bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate prediction of individual subject identity and task, but not autism diagnosis, from functional connectomes
Authors: Byrge Lisa , Kennedy Daniel P.
Published: March 2020

Despite enthusiasm about the potential for using fMRI‐based functional connectomes in the development of biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the literature is full of negative findings—failures to distinguish ASD functional connectomes from those of typically developing controls (TD)—and positive findings that are inconsistent across studies. Here, we report on a new study designed to either better differentiate ASD from TD functional connectomes—or, alternatively, to refine our understanding of the factors underlying the current state of affairs. We scanned individuals with ASD and controls both at rest and while watching videos with social content. Using multiband fMRI across repeat sessions, we improved both data quantity and scanning duration by collecting up to 2 hr of data per individual. This is about 50 times the typical number of temporal samples per individual in ASD fcMRI studies. We obtained functional connectomes that were discriminable, allowing for near‐perfect individual identification regardless of diagnosis, and equally reliable in both groups. However, contrary to what one might expect, we did not consistently or robustly observe in the ASD group either reductions in similarity to TD functional connectivity (FC) patterns or shared atypical FC patterns. Accordingly, FC‐based predictions of diagnosis group achieved accuracy levels around chance. However, using the same approaches to predict scan type (rest vs. video) achieved near‐perfect accuracy. Our findings suggest that neither the limitations of resting state as a “task,” data resolution, data quantity, or scan duration can be considered solely responsible for failures to differentiate ASD from TD functional connectomes.
N6‐Methyladenosine Reader Protein YT521‐B Homology Domain‐Containing 2 Suppresses Liver Steatosis by Regulation of mRNA Stability of Lipogenic Genes
Authors: Zhou Bing , Liu Caizhi , Xu Lingyan , Yuan Youwen , Zhao Jiejie , Zhao Wenjun , Chen Yiyan , Qiu Jin , Meng Meiyao , Zheng Ying , Wang Dongmei , Gao Xin , Li Xiaoying , Zhao Qihong , Wei Xiaohui , Wu Duojiao , Zhang Huijie , Hu Cheng , Zhuo Xiaozhen , Zheng Minghua , Wang Hua , Lu Yan , Ma Xinran
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by accumulation of excessive triglycerides (TGs) in hepatocytes. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver, although the intracellular molecular basis remains largely unclear. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most common internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA.

Approach and Results

In the present study, by m6A sequencing and RNA sequencing, we found that both m6A enrichment and mRNA expression of lipogenic genes were significantly increased in leptin‐receptor–deficient db/db mice. Importantly, our results showed that YT521‐B homology domain‐containing 2 (Ythdc2), an m6A reader, was markedly down‐regulated in livers of obese mice and NAFLD patients. Suppression of Ythdc2 in livers of lean mice led to TG accumulation, whereas ectopic overexpression of Ythdc2 in livers of obese mice improved liver steatosis and insulin resistance. Mechanistically, we found that Ythdc2 could bind to mRNA of lipogenic genes, including sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1, and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1, to decrease their mRNA stability and inhibit gene expression.

Conclusions

Our findings describe an important role of the m6A reader, Ythdc2, for regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and TG homeostasis, which might provide a potential target for treating obesity‐related NAFLD.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Underwater Sounds from Dredging Operations
Authors: McQueen Andrew D , Suedel Burton C , de Jong Christ , Thomsen Frank
Published: March 2020

There is an increasing international focus to understand and quantify the potential ecological risks of low-frequency underwater sounds produced from anthropogenic activities (e.g., commercial shipping, dredging, construction, and offshore energy production). For dredge operations, a risk-based approach has been proposed for identifying, assessing, and managing risks; however, specific details of the framework and demonstration of the approach are lacking. Thus, the goal of this study was to provide a practical, concise, and reliable framework for assessing the effects of dredging sounds on aquatic life. The specific objectives were to 1) further specify a risk assessment approach for assessing underwater sounds from dredging operations, 2) demonstrate the utility of the approach in practice using a case study, and 3) document the strengths and challenges of the approach. The risk framework was adapted for underwater sounds to include a project formulation step, an analysis step to analyze and assess exposure and biological responses, a risk characterization process in which the preceding steps are integrated and uncertainty is addressed, and a risk management step. A key beneficial component of this framework is the use of a phased approach, whereby a screening step offers a process that utilizes existing or readily available information to evaluate risk. In general, a limitation of evaluating risks due to dredge operations is the degree of uncertainty surrounding effect thresholds for many marine species; however, this approach emphasizes the importance of documenting and communicating uncertainty to regulators, stakeholders, and practitioners in the decision-making process. A case study example is included to illustrate how the framework can be applied in practice. The primary strength of this method is the intrinsic flexibility of the framework to adapt as the scientific understanding improves and new data become available in the rapidly evolving field of underwater acoustics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:481–493. © 2020 SETAC
Cancer stem cell enrichment is associated with enhancement of nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase expression
Authors: Pozzi Valentina , Salvolini Eleonora , Lucarini Guendalina , Salvucci Alessia , Campagna Roberto , Rubini Corrado , Sartini Davide , Emanuelli Monica
Published: March 2020

