a proximal remote sensing system (measuring canopy height, spectral indices [normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI], and canopy temperature) was deployed every 2 wk over plots of eight cotton varieties at three rates of ET replacement (0, 45, and 90%). As expected, NDVI was an excellent predictor of canopy and biomass traits, including canopy height and leaf area index (LAI). The strength of correlations between in‐season sensor measurements (NDVI and the canopy‐to‐air temperature difference [Tc – Ta]) and lint yield ranged from poor to fair when analyzed by irrigation rate and excellent when analyzed across all rates. Correlations were weaker in the drier of the two years tested and NDVI was a better and more consistent predictor of yield than Tc − Ta, though multiple linear regression integrating both variables improved results by up to 9%. Combining the Tc − Ta data with onsite atmospheric weather station data allowed calculation of empirical crop water stress index (CWSI) values. Using the CWSI metric, relative differences in crop water stress were clear among ET replacement levels once the canopy width reached the threshold for focusing the infrared temperature sensor on the canopy. This indicated that cotton water stress can be successfully monitored using a proximal phenotyping system, which can be quickly and easily deployed across many plots in research or production settings.
Improved efficiency of urine cell image segmentation using droplet microfluidics technology
Authors: Lv Shuxing , Chu Yuying , Zhang Panpan , Ma Sike , Zhao Meng , Wang Zhexiang , Gu Yajun , Sun Xuguo
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in the recognition of biological samples using machine vision have made this technology increasingly important in research and detection. Image segmentation is an important step in this process. This study focuses on how to reduce the interference factors such as the overlap between different types (or within the same type) of urine cells according to microfluidics and improve the machine vision segmentation accuracy for cell images. In this study, we demonstrate that the platform can realize this hypothesis using urine cell image segmentation as an example application. We first discuss the reported urine cell droplet microfluidic chip system, which can realize the test conditions in which urine cells are encapsulated in the droplet and isolated from salt crystallization and/or bacteria and other urine‐formed elements. Then, based on the analysis conditions set in the aforementioned experiment, the proportions of red blood cells, white blood cells, and squamous epithelial cells covered by various formed elements in the total urine cells in the same urine sample are measured. We simultaneously analyze the percentage of urine cells covered by salt crystallization and the incidence of overlapping between urine cells. Finally, the Otsu algorithm is used to segment the urine cell images encapsulated by the droplet and the urine cell images not encapsulated by the droplet, and the Dice, Jaccard, precision, and recall values are calculated. The results suggest that the method of encapsulating single cells based on droplets can improve the image segmentation effect without optimizing the algorithm.
Management of cover crops in temperate climates influences soil organic carbon stocks: a meta‐analysis
Authors: McClelland Shelby C. , Paustian Keith , Schipanski Meagan E.
Published: December 2020

Increasing the quantity and quality of plant biomass production in space and time can improve the capacity of agroecosystems to capture and store atmospheric carbon (C) in the soil. Cover cropping is a key practice to increase system net primary productivity (NPP) and increase the quantity of high‐quality plant residues available for integration into soil organic matter (SOM). Cover crop management and local environmental conditions, however, influence the magnitude of soil C stock change. Here, we used a comprehensive meta‐analysis approach to quantify the effect of cover crops on soil C stocks from the 0–30 cm soil depth in temperate climates and to identify key management and ecological factors that impact variation in this response. A total of 40 publications with 181 observations were included in the meta‐analysis representing six countries across three different continents. Overall, cover crops had a strong positive effect on soil C stocks (P < 0.0001) leading to a 12% increase, averaging 1.11 Mg C/ha more soil C relative to a no cover crop control. The strongest predictors of SOC response to cover cropping were planting and termination date (i.e., growing window), annual cover crop biomass production, and soil clay content. Cover crops planted as continuous cover or autumn planted and terminated led to 20–30% greater total soil C stocks relative to other cover crop growing windows. Likewise, high annual cover crop biomass production (>7 Mg·ha−1·yr−1) resulted in 30% higher total soil C stocks than lower levels of biomass production. Managing for greater NPP by improving synchronization in cover crop growing windows and climate will enhance the capacity of this practice to drawdown carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere across agroecosystems. The integration of growing window (potentially as a proxy for biomass growth), climate, and soil factors in decision‐support tools are relevant for improving the quantification of soil C stock change under cover crops, particularly with the expansion of terrestrial soil C markets.
Tracing species replacement in Iberian marbled newts
Authors: López‐Delgado Julia , van Riemsdijk Isolde , Arntzen Jan W.
Published: December 2020

