bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical investigation of sands and Geldart A biomass co‐fluidization
Authors: Lu Liqiang , Yu Jia , Gao Xi , Xu Yupeng , Shahnam Mehrdad , Rogers William A.
Published: March 2020

This article investigated the fluidization of sands and small Geldart A biomass mixtures. The mixture fluidized like Geldart A type particles with a uniform bed expansion regime before bubbling. The video recorded color distance between pure sands and sands–biomass mixtures was used to estimate the sands–biomass mixing. The coarse‐grained computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method with a hybrid drag model which couples the Syamlal–O'Brien drag and a filtered drag can capture the mixing while the simulation with Gidaspow drag predicted a segregated bed. The simulations were further validated with experimental measured pressure drops. The time averaged pressure drop equals the weight of the bed material, however, its fluctuation is about three times of the bed material fluctuation.
Surviving in fragmented landscapes: Identifying variables that influence primate population viability and persistence in forest fragments and a summary of the included papers
Authors: Gould Lisa , McLennan Matthew , Donati Giuseppe
Published: March 2020

Research Highlights

The papers included in this special issue examine interspecific responses to habitat fragmentation by primate populations

We identify intra and interspecific variables that can help predict primate population viability and potential persistence in fragmented landscapes
The role of mouse models in colorectal cancer research—The need and the importance of the orthotopic models
Authors: Oliveira Rui C. , Abrantes Ana Margarida , Tralhão José Guilherme , Botelho Maria Filomena
Published: March 2020

Colorectal cancer is a worldwide health burden, with high incidence and mortality, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. Preclinical models are very important and valuable to discover and validate early and specific biomarkers as well as new therapeutic targets. In order to accomplish that, the animal models must replicate the clinical evolution of the disease in all of its phases. In this article, we review the existent mouse models, with their strengths and weaknesses in the replication of human cancer disease progression, with major focus on orthotopic models.
Polygenic Multiple Sclerosis Risk and Population‐Based Childhood Brain Imaging
Authors: de Mol C. Louk , Jansen Philip R. , Muetzel Ryan L. , Knol Maria J. , Adams Hieab H. , Jaddoe Vincent W. , Vernooij Meike W. , Hintzen Rogier Q. , White Tonya J. , Neuteboom Rinze F.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease with a substantial genetic component and immune‐mediated neurodegeneration. Patients with MS show structural brain differences relative to individuals without MS, including smaller regional volumes and alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure. Whether genetic risk for MS is associated with brain structure during early neurodevelopment remains unclear. In this study, we explore the association between MS polygenic risk scores (PRS) and brain imaging outcomes from a large, population‐based pediatric sample to gain insight into the underlying neurobiology of MS.

Methods

We included 8‐ to 12‐year‐old genotyped participants from the Generation R Study in whom T1‐weighted volumetric (n = 1,136) and/or diffusion tensor imaging (n = 1,088) had been collected. PRS for MS were calculated based on a large genome‐wide association study of MS (n = 41,505) and were regressed on regional volumes, global and tract‐specific fractional anisotropy (FA), and global mean diffusivity using linear regression.

Results

No associations were observed for the regional volumes. We observed a positive association between the MS PRS and global FA (β = 0.098, standard error [SE] = 0.030, p = 1.08 × 10−3). Tract‐specific analyses showed higher FA and lower radial diffusivity in several tracts. We replicated our findings in an independent sample of children (n = 186) who were scanned in an earlier phase (global FA; β = 0.189, SE = 0.072, p = 9.40 × 10−3).

Interpretation

This is the first study to show that greater genetic predisposition for MS is associated with higher global brain WM FA at an early age in the general population. Our results suggest a preadolescent time window within neurodevelopment in which MS risk variants act upon the brain. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:774–787
A Small‐Molecule AIE Chromosome Periphery Probe for Cytogenetic Studies
Authors: Wu Ming‐Yu , Leung Jong‐Kai , Liu Li , Kam Chuen , Chan Kelvin Yuen Kwong , Li Ronald A. , Feng Shun , Chen Sijie
Published: March 2020

The chromosome periphery (CP) is a complex network that covers the outer surface of chromosomes. It acts as a carrier of nucleolar components, helps maintain chromosome structure, and plays an important role in mitosis. Current methods for fluorescence imaging of CP largely rely on immunostaining. We herein report a small‐molecule fluorescent probe, ID‐IQ, which possesses aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property, for CP imaging. By labelling the CP, ID‐IQ sharply highlighted the chromosome boundaries, which enabled rapid segmentation of touching and overlapping chromosomes, direct identification of the centromere, and clear visualization of chromosome morphology. ID‐IQ staining was also compatible with fluorescence in situ hybridization and could assist the precise location of the gene in designated chromosome. Altogether, this study provides a versatile cytogenetic tool for improved chromosome analysis, which greatly benefits the clinical diagnostic testing and genomic research.
Novel and efficient bridged bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)palladium(II) catalysts for selective carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions to biaryl ketones and biaryl diketones
Authors: Mansour Waseem , Fettouhi Mohammed , El Ali Bassam
Published: March 2020