The cancer stem cell theory states that a subset of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), has the ability to self‐renew and differentiate within the tumors. According to this theory, CSCs would be mainly responsible for tumor initiation, progression, resistance to therapy, recurrence, and metastasis. In this study, a culture system was setup to enrich CSCs from bladder cancer (T24), lung cancer (A549), colorectal cancer (CaCo‐2), and osteosarcoma (MG63) cell lines, through sphere formation. Magnetic‐activated cell sorting was also used to further increase CSC enrichment. Subsequently, molecular characterization of CSC‐enriched cell populations and parental cells was carried out, by exploring the expression levels of stem markers and the enzyme nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT). Results obtained showed a significant upregulation of stem cell markers in CSC‐enriched populations, obtained upon sphere formation, compared with parental counterparts. Moreover, NNMT expression levels were markedly increased in samples enriched with CSCs with respect to control cells. Considering the fundamental role played by CSCs in carcinogenesis, reported data strengthen the hypothesis that sustains a pivotal role of NNMT in cancer growth and metastasis. In addition, these findings could represent an important achievement for the development of new and effective anticancer therapies, based on CSC‐associated targets.
Andiroba oil (Carapa guianensisAubl) shows cytotoxicity but no mutagenicity in the ACPP02 gastric cancer cell line
Authors: Porfírio‐Dias Clara L. , Melo Karina M. , Bastos Carlos E. M. C. , Ferreira Tássia A. A. , Azevedo Luana F. C. , Salgado Hugo L. , Santos Alberdan S. , Rissino Jorge D. , Nagamachi Cleusa Y. , Pieczarka Julio C.
Published: March 2020

Andiroba (Carapa guianensisAubl) is an Amazonian plant whose oil has been widely used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including anti‐inflammation. Research reports indicate that the oil can confer antitumor activity due to the presence of fatty acids, which can directly influence cell death mechanisms. Thus, andiroba oil (AO) has gained interest for its potential to be used in antineoplastic therapies. Here, we report an in vitro analysis of the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of AO in the gastric cancer cell line, ACP02. Cell survival was assessed by the MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, differential staining with ethidium bromide and acridine orange assessed apoptosis‐necrosis, and mutagenesis was assessed by the micronucleus test. The apolar oil was first diluted in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and then further diluted to six concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL) in RPMI medium. Controls included RPMI alone (negative control) and 0.1% DMSO diluted in medium (vehicle control). The MTT test showed that AO significantly reduced cell viability (P< .05) only when the highest tested concentration was applied for 48 hours. The apoptosis/necrosis test showed that the highest concentration of AO induced cell death by apoptosis at 24 and 48 hours. There was no statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei. The ability of the AO to decrease the viability of ACP02 cells via apoptosis, without exerting mutagenic effects, suggests that the oil could be useful as an alternative therapeutic agent for primary tumors of stomach cancer.
Association of IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism with the risk and clinical features of gastric cancer in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wang Pengli , Zhou Xiaoyan
Published: March 2020

Background

Recently, a Japanese study investigated the relationship between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) gene rs2195239 polymorphism and gastric cancer (GC) risk and found rs2195239 polymorphism did not relate with the risk of GC. However, no Chinese studies have addressed this relationship until now. Thus, the aims of this study were to demonstrate whether IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism was linked with the risk and clinical features of GC in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

In order to verify the link between IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism and GC risk, we recruited 361 GC cases and 418 controls in this case‐control study. The genotyping was done by use of a custom‐by‐design 48‐Plex SNP scan TM Kit.

Results

This study found that IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism decreased the risk of GC. Stratified analyses suggested that the significant association was shown in the females, non‐smokers, non‐drinkers, and age <60 years groups for GC. In addition, IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism correlated with the tumor size, tumor clinical stage, and pathological types for GC patients.

Conclusion

To sum up, this study shows that IGF‐1 gene rs2195239 polymorphism is associated with the risk and clinical features of GC patients in this Chinese population.
Evaluation of Hemodialysis Effect on Pharmacokinetics of Meropenem/Vaborbactam in End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients Using Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Zhuang Luning , Yu Yichao , Wei Xiaohui , Florian Jeffry , Jang Seong H. , Reynolds Kellie S. , Wang Yaning
Published: March 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of meropenem/vaborbactam, an approved beta‐lactam/beta‐lactamase inhibitor combination, and provide the rationale for the recommended timing of meropenem/vaborbactam administration relative to HD in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Population PK models were developed separately for meropenem and vaborbactam in subjects with normal renal function and different degrees of renal impairment, including those receiving HD. Simulations were performed to evaluate the exposure of meropenem and vaborbactam in ESRD patients who received a fixed dose of 0.5 g/0.5 g meropenem/vaborbactam every 12 hours as a 3‐hour intravenous infusion under various drug administration schedules relative to HD. The probability of target attainment (PTA) analyses were conducted with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets of meropenem and vaborbactam. Simulations showed that HD reduces the accumulation of vaborbactam, but the exposure of vaborbactam is still above the PK/PD target regardless of whether meropenem/vaborbactam is administered predialysis or postdialysis. For meropenem, drug infusion completed right prior to initiation of HD may substantially reduce exposure leading to poor PTA results. In contrast, drug infusion completed at least 2 hours prior to initiation of HD is not predicted to result in efficacy loss based on PTA analysis. The results of simulation indicate that meropenem/vaborbactam infusion completed at least 2 hours prior to initiation of HD or administered immediately after the end of HD can avoid potential efficacy loss in ESRD patients.
The Effect of Renal Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Itacitinib
Authors: Srinivas Nithya , Barbour April M. , Epstein Noam , Zhou Gongfu , Petusky Susan , Xun Zhinyin , Yuska Brad , Marbury Thomas , Chen Xuejun , Yeleswaram Swamy , Punwani Naresh
Published: March 2020

