bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonreciprocal Mechanical Squeezing in a Spinning Optomechanical System
Authors: Chen Shan‐Shan , Meng Shan‐Shan , Deng Hong , Yang Guo‐Jian
Published: November 2020

A scheme for nonreciprocal mechanical squeezing (NMS) based on the three‐mode optomechanical interaction is proposed. In this scheme, a mechanical mode couples to a spinning whispering‐gallery‐cavity (WGC) mode and to an optical mode. An external laser is coupled into and thus drives the WGC via a waveguide. Mechanical squeezing results from the joint effect of the mechanical intrinsic nonlinearity and the quadratic optomechanical coupling, which, in the presence of strong thermal noise, is still considerable, while the nonreciprocity originates from the optical Sagnac effect. There are two NMS areas in the parametric space, one works for the laser driving from the left of the waveguide and another, from the right. For a given spinning speed of the WGC, the squeezing values in these two areas are equal if the corresponding detunings of the WGC differ from each other by two‐times of the Sagnac–Fizeau shift. At the red‐detuning resonance, the analytical results for the mechanical squeezing and cooling are obtained. The NMS scheme is robust to the thermal noise of the mechanical environment.
Characterization of CS/PVA/GO electrospun nanofiber membrane with astaxanthin
Authors: Zhang Hengfang , Lin Lexun , Ren Liping , Liu Yongxu , Song Rong
Published: November 2020

Tissue engineering has been widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering scaffolds have become a new research direction for periodontal regenerative repair. We aim to develop a biological scaffold material that can support host immunity and promote periodontal regeneration. In this paper, chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO)/astaxanthin (ASTA) nanofibers membranes were prepared by electrospinning. The nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, mechanical testing, antibacterial testing and cytotoxicity testing. The CS/PVA/GO/ASTA nanofiber membrane had favorable micro‐morphology, good mechanical properties and no cytotoxicity. This preliminary study demonstrates that the CS/PVA/GO/ASTA nanofiber membrane can be used for in vivo and in vitro experiments related to periodontal regeneration. The related mechanism of periodontal regeneration will be evaluated in future studies.
Calix[4]arene‐Based Triple‐Stranded Metallohelicate in Water
Authors: Morie Masayuki , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: November 2020

The title complex is a triple‐stranded metallohelicate organized by the self‐assembly of 5,17‐difunctionalized calix[4]arenes and metal cations with octahedral coordination geometry. Due to hydrophilic triethylene glycol chains on the lower rim of the calix[4]arene, the metallohelicate can encapsulate cationic guests in water. NMR and UV‐vis titration experiments reveal that the metallohelicate captures a pyridinium guest with an alanine derivative to form a host‐guest complex with a host‐guest ratio of 1 : 1. CD spectroscopy confirms the bias of the P‐ and M‐helical sense of the metallohelicate by the captured guest. The metallohelicate captures two molecules of dicationic N,N’‐dimethyl‐DABCO and monocationic N‐methyl quinuclidine, exhibiting a positive allosteric effect. 1H NMR titration experiments indicate that the bound guests are in close proximately to the aromatic rings of the ligands. Molecular mechanics calculations based on the UV‐vis and NMR observations suggest that the first guest preorganizes the conformation of the metallohelicate to facilitate access of the second guest to the cavity.
Transient Self‐assembly Processes Operated by Gaseous Fuels under Out‐of‐Equilibrium Conditions
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rahul Dev , Choi Seoyeon , Sen Shovan Kumar , Hwang In‐Chul , Kim Kimoon
Published: November 2020

Herein we report transient out‐of‐equilibrium self‐assembly of molecules operated by gaseous fuel mixtures. The combination of an active gaseous chemical fuel and an inert gas or compressed air, which assists the degassing of the gaseous fuel from the solution, drives the transient self‐assembly process. The gaseous nature of the fuel as well as the exhaust helps in their easy removal and thereby prevents their accumulation within the system and helps in maintaining the efficiency of the transient self‐assembly process. The strategy is executed with a rather simple experimental set up and operates at ambient temperatures. Our approach may find use in the development of smart materials suitable for applications such as temporally active gas sensing and sequestration.
Aggregation‐directed High Fidelity Sensing of Picric Acid by a Perylenediimide‐based Luminogen
Authors: Pramanik Bapan , Das Saurav , Das Debapratim
Published: November 2020

Widespread use of picric acid (PA) in chemical industries and deadly explosives poses dreadful impact on all living creatures as well as the natural environment and has raised global concerns that necessitate the development of fast and efficient sensing platforms. To address this issue, herein, we report a perylenediimide‐peptide conjugate, PDI‐1, for detection of PA in methanol. The probe displays typical aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) behaviour and exhibits a fluorescence “turn‐off” sensory response towards PA which is unaffected by the presence of other interfering nitroaromatic compounds. The sensing mechanism involves PA induced aggregation of the probe into higher order tape like structures which leads to quenching of emission. The probe possesses a low detection limit of 5.6 nM or 1.28 ppb and a significantly high Stern‐Volmer constant of 6.87×104 M−1. It also exhibits conducting properties in the presence of PA vapours and thus represents a prospective candidate for vapour phase detection of PA. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of a perylenediimide based probe that demonstrates extremely specific, selective and sensitive detection of PA and thus grasps the potential for application in practical scenarios.
Using real‐world examples of the COVID‐19 pandemic to increase student confidence in their scientific literacy skills
Authors: Anderson Ashlyn E. , Justement Louis B. , Bruns Heather A.
Published: November 2020