Bridged N,N′‐substituted bisbenzimidazolium bromide salts (L1, L2, and L3) were synthesized and fully characterized. Reactions of palladium acetate with L1, L2, and L3 afforded corresponding new bridged bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)palladium(II) complexes (C1, C2, and C3) in high yields. The X‐ray structure of complex C1 showed that the Pd(II) ion is bonded to the two carbon atoms of the bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) and two bromido ligands are in the cis position, resulting in a distorted square planar geometry. The three Pd(NHC)2Br2 complexes C1, C2, and C3 were evaluated in carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of aryl boronic acids with aryl halides and displayed high catalytic activity with low catalyst loading. The coupling reactions of aryl bromides were selective towards the carbonylation product at higher carbon monoxide pressure.
Variation of Oil, Sesamin, and Sesamolin Content in the Germplasm of the Ancient Oilseed Crop Sesamum indicum L.
Authors: Kancharla Pavan Kumar , Arumugam Neelakantan
Published: March 2020

Currently, genetic improvement in oil and lignan content is a major objective in sesame breeding. As a prerequisite to meet the objective, the diversity of these traits of sesame germplasm was examined. Solvent extraction of the harvested seeds demonstrated variation in oil content ranging from 39% to 49% across the sesame accessions tested. High performance liquid chromatography of oil samples showed sesamin and sesamolin as the only lignans present in the oil, with their amount in the range of 2.74–10.55 g L−1 and 2.49–13.78 g L−1, respectively. Coefficient of variation for oil content remained the highest in brown and black seeded accessions, whereas it remained at maximum for sesamin and sesamolin in white seeded ones. Pearson analysis showed a positive correlation between oil and lignan content. It was concluded that Indian sesame accessions exhibit considerable variation in oil and lignans content. The S. indicum varieties with a desirable composition of oil and/or lignans have been identified and recommended for incorporation in breeding programs, as well as for specific human use.
Analysis of the Content of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters in Biodiesel by Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: Method and Comparison with Gas Chromatography
Authors: Torres Alicia , Fuentes Beatriz , Rodríguez Karina E. , Brito Andrea , Díaz Laura
Published: March 2020

The increasing importance of sustainability in energy production has led to a global commitment to the use of fuels derived from renewable biological sources, such as biodiesel produced from plant crops or biomass residues, that do not compete with human food for their production. For a biofuel to be considered biodiesel, it must satisfy the specifications described in the UNE 14214, with the UNE‐EN 14103 referring to the determination of fatty acid methyl ester content. This standard applies gas chromatography as an analytical technique. Gas chromatography is a widely used technique in the analysis of methyl ester although it has a number of drawbacks such as: long analysis times, a high consumption of high‐quality gases and internal standards, does not allow the analysis of different compounds with the same column, etc. From an industrial production point of view, is necessary to know the fatty acid methyl ester content in biodiesel samples quickly. This paper studies the development of an analytical method using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as alternative to gas chromatography (GC), since it is a simple, rapid, and precise analytical technique to quantify fatty acid methyl ester content in biofuel samples.
Hydrogen‐bonded poly(vinyl alcohol)‐boehmite composites exhibiting excellent shape memory properties
Authors: Han Yanyang , Wang Haimei , Jiao Xiuling , Chen Dairong
Published: March 2020

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) networks cross‐linked by inorganic nanofillers‐boehmite (AlOOH) nanowires via strong hydrogen bonding was prepared by a facile strategy. These PVA‐AlOOH composites displayed significantly enhanced mechanical and thermal properties due to the excellent mechanical property and high heat resistant of AlOOH nanowires, as well as the strong hydrogen bonding formed between PVA and AlOOH. Interestingly, it was worth mentioning that the PVA‐AlOOH composites exhibited excellent shape memory behavior. The strong hydrogen bonding between PVA matrix and AlOOH nanowires acted as the hard segments to maintain the permanent shape, while the weak one between PVA chains served as switching segments to fix the temporary shape and recover to the permanent shape. This physical cross‐linked system provided a simple and efficient strategy to obtain smart shape memory materials.
The Impact of Three‐Dimensional Printed Anatomical Models on First‐Year Student Engagement in a Block Mode Delivery
Authors: Tripodi Nicholas , Kelly Kate , Husaric Maja , Wospil Rebecca , Fleischmann Michael , Johnston Susan , Harkin Katherine
Published: March 2020

Student engagement is known to have several positive effects on learning outcomes and can impact a student's university experience. High levels of engagement in content‐heavy subjects can be difficult to attain. Due to a major institutional restructure, the anatomy prosection laboratory time per subject was dramatically reduced. In response, the authors set out to redesign their anatomy units with a focus on engaging the learning activities that would increase time‐on‐task both within and outside of the classroom. One of these curriculum changes was the implementation of a suite of anatomy learning activities centered on sets of three‐dimensional printed upper limb skeleton models. A two‐part mixed‐method sequential exploratory design was used to evaluate these activities. Part one was a questionnaire that evaluated the students' engagement with and perceptions of the models. Part two involved focus groups interviews, which were an extension of the survey questions in part one. The results of the study indicated that the majority of students found the models to be an engaging resource that helped improve their study habits. As a result, students strongly felt that the use of the models inspired greater academic confidence and overall better performance in their assessments. Overall, the models were an effective way of increasing the engagement and deep learning, and reinforced previous findings from the medical education research. Future research should investigate the effects of these models on student's grades within osteopathy and other allied health courses.
‘By law, custom or local atmosphere’: Exploring institutional support in school‐based contact programmes
Authors: Loader Rebecca , Hughes Joanne , Furey Andrea
Published: March 2020