Itacitinib is a novel, selective, Janus kinase 1 inhibitor in development for treatment of graft‐versus‐host disease. The objective of this study was to assess pharmacokinetics and safety of 300‐mg itacitinib dosed in participants with normal renal function (n = 10), severe renal impairment (n = 8), and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (n = 8). Serial plasma and urine samples (urine from normal and severe groups only) were collected before dosing until 72 hours after dosing. In the ESRD group, itacitinib was evaluated in 2 periods, when dosed before (period 1) and after (period 2) a hemodialysis session. Geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) in participants with severe renal impairment, ESRD period 1 and ESRD period 2 relative to participants with normal renal function were 1.65 (1.13‐2.39), 0.71 (0.49‐1.03), and 0.83 (0.57‐1.20) for maximum plasma drug concentration and 2.23 (1.56‐3.18), 0.81 (0.57‐1.16), and 0.95 (0.66‐1.35) for area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity. Itacitinib was well tolerated, and 3 grade 1 treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported over the course of the study. Given the magnitude of exposure changes in participants with severe renal impairment or ESRD and the historic risk‐benefit profile, no dose adjustment is recommended for itacitinib in patients with impaired renal function, although the final dosage recommendation will be based on cumulative pharmacokinetics and safety from this study and from the pivotal graft‐versus‐host disease trial. Additionally, itacitinib may be administered to patients undergoing dialysis regardless of the time of dialysis.
Quinoline biodegradation characteristics of a new quinoline‐degrading strain, Pseudomonas citronellolis PY1
Authors: Wang Pu‐Yu , Chen Hu , Wang Ying , Lyu Yong‐Kang
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Quinoline exerts inhibitory effects on microorganisms in the biological process. However, microbial degradation of quinoline is feasible, and bacteria with quinoline‐degrading ability have gained increasing attention, making it possible to improve the bioremediation performance of wastewater. Therefore, this article focused on the quinoline removal performance of a new strain Pseudomonas citronellolis PY1.

RESULTS

The optimal conditions of strain PY1 for quinoline removal are incubation temperature 30 °C, dissolved oxygen (DO) 4.69 mg/L and pH 7.0–9.0. For strain PY1, complete removal of quinoline could be achieved within 18 h. Zinc ions (Zn2+) have less toxicity to PY1 than cadmium ions (Cd2+), and efficient removal of quinoline occurs within 50 mg/L Zn2+ and 30 mg/L Cd2+. Through high‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) analysis, five major intermediates were identified in the quinoline biodegradation process. On the basis of these intermediates and gas detection, strain PY1 is suggested to degrade quinoline through the typical 8‐hydroxy coumarin pathway.

CONCLUSION

Strain PY1 could utilize quinoline as the sole carbon and nitrogen source for growth, and show superior quinoline biodegradation performance, as indicated by simultaneous biomass growth and high chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal accompanied with quinoline removal. All the results provide a theoretical base for treating actual wastewater containing quinoline. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Delay discounting of different outcomes: Review and theory
Authors: Odum Amy L. , Becker Ryan J. , Haynes Jeremy M. , Galizio Ann , Frye Charles C. J. , Downey Haylee , Friedel Jonathan E. , Perez D. M.
Published: March 2020

Steep delay discounting is characterized by a preference for small immediate outcomes relative to larger delayed outcomes and is predictive of drug abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and other maladaptive behaviors. Nancy M. Petry was a pioneer in delay discounting research who demonstrated that people discount delayed monetary gains less steeply than they discount substances with abuse liability. Subsequent research found steep discounting for not only drugs, but other nonmonetary outcomes such as food, sex, and health. In this systematic review, we evaluate the hypotheses proposed to explain differences in discounting as a function of the type of outcome and explore the trait‐ and state‐like nature of delay discounting. We found overwhelming evidence for the state‐like quality of delay discounting: Consistent with Petry and others' work, nonmonetary outcomes are discounted more steeply than monetary outcomes. We propose two hypotheses that together may account for this effect: Decreasing Future Preference and Decreasing Future Worth. We also found clear evidence that delay discounting has trait‐like qualities: People who steeply discount monetary outcomes steeply discount nonmonetary outcomes as well. The implication is that changing delay discounting for one outcome could change discounting for other outcomes.
Radiolabeled (R)‐(–)‐5‐iodo‐3′‐O‐[2‐(ε‐guanidinohexanoyl)‐2‐phenylacetyl]‐2′‐deoxyuridine: A new theranostic for neuroblastoma
Authors: Kortylewicz Zbigniew P. , Coulter Don W. , Han Guang , Baranowska‐Kortylewicz Janina
Published: March 2020

