bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landslide‐dammed lake sediment volume calculation using waterborne ERT and SONAR profiling
Authors: Hartvich Filip , Tábořík Petr , Šobr Miroslav , Janský Bohumír , Kliment Zdeněk , Langhammer Jakub
Published: August 2020

Lake sediment volume calculation is a challenging task, namely in cases when detailed drilling is complicated, expensive, or impossible, information on the pre‐sedimentation surface unavailable, and record of siltation rate non‐existent or too short. This study shows how waterborne, non‐invasive geophysical survey, such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be very effective in acquiring the missing data, namely when combined with sound navigation ranging (SONAR) water depth measurements and supported by information from auxiliary sources. However, ERT surveying in water environment requires specific approaches, as we illustrate on the case of the Mladotice lake study. The lake was created after a landslide in May 1872, and since its formation, the depth has gradually decreased due to sedimentation. We have reconstructed the original surface, calculated the sediment volume, and compiled information on sedimentation to estimate its remaining life span. To achieve this, we measured nine waterborne ERT profiles across the lake. To reach the necessary depth, all ERT profiles were extended on land and crossed the lake using custom‐built flotation pads. ERT profiling was combined with SONAR depth measurements, historical bathymetric surveys, borehole core analysis, sediment flux measurements, volumetric calculations, and water conductivity probing. The study has achieved three main results. First, practical applicability and advantages of stationary waterborne ERT profiling in combination with bathymetric sounding were demonstrated. Second, the original lake volume and accumulated sediment was calculated. We estimate that the volume of lake sediment is 187 000 m3, two‐thirds of the original lake volume (over 275 000 m3). Finally, based on three volumetric data sets from 1972, 2003, and 2017, and recent monitoring of the sediment inflow, we propose scenarios of lake filling and its future development. Most interestingly, the sedimentation rate has decreased significantly in the last 20 years, suggesting that the lake may survive much longer than hitherto expected. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the Environmental Risk Assessment of Substances of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products, or Biological Materials
Authors: Salvito Daniel , Fernandez Marc , Jenner Karen , Lyon Delina Y. , de Knecht Joop , Mayer Philipp , MacLeod Matthew , Eisenreich Karen , Leonards Pim , Cesnaitis Romanas , León-Paumen Miriam , Embry Michelle , Déglin Sandrine E.
Published: August 2020

Substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials (UVCBs) pose unique risk assessment challenges to regulators and to product registrants. These substances can contain many constituents, sometimes partially unknown and/or variable, depending on fluctuations in their source material and/or manufacturing process. International regulatory agencies have highlighted the difficulties in characterizing UVCBs and assessing their toxicity and environmental fate. Several industrial sectors have attempted to address these issues by developing frameworks and characterization methods. Based on the output of a 2016 workshop, this critical review examines current practices for UVCB risk assessment and reveals a need for a multipronged and transparent approach integrating whole-substance and constituent-based information. In silico tools or empirical measurements can provide information on discrete and/or blocks of UVCB constituents with similar hazard properties. Read-across and/or whole-substance toxicity and fate testing using adapted emerging methods can provide whole-substance information. Continued collaboration of stakeholders representing government, industry, and academia will facilitate the development of practical testing strategies and guidelines for addressing regulatory requirements for UVCBs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2097–2108. © 2020 Health and Environmental Sciences Institute. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The Minimum Detectable Difference (MDD) Concept for Establishing Trust in Nonsignificant Results: A Critical Review
Authors: Mair Magdalena M. , Kattwinkel Mira , Jakoby Oliver , Hartig Florian
Published: August 2020

Current regulatory guidelines for pesticide risk assessment recommend that nonsignificant results should be complemented by the minimum detectable difference (MDD), a statistical indicator that is used to decide whether the experiment could have detected biologically relevant effects. We review the statistical theory of the MDD and perform simulations to understand its properties and error rates. Most importantly, we compare the skill of the MDD in distinguishing between true and false negatives (i.e., type II errors) with 2 alternatives: the minimum detectable effect (MDE), an indicator based on a post hoc power analysis common in medical studies; and confidence intervals (CIs). Our results demonstrate that MDD and MDE only differ in that the power of the MDD depends on the sample size. Moreover, although both MDD and MDE have some skill in distinguishing between false negatives and true absence of an effect, they do not perform as well as using CI upper bounds to establish trust in a nonsignificant result. The reason is that, unlike the CI, neither MDD nor MDE consider the estimated effect size in their calculation. We also show that MDD and MDE are no better than CIs in identifying larger effects among the false negatives. We conclude that, although MDDs are useful, CIs are preferable for deciding whether to treat a nonsignificant test result as a true negative, or for determining an upper bound for an unknown true effect. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2109–2123. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

