bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does E‐Brand experience matter in the consumer market? Explaining the impact of social media marketing activities on consumer‐based brand equity and love
Authors: Chen Xiang , Qasim Haroon
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to examine the influence of perceived social media marketing activities (SMMAs) on the consumer‐based brand equity and brand love and to analyze the mediating role of E‐brand experience (EBE) between SMMAs and brand equity and between SMMAs and brand love. The data for the present study is collected from 441 Chinese consumers having exposure to the social media brand page through a structured questionnaire. The data is analyzed through IBM SPSS AMOS 26 by performing structural equation modeling. Results of the present research show that the positively perceived SMMAs have a great potential to enhance the consumer‐based brand equity as well as brand love. Furthermore, it is found that the EBE serves as the significant mediating variable between perceived SMMAs and brand love however, it does not serve as the significant mediating variable between perceived SMMAs and brand equity. The current study is of great significance in theoretical as well as practical terms because it will help researchers, marketers, and policymakers to understand the contribution of social media marketing towards different consumer‐based branding outcomes, for example, brand equity, brand love, and brand experience of Chinese consumers. Hence, the Chinese firms will be able to make better decisions and actions regarding those outcomes.
Contextualized STEM Workplace Learning in Career Centered Educational Training
Authors: Gale Tashera
Published: December 2020

This chapter reviews how the integration of foundational, technical, and soft skill development are strengthened when contextualized structures are intentionally embedded to support implementation of high‐quality, industry‐aligned instruction, and related efficacious outcomes.
TAACCCT Impact on Meaningful Employer Engagement
Authors: Cosgrove John , Cosgrove Maggie
Published: December 2020

This chapter discusses the employment engagement efforts of Missouri's twelve community colleges to improve program development, student recruitment, program assistance, student support, and employer hiring.
TAACCCT as a Facilitator of Organizational Change: Clark State's Advanced Manufacturing Program Reforms
Authors: Vinton Justin , Van Noy Michelle , Haviland Sara , Blondin Jo
Published: December 2020

This chapter describes how Clark State Community College used its TAACCCT grant in manufacturing to help drive organizational changes in the college to better serve local workforce needs.
Heterogenization of Ionic liquid Boosting Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Performance of Co3O4 Supported on Graphene Oxide
Authors: Zhang Wenlin , Yang Shuangcheng , Bai Shao‐Tao , Zhang Lu‐Hua , Zhang Yongkang , Yu Fengshou
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical oxygen reduction is essential for a variety of sustainable energy application technologies. The development of non‐noble metal based electrocatalysts with durable stability and lower overpotentials is still a challenge. According to the reaction mechanism, the difficulty is originated from large equilibrium potential for *OO− formation and high instability of it. Here, we synthesized a 2D electrocatalytic material with nano‐Co3O4 supported on ionic liquid‐functionalized graphene oxide (Co3O4/IL−GO). Experimental results show the heterogenization strategy of IL enables anodic shifts of approximately 150 and 145 mV for the initial and half‐wave potentials, respectively, enabling Co3O4/IL−GO a comparable activity to the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, Co3O4/IL−GO exhibits an excellent tolerance to methanol and superior long‐term stability over Pt/C making it a promising candidate for ORR in alkaline solutions. Theoretical calculations show the functionalized IL stabilizes the high‐energy Co−OO− intermediate through a strong pairing effect between the IL cation and the unstable *OO− adduct, and lowers the energy barrier for the subsequent Co−OOH formation, which enables the hybrid material a comparable activity and superior durability to Pt/C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first exploration for heterogenization of IL onto electrode to stabilize crucial intermediates and subsequently boost the catalytic performance.
Bifunctional Europium(III) and Niobium(V)‐Containing Saponite Clays for the Simultaneous Optical Detection and Catalytic Oxidative Abatement of Blister Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Marchesi Stefano , Guidotti Matteo , Marchese Leonardo , Evangelisti Claudio , Carniato Fabio , Bisio Chiara
Published: December 2020

For the first time, the co‐presence in the saponite structure of luminescent EuIII and catalytic NbV metal sites was exploited for the simultaneous detection and catalytic abatement of sulfur‐containing blister chemical warfare agents. Metal centers were introduced in structural positions of the saponite (in the interlayer space or inside the inorganic framework) following two different synthetic methodologies. The functionalized saponites were able to reveal the presence of a sulfur mustard simulant (2‐chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide (CEES) after few seconds of contact time and more than 80 % of the substrate was catalytically decomposed after 24 h in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
Rh‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution‐Based Enantioselective [4+2]‐Cycloaddition‐Isomerization of Allene‐1,3‐dienes
Authors: Qin Anni , Zhang Qian , Qian Hui , Han Yulin , Ma Shengming
Published: December 2020

Main observation and conclusion

The first example of Rh‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of 1,3‐disubstituted allene‐1,3‐dienes involving intramolecular [4+2]‐cycloaddition has been developed. Followed by C=C isomerization, the reaction finally afforded aza‐[4.3.0]bicyclic compounds with a very high enantio‐ and E‐selectivity. The mechanism has been unveiled by careful control experiments. The synthetic potentials of highly enantioenriched bicyclic products have also been demonstrated.
Comparison of coronary atherosclerotic disease burden between ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction: Non‐culprit Gensini score and non‐culprit SYNTAX score
Authors: Tanaka Takamasa , Miki Kojiro , Akahori Hirokuni , Imanaka Takahiro , Yoshihara Nagataka , Kimura Toshio , Yanaka Koji , Asakura Masanori , Ishihara Masaharu
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have worse long‐term prognoses than those with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Hypothesis

It may be attributable to more extended coronary atherosclerotic disease burden in patients with NSTEMI.