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, accounts for nearly 8% of childhood cancers in the United States. It is a disease with pronounced clinical and biological heterogeneities. The amplification of MYCN, whose key tumorigenic functions include the promotion of proliferation, facilitation of the cell's entry into the S phase, and prevention of cells from leaving the cell cycle, correlates with poor prognosis. Patients with a high proliferation index disease have low survival rates. Neuroblastoma is one of the most radioresponsive of all human tumors. To exploit this radiosensitivity, radioactive guanidine (R)‐(–)‐5‐[125I]iodo‐3′‐O‐[2‐(ε‐guanidinohexanoyl)‐2‐phenylacetyl]‐2′‐deoxyuridine (9, GPAID) was designed. This compound enters neuroblastoma cells much like metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). Additionally, it cotargets DNA of proliferating cells, an attribute especially advantageous in the treatment of MYCN‐amplified tumors. GPAID was synthesized from the trimethylstannyl precursor with an average yield of >90% at the no‐carrier‐added specific activities. The norepinephrine transporter‐aided delivery of GPAID to neuroblastoma cells was established in the competitive uptake studies with nonradioactive MIBG. The intracellular processing and DNA targeting properties were confirmed in the subcellular distribution experiments. Studies in a mouse model of neuroblastoma demonstrated the therapeutic potential of GPAID. The tin precursor of GPAID can be used to prepare compounds radiolabeled with single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)‐ and positron‐emission tomography (PET)‐compatible radionuclides. Accordingly, these reagents can function as theranostics useful in the individualized and comprehensive treatment strategies comprising treatment planning and the assessment of tumor responses as well as the targeted molecular radiotherapy employing treatment doses derived from the imaging data.
Esterase activity and interaction of human hemoglobin with diclofenac sodium: A spectroscopic and molecular docking study
Authors: Dohare Neeraj , Siddiquee Md. Abrar , Parray Mehrajud din , Kumar Amit , Patel Rajan
Published: March 2020

To get an idea about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, it is important to study the drug‐protein interaction. Therefore, herein, we studied the interaction of diclofenac sodium (DIC) with human hemoglobin. The binding study of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, DIC with human hemoglobin (HHB) was done by utilizing fluorescence, UV–visible, time‐resolved fluorescence and far‐UV circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Various thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy change (ΔH), entropy change (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) were also calculated. CD results showed that DIC induces secondary structure change in HHB. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer was also performed. Additionally, it was also observed that DIC inhibits the esterase‐like enzymatic activity of HHB via competitive inhibition.
Fungal recovery and characterization from Hindu Kush mountain range, Tirich Mir glacier, and their potential for biotechnological applications
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Nadeem Shaukat , Hassan Noor , Hayat Muhammad , Sajjad Wasim , Zada Sahib , Sajjad Wasim , Hasan Fariha
Published: March 2020

The Hindu Kush mountains spread over Northern areas of Pakistan having hundreds of glaciers representing a unique ecosystem driven by the specific geochemistry and climate. The current study measured the distribution of culturable fungi in Tirich Mir glacier, Hindu Kush range, and the potential of these isolates to show antimicrobial activity and produce biotechnologically important enzymes. Samples of glacial ice, sediments, and meltwater were collected from Tirich Mir glacier, and 46 fungal strains were isolated and characterized for identity and biotechnological applications. The findings revealed Penicillium (10) as the most common genus, followed by Alternaria (9), Cladosporium (7), Coprinopsis, two isolates each belonging to genus Phoma, Ulocladium, Epicoccum, Onygenales, and Didymella, and one isolate of genus Davidiella, Aspergillus, Geomyces, Dothideomycetes, Pseudogymnoascus, Irpex, Scopulariopsis, Ascochyta, Tomicus, and Davidiellaceae. Davidiella tassiana HTF9 showed growth in the presence of 18% NaCl and pH 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. The isolates Ulocladium sp. and Onygenales sp. inhibited the growth of test fungi, Gram‐negative and positive bacteria. Fungal strains were capable of producing cold‐active enzymes, including cellulase, lipase, amylase, and deoxyribonuclease. The isolate Penicillium chrysogenum HTF24 was an efficient producer of amylase, deoxyribonuclease, and cellulase. The fungi of high‐altitude glaciers are potent candidates for biotechnological applications; however, studies using more sensitive techniques are needed for further exploration.
Tuning cytokines enriches dendritic cells and regulatory T cells in the periodontium
Authors: Sands R. Warren , Verbeke Catia S. , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Silva Eduardo A. , Hsiong Susan , Kawai Toshihisa , Mooney David
Published: March 2020

Background

Periodontal disease results from the pathogenic interactions between the tissue, immune system, and microbiota; however, standard therapy fails to address the cellular mechanism underlying the chronic inflammation. Dendritic cells (DC) are key regulators of T cell fate, and biomaterials that recruit and program DC locally can direct T cell effector responses. We hypothesized that a biomaterial that recruited and programmed DC toward a tolerogenic phenotype could enrich regulatory T cells within periodontal tissue, with the eventual goal of attenuating T cell mediated pathology.