In ecotoxicological risk assessment, the minimum detectable difference (MDD) is used as a secondary filter to check whether nonsignificant test results are based on sufficient power and should thus be trusted. In our review, we show that the MDD has some skill in distinguishing between true absence of effects and false negatives (type II errors), but that confidence intervals (CIs) clearly outperform MDDs in this task, and should thus be preferred. MDE = minimum detectable effect; pCI = proportional upper bound of the confidence interval; pMDD = proportional MDD; pMDE = proportional MDE.
The Spider Exposure Pathway and the Potential Risk to Arachnivorous Birds
Authors: Beaubien Gale B. , Olson Connor I. , Todd Andrew C. , Otter Ryan R.
Published: August 2020

There is growing concern over the health of North American birds, with evidence suggesting substantial population declines. Spiders are prominent dietary items for many bird species and mediate the transfer of contaminants to arachnivorous birds that consume them. Few studies have investigated the potential risk the spider exposure pathway poses to these birds because most studies have focused on piscivores. In the present study, we developed new chronic and acute As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Se, Zn, and MeHg spider-based avian wildlife values (SBAWVs) for multiple adult and nestling birds (primarily passerines) and then used the newly generated SBAWVs to characterize the risk to birds across 2 study areas: 1) 5 reaches in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area with substantial mercury deposition but minimal anthropogenic impact, and 2) 4 reaches adjacent to the Emory River, an area impacted by the largest fly coal-ash spill in US history. We identified MeHg and Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn as contaminants of potential concern (COPC) at the Appalachian Mountain and Emory River study areas, respectively, based on dietary exposure of aquatic contaminants via riparian spiders. The identification of COPC at both study areas due to dietary spider exposure is notable not only because the spider exposure pathway has largely been uninvestigated at these sites but also because the aquatic systems in both areas have been studied extensively. Significant differences in MeHg concentrations were detected among spider taxa and suggest that the selection of spider taxa can impact risk characterization. These results indicate that the spider exposure pathway is important to consider when assessing potential risk, particularly for passerine birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2314–2324. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

The spider exposure pathway identified contaminants of potential concern (COPC) for adult and nestling birds. At sites where both tetragnathid and araneid spiders were collected and analyzed for MeHg, consistently higher tetragnathid concentrations impacted risk characterization.
Joint testing of donor and recipient genetic matching scores and recipient genotype has robust power for finding genes associated with transplant outcomes
Authors: Arthur Victoria L. , Guan Weihua , Loza Bao‐li , Keating Brendan , Chen Jinbo
Published: August 2020

Genetic matching between transplant donor and recipient pairs has traditionally focused on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions of the genome, but recent studies suggest that matching for non‐HLA regions may be important as well. We assess four genetic matching scores for use in association analyses of transplant outcomes. These scores describe genetic ancestry distance using identity‐by‐state, or genetic incompatibility or mismatch of the two genomes and therefore may reflect different underlying biological mechanisms for donor and recipient genes to influence transplant outcomes. Our simulation studies show that jointly testing these scores with the recipient genotype is a powerful method for preliminary screening and discovery of transplant outcome related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene regions. Following these joint tests with marginal testing of the recipient genotype and matching score separately can lead to further understanding of the biological mechanisms behind transplant outcomes. In addition, we present results of a liver transplant data analysis that shows joint testing can detect SNPs significantly associated with acute rejection in liver transplant.
Shock wave boundary layer interactions in hypersonic flows over a double wedge geometry by using conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Peetala Ravi K. , Kulkarni Vinayak , Sahoo Niranjan
Published: August 2020