Methods

This study consisted of consecutive 231 patients who underwent coronary intervention for myocardial infarction (MI). To assess the extent and severity of atherosclerotic disease burden of non‐culprit coronary arteries, two scoring systems (Gensini score and synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and cardiac surgery [SYNTAX] score) were modified by subtracting the score of the culprit lesion: the non‐culprit Gensini score and the non‐culprit SYNTAX score.

Results

Patients with NSTEMI had more multi‐vessel disease, initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade 2/3, and final TIMI flow grade 3 than those with STEMI. As compared to STEMI, patients with NSTEMI had significantly higher non‐culprit Gensini score (16.3 ± 19.8 vs. 31.2 ± 25.4, p < 0.001) and non‐culprit SYNTAX score (5.8 ± 7.0 vs. 11.1 ± 9.7, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NSTEMI had more advanced coronary atherosclerotic disease burden including non‐obstruction lesions, which may at least in part explain higher incidence of cardiovascular events in these patients.
The association of prescription opioid use with incident cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Havidich Jeana E. , Weiss Julie E. , Onega Tracy L. , Low Ying H. , Goodrich Martha E. , Davis Mathew A. , Sites Brian D.
Published: December 2020

Background

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and researchers seek to identify modifiable risk factors Over the past several decades, there has been ongoing debate whether opioids are associated with cancer development, metastasis, or recurrence. Basic science, clinical, and observational studies have produced conflicting results. The authors examined the association between prescription opioids and incident cancers using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database. A complex relation was observed between prescription opioids and incident cancer, and cancer site may be an important determinant.

Methods

By using linked SEER cancer registry and Medicare claims from 2008 through 2013, a case‐control study was conducted examining the relation between cancer onset and prior opioid exposure. Logistic regression was used to account for differences between cases and controls for 10 cancer sites.

Results

Of the population studied (n = 348,319), 34% were prescribed opioids, 79.5% were white, 36.9% were dually eligible (for both Medicare and Medicaid), 13% lived in a rural area, 52.7% had ≥1 comorbidity, and 16% had a smoking‐related diagnosis. Patients exposed to opioids had a lower odds ratio (OR) associated with breast cancer (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92‐0.99) and colon cancer (adjusted OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86‐0.93) compared with controls. Higher ORs for kidney cancer, leukemia, liver cancer, lung cancer, and lymphoma, ranging from lung cancer (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.07) to liver cancer (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.31), were present in the exposed population.

Conclusions

The current results suggest that an association exists between prescription opioids and incident cancer and that cancer site may play an important role. These findings can direct future research on specific patient populations that may benefit or be harmed by prescription opioid exposure.
Pain and functional outcomes in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study
Authors: Tonning Olsson Ingrid , Alberts Nicole M. , Li Chenghong , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Liu Wei , Pappo Alberto S. , Bishop Michael W. , Anghelescu Doralina L. , Srivastava Deokumar , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Ness Kirsten K. , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Although survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of chronic pain, the impact of pain on daily functioning is not well understood.

Methods

A total of 2836 survivors (mean age, 32.2 years [SD, 8.5 years]; mean time since diagnosis, 23.7 years [SD, 8.2 years]) and 343 noncancer community controls (mean age, 35.5 years [SD, 10.2 years]) underwent comprehensive medical, neurocognitive, and physical performance assessments, and completed measures of pain, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and social functioning. Multinomial logistic regression models, using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), examined associations between diagnosis, treatment exposures, chronic health conditions, and pain. Relative risks (RRs) between pain and neurocognition, physical performance, social functioning, and HRQOL were examined using modified Poisson regression.

Results

Approximately 18% of survivors (95% CI, 16.1%‐18.9%) versus 8% of controls (95% CI, 5.0%‐10.9%) reported moderate to very severe pain with moderate to extreme daily interference (P < .001). Severe and life‐threatening chronic health conditions were associated with an increased likelihood of pain with interference (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.62‐2.54). Pain with daily interference was found to be associated with an increased risk of impaired neurocognition (attention: RR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.46‐2.41]; and memory: RR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.25‐2.17]), physical functioning (aerobic capacity: RR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.84‐2.84]; and mobility: RR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.42‐2.06]), social functioning (inability to hold a job and/or attend school: RR, 4.46 [95% CI, 3.45‐5.76]; and assistance with routine and/or personal care needs: RR, 5.64 [95% CI, 3.92‐8.10]), and HRQOL (physical: RR, 6.34 [95% CI, 5.04‐7.98]; and emotional: RR, 2.83 [95% CI, 2.28‐3.50]).