Allport’s intergroup contact theory outlines four conditions for effective contact: equal status between participants within the contact situation, cooperation, common goals and institutional support. While the literature indicates that institutional support may be a particularly important condition for effective contact, its role and impact remain under‐researched, particularly in studies of contact within real‐world contexts. This article seeks to address this gap through a study of institutional support within a school‐based contact initiative operating in two countries, Northern Ireland and North Macedonia. Known as ‘shared education’, this promotes inter‐school collaboration as a means of fostering contact between pupils from different ethnic or religious backgrounds. Adopting a qualitative approach and using data collected through interviews with staff involved in four shared education projects, this study explores three aspects: the extent to which shared education demonstrates support for contact; the factors that encourage or impede supportive contact norms; and the relationship between the norms of the school and those of other authorities, particularly parents and the community.
α‐Chitin dissolution, N‐deacetylation and valorization in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Vicente Filipa A. , Bradić Bojana , Novak Uroš , Likozar Blaž
Published: March 2020

Chitin displays a highly rigid structure due to the vast intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, thus hindering its dissolution and deacetylation using most solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are special and environmentally friendly solvents composed of a hydrogen bond acceptor and a hydrogen bond donor. This allows them to dissolve chitin by disturbing its natural hydrogen bonding while establishing new bonds, hence turning the polymer more susceptible to solvents. Therefore, four distinct DESs (choline chloride‐lactic acid ([Ch]Cl:LA), choline chloride:oxalic acid ([Ch]Cl:OA), choline chloride:urea ([Ch]Cl:U) and betaine‐glycerol (Bet:G)) were applied in chitin dissolution, being the most performant ones further applied in its homogenous N‐deacetylation with NaOH. In this work, a milder and more biocompatible approach was carried out by using 30 wt% NaOH at 80°C, instead of the typical ≥40 wt% NaOH at temperatures ≥100°C. Herein, the reaction process took up to 18 hours, being the results analyzed through ATR‐FTIR. Chitin was converted into chitosan with a 70‐80% degree of deacetylation (DDA) in a short period while using homogenous conditions. These promising results provide the first proof of concept of the ability of Bet:G and [Ch]Cl:LA‐based DESs to be used as a greener approach for the chitin homogeneous N‐deacetylation.
Prepare for controversial speakers and high‐profile events on campus
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: March 2020

American colleges and universities have always embraced the free expression of challenging, even controversial, ideas. Faculty and student groups routinely invite speakers to campus who encourage new and provocative ways of thinking about the world — this is one of higher education's most important contributions to a person's development. More recently, however, a highly charged political and social climate has forced institutions to think more carefully about planning for these kinds of events, particularly in the realm of public safety.
Circularly polarized light at the mirror: Caveats and opportunities
Authors: Zinna Francesco , Pescitelli Gennaro , Di Bari Lorenzo
Published: March 2020

Moving from the simple concept that reflection onto a mirror surface changes the handedness of circularly polarized light, we describe what happens to the emergent polarization in two different cases after reflection on a back mirror. In the first case, a regular emitter is taken into account, where reflection has the effect to destroy the emergent polarization. In the second case, we show what could happen when a hypothetical apparently non‐reciprocal emitting material undergoes a similar experiment. These simple concepts have important implications in the design of efficient circularly polarized emitting devices.
Face‐Fusion of Icosahedral Boron Hydride Increases Affinity to γ‐Cyclodextrin: closo,closo‐[B21H18]− as an Anion with Very Low Free Energy of Dehydration
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Holub Josef , Bernhardt Eduard , Oliva‐Enrich Josep M. , Fernández Pérez M. Isabel , Canle Moisés , Santaballa J. Arturo , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Hnyk Drahomír , Nau Werner M.
Published: March 2020

The supramolecular recognition of closo,closo‐[B21H18]− by cyclodextrins (CDs) has been studied in aqueous solution by isothermal titration calorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These solution studies follow up on previous mass‐spectrometric measurements and computations, which indicated the formation and stability of CD ⋅ B21H18− complexes in the gas phase. The thermodynamic signature of solution‐phase binding is exceptional, the association constant for the γ‐CD complex with B21H18− reaches 1.8×106 M−1, which is on the same order of magnitude as the so far highest observed value for the complex between γ‐CD and a metallacarborane. The nature of the intermolecular interaction is also examined by quantum‐mechanical computational protocols. These suggest that the desolvation penalty, which is particularly low for the B21H18− anion, is the decisive factor for its high binding strength. The results further suggest that the elliptical macropolyhedral boron hydride is another example of a CD binder, whose extraordinary binding affinity is driven by the chaotropic effect, which describes the intrinsic affinity of large polarizable and weakly solvated chaotropic anions to hydrophobic cavities and surfaces in aqueous solution.
Belok/XSA Diffraction Beamline for Studying Crystalline Samples at Kurchatov Synchrotron Radiation Source
Authors: Svetogorov Roman D. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Lazarenko Vladimir A.
Published: March 2020