Methods

The interaction of previously identified factors that could induce tolerance, granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), with the periodontitis network was confirmed in silico. The effect of the cytokines on DC migration was explored in vitro using time‐lapse imaging. Finally, regulatory T cell enrichment in the dermis and periodontal tissue in response to alginate hydrogels delivering TSLP and GM‐CSF was examinedin vivo in mice using immunohistochemistry and live‐animal imaging.

Results

The GM‐CSF and TSLP interactome connects to the periodontitis network. GM‐CSF enhances DC migration in vitro. An intradermal injection of an alginate hydrogel releasing GM‐CSF enhanced DC numbers and the addition of TSLP enriched FOXP3+ regulatory T cells locally. Injection of a hydrogel with GM‐CSF and TSLP into the periodontal tissue in mice increased DC and FOXP3+ cell numbers in the tissue, FOXP3+ cells in the lymph node, and IL‐10 in the tissue.

Conclusion

Local biomaterial‐mediated delivery of GM‐CSF and TSLP can enrich DC and FOXP3+ cells and holds promise for treating the pathologic inflammation of periodontal disease.
Design, synthesis, and antimicrobial behavior of novel oxadiazoles containing various N‐containing heterocyclic pendants
Authors: Zeng Dan , Wang Ming‐Wei , Xiang Meng , Liu Li‐Wei , Wang Pei‐Yi , Li Zhong , Yang Song
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The gradually elevated outbreak of plant bacterial diseases severely limits agricultural products and small amounts of pesticides can manage them. Our group has previously synthesized and screened the antimicrobial activity of diverse 1,3,4‐oxadiazole thioether/sulfone compounds bridged by a sulfur atom at the 2‐position of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of eliminating the sulfur atom on bioactivity. Herein, a novel type of N‐containing heterocyclic pendants‐tagged 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles bridged by alkyl chains only was systematically synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities.

RESULTS

Bioassay results revealed that antibacterial efficacy increased by 551‐ and 314‐fold against the corresponding phytopathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and X. axonopodis pv. citri compared to commercial agents bismerthiazol and thiodiazole copper. In vivo trials showed that C
1 exerted remarkable curative activity against rice bacterial blight with a control effectiveness of 52.9% at 200 μg mL−1. Antibacterial mechanism research found that C
1 could reduce the hypersensitive response behavior and pathogenicity of Xoo through targeting the type III secretion system (T3SS) at a lower drug dose. This outcome was verified by observing the significantly down‐regulated proteins and representative genes from the related quantitative proteomics and qRT‐PCR assays.

CONCLUSION

This study can inspire the design of innovative molecular frameworks targeting the T3SS of phytopathogens for controlling bacterial infections. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Neighbourhood gentrification, displacement, and poverty dynamics in post‐recession England
Authors: Fransham Mark
Published: March 2020

A recent “return to the city” by middle‐class professionals in England, with the increasing “suburbanisation” of poverty and an ongoing housing crisis, has increased the salience of concerns about neighbourhood gentrification via the involuntary displacement of established working class residents. This paper reports a systematic analysis of gentrification and income poverty in England that adopts innovative methodological approaches: a multivariate index of gentrification, propensity score matching to establish a comparison group, and sensitivity testing with respect to different “gentrification” definitions. The paper investigates three possible theoretical processes that could have driven the observed decline in income poverty rates in gentrifying areas: inward mobility to areas, outward mobility from areas, and in situ changes in poverty status. The post‐recession period 2010–2014 is studied using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. There is good evidence from aggregate and individual‐level analyses for a relationship between “inward” mobility, poverty status, and area gentrification. In addition, people moving to gentrifying areas were more likely to have a university degree and more likely to be in the professional occupational class than people who moved to nongentrifying comparison areas. On the other hand, no such relationships are found for “outward” mobility. The strongest evidence is found for “exclusionary displacement” (the restricted ability of low‐income households to move in to an area) rather than “direct displacement” (increased outward mobility of existing residents) as the dominant driver of gentrification in this period.
Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and acute anti‐inflammatory potential of two oral cannabidiol preparations in healthy adults
Authors: Hobbs Jack M. , Vazquez Allegra R. , Remijan Nicholas D. , Trotter Roxanne E. , Vincent Gear Thomas , Freedman Kimberly E. , Wei Yuren , Woelfel Keith A. , Arnold Olivia R. , Wolfe Lisa M. , Johnson Sarah A. , Weir Tiffany L.
Published: March 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a dietary supplement with numerous purported health benefits and an expanding commercial market. Commercially available CBD preparations range from tinctures, oils, and powders, to foods and beverages. Despite widespread use, information regarding bioavailability of these formulations is limited. The purpose of this study was to test the bioavailability of two oral formulations of CBD in humans and explore their potential acute anti‐inflammatory activity. We conducted a pilot randomized, parallel arm, double‐blind study in 10 healthy adults to determine differences in pharmacokinetics of commercially available water and lipid‐soluble CBD powders. Participants consumed a single 30 mg dose, which is within the range of typical commercial supplement doses, and blood samples were collected over 6 hr and analyzed for CBD concentrations. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at baseline and T = 90 min, cultured and stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory response. Cell supernatants were assayed for IL‐10 and TNF, markers of inflammation, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The water‐soluble powder had Cmax = 2.82 ng/ml, Tmax = 90 min, and was approximately ×4.5 more bioavailable than the lipid‐soluble form. TNF was decreased in LPS‐stimulated PBMCs collected 90 min after CBD exposure relative to cells collected at baseline. This study provides pilot data for designing and powering future studies to establish the anti‐inflammatory potential and bioavailability of a larger variety of commercial CBD products consumed by humans.
A dynamic sustainability framework for petroleum refinery projects with a life cycle attitude
Authors: Hasheminasab Hamidreza , Gholipour Yaghob , Kharrazi Mohammadreza , Streimikiene Dalia , Hashemkhani Sarfaraz
Published: March 2020