Conclusions

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of pain and associated functional impairments. Survivors should be screened routinely for pain and interventions targeting pain interference are needed.
An uncertain future: Predicting events using conditional event evolutionary graph
Authors: Gao Jianqi , Luo Xiangfeng , Wang Hao
Published: December 2020

Event evolutionary graph (EEG) reflects sequential and causal relations between events, which is of great value for event prediction. However, lacking event context in the EEG raises the problems of direction uncertainty and low accuracy when making predictions. In this article, we propose a conditional event evolutionary graph (CEEG) to deal with these problems. CEEG extends EEG with an additional four types of event context, including state, cause, sub‐type, and object. We first extract event context by matching the input with self‐adaptive semantic templates and generalize the context for each event. To identify the evolution direction, we treat it as a binary classification problem and calculate the event transition probability for each direction given the generalized context. Experimental results show that CEEG has a strong ability to generate better event evolutionary paths compared with NAR, EEM, and other non‐context‐based methods.
Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy—Importance of cytopathological diagnosis and challenges
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Zaheer Sufian , Kolte Sachin S. , Sangwan Shruti , Ranga Sunil
Published: December 2020

Objective

Sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SCMI) is a rare, benign self‐limiting condition which occurs in the perinatal period. The goal of our study is to highlight clinicoradiological and cytopathological findings in these cases.

Material and Methods

A study was done at a tertiary level hospital, from January 2016 to December 2019. Thirteen cases were studied, out of which 11 were clinically suspected cases of SCMI tumor and two cases were clinically suspected as cervical lymph node tuberculosis which were finally diagnosed as SCMI on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) evaluation. Drs. N. K., S. Z., S. S. K., and S. R. independently reviewed the original diagnosis. Clinical, ultrasonographical, and cytopathological features are highlighted along with follow‐up of the cases.

Results

There were a total of 13 cases, out of which 11 cases were neonates and two cases were more than 1 month of age (2 months and 2.5 months). Male: female ratio was 10:3 and swelling was present more commonly on the right side of the neck. Ultrasonography predominantly showed non‐cystic, bulky, and heterogenous echotexture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Smears were moderately cellular showing mainly singly scattered oval to spindle shaped fibroblasts along with degenerating and regenerating muscle fibers.

Conclusion

FNAC along with adequate clinic‐radiological correlation aids in early and reliable diagnosis and can help curtail complications.
New reporter zebrafish line unveils heterogeneity among lymphatic endothelial cells during development
Authors: Frétaud Maxence , Do Khoa Nam , Houel Armel , Lunazzi Aurélie , Boudinot Pierre , Langevin Christelle
Published: December 2020

Background

In zebrafish, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) originate from multiple/several distinct progenitor populations and generate organ‐specific lymphatic vasculatures. Cell fate and tissue specificities were determined using a combination of genetically engineered transgenic lines in which the promoter of a LEC‐specific gene drives expression of a fluorescent reporter protein.

Results

We established a novel zebrafish transgenic line expressing eGFP under the control of part of the zebrafish batf3 promoter (Basic Leucine Zipper ATF‐Like Transcription Factor 3). Spatiotemporal examination of Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) transgenic fish revealed a typical lymphatic expression pattern, which does not perfectly recapitulate the expression pattern of existing LEC transgenic lines. eGFP+ cells constitute a heterogeneous endothelial cell population, which expressed LEC and/or blood endothelial cells (BEC) markers in different tissues. In addition, we characterize the renal eGFP+ cell as a population of interest to study kidney diseases and regeneration.

Conclusion

Our Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) reporter zebrafish line provides a useful system to study LEC populations, of which heterogeneity depends on origin of progenitors, tissue environment and physiological conditions. We further developed a novel fish‐adapted tissue clearing method, which allows deep imaging and 3D‐visualization of vascular and lymphatic networks in the whole organism.
A simple completion of Fisher’s fundamental theorem of natural selection
Authors: Grafen Alan
Published: December 2020

Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection shows that the part of the rate of change of mean fitness that is due to natural selection equals the additive genetic variance in fitness. Fisher embedded this result in a model of total fitness, adding terms for deterioration of the environment and density dependence. Here, a quantitative genetic version of this neglected model is derived that relaxes its assumptions that the additive genetic variance in fitness and the rate of deterioration of the environment do not change over time, allows population size to vary, and includes an input of mutational variance. The resulting formula for total rate of change in mean fitness contains two terms more than Fisher's original, representing the effects of stabilizing selection, on the one hand, and of mutational variance, on the other, making clear for the first time that the fundamental theorem deals only with natural selection that is directional (as opposed to stabilizing) on the underlying traits. In this model, the total (rather than just the additive) genetic variance increases mean fitness. The unstructured population allows an explanation of Fisher's concept of fitness as simply birth rate minus mortality rate, and building up to the definition in structured populations.
Neuraminidase Based Electro‐Nano Diagnostic Platforms: Development of Model Systems for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Tepeli Büyüksünetçi Yudum , Anik Ülkü
Published: December 2020