Introduction of “Belok/XSA” beamline‐modernization is presented here with commissioning of a modern synchrotron beamline with unique capabilities for the structural analysis of single and polycrystalline samples. The beamline is designed to perform important tasks in modern crystallography, such as solving and refining the atomic structure using the single‐ and polycrystal method, studying the real (defective) structure, and analyzing the distribution of electron density in crystals, it is also possible to study rapidly occurring processes, for example, temperature phase transitions. Due to the speed of data accumulation and a registration over a large solid angle, the method allows to study large numbers of samples. This beamline has become extremely demanded in the chemical, biological, material science, and archaeological community in Russia.
Nitroglycerin ameliorates liver injury and regulates adaptive immunity in mice
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Lu Zhong‐Hua , Cui Juan‐Juan , Li Dong , Zhu Yi‐Ling , Gan Jian‐He
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to assess the protective effect of nitroglycerin, a commonly used drug in cardiovascular diseases, on mice with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, CCl4, and CCl4 + nitroglycerin. They were killed at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for analysis. Analysis of the amounts of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) showed that nitroglycerin protected against CCl4‐induced acute liver injury. Liver histological analysis provided further evidence of the protective effect of nitroglycerin. Furthermore, we found that nitroglycerin suppressed the increase of T helper 17 (Th17) cells in CCl4‐induced acute liver injury mice. The results indicate that nitroglycerin is a potential candidate for hepatic disease.
Practical Guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease (IWGDF 2019 update)
Authors: Schaper Nicolaas C. , van Netten Jaap J. , Apelqvist Jan , Bus Sicco A. , Hinchliffe Robert J. , Lipsky Benjamin A. ,   IWGDF Editorial Board
Published: March 2020

Diabetic foot disease results in a major global burden for patients and the health care system. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has been producing evidence‐based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease since 1999. In 2019, all IWGDF Guidelines have been updated based on systematic reviews of the literature and formulation of recommendations by multidisciplinary experts from all over the world.

In this document, the IWGDF Practical Guidelines, we describe the basic principles of prevention, classification, and treatment of diabetic foot disease, based on the six IWGDF Guideline chapters. We also describe the organizational levels to successfully prevent and treat diabetic foot disease according to these principles and provide addenda to assist with foot screening. The information in these practical guidelines is aimed at the global community of health care professionals who are involved in the care of persons with diabetes.

Many studies around the world support our belief that implementing these prevention and management principles is associated with a decrease in the frequency of diabetes‐related lower extremity amputations. We hope that these updated practical guidelines continue to serve as reference document to aid health care providers in reducing the global burden of diabetic foot disease.
Diabetic foot ulcer classifications: A critical review
Authors: Monteiro‐Soares Matilde , Boyko Edward J. , Jeffcoate William , Mills Joseph L. , Russell David , Morbach Stephan , Game Fran
Published: March 2020

Classification and scoring systems can help both clinical management and audit outcomes of routine care. The aim of this study was to assess published systems of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to determine which should be recommended for a given clinical purpose. Published classifications had to have been validated in populations of > 75% people with diabetes and a foot ulcer. Each study was assessed for internal and external validity and reliability. Eight key factors associated with failure to heal were identified from large clinical series and each classification was scored on the number of these key factors included. Classifications were then arranged according to their proposed purpose into one or more of four groups: (a) aid communication between health professionals, (b) predict clinical outcome of individual ulcers, (c) aid clinical management decision making for an individual case, and (d) audit to compare outcome in different populations. Thirty‐seven classification systems were identified of which 18 were excluded for not being validated in a population of >75% DFUs. The included 19 classifications had different purposes and were derived from different populations. Only six were developed in multicentre studies, just 13 were externally validated, and very few had evaluated reliability.Classifications varied in the number (4 ‐ 30), and definition of individual items and the diagnostic tools required. Clinical outcomes were not standardized but included ulcer‐free survival, ulcer healing, hospitalization, limb amputation, mortality, and cost. Despite the limitations, there was sufficient evidence to make recommendations on the use of particular classifications for the indications listed above.
Mass loss and nutrient release during the decomposition of sixteen types of plant litter with contrasting quality under three precipitation regimes
Authors: Du Ningning , Li Wenrao , Qiu Liping , Zhang Yanjiang , Wei Xiaorong , Zhang Xingchang
Published: March 2020