For developing countries, energy infrastructure projects are not only important from a political and strategic point of view, but they are also of major significance in terms of sustainability. Energy infrastructure projects have major impacts on all three pillars of sustainability, that is, social, economic, and environmental. Refinery projects can have an even bigger impact on all three pillars, in terms of magnitude and severity of the consequences. Therefore, it is important to introduce methods and solutions to improve the level of sustainability at which petroleum refinery projects are designed, constructed, and operated. Petroleum refinery projects are multidisciplinary, multiattribute, and multistakeholder projects and decisions in this regard are always difficult to make and unclear about sustainability in the life‐cycle of the project. To deal with these complexities, a dynamic sustainability assessment framework has been proposed in this study. In this framework, different petroleum refinery project's properties such as location, size, functions, stakeholders, products, environmental resiliency, and so on are considered in various life‐cycle phases and are used to come up with a customized framework. Accordingly, a hierarchy of the latest and the most suitable Multiple Criteria Decision Making methodologies are utilized for different decision‐making environments to realize the required dynamicity in these projects. The methods used here are Grey Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment, Fuzzy Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution, and Combinative Distance‐Based Assessment, each of which are proposed for different decision‐making levels. The proposed methodology is applied to a real petroleum refinery project as a case study. Based on the case study results, the economical pillar gets nearly 50% of the importance based on the project's specific situation. Also, health, atmosphere, and economic performance are the most important indicators among social, environmental, and economic pillars, respectively. At the lowest level, quantitative factors are also ranked and weighted. For instance, the frequency of labors' illness is the highest health factors in the social pillar of sustainability.
Characterization of Food Amyloid Protein Digestion by Conical Nanopore
Authors: Giamblanco Nicoletta , Janot Jean‐Marc , Gubbiotti Alberto , Chinappi Mauro , Balme Sebastien
Published: March 2020

β‐lactoglobulin aggregates are used as structuring agents in food processing. Their enzymatic degradation follows different pathways depending on the enzyme and the pH. The transient species produced during the degradation process are difficult to characterize under continuous measurement. Here, conical track‐etched nanopores are used to investigate the β‐lactoglobulin degradation by pepsin (pH 2) and trypsin (pH 9). Before enzyme addition, two distinct populations, oligomers and protofibrils, are identified. Just after enzyme addition, the aggregate size decreases. For pepsin, a phenomenon of reaggregation that does not occur for the trypsin is evidenced. In addition, after 140 min a larger population of aggregate appears. The experimental results are supported by a kinetic model. This work also demonstrates that conical nanopore allows following the kinetic of transient protein aggregate intermediates during enzymatic degradation.
An efficient scheme for secure feature location using data fusion and data mining in internet of things environment
Authors: N Balaji , S Lakshmi , M Anand , M Anbarasan , P Mathiyalagan
Published: March 2020

Feature location (FL) is performed to find the relationships between domain concepts and other software artifacts. One major problem in maintaining a software system is to understand how many functional features exist in a system and how these features are implemented. Also, poor security is the prime problem in the FL system. However, the existing recent FL techniques use a textual and dynamic approach, which is not found to be secure, keeping in view the changes in the description of security attacks. To overcome this drawback, this work proposed a novel secure approach for FL utilizing data fusion as well as data mining for the internet of things environment. Firstly, the repeated test cases (TC) are eradicated as of the labeled TC. Next, important attributes are selected using the artificial flora optimization algorithm from the removed labeled TC. Then, association rule mining is performed to ascertain closed attributes. Subsequently, encrypt the closed attributes utilizing Caesar Cipher‐Rivest, Shamirs, as well as Adelman algorithm. After that, the score value of the closed attributes counts was found utilizing entropy calculation. Finally, the score value is given as input to the normalized‐K‐Means (N‐[K‐Means]) algorithm, where the score value is normalized utilizing min‐max normalization and then grouped utilizing K‐Means algorithm (KMA). It proffers better results for FL in the source code. The proposed N‐(K‐Means) performance is found better in comparison to the KMA and latent semantic indexing methods. The proposed system proffered better FL results in comparison to the other prevailing methods.
Effect of U‐shaped anchorages on concrete cover separation in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer‐strengthened beams with notches at the sheet end
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Shi Haifeng , Ueda Tamon , Jin Weiliang
Published: March 2020