An electrochemical biosensor that monitored neuraminidase (NEU3), activity was developed. The analysis platform included a graphene‐platinum hybrid modified gold screen printed electrode as a transducer. The detection protocol was based on observation of NEU3 activity which was used to remove sialic acid from the GD3 ganglioside. Examination of analytical characteristics resulted with two linear ranges of 10−8 U/mL–10−1 and 10−1 U/mL–2.53 U/mL with limit of detection values of 10−8 U/mL and 10−1 U/mL, respectively. The selectivity of the developed NEU3 activity based electrochemical biosensor was tested with HeLa, VERO and A549 cell lines.
Application of capillary electrophoresis‐nano‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry for the determination of N‐nitrosodimethylamine in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Řemínek Roman , Foret František , Chung Doo Soo
Published: December 2020

After a presence of highly hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic N‐nitrosodimethylamine was detected in certain lots of sartan, ranitidine, metformin, and other pharmaceuticals, local regulatory authorities issued recalls of suspected products, and concerns of the pharmacotherapy safety were widely discussed. Since then, testing of a representative sample of each produced lot of these pharmaceuticals is required as a part of quality control processes. Hence, an interface‐free CE‐nanoESI system coupled with MS detection was employed for the development of a simple and economical method for quantitative detection of this contaminant in the valsartan drug substances and finished formulations used as model matrices. In this arrangement, a fused‐silica capillary was used as both a separation column and a nanoESI emitter providing high ionization efficiency and sensitivity. The optimized procedure was found to have sufficient selectivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. The established LOD and LOQ values were 0.3 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The practical applicability of the method was tested by analyses of commercially available Valsacor® tablets. The results obtained prove that the developed procedure represents a promising alternative to currently available GC‐ and LC‐based methods. Furthermore, after an adjustment of the separation conditions, the CE‐nanoESI/MS system can be conceptually used for the determination of NDMA in other suspected pharmaceuticals.
To educate a woman and to educate a man: Gender‐specific sexual behavior and human immunodeficiency virus responses to an education reform in Botswana
Authors: Lindskog Annika , Durevall Dick
Published: December 2020

This study analyses mechanisms that link education to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a focus on gender differences, using data from four nationally representative surveys in Botswana. To estimate the causal effect, an exogenous 1‐year increase of junior secondary school is used. The key finding is that women and men responded differently to the reform. Among women, it led to delayed sexual debut and reduced time between first sex and marriage by up to a year. Among men, risky sex, measured by the likelihood of concurrent sexual partnerships and paying for sex, increased. The increase in risky sex among men is likely to be due to the education reform's positive impact on income. The reform reduced the likelihood of HIV infection sharply among women, especially among relatively young women age 18–24. The impact on men's likelihood of HIV infection is uncertain.
Local binary pattern encoding schemes for computed tomography image segmentation: An experimental and comparative study
Authors: Lo Hsien‐Jen , Wu Chih‐Hung
Published: December 2020

Local binary patterns (LBPs) are used for effective texture representation in various applications. This study explores the clustering consistency and stability of image segmentation when distance‐based clustering methods are used with an LBP. Because data are described by features and attributes, distances among data are also dominated by the definition of features. Moreover, four popular LBP encoding schemes for segmenting computed tomography (CT) images by using fuzzy C‐means are discussed and compared. The experimental results demonstrate several notable phenomena: When the pixels are encoded in different LBP encoding schemes, the distance between these pixels varies considerably. The experimental results indicate that each LBP encoding scheme emphasizes a specific image texture that dominates how pixels are described in the feature space and thus affects the clustering results. Based on the evaluation of CT image segmentation by using the clustering inconsistency index, linear and corner‐like LBPs are particularly suitable for clustering longitudinal sections and cross sections of CT images, respectively.
The effects of transition to technician‐delivered telehealth ABA treatment during the COVID‐19 crisis: A preliminary analysis
Authors: Pollard Joy S. , LeBlanc Linda A. , Griffin Christan A. , Baker Joseph M.
Published: December 2020