Over the last few decades, there has been a shift in the classroom from lecture‐based to active learning settings with the argument that students retain more information when they are involved in the learning process. This correlation is even stronger when the active learning setting incorporates a real‐world or personal connection. Using active learning activities that develop students' ability to comprehend primary scientific literature is particularly important in the field of immunology, due to the rapid expansion of information in the field, which has been further accelerated due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. By nature, immunology is interdisciplinary, requiring an integrated knowledge of concepts from several scientific disciplines to understand complex immune processes. Engaging undergraduate students through the use of primary literature can improve scientific literacy, develop critical thinking, and enhance understanding of complex topics. To explore this, we utilized a group learning activity in an introductory immunology course that incorporated both a coronavirus‐related review and COVID‐19 clinical research article. We found that this learning activity significantly enhanced student confidence in key scientific literacy skills: reading scientific literature, clearly explaining relevant points, and describing conclusions generated from the data. Moreover, all students reported that they enjoyed the activity and that it helped them understand more about the current COVID‐19 pandemic in the context of the immune response.
Psychiatric disorders in offspring of childhood or adolescent central nervous system tumor survivors: a national cohort study
Authors: Huang Wuqing , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Ji Jianguang
Published: November 2020

Background

Children experience a higher risk of psychiatric problems when their parents are diagnosed with cancer. However, the psychological effect among offspring who are born after parental cancer diagnosed in childhood or adolescence is unknown. We aimed to investigate the risk of psychiatric disorders in children of survivors with childhood or adolescent central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Methods

By combining several nationwide Swedish registers, we identified all children who had at least one parent previously diagnosed with CNS tumor below the age of 20. Five children without parental CNS tumor were randomly selected for the matching. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The incidence rate of psychiatric disorders was 8.46 per 1000 person‐years in children of CNS tumor survivors, whereas the rate was 7.47 in the matched comparisons, yielding an adjusted HR of 1.10 (95% CI = 0.94, 1.28). Boys of survivors had a higher risk of psychiatric disorders (adjusted HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.59). The risk of the specific types of psychiatric disorders in children of tumor survivors was comparable with that in the matched comparisons, except for mental retardation. Children of survivors experienced 2.36 times higher risk of mental retardation (95% CI = 1.21, 4.58), mainly of mild mental retardation (adjusted HR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.40, 6.38).

Conclusion

Children of survivors with CNS tumor in early life did not experience a significantly increased risk of overall psychiatric disorders, with the exception of an elevated risk of mental retardation that was mainly mild.
Rubellawus A–D, Four New Diterpenoids Isolated from Callicarpa rubella and Their Anti‐NLRP3 Inflammasome Effects
Authors: Wu Xue‐Wen , Wang Qi , Li Qing , Cui Yi‐Man , Pu Yu‐Kun , Shi Qiang‐Qiang , Bi De‐Wen , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Zhang Rui‐Han , Li Xiao‐Li , Zhang Xing‐Jie , Xiao Wei‐Lie
Published: November 2020

Four new diterpenoids, rubellawus A–D (1–4), along with three known compounds, were isolated and identified from the flowers of Callicarpa rubella. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic analysis. All the compounds were screened for their anti‐inflammatory activity and 14α‐hydroxyisopimaric acid and isopimaric acid showed significant NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 7.02 and 3.99 μM.
Icariin alleviatesMSU‐induced ratGAmodels throughNF‐κB/NALP3pathway
Authors: Cao Yun
Published: November 2020

Icariin (ICA) has anti‐inflammatory effects in some diseases, but its role in gouty arthritis (GA) is not clear. This study investigated the effects of ICA in monosodium urate (MSU)‐induced GA rat models. GA rat models were induced by MSU, and co‐treated with ICA of low‐dose (20 mg/kg), medium‐dose (40 mg/kg), and high‐dose (80 mg/kg), respectively. The ankle swelling rates, haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining changes, inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in synovial tissues were detected. The antioxidants levels in rat serum, and NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins and NALP3 inflammasome expressions in synovial tissues were also analysed. In cell experiments, chondrocytes were co‐treated with different concentrations of ICA (1, 5, 10 μmol/L) on the basis of MSU. The activities and inflammatory cytokines, hydroxyproline (Hyp) and glycosaminogly (GAG) expressions in chondrocytes were measured. In rat experiments, MUS increased the ankle swelling rates, promoted inflammatory cells infiltration, and increased IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, PGE2levels in synovial tissues, which were all alleviated by ICA. Moreover, ICA also suppressed nuclear translocation of NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins and reduced the expression of NALP3 inflammasome in rat models. As for cell experiments, ICA decreased the activity, inflammatory cytokines and GAG levels, and suppressed nuclear translocation of NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins of MSU‐treated chondrocytes. In general, medium and high concentrations of ICA showed good effects. ICA has an inhibitory effect in MSU‐induced rat GA models through NF‐κB/NALP3 pathway, which may provide a direction for the treatment of GA.