Anchorage systems have been proven to efficiently prevent or postpone debonding of reinforced concrete structures strengthened in flexure with fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate or sheet. Although extensive studies on the effect of anchorage systems on intermediate crack debonding and end debonding of strengthened members have been performed, the effect of U‐shaped anchorages on commonly faced concrete cover separation remains unclear, and a corresponding design proposal has not been completed, which limits the practical use of anchorage systems for strengthening. In this study, carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP)‐strengthened beams with notches at the sheet end and CFRP U‐shaped anchorages of various widths and heights were specially designed to investigate the effects of anchorages on strength of concrete cover separation. The height of the U‐shaped anchorage was proved more important than its width to improve concrete cover separation strength, and the related mechanism was discussed. Furthermore, an analytical model was developed to predict the initial and full separation load of concrete cover with U‐shaped anchorages. The reliability and accuracy of the proposed analytical procedure were verified against the test results.
Gametogenesis and Assessment of Nonlethal Tools to Assign Sex and Reproductive Condition in Burbot
Authors: McGarvey Lauren M. , Halvorson Leif J. , Ilgen Jason E. , Guy Christopher S. , McLellan Jason G. , Webb Molly A. H.
Published: March 2020

Nonlethal tools (plasma sex steroid concentrations and ultrasound) for assigning sex and reproductive condition in Burbot Lota lota from Lake Roosevelt, Washington, were assessed. Gonadal tissue, blood plasma, and gonadal sonograms were collected monthly from November 2016 to March 2018. Gametogenesis was described by gonadal histology during an entire reproductive cycle to confirm sex and reproductive condition. Plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol‐17β (E2) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Plasma sex steroid profiles, gonadosomatic index, and ovarian follicle diameter were also described during an entire reproductive cycle. Plasma 11‐KT concentration was used to assign sex with 82% accuracy during the entire reproductive cycle, and plasma 11‐KT and E2 concentrations were used to assign sex with 98% accuracy when fish were reproductive (i.e., November–March in Lake Roosevelt). Plasma T and E2 concentrations were used to assign reproductive condition in females with 98% accuracy, and plasma T concentration was used to assign reproductive condition in males with 90% accuracy. Ultrasound was used to assign sex with 96% accuracy but was not useful for assigning reproductive condition. Nonlethal tools to assign sex and reproductive condition will enable fisheries biologists to assess reproductive indices of the Burbot population in Lake Roosevelt to inform management decisions.
Methoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl)methyl benzoate inhibits spinal cord injury in the rat model via PPAR‐γ/PI3K/p‐Akt activation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gong Ming , Luo Xinle
Published: March 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most commonly seen trauma leading to disability in people worldwide. The purpose of current study was to determine the protective effect of methoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl)methyl benzoate (HMPB) on SCI in rat model. TUNEL staining was used to examine apoptotic changes in spinal cord of SCI rats. The ELISA kits were employed to assess inflammatory processes and oxidative factors in the spinal cord tissues. Behavioral changes in SCI rats were assessed using Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system. Western blotting was used for assessment of proteins. The HMPB treatment of SCI rats reduced apoptotic cell number based on the concentration of dose administered. Treatment of SCI rats with HMPB enhanced BBB score and decreased accumulation of water content in SCI rats significantly. On treatment with HMPB the TNF‐α and interleukin‐6/1β/18 levels were suppressed in SCI rats. Treatment with HMPB induced excessive release of SOD, CAT, and GSH molecules and decreased overproduction of MDA. The SCI induced upregulation of caspase‐3/9 activity was completely alleviated by HMPB at 2 mg/kg dose. The HMPB treatment of SCI rats promoted peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ) expression, reduced cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 production and increased expression of p‐Akt and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (p‐PI3K). The study demonstrated that HMPB suppressed apoptosis, raised BBB score and inhibited inflammation in SCI rats. Moreover, activation of PI3K/Akt in the spinal cord tissues of SCI rats was promoted by HMPB. Therefore, HMPB has protective effect on SCI in the rat model.
Redundancy of foramen ovale flap may mimic fetal aortic coarctation
Authors: Vena F. , Donarini G. , Scala C. , Tuo G. , Paladini D.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To assess the relationship between presence of a redundant foramen ovale flap (RFOF), in the absence of a clearly restrictive foramen ovale, and ventricular disproportion, in three groups of fetuses: (1) those with a final diagnosis of aortic coarctation (CoA); (2) those referred for suspicion of ventricular disproportion and/or CoA which did not develop CoA postnatally; and (3) normal fetuses.