Telehealth delivery of applied behavior analysis treatment has focused on supervision or staff and parent training, rather than the direct delivery of treatment to clients. The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) crisis had the potential to significantly disrupt access to direct treatment for individuals with autism. We report a sample of 17 cases that transitioned from in‐person to telehealth delivery of treatment when shelter‐in‐place orders were issued. Of these cases, 76% of participants transitioned to technician‐delivered telehealth services whereas the rest transitioned to a caregiver‐implemented telehealth model. Participants continued to access a similar dosage of treatment hours per week in spite of the treatment model transition (in‐person M = 12; telehealth M = 11) and maintained or improved correct independent responding across all targets from in‐person treatment (M = 75%) to telehealth treatment (M = 80%). These findings provide initial evidence that some clients with autism benefit from technician‐delivered telehealth services.
Cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles to innate and adaptive human immune cells
Authors: Czyżowska Agnieszka , Barbasz Anna
Published: December 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) are widely used in almost every area of life. Therefore, exposure to them is unavoidable, which makes it necessary to assess their safety for humans. This paper aims to determine toxicity of ZnO‐NPs of two diameters toward human immune cells responsible for: innate response (U‐937 and HL‐60) and acquired response (COLO‐720L and HUT‐78). Mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, degree of cellular lipid oxidation, induction of inflammation, and activation of the apoptosis pathway were evaluated to determine differences in cellular response to the tested nanoparticles. ZnO‐NPs with a diameter of 100 and 130 nm cause significant cell mortality at 25 and 12 mg/L, respectively. Mitochondrial damage leads to the activation of the caspase cascade and, consequently, to cell apoptosis. ZnO‐NPs also cause peroxidation of membrane lipids. Due to the photocatalytic properties of ZnO‐NPs, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the degree of their toxicity was also investigated. However, UV irradiation enhances the toxic effect of nanoparticles mainly by weakening the cell's defense capabilities. ZnO‐NPs are cytotoxic to human immune system, and they may cause both long‐term and short‐term negative effects.
Purpurin binding interacts with LHPP protein that inhibits PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells HCT‐116
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Zhou Xu , Zhu Huaqiang , Song Xie , Gao Hengjun , Niu Zheyu , Lu Jun
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading type of diagnosed cancer; globally, it resides in the fourth‐leading origin of cancer‐interrelated mortality in the globe. The treatment strategies were chemotherapy and potent radiotherapy. Although chemotherapy treatment can eliminate tumor cells, it remains with unnecessary toxic effects in cancer patients. Therefore, the identification of natural‐based compounds, which have selectively inhibiting target proteins with limited toxicity that can facilitate the therapeutic approaches against CRC. In this existing approach, which highlights the binding efficacy of our anthraquinone compound, purpurin against phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) protein restrains the CRC cell growth by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis signaling. Primarily, purpurin (36 μM) exposed to HCT‐116 cells and incubated for 24 and 48 h could induce reactive oxygen species production, subsequently alter mitochondrion membrane, and increase the apoptotic cells in HCT‐116. LHPP, a kind of histidine phosphatase protein, has been considered as a tumor suppressor in numerous carcinomas. However, purpurin‐mediated LHPP proteins and its associated molecular events in CRC remain unclear. In our docking studies revealed that purpurin has been strongly interacts with LHPP via hydrophobic and hydrophilic binding interaction. Western blot results confirmed that purpurin enhances the expression of LHPP protein, thereby inhibits the expression of phosphorylated‐PI3K/AKT, EGFR, cyclin‐D1, PCNA in HCT‐116 cells. Moreover, purpurin induces messenger RNA expression of apoptotic genes (Bax, CASP‐9, and CASP‐3) in HCT‐116 cells. Thus, we conclude that purpurin could be a natural and useful compound, which inhibits the growth of CRC cells through the activation of LHPP proteins.
Molecular dynamics simulation combined with small‐angle X‐ray/neutron scattering defining solution‐state protein structures
Authors: Lin Shang‐Wei , Su Kuan‐Hsuan , Yeh Yi‐Qi , Jeng U‐Ser , Wu Chun‐Ming , Yang Hsiao‐Ching
Published: December 2020

Protein crystallography is frequently used to obtain the atomic‐resolution structure of a particular protein by x‐ray diffraction of its crystallized form. Nevertheless, a single static structure cannot represent the sequence structural dynamics of a protein's function. Based on our previous study (J. Phys. Chem. B 2017, 121 (50), 11229–11240 and ACS Catal. 2018, 8 (3), 2534–2545), we herein introduce a strategy of determining the protein hydration structures by small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) with contrast variation techniques, in combination with molecular dynamics simulation (MD), to describe hydrodynamics conformation transitions of biomacromolecules. Water is a partner that conducts the dynamics of proteins, and hydration interactions with proteins affect their dynamics. To shed light on the way of the chemical constitution of a protein, the water interactions, and the dynamics of its structure underlie the specific mechanisms of enzyme functions, we review an integrated approach using small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to probe the structural dynamics of a given protein, thus shedding light on its function.
Guilt of the Meat‐Eating Consumer: When Animal Anthropomorphism Leads to Healthy Meat Dish Choices
Authors: Kim Danny JM , Yoon Sunyee
Published: December 2020