Secondary contact between closely related species can lead to the formation of hybrid zones, allowing for interspecific gene flow. Hybrid zone movement can take place if one of the species possesses a competitive advantage over the other, ultimately resulting in species replacement. Such hybrid zone displacement is predicted to leave a genomic footprint across the landscape in the form of asymmetric gene flow (or introgression) of selectively neutral alleles from the displaced to the advancing species. Hybrid zone movement has been suggested for marbled newts in the Iberian Peninsula, supported by asymmetric gene flow and a distribution relict (i.e., an enclave) ofTriturus marmoratusin the range ofT. pygmaeus. We developed a panel of nuclear and mitochondrial SNP markers to test for the presence of aT. marmoratusgenomic footprint in the Lisbon peninsula, south of the enclave. We found no additional populations ofT. marmoratus. Analysis with the software Structure showed no genetic traces ofT. marmoratusinT. pygmaeus. A principal component analysis showed some variation within the localT. pygmaeus, but it is unclear if this represents introgression fromT. marmoratus. The results may be explained by (a) species replacement without introgressive hybridization and (b) displacement with hybridization followed by the near‐complete erosion of the footprint by purifying selection. We predict that testing for a genomic footprint north of the reported enclave would confirm that species replacement in these marbled newts occurred with hybridization.
Association between metformin and physical activity with glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abdalhk Diana , Riddell Michael C. , Swayze Sarah , Kuk Jennifer L.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine the combined association between metformin use and physical activity on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods

Adults with type 2 diabetes from NHANES continuous survey (1999‐2018, n = 6447) were classified as active and inactive based on self‐reported engagement in moderate‐to‐vigorous or vigorous physical activity (MVPA or VigPA) and metformin use over the last month.

Results

There was a significant negative main effect of metformin usage on HbA1c levels, independent of whether individuals engaged in modest levels of MVPA or VigPA. Moreover, there was a higher prevalence of metformin users with a HbA1c < 6.5% than non‐metformin users with no differences by activity status (36.1%‐39.5% versus 24.9%‐29.7%, respectively). There was a significantly lower HbA1c level (P = .007) and trend for a higher odds of having a HbA1c that achieved the clinical target of <7% (OR, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.0‐1.4, P = .06) in the MVPA than non‐MVPA group for only those not using metformin. For those using metformin, there was no difference in HbA1c levels by either MVPA or VigPA (both P > .05).

Conclusions

There appears to be independent benefits of metformin and regular physical activity on glucose control, but the impact of these two treatments are not necessarily additive. Based on this analyses, the benefit of physical activity on HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes is likely more apparent in those not taking metformin, as compared to those who are.
Social support, social cohesion and pain during pregnancy: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Yamada Keiko , Kimura Takashi , Cui Meishan , Kubota Yasuhiko , Ikehara Satoyo , Iso Hiroyasu ,   Japan Environment and Children's Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Persistent pain during pregnancy is a significant health issue, which could be correlated with psychological distress resulting from inadequate social support. This study aims to investigate whether the relationship between poor social support and antenatal pain is mediated by psychological distress. We also aimed to examine whether social cohesion moderates the influence of psychological distress on the relationship between social support and antenatal pain.

Methods

We analysed 94,517 pregnancies of women from a Japanese national birth cohort completed questionnaires assessing pain, psychological distress, social support and social cohesion. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Two types of models were used: the mediation model to examine whether the association between social support and pain was mediated by psychological distress; the moderated mediation model to analyse whether social cohesion buffered the negative effect of inadequate social support on pain. Demographic, socioeconomic and psychological factors were controlled for in all analyses.