Methods

This was a retrospective study including 73 fetuses: 12 with a final diagnosis of isolated CoA; 30 referred for suspicion of ventricular disproportion and/or CoA, which did not develop CoA postnatally; and 31 normal fetuses. Four‐dimensional volume datasets and clips were assessed offline. Maximum diameters of the FOF (FOFD), left atrium (LAD), right atrium, left and right ventricles and, when available, aortic isthmus, were measured, as were areas of the FOF (FOFA), left atrium (LAA) and right atrium. The left/right ratios for all segments of the heart, as well as the FOFD/LAD ratio and FOFA/LAA ratio, were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between RFOF and ventricular disproportion and means were compared by ANOVA.

Results

Repeatability was fair, with all variables having an intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 83%. In the pooled group of fetuses with no CoA found at birth (normal fetuses plus those with ventricular disproportion (n = 61)), there was a significant linear correlation between redundancy of the FOF and degree of ventricular disproportion (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 for diameter and area ratios, respectively). Categorizing the FOF redundancy, FOFD/LAD ratio ≥ 0.65 was significantly associated with ventricular disproportion (P = 0.006). Based on the degree of FOF prominence, we described four categories of redundancy, ranging from no redundancy/ventricular disproportion (Stage 0) to severe redundancy/ventricular disproportion with transient obstruction of the foramen ovale or mitral orifice (Stage III). Comparing cases without neonatal evidence of coarctation but FOFD/LAD ratio ≥ 0.65 vs those with neonatal evidence of coarctation, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of ventricular disproportion or in the Z‐score of the aortic isthmus maximum diameter.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that: (1) there is an association between RFOF and ventricular disproportion, independent of the association with a restrictive foramen ovale, and (2) the presence of a RFOF may mimic CoA. In fact, it causes both ventricular disproportion and a significant reduction in the diameter of the aortic isthmus, associated in some cases also with reversed isthmic flow. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether focusing the sonologist's attention on the appearance of the foramen ovale may reduce the rate of false‐positive diagnosis of CoA. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Tauberian-Cardy formula with spin
Authors: Pal Sridip , Sun Zhengdi
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We prove a 2 dimensional Tauberian theorem in context of 2 dimensional conformal field theory. The asymptotic density of states with conformal weight (h,

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

) → (∞, ∞) for any arbitrary spin is derived using the theorem. We further rigorously show that the error term is controlled by the twist parameter and insensitive to spin. The sensitivity of the leading piece towards spin is discussed. We identify a universal piece in microcanonical entropy when the averaging window is large. An asymptotic spectral gap on (h,

$$ \overline{h} $$

h
¯

) plane, hence the asymptotic twist gap is derived. We prove an universal inequality stating that in a compact unitary 2D CFT without any conserved current

$$ Ag\le \frac{\pi \left(c-1\right){r}^2}{24} $$

Ag
≤

π

c
−
1

r
2

24

is satisfied, where g is the twist gap over vacuum and A is the minimal “areal gap”, generalizing the minimal gap in dimension to (h′,

$$ \overline{h}^{\prime } $$

h
¯

′

) plane and

$$ r=\frac{4\sqrt{3}}{\pi}\simeq 2.21 $$

r
=

4

3

π

≃
2.21

. We investigate density of states in the regime where spin is parametrically larger than twist with both going to infinity. Moreover, the large central charge regime is studied. We also probe finite twist, large spin behavior of density of states.
Trajectories of Adolescents Treated with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogues for Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Brik Tessa , Vrouenraets Lieke J. J. J. , de Vries Martine C. , Hannema Sabine E.
Published: March 2020

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) are recommended as initial treatment for adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria, providing time to follow gender identity development and consider further treatment wishes without distress caused by unwanted pubertal changes. This has been described as an extended diagnostic phase. However, there are also concerns about the physical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial effects of this treatment. In this retrospective study, we document trajectories after the initiation of GnRHa and explore reasons for extended use and discontinuation of GnRHa. Treatment was considered appropriate in 143 (67%) of the 214 adolescents eligible for GnRHa treatment by virtue of their age/pubertal status, and all started GnRHa (38 transgirls, 105 transboys; median age, 15.0 years [range, 11.1–18.6] and 16.1 years [range, 10.1–17.9]). After a median duration of 0.8 years (0.3–3.8) on GnRHa, 125 (87%) started gender-affirming hormones (GAH). Nine (6%) discontinued GnRHa, five of whom no longer wished gender-affirming treatment. Thirteen had used GnRHa for longer than required by protocol for reasons other than logistics and regularly met with a mental health professional during this time, supporting the use of GnRHa treatment as an extended diagnostic phase. In conclusion, the vast majority who started GnRHa proceeded to GAH, possibly due to eligibility criteria that select those highly likely to pursue further gender-affirming treatment. Due to the observational character of the study, it is not possible to say if GnRHa treatment itself influenced the outcome. Few individuals discontinued GnRHa, and only 3.5% no longer wished gender-affirming treatment.