Despite increasing concerns about animal welfare and the general prevalence of meat‐eating practices, little attention has been paid in the consumer behavior literature to understanding consumer guilt around meat consumption. This research fills this void by exploring how consumers behave when animals are anthropomorphized, which can cause moral concerns to arise regarding the harm inflicted upon animals. We found that animal anthropomorphism can reduce meat consumption when consumers already have a low commitment to eating meat. However, the majority of consumers do not reduce their meat consumption in the face of animal anthropomorphism. Instead, they choose healthier meat dishes over less healthy but tastier meat dishes because the health benefits of meat consumption provide a strong excuse for eating meat, thereby dissipating their guilt about animal suffering. We demonstrate that guilt reduction is the underlying process mechanism and that the humane treatment of meat animals, which alleviates guilt about animal suffering, attenuates the effect of animal anthropomorphism on the choice of healthy meat dishes.
Study of cellular architecture and micromechanical properties of cuajilote fruits (Parmentiera edulis D.C.) using different microscopy techniques
Authors: Vicente‐Flores Macario , Güemes‐Vera Norma , Chanona‐Pérez José Jorge , Perea‐Flores María de Jesús , Arzate‐Vázquez Israel , Quintero‐Lira Aurora , Sánchez‐Fuentes Cinthia Erika
Published: December 2020

The cuajilote (Parmentiera edulis D.C.) tree produces fibrous fruits with a high content of lignocellulosic compounds. However, this fruit and their fibers have been scarcely studied. For this reason, an integral study of their cellular architecture, physicochemical, micromechanical, and structural properties in two maturity stages were carried out. Physicochemical tests, light, confocal and electron microscopy, microindentation, and X‐ray diffraction were used for the characterization of fruit and their fibers. Chemical analysis showed that the unripe fruits have the highest cellulose content (42.17%), but in ripe fruit the cellulose content decreases (32.76%) while lignin content increases from 35.26 to 40.79%, caused by the lignification of the sclerenchyma fibers. Microstructural and micromechanical studies in the different regions of the fruit provided relevant information about its cellular architecture, distribution of lignocellulosic compounds and its role in the micromechanical properties of their fibers. The thickening cell wall of sclerenchyma fibers was caused by the cellular lignification of the ripe fruits. According to the physicochemical and structural studies, cuajilote fibers are comparable to other fibers obtained from crops rich in lignocellulosic compounds. The current study provided new knowledge about the cellular architecture of fruit and criteria for selecting the ripening stage adequate for the extraction of cellulose or lignin. Furthermore, information regarding the micromechanical properties of their fibers and which structural arrangement could be more convenient for mechanical reinforcement of biodegradable materials was obtained.
Rhinarium skin structure and epidermal innervation in selected mammals
Authors: Tuminaite Inga , Kröger Ronald H. H.
Published: December 2020

The glabrous skin around the nostrils in mammals is called a rhinarium or planum nasale. Rhinarium skin has multiple epidermal domes that are generally assumed to form a tactile surface. The rhinarium is innervated by a branch of the trigeminal nerve which is associated with stimuli such as touch, chemical irritants and temperature. In this study, our aim was to correlate variation in rhinarium skin sensory innervation with different feeding behaviors while also covering a broad systematic spectrum. Using histological and immunohistological methods, we studied skin morphology, nerve fiber density and nerve fiber distribution in the rhinarium epidermal domes of four species: cow, ring‐tailed lemur, brown bear, and dog, that all exhibit different feeding behaviors. All species share similar traits in rhinarium skin morphology, but glands were only found in cow rhinarium skin. The most substantial differences were observed in the innervation pattern. Mechanosensory skin organs were found only in the ring‐tailed lemur. Dog epidermal domes possess a pronounced central dermal papilla containing a nerve bundle in its top, close to the skin surface. The abundance of free epidermal nerve fibers in epidermal domes of all species, suggest that the rhinarium skin is a sensory surface, that can be used to detect fine touch, chemical irritants or temperature. In the species where the whole epidermal dome was examined, the intraepidermal nerve fiber density is higher in the central part of the domes. The nerve distribution and the central positioning of a single gland duct in cow and the dermal papilla top organ in dog indicates that each epidermal dome can be considered a functional unit. The observed differences in innervation hint at different sensory functions of rhinaria in mammals that may be correlated to feeding behavior.
Projected changes of typhoon intensity in a regional climate model: Development of a machine learning bias correction scheme
Authors: Tan Jinkai , Chen Sheng , Lee Chia‐Ying , Dong Guangtao , Hu Wenyan , Wang Jun
Published: December 2020