Shock wave boundary layer interaction phenomena play a critical role in the design of supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. Consequently, this paper mainly focuses on hypersonic flow over a double wedge model, flow fields around concave corners are relatively complicated, and produce several classical viscous flow features depending on the combination of the first and second wedge, and the important characteristic phenomena are mainly the shock‐boundary layer and shock‐shock interaction. For these interactions, aerodynamic heating and pressure loads increase greatly when interactions are present. The conjugate heat transfer (CHT) technique is expected to exactly predict the separation bubble length, heat flux, skin friction coefficient, and pressure distributions in double wedge studies in hypersonic applications. In the present CHT studies, the different wall materials used are thermal insulation, Macor, and SiC, it is clearly shown that while using Macor and thermal insulctation wall material in CHT studies, the interface temperature, skin friction coefficient, heat flux distribution along the length change significantly with increase in simulation time. In comparing the CHT results with the fluid flow solver with the wall, considering isothermal and adiabatic boundary results, it is clearly indicated that the fluid flow solver results are either underpredicting or overpredicting the interface properties, but CHT studies give an accurate prediction of the separation length and interface properties.
Financial development and trade in services: Perspective from emerging markets of Asia, South and Central America and Africa
Authors: Jiang Yushi , Khan Muhammad Irfan , Zaman Syed Imran , Iqbal Athar
Published: August 2020

This study empirically identifies the impact of financial development, particularly exports, on trade in services. Three proxies used for measuring financial development are financial systems deposits, liquid liabilities, and private credit. After conducting statistical tests and robustness checks, we show that financial development has a positive impact on trade in services in Central and South America, but does not have a significant impact in Asia and Africa. All three proxies used for assessing financial development are found to be insignificant in Asia and Africa.
The value relevance of Other Comprehensive Income: Extensive evidence from Europe
Authors: Harasheh Murad , Doni Federica , Franceschelli Maria Vittoria , Amaduzzi Andrea
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the value relevance of the Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). Limited literature has focused on the relevance on equity price and return. We go further by including the usefulness of OCI volatility on equity total risk which contributes to the inconclusive debate on how markets perceive different pieces of accounting information. After the adoption of the IAS (1), companies must disclose information about OCI, which shifts the focus from net income to comprehensive income. It shows the return that a company has made on its economic resources, determining a potential support for improving investors' decision‐making process. Contrarily, some studies demonstrated that comprehensive income is not a true performance indicator because it includes nonrecurring items (i.e., unrealized gains and losses related to the change in the fair market value of available‐for‐sales securities). To test the relevance aspects of the OCI, we focus on the European context, and in particular on the analysis of the super sector leaders in Europe, the companies of the STOXX 50 index over the period from 2010 to 2016. We find a weak negative association between OCI and equity price, and it is a firm specific effect. Similar weak mixed relationships with equity return is found and in particular it is a year‐specific effect. In addition, our findings reveal that the volatility of OCI is positively related to equity total risk. Compared to U.S and other international contexts, the findings provide novel insights at the European Union level about the inconsistent valuation usefulness of OCI.
Presence of meaning, search for meaning, religiousness, satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms among a diverse Israeli sample
Authors: Abu‐Raiya Hisham , Sasson Tali , Russo‐Netzer Pninit
Published: August 2020

The present study explored the structure and correlates of meaning in life (MIL) among an Israeli sample. The sample consisted of 559 adults. The average age of participants was 48.24 and 61.3% of them were females. Participants provided demographic information and completed measures of MIL, satisfaction with life, and depressive symptoms. The MIL Questionnaire showed a very good fit for the proposed 2‐factor model (i.e. presence of meaning, search for meaning) to the data collected from the current sample. Presence of meaning correlated positively with both search for meaning and satisfaction with life, and negatively with depressive symptoms. Search for meaning was positively and weakly tied to satisfaction with life, but was unrelated to depressive symptoms. Religiousness appeared as a significant moderator between the two meaning factors, and between them and life satisfaction. Specifically, as religiousness became stronger: (a) the link between presence of meaning and search for meaning became weaker; (b) the link between presence of meaning and life satisfaction became stronger and (c) the link between search for meaning and life satisfaction became weaker. The findings suggest that there are differential implications of presence search for meaning on the health and well‐being, and the important role religiousness plays in this regard.
Enhanced cell affinity and osteogenic differentiation of liquid crystal‐based substrate via surface bio‐functionalization
Authors: Yang Shenyu , Huang Yiping , Jian Peishan , Xie Zheng , Wu Youheng , Li Haoying , Zeng Rong , SiTU Fangmin , Tu Mei
Published: August 2020