Significance

Icariin (ICA) has anti‐inflammatory effects in some diseases, but its role in gouty arthritis (GA) is not clear. This study excogitated that monosodium urate (MSU) increased the ankle swelling rates of rats, promoted inflammatory cells infiltration, and increased cytokines levels in synovial tissues, which were all alleviated by ICA. In related mechanism, we found that ICA might exert the catabatic functions through the NF‐κB/NALP3 pathway. The findings of this study clarified that ICA may provide a direction for the treatment of patients with GA and illustrated the relevant underlying mechanism of its role.
Biomarker discovery in highly invasive lung cancer cell through proteomics approaches
Authors: Kuo Chin‐Ho , Lin Meng‐Wei , Hsu Yu‐Wei , Chou Hsiu‐Chuan , Lin Li‐Hsun , Law Ching‐Hsuan , Lin Yi‐Chieh , Hu Ren‐Yu , Kuo Wen‐Hung , Ko Mei‐Lan , Chang Shing‐Jyh , Lee Ying‐Ray , Chan Hong‐Lin
Published: November 2020

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. The most common type of lung cancer is non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). When NSCLC is detected, patients are typically already in a metastatic stage. Metastasized cancer is a major obstacle of effective treatment and understanding the mechanisms underlying metastasis is critical to treat cancer. Herein, we selected an invasive subpopulation from the human lung cancer cell line A549 using the transwell system and named it as A549‐I5. Invasive and migratory activities of this cell line were analysed using wound healing, invasion, and migration assays. In addition, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, such as Snail 1, Twist, Vimentin, N‐cadherin and E‐cadherin, were assessed through immunoblotting. In comparison to A549 cells, the invasive A549‐I5 lung cancer cells had enhanced invasiveness, motility and EMT marker expression. Proteomic analysis identified 83 significantly differentially expressed proteins in A549‐I5 cells. These identified proteins were classified according to their cellular functions and most were involved in cytoskeleton, redox regulation, protein degradation and protein folding. In summary, our results provide potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic candidates for the treatment of NSCLC metastasis.

Significance of the study

When NSCLC is detected, most patients are already in a metastatic stage. Herein, we selected an invasive subpopulation from a human lung cancer cell line which had increased EMT markers as well as high wound healing, invasion and migration abilities. Proteomic analysis identified numerous proteins associated with functions in cytoskeleton, redox regulation, protein degradation and protein folding that were differentially expressed in these cells. These results may provide potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic candidates for the treatment of NSCLC metastasis.
Maize significance in Indian food situation to mitigate malnutrition
Authors: Choudhary Monika , Grover Kiran , Singh Mandeep
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

India the second most populous country across the world provides shelter to 270 million hungry people and 24% malnourished children below 5 years of age. So, India needs to grow enough staple food to alleviate malnutrition and hunger. At times, staple foods are not sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of the vulnerable group. So, dietary modification and cultivation of more nutritious food crops in sufficient amount are the only option in some nutritional deficiencies.

Findings

Maize being the fastest growing cash crop is the widely cultivated coarse cereal across the world and also contains the highest genetic potential among all food grains. The biofortified maize widely known as quality protein maize (QPM) has now become the miracle crop for developing countries as it has better nutritional quality. QPM offers a higher biological value (80%) which makes it equivalent to 90% of the milk protein.

Conclusions

QPM may provide a suitable remedy to curb protein‐energy malnutrition among children.

Significance and novelty

This paper has been attempted to summarize maize potential in terms of its production, biofortification, nutritional properties, and value‐added product development with respect to Indian food situation.
TiO2@UiO‐66 Composites with Efficient Adsorption and Photocatalytic Oxidation of VOCs: Investigation of Synergistic Effects and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Guo Ziyang , Yang Zhenxiang , Wang Jun , Xie Jun , Fu Mingli , Hu Yun
Published: November 2020

TiO2@UiO‐66 composite with intimate contact interfaces is fabricated by in situ solvothermal methods. Compared with other UiO‐based composites, TiO2@UiO‐66 exhibits superior photocatalytic activity for oxidation of toluene into CO2 during long‐time reaction under flowing conditions. This is because (1) the intimate contact interface and well‐matched band structure between TiO2 and UiO‐66 can effectively separate and transfer photogenerated electrons; (2) the synergistic effect between UiO‐66 and TiO2 promotes the adsorption of toluene and desorption of CO2 and provides sufficient active sites for photocatalytic reaction. The toluene conversion and CO2 production on 4TiO2@U are 3.27 and 4.10 times higher than that on UiO‐66, respectively. 4TiO2@U also shows the highest activity for formaldehyde and rhodamine B degradations. The in situ FTIR results exhibit that toluene can be oxidized by .O2− and h+ to benzaldehyde and benzoic acid, then further oxidized to oxalic acid, and finally mineralized into CO2 and H2O.
Modulation of the Effective Metal‐Support Interactions for the Selectivity of Ceria Supported Noble Metal Nanoclusters in Atmospheric CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Guo Yu , Liu Zongyuan , Zhang Feng , Wang De‐Jiu , Yuan Kun , Huang Ling , Liu Hai‐Chao , Senanayake Sanjaya D. , Rodriguez Jose A , Yan Chun‐Hua , Zhang Ya‐Wen
Published: November 2020