A machine learning‐based bias correction scheme was developed to adjust the simulated Western North Pacific typhoon intensity in a 25‐km regional climate model (RCM). The bias correction scheme, MLERA, consists of a hybrid neural network, which takes modelled atmospheric and oceanic conditions near the storm centre as input. We use air temperature, specific humidity, and relative vorticity at 300 hPa, geopotential height at 700 hPa, wind speed at 850 hPa, sea‐level pressure, 10‐m wind speed, and total air‐sea fluxes. Those predictors are selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) algorithm and principal component analysis (PCA). Because there is no ‘ground truth’ for RCM simulated storms, we train and test MLERA using ERA‐Interim reanalysis and best‐track data. The intensity statistics estimated from MLERA match well with those from observations. MLERA, when applied to RCM history base period, increases the likelihood of simulated typhoons (with wind speed >33 m/s) from 40.8 to 73.9% in the direct simulation. Meanwhile, the RCM itself produces no C3+ storms (wind speed >50 m/s) in both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, while MLERA significantly increases those storms. MLERA suggests an increasing trend of the frequency of violent typhoons from near‐term (2031–2060) to long‐term (2069–2098). Such an increase is consistent with our understanding that a warming climate will increase the storm intensity. The present study shows the potential of the machine learning technique for bias correcting cyclone intensity in RCMs. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm could also be applied to the next generation of high‐resolution global climate models, which may have a spatial grid spacing close to today's RCMs.
Network Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress and Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Community Sample of Adults Exposed to Childhood Abuse
Authors: Liebman Rachel E. , Becker Kendra R. , Smith Kathryn E. , Cao Li , Keshishian Ani C. , Crosby Ross D. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: December 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders (EDs) are individually debilitating and highly comorbid conditions. Childhood abuse is a prominent risk factor for PTSD and ED symptoms both individually and as a comorbid syndrome (PTSD–ED). There may be a functional association between comorbid PTSD–ED symptoms whereby disordered eating behaviors are used to avoid trauma‐related thoughts and feelings. The current study used a network analytic approach to examine key associations between PTSD and ED symptom subscales (i.e., PCL‐5 and EPSI, respectively) in a community sample of 120 adults who endorsed at least one experience of childhood abuse (i.e., physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; witnessing domestic violence). Participants completed an anonymous online survey using Amazon's Mechanical Turk Prime. We used three network analysis indices (i.e., strength centrality, key players, and bridge symptoms) to identify symptoms that may maintain the comorbid PTSD–ED network. The results indicated that reexperiencing symptoms had the highest strength centrality in the PTSD–ED network and bridged the PTSD and ED clusters. For ED, cognitive restraint was a bridge to all PTSD symptoms. Hyperarousal, negative alterations in cognitions and mood (NACM), and purging were key players, indicating they are integral to the network structure. If replicated in prospective studies, these results may indicate that reexperiencing and cognitive restraint are core drivers of PTSD–ED comorbidity, whereas hyperarousal, NACM, and purging may be downstream consequences maintaining the comorbid condition. Concurrent treatments that address PTSD and ED symptoms simultaneously may result in the best outcomes.
Tracheoesophageal Diversion and Puncture for Preserving Phonation in Intractable Aspiration: A Case Series
Authors: Adachi Kazuo , Umezaki Toshiro , Inoguchi Takashi , Matsubara Naoko , Kise Norimoto , Lee Yogaku
Published: December 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

Tracheoesophageal diversion (TED) can prevent damage to the respiratory system in patients with swallowing disorders and/or repetitive aspiration pneumonia; however, TED may cause the loss of phonation. Our previous study demonstrated that TED with tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) prevents aspiration while retaining phonation. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate the feeding status and phonation of patients who underwent TED with TEP to verify the reproducibility of this procedure.

Study Design

Case series study.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 patients who underwent TED with TEP for intractable aspiration from February 2017 to August 2019 at Fukuoka Sanno Hospital. We evaluated the preoperative penetration aspiration score (PPAS), daily activities, preoperative and postoperative food intake level scale (FILS) score, nutrition route, maximum phonation time(MPT), and postoperative communication method.

Results

The study population included 10 men and 1 woman (mean age, 66 years; range, 44–81) with a PPAS of 6.8 ± 1.0. The FILS score changed from 2.1 ± 0.5 preoperatively to 7.5 ± 2.0 postoperatively (paired t‐test, P < .05), while the MPT changed from 7.9 ± 4.1 to 10.3 ± 4.2 s (paired t‐test, P = .9). Preoperatively, a gastric fistula (eight patients [73%]) was the main nutrition route, followed by a gastric tube (two patients [18%]). Postoperatively, the main nutritional route for eight patients (73%) was oral, while the remaining three patients (27%) used the oral route occasionally. All patients maintained laryngeal phonation function, and eight (73%) used only laryngeal phonation for communication.

Conclusions

Patients with intractable aspiration who wish to retain phonatory function should be advised to undergo TED with TEP.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1965–E1970, 2021
Habitat‐dependent impacts of exotic plant invasions on benthic food webs in a coastal wetland
Authors: Wang Sikai , He Qiang , Zhang Youzheng , Sheng Qiang , Li Bo , Wu Jihua
Published: December 2020

Exotic plants with wide ecological niches often invade multiple types of habitats, leading to homogenization of ecosystem structure and functions. How exotic plant invasions affect the structure and functions of benthic food webs in different habitats is poorly understood. We tested how Spartina alterniflora invasions affected benthic food webs in four contrasting types of habitat (Scirpus mariqueter marshes, Phragmites australis marshes, unvegetated tidal creeks, and bare tidal flats) in the Yangtze estuary. We examined distribution pattern of benthic macroinvertebrates, and documented the differences in basal resources of benthic food web by stable isotope analyses of δ13C and δ15N in different habitats. Our results showed that in unvegetated habitats, conversion of tidal creeks and bare tidal flats to exotic marshes following Spartina invasions significantly altered the functional composition of benthic food webs, which was driven partially by bottom‐up processes related to a consumer dietary shift from benthic organic matter to detritus (trophic effect) and by alteration in species composition related to habitat changes (nontrophic effect). In vegetated native habitats, while the replacement of native plants by Spartina consistently led to a shift in consumer diet from benthic organic matter to detritus, it did not significantly alter the functional composition of benthic food webs. These data suggested the relative importance of trophic and nontrophic effects of plant invasions on benthic food webs could vary with habitat structure (e.g., the presence of native vegetation). Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying homogenization of ecosystem structure and functions by exotic plant invasions.
Winter in two phases: Long‐term study of a shallow reservoir in winter
Authors: Cavaliere Emily , Baulch Helen M.
Published: December 2020