Results

Psychological distress was fully mediated the association between social support and pain. Social cohesion had a focal moderation effect on the inverse association between social support and psychological distress (unstandardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.07–0.11) and functioned as moderator for the indirect effect of social support on antenatal pain (index of moderated mediation = 0.006; 95% CI, 0.004–0.007).

Conclusions

Poor social support was related to antenatal pain through psychological distress, possibly buffered by social cohesion. During the antenatal period, social support and cohesion are important for women.

Significance

In this study, poor social support was found to be associated with pain intensity during pregnancy, which was mediated by psychological distress and might be buffered by desirable social cohesion. This finding could potentially help healthcare providers and policy makers to understand the importance of desirable social cohesion in preventing pain among pregnant women.
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of Peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) skin extracts of various cultivars in oxidative‐damaged HepG2 cells and LPS‐induced raw 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Kim Min Young , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Lee Yu‐Young , Kim Mi Hyang , Lee Jin Young , Kang Mun Suk , Koo Bon Cheol , Lee Byong Won
Published: December 2020

This study was performed to investigate the distribution of phenolic compounds in the peanut skins of various cultivars, as well as their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effect (Arachishypogaea L. cv. K‐Ol, cv. Sinpalkwang, cv. Daan, cv. Heuksaeng) and extraction solvent. The major components of red peanut cultivars (K‐Ol, Sinpalkwang, and Daan) were identified as proanthocyanidin, catechin, gallic acid, coumaric acid, and hesperidine, whereas the major components of black peanut cultivar (Heuksaeng) were identified as anthocyanin, ferulic acid, and quercetin. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP values were the highest in Daan followed by Sinpalkwng, K‐Ol, and Heuksang. Furthermore, the skin extracts of red peanuts effectively improved cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation, MDA concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activity (GR, GPx, CAT, and superoxide dismutase) in oxidative stress‐induced HepG2 cells, and reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors (NO, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that red peanut skin extracts could effectively mediate physiological activity and provide valuable information for the use of peanut byproducts as functional food materials.
The association between dietary antioxidant quality score with metabolic syndrome and its components in Iranian adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shahavandi Mahshid , Shahinfar Hossein , payande Nastaran , Sheikhhossein Fatemeh , Djafarian Kurosh , Shab‐Bidar Sakineh
Published: December 2020

We aimed to investigate whether adherence to dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among the Tehranian population. This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 270 apparently healthy adults aged between 18 and 45 years old who lived in Tehran, Iran, between February 2017 and December 2018. Participants were categorized based on tertile cut‐off points of DAQs. To examine the association between DAQS and MetS and its components, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis in different models. Adherence to DAQS was associated with a significant increase for intake of vitamin B6 (P‐value = 0.02), riboflavin (P‐value < 0.001), folate (P‐value = 0.03), selenium (P‐value = 0.03), vitamin D (P‐value < 0.001), and calcium (P‐value < 0.001). Adherence to DAQS showed a significant decrease for odds of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.65, P‐value = 0.03). We also found that the overall adherence to DAQS was not significantly related to MetS and its other components. In conclusion, although we observed an improvement in SBP with a greater adherence to dietary antioxidant quality score, there was no association between DAQS and metabolic syndrome and its other components.
Dedifferentiated secretory breast carcinoma with fibrosarcomatous features harboring an ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion in both components
Authors: Xu Jin , Weisman Paul
Published: December 2020