Ever‐increasing attention is paid to the sustainable utilization of CO2 in the atmosphere out of environmental and economic considerations. The deep‐going clarification of the effective and ineffective metal‐support interactions (MSI) in the supported catalysts for the catalytic performance of CO2 hydrogenation is particularly needed to design highly active nanocatalysts. How to tune the MSI to be effective for the selectivity of goal hydrogenation products is a significant but rather challenging subject. In this work, we demonstrate that the selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation can be regulated from preferential CH4 production to preferential CO production by varying the nature of the electronic MSI for ceria supported noble metal nanoclusters, and the effective MSI play a pivotal role for the catalytic systems with opposite hydrogenation selectivity. The modulation of the effective MSI for the selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation sheds new light on the comprehensive understanding of the MSI and interfacial effects in terms of tailoring and controlling the performance of supported heterogeneous catalysts.
Alkynylation‐Desilylation‐Alkynylation‐Cycloisomerization (ADAC) Three‐Component Synthesis of 2,2′‐Biindolyls – Concise Synthesis of Tjipanazole I
Authors: Kustosz Sebastian , Niesobski Patrik , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: November 2020

A sequentially Pd/Cu‐catalyzed alkynylation‐desilylation‐alkynylation‐cycloisomerization (ADAC) process in the sense of a consecutive three‐component reaction using TIPS‐butadiyne as a four carbon building block gives a rapid and efficient access to 2,2′‐biindolyls in a one‐pot fashion. This facile entry to unsymmetrically substituted title compounds has been employed in a concise two‐step synthesis of the alga alkaloid tjipanazole I.
Development of Real‐Time Models for Chemical Absorption/Desorption Loops
Authors: Fedorov Alexander , Frei Herrmann , Bothe Mike , Lutters Nicole , Kenig Eugeny Y.
Published: November 2020

Im Fokus der vorliegenden Arbeit steht die Entwicklung von schnell lösbaren dynamischen mathematischen Modellen (Echtzeitmodellen). Die Echtzeitmodelle stellen einen Teil von modellbasierten Werkzeugen dar, die zur Vermeidung und Beseitigung von Vor‐ und Notfallsituationen in der Industrie eingesetzt werden können. In dieser Arbeit wird die Echtzeitmodell‐Entwicklung anhand von chemischer Absorption illustriert, wobei die Grundlage die rigorosen dynamischen Rate‐based‐Modelle bilden. Die Entwicklung wird methodisch ausführlich erläutert und das Resultat in Form von mathematischen Gleichungssystemen präsentiert. Die Ergebnisse werden für die chemische Absorption von CO2 in wässrigen Monoethanolamin‐Lösungen gezeigt.
Sets that maximize probability and a related variational problem
Authors: Salamanca Juan J.
Published: November 2020

Let be a random variable of a Riemannian manifold. We assume that the C2‐probability density function of exists. This research addresses two variational questions. The first concerns sets that maximize their probability among those that have a fixed volume. We prove that such a set must have a probability density function that is constant along its boundary; equivalently, such a set must be a density level set. We also obtain the equations related to the maximization property (the stability of the solutions). The other variational problem is the inverse of the first question, namely which sets minimize their volume among those sets which have a predetermined probability? The solution of this problem will define a notion of a quantile set. We show that the solutions of both variational problems coincide (the critical point equation and the stability condition). As theoretical applications, we consider a decision‐making problem and fuzzy sets. As practical applications, we first explore how to locate a powerplant, and subsequently develop a model for a distribution of cheetahs.
Association between recent oncologic treatment and mortality among patients with carcinoma who are hospitalized with COVID‐19: A multicenter study
Authors: Song Kehan , Gong Hongyun , Xu Bin , Dong Xiaorong , Li Linjun , Hu Weidong , Wang Qun , Xie Zhibin , Rao Zhiguo , Luo Zhiguo , Chu Qian , Li Feng , Wang Jie
Published: November 2020

Background

To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the association between recent oncologic treatment and mortality in patients with cancer who are infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The objective of the current study was to determine whether recent oncologic treatment is associated with a higher risk of death among patients with carcinoma who are hospitalized with COVID‐19.

Methods

Data regarding 248 consecutive patients with carcinoma who were hospitalized with COVID‐19 were collected retrospectively from 33 hospitals in Hubei Province, China, from January 1, 2020, to March 25, 2020. The follow‐up cutoff date was July 22, 2020. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with a higher risk of death.

Results

Of the 248 patients enrolled, the median age was 63 years and 128 patients (52%) were male. On admission, 147 patients (59%) did not undergo recent oncologic treatment, whereas 32 patients (13%), 25 patients (10%), 12 patients (5%), and 10 patients (4%), respectively, underwent chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy. At the time of last follow‐up, 51 patients (21%) were critically ill during hospitalization, 40 of whom had died. Compared with patients without receipt of recent oncologic treatment, the mortality rate of patients who recently received oncologic treatment was significantly higher (24.8% vs 10.2%; hazard ratio, 2.010 [95% CI, 1.079‐3.747; P = .027]). After controlling for confounders, recent receipt of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 7.495; 95% CI, 1.398‐34.187 [P = .015]), surgery (OR, 8.239; 95% CI, 1.637‐41.955 [P = .012]), and radiotherapy (OR, 15.213; 95% CI, 2.091‐110.691 [P = .007]) were identified as independently associated with a higher risk of death.