Regulation of cell‐substrate interactions is an important factor for modulating cell behaviors. Tailoring the physical and chemical properties of the substrates to better mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissue is a more effective strategy for enhancing the cell‐substrate contact. In current work, we aim at improving surface bioactivity based on the liquid crystalline substrates for the enhancement in cell affinity and osteogenic differentiation. Polydopamine (PDOPA) adhesive coating was used as a reactive platform for the immobilization of chitooligosaccharide (COS) on the octyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ester (OPC) substrate to generate active OPC‐PDOPA‐COSs liquid crystalline substrates. Results demonstrated that PDOPA‐coated OPC surfaces showed remarkably improved hydrophility and increased elastic modulus, leading to better initial cell attachment. Subsequent COS immobilization on the OPC‐PDOPA layer could induce promotion of cell proliferation, polarization and cytoskeleton formation. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) seeded on the OPC‐PDOPA‐COSs showed higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and up‐regulated bone‐related genes expression, including BMP‐2, RUNx‐2, COL‐I and OCN. In conclusion, surface biofunctionalization on the OPC‐based liquid crystalline substrates could come into being the appropriate combination of surface chemistry and liquid crystalline characteristic that simulating in vivo ECM environment, resulting in a favorable support to enhance positive cell‐substrate interactions.
Infection by CagA-Positive Helicobacter pylori Strains and Bone Fragility: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gennari Luigi , Merlotti Daniela , Figura Natale , Mingiano Christian , Franci Maria Beatrice , Lucani Barbara , Picchioni Tommaso , Alessandri Mario , Campagna Maria Stella , Gonnelli Sara , Bianciardi Simone , Materozzi Maria , Caffarelli Carla , Gonnelli Stefano , Nuti Ranuccio
Published: August 2020

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a common and persistent disorder acting as a major cofactor for the development of upper gastrointestinal diseases and several extraintestinal disorders including osteoporosis. However, no prospective study assessed the effects of HP on bone health and fracture risk. We performed a HP screening in a population-based cohort of 1149 adults followed prospectively for up to 11 years. The presence of HP infection was assessed by serologic testing for serum antibodies to HP and the cytotoxin associated gene-A (CagA). The prevalence of HP infection did not differ among individuals with normal bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and osteopenia. However, HP infection by CagA-positive strains was significantly increased in osteoporotic (30%) and osteopenic (26%) patients respect to subjects with normal BMD (21%). Moreover, anti-CagA antibody levels were significantly and negatively associated with lumbar and femoral BMD. Consistent with these associations, patients affected by CagA-positive strains had a more than fivefold increased risk to sustain a clinical vertebral fracture (HR 5.27; 95% CI, 2.23–12.63; p < .0001) and a double risk to sustain a nonvertebral incident fracture (HR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.27–2.46; p < .005). Reduced estrogen and ghrelin levels, together with an impaired bone turnover balance after the meal were also observed in carriers of CagA-positive HP infection. HP infection by strains expressing CagA may be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures. Further studies are required to clarify in more detail the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of this association. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The SUMO‐specific protease SENP1 deSUMOylates p53 and regulates its activity
Authors: Chauhan Krishna M. , Chen Yingxiao , Chen Yiyi , Liu Andrew T. , Sun Xiao‐Xin , Dai Mu‐Shui
Published: August 2020

The stability and activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein are tightly regulated by various posttranslational modifications, including SUMOylation. p53 can be modified by both SUMO1 and SUMO2, although how SUMOylation regulates p53 activity is still obscure. Whether p53 activity is directly regulated by deSUMOylation is also unclear. Here, we show that SENP1, a SUMO‐specific protease implicated in pro‐oncogenic roles, is a p53 deSUMOylating enzyme. SENP1 interacts with p53 and deSUMOylates p53 in cells and in vitro. Knockdown of SENP1 markedly induced p53 transactivation activity. We further show that SENP1 depletion synergizes with DNA damage‐inducing agent etoposide to induce p53 activation and the expression of p21, leading to synergistic growth inhibition of cancer cells. Our results reveal that SENP1 is a critical p53 deSUMOylating enzyme and a promising therapeutic target in wild‐type p53 containing cancer cells.
Three‐dimensional analysis of injury conditions of single muscle fibers in small animals using phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Jang Sang‐Hun , Lee Onseok
Published: August 2020

Muscle damage can reduces the biological functions and lead to ultimately a disease state. For the reason, it is important to accurately check the state of an injury such as atrophy, and it is required to identify the state of fibers constituting the muscle. This study describes a novel method of analyzing single muscle fibers with injury conditions in three‐dimensions. The muscle fibers of the mice were visualized using phase‐contrast X‐ray projection the microstructure. In additions, it was possible to confirm the status by quantitatively analyzing the injury severity of muscle fibers. Significantly, the muscle conditions of multiple individuals were individually determined. This study could contributes to areas where it is very important to identify microdetailed and quantitative changes of state, such as new drug development.
Synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one via Retro‐Biginelli reaction
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Mondal Mohabul A.
Published: August 2020