Mass loss and nutrient release during litter decomposition drive biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the relationship between the litter decomposition process and the decomposition stage, precipitation, and litter quality has rarely been addressed, precluding our understanding of how litter decomposition regulates nutrient cycling in various ecosystems and their responses to climate change. In this study, we measured mass loss as well as carbon and nutrient releases during the decomposition of 16 types of leaf litter under three precipitation treatments over 12 months in a common garden experiment (i.e., using standardized soil and climatic conditions). Sixteen types of leaves were divided into three functional groups (evergreen, deciduous, and herbaceous). The objectives were to understand the effects of decomposition stages and precipitation regimes on litter decomposition and to examine the relationship between this effect and chemical properties. The mass loss and release of nitrogen and potassium were significantly higher in the 6‐ to 12‐month stage of decomposition (high temperature and humidity) than in the 0‐ to 6‐month stage. Phosphorus was relatively enriched in evergreen leaves after 6 months of decomposition. The rates of mass loss and nutrient release were significantly greater in herbaceous than in deciduous and evergreen leaves. Increasing precipitation from 400 to 800 mm accelerated mass loss and potassium release but decreased phosphorus release in the 0‐ to 6‐month stage of decomposition. These results highlighted the contribution to and complexity of litter chemical properties in litter decomposition.
Evolutionary significance of the variation in acoustic communication of a cryptic nocturnal primate radiation (Microcebus spp.)
Authors: Hasiniaina Alida Frankline , Radespiel Ute , Kessler Sharon E. , Rina Evasoa Mamy , Rasoloharijaona Solofonirina , Randrianambinina Blanchard , Zimmermann Elke , Schmidt Sabine , Scheumann Marina
Published: March 2020

Acoustic phenotypic variation is of major importance for speciation and the evolution of species diversity. Whereas selective and stochastic forces shaping the acoustic divergence of signaling systems are well studied in insects, frogs, and birds, knowledge on the processes driving acoustic phenotypic evolution in mammals is limited. We quantified the acoustic variation of a call type exchanged during agonistic encounters across eight distinct species of the smallest‐bodied nocturnal primate radiation, the Malagasy mouse lemurs. The species live in two different habitats (dry forest vs. humid forest), differ in geographic distance to each other, and belong to four distinct phylogenetic clades within the genus. Genetically defined species were discriminated reliably on the phenotypic level based on their acoustic distinctiveness in a discriminant function analysis. Acoustic variation was explained by genetic distance, whereas differences in morphology, forest type, or geographic distance had no effect. The strong impact of genetics was supported by a correlation between acoustic and genetic distance and the high agreement in branching pattern between the acoustic and molecular phylogenetic trees. In sum, stochastic factors such as genetic drift best explained acoustic diversification in a social communication call of mouse lemurs.
Investigation of the Potential Environmental Risks of Phthalate Derivatives Designed To Be Environmentally Friendly
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Sun Ruihao , Hou Yilin , Qiu Youli , Li Yu
Published: March 2020

Phthalate derivatives with low estrogenic activity, high infrared spectrum signals, high Raman characteristic vibration spectrum, high fluorescence intensity, and high ultraviolet sensitivity were selected as precursors from our previous studies, so that the changes in their toxicity and estrogenic activity during biological metabolism, ozone oxidation, photocatalytic degradation, photodegradation, and microbial degradation could be studied.The transformation pathways of these derivatives were simulated, and the reaction energy barriers were calculated. To determine the potential environmental risks of these phthalate derivatives, the pharmacophore models of biotoxicity and estrogen activity of phthalates were used to predict the biotoxicity and estrogen activity of the transformed products. The results showed an increase in the biotoxicity and estrogen activity of the biometabolites, ozonation products, photocatalytic degradation products, and microbial degradation products; the only products that did not follow this trend were the photodegradation products. Notably, the pathways that produced more potentially toxic compounds were the less favorable paths. Our results indicate that the transformation products of the designed environmentally friendly phthalate derivatives potentially pose environmental risks. To avoid such risks, the environmental transformation pathway of these derivatives should be simulated to screen for environmentally friendly phthalate molecules. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1138–1148. © 2020 SETAC
Oblivious transfer with hidden access control and outsourced decryption from deterministic finite automata‐based functional encryption for an in‐vehicle sensor database system
Authors: Wahaballa Abubaker , Qin Zhiguang , Abdalla Hisham , Abdellatief Majdi , Elfaki Mohamed A.
Published: March 2020

Vehicle sensors are continuously observing the state of the vehicle, collecting and transmitting data from/to surrounding road users. The sensors data are then processed and stored in an in‐vehicle sensor database in the form of records. These records can be accessed and shared by other vehicles or road side units with the aim to improve road safety. However, these records may contain a very sensitive information, such as vehicles' identifiers and location. This information requires extraordinary protection to ensure privacy and confidentiality of the vehicle users. In this article, we propose a secure oblivious transfer protocol with hidden access control and outsourced decryption from deterministic finite automata (DFA)‐based functional encryption (HACOT‐DFA). To reduce the computational costs for users with limited resources, we securely offload the heavy decryption overhead on the user side to an untrusted cloud server. Then, we experimentally compare our HACOT‐DFA protocol against existing HACOT protocols in three different platform settings: the smartphone, the desktop personal computer, and the embedded device Raspberry Pi. The analyses demonstrate that the proposed HACOT‐DFA protocol is more efficient and computationally stable than previous work. Our security proof holds in the standard model using a dual‐system encryption approach.
Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) Family Members: Rationale and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets for Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Wei , Yang Aiting , Jia Jidong , Popov Yury V. , Schuppan Detlef , You Hong
Published: March 2020