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated a possible association between recent receipt of oncologic treatment and a higher risk of death among patients with carcinoma who are hospitalized with COVID‐19.
Genetic Risk Factors in Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Due to Isoniazid‐Containing Antituberculosis Drug Regimens
Authors: Nicoletti Paola , Devarbhavi Harshad , Goel Ashish , Venkatesan Radha , Eapen Chundamannil E. , Grove Jane I. , Zafer Samreen , Bjornsson Einar , Lucena M. Isabel , Andrade Raul J. , Pirmohamed Munir , Wadelius Mia , Larrey Dominique , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse , Ibanez Luisa , Watkins Paul B , Daly Ann K. , Aithal Guruprasad P.
Published: November 2020

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a complication of treatment with antituberculosis (TB) drugs, especially in isoniazid (INH)‐containing regimens. To investigate genetic risk factors, we performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) involving anti‐TB DILI cases (55 Indian and 70 European) and controls (1,199 Indian and 10,397 European). Most cases were treated with a standard anti‐TB drug regimen; all received INH. We imputed single nucleotide polymorphism and HLA genotypes and performed trans‐ethnic meta‐analysis on GWAS and candidate gene genotypes. GWAS found one significant association (rs117491755) in Europeans only. For HLA, HLA‐B*52:01 was significant (meta‐analysis odds ratio (OR) 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63–4.37, P = 9.4 × 10−5). For N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), NAT2*5 frequency was lower in cases (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57–0.83, P = 0.01). NAT2*6 and NAT2*7 were more common, with homozygotes for NAT2*6 and/or NAT2*7 enriched among cases (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.84–4.22, P = 0.004). We conclude HLA genotype makes a small contribution to TB drug‐related DILI and that the NAT2 contribution is complex, but consistent with previous reports when differences in the metabolic effect of NAT2*5 compared with those of NAT2*6 and NAT2*7 are considered.
Multitrait selection of pumpkin genotypes aimed at reducing the growth habit and improving seed production
Authors: de Oliveira Rebeca Lourenço , Gomes Ronaldo Silva , de Almeida Cleverson Freitas , Machado Júnior Ronaldo , Rocha João Romero A. S. de C. , da Silva Derly José Henriques , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza
Published: November 2020

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) has high food importance due to the high nutritional value of its fruit and seeds. Its seed oil is composed of ∼70% unsaturated fatty acids, and its production can be improved by increasing the number of plants per area. Pumpkin plants with reduced growth habits can be grown in shorter spacing and produce smaller fruits, but have a greater quantity of fruits per area. This study aimed to select from F2, BC1:1, and BC1:2 populations pumpkin genotypes with shorter internodes and higher seed productivity for oil production using the factor analysis and ideotype design (FAI‐BLUP) selection index. An augmented block design (ABD) was used with four replications. The traditional model of ABD analysis was compared with the spatial model to verify the presence of errors in the local and global trends in the experimental area. There was a significant difference for all traits evaluated in both the ABD and spatial models. Based on the Akaike information criterion, the model with the best fit for all characteristics was the ABD, which was efficient in guaranteeing the independence of the residues and the absence of errors in local and global trends. In general, the characteristics expressed high values of individual heritability and accuracy. Three common factors explained the seven characteristics studied, presenting a variability of 70.98%. Six of the seven characteristics showed desirable gains of up to 63.85%. The FAI‐BLUP index allowed the selection of superior pumpkin genotypes with a smaller size and higher seed productivity for oil production.
CO2 Reduction to Methanol in the Liquid Phase: A Review
Authors: Xie Shaoqu , Zhang Wanli , Lan Xingying , Lin Hongfei
Published: November 2020

Excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been subject to extensive attention globally, since an enhanced greenhouse effect (global warming) owing to a high CO2 concentration in the atmosphere could lead to severe climate change. The use of solar energy and other renewable energy to produce low‐cost hydrogen, which is used to reduce CO2 to produce bulk chemicals such as methanol, is a sustainable strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and carbon resources. CO2 conversion into methanol is exothermic, so that low temperature and high pressure are favorable for methanol formation. CO2 is usually captured and recovered in the liquid phase. Herein, the emerging technologies for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol in the condensed phase are reviewed. The development of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for this important hydrogenation reaction is summarized. Finally, mechanistic insight on CO2’s conversion into methanol over different catalysts is discussed by taking the available reaction pathways into account.
Interaction of hydric and thermal conditions drive geographic variation in thermoregulation in a widespread lizard
Authors: Rozen‐Rechels David , Rutschmann Alexis , DupouÉ AndrÉaz , Blaimont Pauline , Chauveau Victor , Miles Donald B. , Guillon Michael , Richard Murielle , Badiane Arnaud , Meylan Sandrine , Clobert Jean , Le Galliard Jean‐François
Published: November 2020