Secretory carcinomas are low‐grade translocation‐driven carcinomas occurring in patients over a wide age range. These tumors most frequently arise in the breast and salivary gland, but may occasionally arise at other anatomic sites, such as the skin, the thyroid gland or the upper or lower respiratory tract. In concert with their low‐grade morphology, secretory carcinomas most often follow an indolent clinical course. However, rare cases have shown dedifferentiation (also known as high‐grade transformation) and aggressive clinical behavior. To date, the dedifferentiated component in all molecularly confirmed cases of secretory carcinoma has taken the form of a high‐grade carcinoma. Here we present a case of an ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion‐positive secretory carcinoma of the breast with sarcomatous dedifferentiation. The sarcomatous component showed an infantile or adult fibrosarcoma‐like morphology including a herringbone fascicular pattern and a hemangiopericytic vascular pattern. By immunohistochemistry, the sarcomatous component showed focal CD34 immunoreactivity and loss of all of the markers expressed in the conventional secretory carcinoma component, including SOX10, S100, GATA‐3, AE1/AE3 and E‐cadherin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the sarcomatous component retained the ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion, but also acquired homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. The tumor followed an aggressive clinical course and the patient eventually succumbed to her disease 14 months after diagnosis. The histomorphologic and molecular genetic features of this tumor are discussed, including its ability to mimic kinase‐rearranged infantile or adult fibrosarcomas at extramammary sites and the theragnostic importance of its distinction from conventional metaplastic spindle cell carcinomas in the breast.
Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibition in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Singh Hans Martin , Bailey Peter , Hübschmann Daniel , Berger Anne Katrin , Neoptolemos John P. , Jäger Dirk , Siveke Jens , Springfeld Christoph
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment options. Recently, the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib has been approved for maintenance therapy after successful platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Approval was based on the POLO study that has shown a significant improvement in progression‐free survival for patients with metastatic PDAC after at least 4 months of platinum‐based chemotherapy. Hopefully, this first biomarker‐directed targeted therapy for a relevant subgroup of pancreatic cancer patients is only the beginning of an era of personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer. The potential role for PARPi in improving survival in patients with pancreatic cancer containing somatic tumor mutations has yet to be established. Multiple studies investigating whether PARPi therapy might benefit a larger group of pancreatic cancer patients with homologous recombination repair deficiency and whether combinations with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or small molecules can improve efficacy are currently underway. We here review the molecular basis for PARPi therapy in PDAC patients and recent developments in clinical studies.
Exploration of irreversibility and thermal motion of a nanoliquid with the Newton boundary condition by using the Darcy–Forchheimer rule
Authors: Gireesha B. J. , Venkatesh P. , Soumya D. O.
Published: December 2020

This study has been conducted to focus on magnetohydrodynamic flow of a nanoliquid through a microchannel in the presence of a magnetic field. In this article, carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous medium were our considered fluid, and we focused on both singlewall and multiwall carbon nanotubes. The numerical calculations have been made via the fourth‐ and fifth‐order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method. The flow of the nanoliquid in a microchannel with porosity has been scrutinized with the existence of mutual effects, like, the nanoparticle volume fraction, suction or injection, thermal‐dependent heat source, convective boundary conditions, Darcy friction factor, and thermal motion of the nanoparticles. The influence of every major parameter on the profile of momentum, temperature, and entropy generation has been displayed graphically, and we discuss their physical aspects. The numerical outcomes demonstrated that the momentum profile augmented with the buoyancy force, angle of inclination, and Darcy number. Thermal energy was enriched with the heat source parameter, Darcy number, and Hartmann number. The irreversibility rate declined with the volume fraction of nanoparticle and radiation parameter, while it increases with the buoyancy force, Eckert parameter, and Darcy friction factor.
Free convection flow of a magneto‐micropolarnanofluid over an orthogonal plate in a saturated porous medium
Authors: Mansour Mohamed A. , Rashad Ahmed M. , El‐Hakiem Amal M. A.
Published: December 2020

This study presents a similar solution for a free convective flow of a micropolar nanofluid through an orthogonal plate in a saturated porous medium under the impact of magnetic field. The internal heating generation and without internal heating generation in the problem are explained. A set of nonlinear differential equations was converted into ordinary differential equations by appropriate conversions. This system of equations was numerically solved using bvp4c function in Matlab. Numerical results for the angular velocity, velocity, temperature, Nusselt number, and skin friction are discussed. Calculations were done by parametrizing volume fraction parameter, micropolar, magnetic field, Darcy number, and the Prandtl number. Finally, this study intends to develop an intuitive understanding of similar models by emphasizing the physical arguments, which may be applicable for coating materials in chemical engineering, for instance, robust paints, production of aerosol deposition, and water‐soluble solution thermal treatment.