The cross‐linking of structural extracellular matrix (ECM) components, especially fibrillar collagens and elastin, is strongly implicated in fibrosis progression and resistance to fibrosis reversal. Lysyl oxidase family members (LOX and LOXL1 [lysyl oxidase‐like 1], LOXL2 [lysyl oxidase‐like 2], LOXL3 [lysyl oxidase‐like 3], and LOXL4 [lysyl oxidase like 4]) are extracellular copper‐dependent enzymes that play a key role in ECM cross‐linking, but have also other intracellular functions relevant to fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Although the expression of most LOX family members is elevated in experimental liver fibrosis of diverse etiologies, their individual contribution to fibrosis is incompletely understood. Inhibition of the LOX family as a whole and of LOX, LOXL1, and LOXL2 specifically has been shown to suppress fibrosis progression and accelerate its reversal in rodent models of cardiac, renal, pulmonary, and liver fibrosis. Recent disappointing clinical trials with a monoclonal antibody against LOXL2 (simtuzumab) in patients with pulmonary and liver fibrosis dampened enthusiasm for LOX family member inhibition. However, this unexpected negative outcome may be related to the inefficient antibody, rather than to LOXL2, not qualifying as a relevant antifibrotic target. Moreover, LOX family members other than LOXL2 may prove to be attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the structural hallmarks, expression patterns, covalent cross‐linking activities, and modes of regulation of LOX family members and discuss the clinical potential of their inhibition to treat fibrosis in general and liver fibrosis in particular.
Characteristics of Early Paget's Disease in SQSTM1 Mutation Carriers: Baseline Analysis of the ZiPP Study Cohort
Authors: Cronin Owen , Subedi Deepak , Forsyth Laura , Goodman Kirsteen , Lewis Steff C , Keerie Catriona , Walker Allan , Porteous Mary , Cetnarskyj Roseanne , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R , Selby Peter L , Hampson Geeta , Chandra Rama , Ho Shu , Tobias Jon H , Young-Min Steven A , McKenna Malachi J , Crowley Rachel K , Fraser William D , Tang Jonathan , Gennari Luigi , Nuti Rannuccio , Brandi Maria-Luisa , del Pino-Montes Javier , Devogelaer Jean-Pierre , Durnez Anne , Isaia Giovanni Carlo , Di Stefano Marco , Rubio Josep Blanch , Guanabens Nuria , Seibel Markus J , Walsh John P , Kotowicz Mark A , Nicholson Geoffrey C , Duncan Emma L , Major Gabor , Horne Anne , Gilchrist Nigel L , Ralston Stuart H
Published: March 2020

Mutations in SQSTM1 are strongly associated with Paget's disease of bone (PDB), but little is known about the clinical characteristics of those with early disease. Radionuclide bone scans, biochemical markers of bone turnover, and clinical characteristics were analyzed in SQSTM1 mutation carriers who took part in the Zoledronic acid in the Prevention of Paget's disease (ZiPP) study. We studied 222 individuals, of whom 54.9% were female, with mean ± SE age of 50.1 ± 0.6 years. Twelve SQSTM1 mutations were observed, including p.Pro392Leu, which was present in 141 of 222 (63.5%) subjects. Bone scan examination revealed evidence of PDB in 20 subjects (9.0%), ten of whom (50%) had a single affected site. Participants with lesions were older than those without lesions but the difference was not significant (53.6 ± 9.1 versus 49.8 ± 8.9; p = .07). The mean age of participants with lesions was not significantly different from the age at which their parents were diagnosed with PDB (55 years versus 59 years, p = .17). All individuals with lesions were asymptomatic. Serum concentrations of total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) normalized to the upper limit of normal in each center were higher in those with lesions (0.75 ± 0.69 versus 0.42 ± 0.29 arbitary units; p < .0001). Similar findings were observed for other biochemical markers of bone turnover, but the sensitivity of ALP and other markers in detecting lesions was poor. Asymptomatic PDB is present in about 9% of SQSTM1 mutation carriers by the fifth decade. Further follow-up of this cohort will provide important information on the natural history of early PDB and its response to treatment. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Symbols and labels: Children's awareness of social categories in a divided society
Authors: Taylor Laura K. , Dautel Jocelyn , Rylander Risa
Published: March 2020

Aims

How and when children develop an understanding of group boundaries have implications for conflict resolution. When social divisions are not perceptually distinct, symbols become particularly important. Framed by the Social Identity Development Theory, this study was designed to assess children's categorization of symbols with conflict‐related group labels.

Method

In Northern Ireland, 218 children (M = 8.14, SD = 1.83, range 5–11 years old) participated in a novel task designed for this study. The sample was evenly split by child gender and community background.