Behavioral thermoregulation is an efficient mechanism to buffer the physiological effects of climate change. Thermal ecology studies have traditionally tested how thermal constraints shape thermoregulatory behaviors without accounting for the potential major effects of landscape structure and water availability. Thus, we lack a general understanding of the multifactorial determinants of thermoregulatory behaviors in natural populations. In this study, we quantified the relative contribution of elevation, thermal gradient, moisture gradient, and landscape structure in explaining geographic variation in thermoregulation strategies of a terrestrial ectotherm species. We measured field‐active body temperature, thermal preferences, and operative environmental temperatures to calculate thermoregulation indices, including thermal quality of the habitat and thermoregulation efficiency for a very large sample of common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) from 21 populations over 3 yr across the Massif Central mountain range in France. We used an information‐theoretic approach to compare eight a priori thermo‐hydroregulation hypotheses predicting how behavioral thermoregulation should respond to environmental conditions. Environmental characteristics exerted little influence on thermal preference with the exception that females from habitats with permanent access to water had lower thermal preferences. Field body temperatures and accuracy of thermoregulation were best predicted by the interaction between air temperature and a moisture index. In mesic environments, field body temperature and thermoregulation accuracy increased with air temperature, but they decreased in drier habitats. Thermoregulation efficiency (difference between thermoregulation inaccuracy and the thermal quality of the habitat) was maximized in cooler and more humid environments and was mostly influenced by the thermal quality of the habitat. Our study highlights complex patterns of variation in thermoregulation strategies, which are mostly explained by the interaction between temperature and water availability, independent of the elevation gradient or thermal heterogeneity. Although changes in landscape structure were expected to be the main driver of extinction rate of temperate zone ectotherms with ongoing global change, we conclude that changes in water availability coupled with rising temperatures might have a drastic impact on the population dynamics of some ectotherm species.
Polyoxometalate‐Derived Ir/WOx/rGO Nanocomposites for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Huang Bo , Ma Yuntian , Xiong Zhelun , Xiao Zicheng , Wu Pingfan , Jiang Peng , Liang Minghui
Published: November 2020

Iridium (Ir)‐based nanomaterials are promising electrocatalysts for water splitting, and to alleviate their costs as well as improve the performances are always important tasks. Polyoxometalates (POMs) composed of abundant metal, oxygen, and heteroatoms are nanoclusters with defined structures. Benefitting from the inherent advantages of POMs, highly dispersive and “unprotected” Ir nanoparticles originating from Ir‐based colloid solution were successfully anchored on POM‐derived WO3/rGO nanocomposites for the first time. Interestingly, the obtained hybrid material Ir/WOx/rGO delivered improved electrocatalytic performance for water splitting, which is attributed to the addition of only quite small amount of POM derivatives. This work is also the first proof that POM can be employed as precursor to construct metal oxides to support Ir catalysts, providing a new vision for the design of advanced multi‐metal electrocatalysts.
Application of an Effects-Based Monitoring Strategy to Assess the Impact of Contaminants on Fish Health in an Urbanized Watershed
Authors: Mehinto Alvine C. , Schoenfuss Heiko L. , Wenger Ellie , Diehl Dario , Bay Steven M.
Published: November 2020

Effects-based monitoring frameworks that combine the use of analytical chemistry with in vitro cell bioassays, as well as in vivo whole organism tests offer an integrative approach to broadly screen for chemical contaminants and link their presence with adverse effects on aquatic organisms. California (USA) is currently evaluating the use of such a framework to assess the impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on biota in urbanized rivers and other waterbodies. In the present study, the occurrence and effects of contaminants found in the Los Angeles River (Los Angeles County, CA, USA) were examined using analytical chemistry and in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Male fathead minnows were deployed in field-based exposure units and exposed to river water for 21 d. The 2 field sites (above Bull Creek [BLC] and below Glendale Water Reclamation Plant [GWR]) were selected based on their unique characteristics and different contaminant discharge sources. In addition, 2 control units (filtered city water and estrone-spiked water) were added to the experimental design. Chemical analyses revealed differences in abundance of CECs between the 2 field sites and the controls, with GWR having the highest number and concentrations of CECs and metals. Cell bioassays screening for estrogenic, glucocorticoid, progestin, and dioxin-like activities were near or below detection limits in all river water samples, indicating a low potential for endocrine-related toxicity and tissue damage. Cell bioassay results were corroborated by the in vivo analyses. Field-exposed fish exhibited no changes in plasma hormones (e.g., estradiol), vitellogenin, or gonad maturation, but gene biomarkers of chemical exposure (cytochrome p450 1A and metallothionein) were significantly elevated, confirming exposure of the fish to complex chemical mixtures. The results demonstrate the value of a tiered monitoring approach to assess the sublethal effects of chemical mixtures on aquatic life. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:402–412. © 2020 SETAC
Rethinking Availability in Multimodal Composing: Frictions in Digital Design
Authors: Nichols T. Philip , Johnston Kelly
Published: November 2020

Multimodal composing using digital media has long emphasized forms of meaning making that extend beyond printed text to include a wider range of available semiotic resources. However, recent research has complicated this notion by highlighting how this availability does not follow inevitably from digital tools but arises from the interplay of their often invisible infrastructures (e.g., hardware, interfaces, algorithms, code). Using data from a technology‐rich humanities classroom, the authors explore three frictions that surfaced as students worked within and against these infrastructures to create a collaborative digital story. The authors show how attending to such frictions can open opportunities for inquiry and instruction related to the hidden infrastructures that condition multimodal composing in digital environments. Critical understandings of these infrastructures can support educators in creating more equitable conditions for multimodal literacy learning.
Comparative DFT study of vibrational, electronic, and optical properties of energetic alkali metal salts based on nitrogen‐rich 5‐aminotetrazole
Authors: Jharapla Prathap Kumar , Mondal Subrata , Vaitheeswaran Ganapathy
Published: November 2020