Climate‐driven decreases in ice‐cover duration have the potential to impact lake ecosystems, yet we have only partial understanding of the effects of winter conditions on physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes. We used 39 years of monitoring data to examine under‐ice changes in nutrients, oxygen, and phytoplankton in a shallow drinking‐water reservoir. Two phases of winter were identified. Early winter was characterized by declining oxygen. In this phase, there were increases in specific conductance and concentrations of ammonium (‐N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP). In the month prior to ice off these trends reversed themselves and phytoplankton began to increase. Specific conductance declined as meltwater entered the lake. Nutrients (SRP and ‐N) declined, concurrent with increases in chlorophyll a and oxygen during late winter. This work demonstrates that chemical and biotic changes through winter are highly time dependent and differ between early and late winter phases. The late winter phase is often unstudied because of unsafe ice conditions, but here, the “spring” bloom commonly occurs in late winter under ice. The phases of winter, which are likely driven by changes in light, must be considered as we work to understand how diverse lakes will respond to declining periods of ice cover, and what drives differences in the spring ecology of diverse ice‐covered lakes.
Long‐term intercomparison of two pCO2 instruments based on ship‐of‐opportunity measurements in a dynamic shelf sea environment
Authors: Macovei Vlad A. , Voynova Yoana G. , Becker Meike , Triest Jack , Petersen Wilhelm
Published: December 2020

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in surface seawater is an important biogeochemical variable because, together with the pCO2 in the atmosphere, it determines the direction of air–sea carbon dioxide exchange. Large‐scale observations of pCO2 are facilitated by Ships‐of‐Opportunity (SOOP‐CO2) equipped with underway measuring instruments. The need for expanding the observation capacity and the challenges involving the sustainability and maintenance of traditional equilibrator systems led the community toward developing simpler and more autonomous systems. Here we performed a comparison between a membrane‐based sensor and a showerhead equilibration sensor installed on two SOOP‐CO2 between 2013 and 2018. We identified time‐ and space‐adequate crossovers in the Skagerrak Strait, where the two ship routes often crossed. We found a mean total difference of 1.5 ± 10.6 μatm and a root mean square error of 11 μatm. The pCO2 values recorded by the two instruments showed a strong linear correlation with a coefficient of 0.91 and a slope of 1.07 (± 0.14), despite the dynamic nature of the environment and the difficulty of comparing measurements from two different vessels. The membrane‐based sensor was integrated with a FerryBox system on a ship with a high sampling frequency in the study area. We showed the strength of having a sensor‐based network with a high spatial coverage that can be validated against conventional SOOP‐CO2 methods. Proving the validity of membrane‐based sensors in coastal and continental shelf seas and using the higher frequency measurements they provide can enable a thorough characterization of pCO2 variability in these dynamic environments.
Scratch‐Healing Surface‐Attached Coatings from Metallo‐Supramolecular Polymer Conetworks
Authors: Mugemana Clément , Martin Anouk , Grysan Patrick , Dieden Reiner , Ruch David , Dubois Philippe
Published: December 2020

Self‐healing polymer coatings have gained increased attention as a pathway for regenerating the inherent properties of surface following mechanical, physical or chemical damages. In most cases, the adhesion between the polymer coating layer and the substrate is driven by physical interactions. For some applications, immersing the polymer coating under water or exposing the coating to organic solvent vapors will undoubtedly lead to the coating delamination. One way to circumvent this issue is to attach the coating to the substrate via covalent bonds. However, this process will impede the self‐healing feature of the polymer coating due to the confinement of the volume change of the polymer to one dimension. Herein, surface‐attached metallo‐supramolecular polymer conetwork coatings are reported. The ability of the polymer conetworks to swell in organic solvent while maintaining their dimensional stability combined with reversible supramolecular cross‐links based on metal complexes enables the design of scratch‐healing polymer coatings. These metallo‐supramolecular polymer conetworks are prepared in a three‐step UV‐initiated polymerization reaction starting from the poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)‐l‐polydimethylsiloxane (PPFPA‐l‐PDMS)‐activated ester covalently attached to the substrate. Reacting the polymer conetwork coating with the 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)pyridine and cross‐linking the pyridine phases with ZnCl2 lead to the poly(N‐(2(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethyl)acrylamide‐Zn(II))‐l‐polydimethylsiloxane (PNP4EA‐Zn(II)‐l‐PDMS) polymer conetwork coatings with scratch‐healing ability.