Results

Children sorted symbols above chance with both the hypothesized national (i.e., British/Irish) and ethno‐political (i.e., Protestant/Catholic) labels, showing a stronger association for the former. Sorting was also stronger for ingroup symbols, compared to outgroup symbols, and increased with age.

Conclusion

These findings reflect the potential role that a divided social world has on the development of children's understanding of conflict‐related groups. The results also have implications for intergroup relations among children in divided societies.
Synthesis and characterization of some new pyridines, thieno[2,3‐b] pyridines and pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidine‐4(3H)‐ones bearing styryl moiety
Authors: Al‐Waleedy Safiyyah A. H. , Bakhite Etify A. , Abbady Mohamed S. , Abdu‐Allah Hajjaj H. M.
Published: March 2020

3‐Cyano‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐6‐methyl‐4‐styrylpyridine‐2(1H)‐thione (3) was prepared by reaction of 2‐cyano‐5‐phenylpenta‐2,4‐dienethioamide (2) with ethyl acetoacetate or by multicomponent reaction of cinnamaldehyde (1), cyanothioacetamide and ethyl acetoacetate in a moderate yield. Reaction of compound 3 with some N‐aryl‐2‐chloroacetamides, in the presence of sodium acetate, gave the corresponding 2‐(N‐arylcarbamoylmethylsulfanyl)‐3‐cyano‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐6‐methyl‐4‐styrylpyridines 4a‐f. When compounds 4a‐f were subjected to Thorpe‐Ziegler reaction conditions, they converted into the corresponding 3‐amino‐5‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2‐(N‐arylcarbamoyl)‐6‐methyl‐4‐styrylthieno[2,3‐b]pyridines 5a‐f. Compounds 5a,e,f were reacted, in turn, with 2,5‐dimethoxytetrahydrofuran to furnish the corresponding 3‐(pyrrol‐1‐yl)thieno‐pyridines 6a,e,f. Reactions of 5a‐f with triethyl orthoformate or nitrous acid were also carried out and their products were identified. Structural formulas of all synthesized compounds was characterized and confirmed on the basis of their elemental and spectral analyses.
Genetic differentiation and phylogenetic potential of Ty3/Gypsy LTR retrotransposon markers in soil and plant pathogenic fungi
Authors: Chadha Sonia , Sharma Mradul
Published: March 2020

Genetic diversity studies are crucial for understanding the genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of fungal species and communities. Fungal genomes are often reshaped by their repetitive components such as transposable elements. These elements are key players in genomic rearrangements and are ideal targets for genetic diversity and evolutionary studies. Herein, we used three Ty3/Gypsy long terminal repeat retrotransposons, Grasshopper, Maggy, and Pyret, for genetic differentiation and diversity in soil and plant pathogenic fungi, representing diverse species, order, and phyla. Pyret DNA markers showed the highest gene diversity and Shannon's information indices, followed by Maggy and Grasshopper. The observed high levels of multilocus polymorphism indicate the continuous mobility of these elements after their transfer in the new host. In conclusion, this study presents novel markers for genetic differentiation and evolutionary studies of fungi, and sheds light on the prevalence of gene acquisition phenomenon in field fungi.
Multivariate use of MRI biomarkers to classify histologically confirmed necrosis in symptomatic total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Sherafati Mohammad , Bauer Thomas W. , Potter Hollis G. , Koff Matthew F. , Koch Kevin M.
Published: March 2020

The failure of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is commonly associated with the necrosis of the periprosthetic tissue. To date, there is no established method to noninvasively quantify the progression of such necrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of soft tissues near implants has undergone a recent renaissance due to the development of multispectral metal‐artifact reduction techniques. Advanced analysis of multispectral MRI has been shown capable of detecting small magnetism effects of metallic debris in periprosthetic tissue. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the diagnostic utility of these MRI‐based tissue‐magnetism signatures. Together with morphological MRI metrics, such as synovial volume and thickness, these measurements are utilized as biomarkers to noninvasively detect soft‐tissue necrosis in symptomatic THA patients (). All subjects underwent an advanced MRI scan before revision surgery and tissue biopsies utilized for necrosis grading. Statistical analyses demonstrated a weak, but significant positive correlation (P = .04) between MRI magnetism signatures and necrosis scores, while indicating no meaningful association between the latter and serum cobalt and chromium ion levels. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were then performed based on uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression models utilizing the measured MRI biomarkers as predictors of severe necrosis. The area under the curve of the ROC plots for MRI biomarkers as combined predictors were found to be 0.70 and 0.84 for cross‐validation and precision‐recall tests, respectively.
Isolated limb infusion: Institutional protocol and implementation
Authors: Carr Michael J. , Sun James , Zager Jonathan S.
Published: March 2020