This article presents a thorough density functional theory based comparative study on nitrogen‐rich 5‐aminotetrazole alkali metal salts M 5‐At (M = Li, K, Rb, Cs). The calculated structural parameters using plane‐wave pseudopotential method are consistent with the experimental results. The computed vibrational frequencies at ambient pressure show that vibrational modes in high energy region are due the NH bond of NH2 group. Pressure variation IR spectra of these materials show clear frequency shifts where Li 5‐At shows an overall red shift below 900 cm−1 contrary to the blue shift seen in other materials in this range. The born effective charge values reveal the presence of strong covalency between N, H, and C atoms whereas an increased ionic nature is seen as the atomic number of metal atoms increases. Furthermore, we used full potential linear augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) method for calculating electronic structure and optical properties with TB‐mBJ potential which provides an enhanced band gap for all materials compared to standard GGA functional. Electronic structure calculation reveals that all the compounds are indirect band gap insulators with the exception of Li 5‐At. The computed partial density of states show mixed ionic‐covalent nature in metal‐N/C bonds and covalent nature in NC bonds. In addition, we are also presenting the optical properties such as real and imaginary dielectric constant, absorption, refraction, reflection, loss spectrum as functions of photon energy. From the optical properties we can conclude that all the studied compounds are optically anisotropic in nature and are good absorbers in the ultraviolet (UV) region.
Characterization of antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 in convalescent COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Liu Chuanmiao , Yu Xiaoqi , Gao Chunming , Zhang Li , Zhai Hui , Hu Yanan , Liu Enhui , Wang Qiong , Gao Yu , Wei Dong , Zhang Donghua , Han Yue , Zhang Xinxin
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, little is known about the durability of the antibody response during COVID‐19 convalescent phase. We investigated the prevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 specific antibodies including immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and the dynamic changes in antibody levels in convalescent COVID‐19 patients. A total of 159 blood samples were collected from 52 recovered COVID‐19 patients up to six months after symptom onset for longitudinal serological tests. The positive rate of IgG and IgM antibodies was 92.3% and 90.4% in the first month after symptom onset, and the seropositivity of IgG antibody remained high at all follow‐up time points, whereas the seropositivity of IgM antibody decreased to 22.73% by the sixth months after symptom onset. The level of IgG antibody was stable, the level of IgM antibody decreased slightly in the early convalescent phase and was detected in only five patients in the sixth month after symptom onset. The level of IgG antibody was higher in the severe and critical group than in the moderate group. The anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 specific antibodies have a long‐term persistence in convalescent COVID‐19 patients, whether they have long‐term protection need to be further investigated.
An outbreak of adenovirus D8 keratoconjunctivitis in Leicester, United Kingdom, from March to August 2019
Authors: Toovey Oliver T. R. , Kulkarni Priti , David Joicy , Patel Ayushi , Lai Florence Y. , Burns Joyce , Thompson Catherine , Ellis Joanna , Tang Julian W.
Published: November 2020

We report a large epidemic (n = 126) of keratoconjunctivitis predominantly with two lineages of adenovirus (AdV) type D8 in patients seen in eye casualty between march and August 2019. Other AdV species identified by viral sequencing included B, C, and E. Despite various features of more severe eye disease being present, these were not significantly different between the different AdV species, with similar rates of pseudomembrane formation and keratitis observed in patients with AdV species B as for those with AdV species D.
Comparing cytomegalovirus diagnostics by cell culture and quantitative nucleic acid testing in broncho‐alveolar lavage fluids
Authors: Leuzinger Karoline , Stolz Daiana , Gosert Rainer , Naegele Klaudia , Prince Spasenija S. , Tamm Michael , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: November 2020

Many clinical laboratories have replaced virus isolation in cell‐culture (VIC) for cytomegalovirus (CMV) by quantitative‐nucleic‐acid testing (QNAT), rendering clinically relevant CMV‐replication difficult to distinguish from CMV‐shedding or latent infection. We compared direct VIC in 1109 consecutive bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) and a well‐validated CMV‐QNAT (Basel‐CMV‐UL111a‐77bp). In the retrospective Group 1 (N = 694) and Group 2 (N = 303), CMV‐QNAT was performed within 48 h from 2‐fold and 10‐fold concentrated total nucleic acid (TNA) eluates, respectively. In Group 3 (N = 112), 2‐fold and 10‐fold concentrated TNA eluates were prospectively analyzed in parallel to VIC. CMV was detected by VIC in 79 of 694 (11%) and 26 of 303 (9%) of Groups 1 and 2, but in 114 of 694 (16%) and 57 of 303 (17%) by CMV‐QNAT, respectively. Median CMV loads were significantly higher in VIC‐positive than in VIC‐negative BALF. The likelihood for CMV detection by VIC was 85% for BALF CMV‐ loads >4 log10 copies/ml. In the prospective Group 3, CMV was detected by VIC in 10 of 112 (9%), and in 14 of 112 (13%) and 20 of 112 (18%) by CMV‐QNAT, when using 2‐fold and 10‐fold concentrated TNA eluates, respectively. Notably, CMV was undetectable by CMV‐QNAT in 10 VIC‐positive cases of Groups 1 and 2, but in none of Group 3. We conclude that CMV‐QNAT can be adopted to BALF diagnostics but requires several careful steps in validation. CMV‐QNAT loads >10 000 copies/ml in BALF may indicate significant CMV replication as defined by VIC, if short shipment and processing procedures can be guaranteed. Discordance of detecting CMV in time‐matched plasma samples emphasises the role of local pulmonary CMV replication, for which histopathology remains the gold standard of proven CMV pneumonia.
Screening Lactobacillus strains from artisanal Turkish goatskin casing Tulum cheeses produced by nomads via molecular and in vitro probiotic characteristics
Authors: Özkan Edibe Rabia , Demirci Talha , Öztürk Hale İnci , Akın Nihat
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Eleven Lactobacillus (L.) strains were newly isolated from traditional Turkish Tulum cheeses and were characterized regarding their potential probiotic characteristics (bile and acid tolerance, gastric and pancreatic juice tolerance, lysozyme tolerance, adhesion ability), virulence determinants (hemolytic activity, antibiotic resistance, biogenic amine production), and functional properties (antibacterial activity, β‐galactosidase activity, production of exopolysaccharides, cholesterol removal).

RESULTS

These isolates were identified as L. brevis, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. coryniformis, L. rhamnosus and L. helveticus by 16S rRNA sequencing. With regard to safety aspects, none of the tested Lactobacillus isolates showed hemolytic activity or biogenic amine production. All the Lactobacillus isolates except isolate 24 were found to be sensitive or intermediate sensitive to penicillin, which is a frequently used antibiotic. Nine Lactobacillus isolates showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, while only isolates 15 and 449 exhibited inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. All isolated strains survived, even in the presence of 10.00 g L−1 bile after 48 h, and exhibited good survival at pH 3, but only two isolates survived at pH 2. Among the strains, isolate 15 exhibited satisfactory auto‐aggregative, cell‐surface hydrophobicity features, cholesterol‐lowering activity and good acid tolerance. Isolate 15 also showed the strongest bile and simulated pancreatic juice resistance and moderate lysozyme tolerance.

CONCLUSION

These outcomes suggest that isolate 15, identified as a L. plantarum strain from Tulum cheese, may be a promising probiotic candidate and could be suitable for use in several fermented foods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Optical performance characterization of curved OLED light sources
Authors: Käläntär K.
Published: November 2020

Bending a planar organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) alters the optical structure of the device, resulting in the change of optical characteristics. The bending effect on light emission through the substrate was analyzed, and the issues were extracted. The effect of curvature radius on characteristics of nonplanar OLED light sources was experimentally studied. For this purpose, two OLED samples with barrier layer thicknesses of 100 and 150 nm were fabricated, and their characteristics were measured at curvature radii of R0 = ∞  mm (flat state), R2 = 143 mm (cylindrically curved state), and R5 = 56.7 mm (cylindrically curved state). The variations in optical characteristics such as total luminous flux, the luminous intensity pattern, and the spectrum were verified by measuring the cylindrically shaped OLEDs. The results were evaluated and discussed for OLEDs in cylindrically curved states.
The Interconnections of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome and Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Beh Shin C. , Chiang Hsueh‐Sheng , Sanderson Collin
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Mal de débarquement syndrome (MDDS) is characterized by a persistent rocking sensation, as though on a boat. It may occur following exposure to passive motion (motion‐triggered MDDS [MT‐MDDS]), or spontaneously (spontaneous‐onset MDDS [SO‐MDDS]). This study investigated the characteristics of MDDS patients with vestibular migraine (MDDS‐VM) to those without (MDDS‐O).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Retrospective, single‐center study of 62 patients with MDDS. Clinical characteristics, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS), job impact, and optimal treatment(s) were studied.

Results

There were 23 MDDS‐O (19 women), and 39 MDDS‐VM (35 women) patients. Comparisons between MDDS‐VM and MDDS‐O showed significant differences in age of onset (41 vs. 52 years, P = .005), interictal visually induced dizziness (89.7% vs. 30.4%, P < .001), interictal head motion‐induced dizziness (87.2% vs. 47.8%, P = .001), other vestibular sensations (59% vs. 13%, P < .001), interictal aural symptoms (25.6% vs. 0%, P = .008), number of interictal symptoms (4.3 vs. 2.3, P < .001), total DHI score (54.9 vs. 38.1, P = .005), DHI‐P (physical domain) score (16.1 vs. 10, P = .004), DHI‐F (functional domain) score (20.9 vs. 15.7, P = .016 MIDAS (4.6 vs. 32, P = .002), and job resignations (23.2% vs. 5%, P = .016). On the other hand, between‐group comparisons for MT‐MDDS and SO‐MDDS did not reveal any significant differences whatsoever. For optimal treatment, venlafaxine was the most used (27.3%) in all groups. For MDDS‐VM, antiepileptic drugs and migraine preventive vitamins were also useful in relieving symptoms.

Conclusions

MDDS‐VM patients appear to be more disabled than MDDS‐O, in terms of severity of dizziness, job impact, and number of symptoms, but have good potential for improvement, particularly with migraine prophylactic treatment.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1653–E1661, 2021