Patients with unresectable cutaneous and soft tissue malignancies confined to a limb have many treatment options. Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is one therapeutic option whereby the extremity is isolated and perfused with high‐dose chemotherapy through a percutaneously placed catheter‐based procedure. A detailed description of the ILI protocol at the Moffitt Cancer Center is given. We have shown that ILI is a safe and effective treatment strategy for malignancies confined to an extremity.
Cortical Thickness in Dutch Police Officers: An Examination of Factors Associated with Resilience
Authors: Setroikromo Santoucha N.W. , Bauduin Stephanie E.E.C. , Reesen Joyce E. , van der Werff Steven J.A. , Smit Annika S. , Vermetten Eric , van der Wee Nic. J.A.
Published: March 2020

Previous neuroimaging studies on resilience have generally compared resilience and psychopathology after stress exposure, which does not allow for conclusions regarding correlates specific to resilience. The aim of the present study was to investigate resilience‐specific correlates in cortical thickness and/or cortical surface area and their correlations with psychometric measurements, using a three‐group design that included a non–trauma‐exposed control group in order to disentangle effects related to resilience from those related to psychopathology. Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from 82 Dutch police officers. Participants were categorized into resilient (n = 31; trauma exposure, no psychopathology), vulnerable (n = 32; trauma exposure, psychopathology), and control groups (n = 19; no trauma exposure, no psychopathology). Specific regions of interest (ROIs) were identified based on previous studies that found the rostral and caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to be implicated in trauma‐related psychopathology. Cortical thickness and surface area of the ROIs—the rostral and caudal ACC—and of the whole brain were examined. No significant differences in cortical thickness or surface area were found between the resilient group and other groups in the ROI and whole‐brain analyses. Thus, the results of the present study provide no evidence of an association between resilience to traumatic stress and measures of thickness and surface area in cortical regions of the brain in a sample of Dutch police officers.
Overabundance of Black‐Tailed Deer in Urbanized Coastal California
Authors: Furnas Brett J. , Landers Russ H. , Paiste Rhonda G. , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: March 2020

Abundance of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in western North America is often considered lower than desirable for hunting. Some coastal populations of Columbian black‐tailed deer (O. h. columbianus) in California, USA, near urban development, however, are perceived as a nuisance and may be overabundant. To determine the density of a potential nuisance population in Marin County, California, we used a combination of fecal DNA surveys, camera stations, and 2 sources of ancillary data on wildlife observations. We estimated an average density of 18.3 deer/km2(90% CI = 15.8–20.7) throughout Marin County during late summer and early fall, 2015 and 2016. Within the county, areas with intermediate human density (885 people/km2, 90% CI = 125–1,646) were associated with the highest deer densities (25–44/km2). Our estimate of average deer density was 1.7–6.1 times higher than published density estimates for deer from elsewhere in California and on the low end of densities reported for mule and white‐tailed (O. virginianus) deer in regions where they routinely cause a nuisance to humans. High black‐tailed deer densities in Marin County may be partially attributed to a paucity of large predators, but more investigation is warranted to evaluate the effects of a recent increase in coyotes (Canis latrans) on the deer population. Analyses of highway road kill rates and citizen science surveys suggest that the deer population in Marin County has been stable over the past 10 years. Our results demonstrate how robust estimation of deer density can inform human–wildlife conflict issues, not just managed hunting. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Evidence for Depressed Reproduction of Golden Eagles in Washington
Authors: Watson James W. , Hayes Gerald E. , Keren Ilai N. , Owens Thomas E.
Published: March 2020

Beginning in 1977 the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted annual surveys to determine statewide golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) occupancy and productivity. Current interest in the regional and national status of the species prompted our investigation to determine utility of historical data in assessing trends in reproduction, and to test efficacy of a sampling protocol that surveyed randomly selected territories and also accounted for detection probability. We found evidence indicating poor reproduction from 38 annual surveys conducted at 301 known territories statewide between 1977 and 2014. At 256 territories in eastern Washington, USA, apparent occupancy was low ( = 50.9%) and nesting success declined by 22%. All reproductive parameters were higher than at 45 territories in western Washington. We tested efficacy of a sampling protocol in 2013 and 2014 by surveying 108 randomly selected eastern territories. Probability of detecting eagles for these years from ground (= 89%) was greater than from air (= 66%). Our estimate of territory occupancy, corrected by probability of detection, was lower in 2013 (= 56.7%, 95% CI = 46.3–66.7%) than in 2014 (= 73.7%, 95% CI = 64.8–81.7%), as was the estimated number of breeding pairs (2013: = 158, 95% CI = 151–164; 2014: = 187, 95% CI = 182–192). Higher productivity (young/occupied territory) in 2013 (= 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40–0.82) than in 2014 (= 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27–0.59) and lower proportions of ≥1 immature eagle among nesting pairs in 2013 (16%) than in 2014 (31%), suggested higher immature pairing among sampled pairs contributed to inter‐year differences in these reproductive parameters. Current and historical evidence for depressed golden eagle nesting in Washington is consistent with documented effects from habitat conversion, prey declines, lead contamination, and wind power development. We recommend future surveys in eastern Washington adhere to the random sampling protocol and conduct surveys at regular intervals to allow for trend analysis of reproductive parameters to better monitor golden eagle status. Surveys in western Washington, conducted exclusively from ground at all nests, will improve detection and cost efficiency. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.