Hydrolytic behavior of 5‐acetyl‐6‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐one under alkaline condition has been explored. Mechanistic details are established by LCMS and HPLC. Evidence suggested that the deacetylative benzylidenation proceeds through the retro‐Biginelli reaction. The scope of the retro‐Biginelli reaction has been explored by the synthesis of substituted DHPs.
Effectiveness of a 655‐nm InGaAsP diode laser to detect subgingival calculus in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Laky Markus , Laky Brenda , Arslan Muazzez , Lettner Stefan , Müller Michael , Haririan Hady , Husejnagic Selma , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui , Wimmer Gernot , Moritz Andreas , Gregor Rene
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous in vitro studies have proven laser fluorescence measurement using a 655‐nm Indium Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (InGaAsP) based diode laser radiation to be a useful tool to detect subgingival calculus. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the 655‐nm InGaAsP diode laser in detecting subgingival calculus in patients with periodontal disease compared with photographic assessment during periodontal surgery.

Methods

Twelve patients (six women, six men) aged between 21 and 75 years with periodontitis scheduled for periodontal surgery were included in this prospective study. All laser fluorescence measurements were made before periodontal surgery. Intraoperatively a mucoperiostal flap was performed, subgingival calculus was visualized, and photographic images were taken. The presence of calculus was recorded for each evaluated site.

Results

A total of 115 tooth surface sites of 32 teeth from the 12 patients were evaluated before (laser) and during surgery (image). Compared with image evaluation the laser assessment showed a sensitivity of 0.70 (CI0.025 0.53 to CI0.975 0.83) and a specificity of 0.97 (CI0.025 0.85 to CI0.975 0.99). The overall probability to correctly detect subgingival calculus with the laser (accuracy) was 0.82 (CI0.025 0.74 to CI0.975 0.88).

Conclusions

The 655‐nm diode laser was able to detect subgingival calculus. Hence, the 655 nm diode laser may be used as an additional tool for calculus detection in non‐surgical periodontal therapy.
Estimating the reference range from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Siegel Lianne , Murad M. Hassan , Chu Haitao
Published: August 2020

Often clinicians are interested in determining whether a subject's measurement falls within a normal range, defined as a range of values of a continuous outcome which contains some proportion (eg, 95%) of measurements from a healthy population. Several studies in the biomedical field have estimated reference ranges based on a meta‐analysis of multiple studies with healthy individuals. However, the literature currently gives no guidance about how to estimate the reference range of a new subject in such settings. Instead, meta‐analyses of such normative range studies typically report the pooled mean as a reference value, which does not incorporate natural variation across healthy individuals in different studies. We present three approaches to calculating the normal reference range of a subject from a meta‐analysis of normally or lognormally distributed outcomes: a frequentist random effects model, a Bayesian random effects model, and an empirical approach. We present the results of a simulation study demonstrating that the methods perform well under a variety of scenarios, though users should be cautious when the number of studies is small and between‐study heterogeneity is large. Finally, we apply these methods to two examples: pediatric time spent awake after sleep onset and frontal subjective postural vertical measurements.
Synthesis and Properties of Three N‐Alkyl Bis‐Quaternary Ammonium Salt Surfactants
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Shen Jun , Wang Chen , Xu Hujun
Published: August 2020

Three N‐alkyl bis‐quaternary ammonium salt surfactants were synthesized by using epichlorohydrin, trimethylamine hydrochloride, and N,N‐dimethylalkyl amine as raw materials in a two‐step manner. The products were characterized by 1H NMR and MS, confirming the successful synthesis of 2‐Hydroxy‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐dodecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPDDC), 2‐Hydroxy‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐tetradecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPTDC), and 2‐Hydroxy‐N1, N1, N3, N3‐tetramethyl‐N3‐hexadecylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium chloride (HPHDC). Moreover, the influence of carbon chain length on surface‐active properties, foaming properties, and paraffin liquid emulsion stability was investigated. Results indicated that critical micelle concentrations (cmc) decreased with increasing carbon chain length from 12 to 16, and the cmc and γcmc were lower than those of Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC). The products exhibited better foam properties and worse emulsifying performance than those of DTAC. The Krafft points of all products were determined to be below 0 °C. Moreover, the products also demonstrated outstanding antibacterial properties.
Low storage temperature for tree ripe mangoes under controlled atmospheres with elevated CO2 concentrations
Authors: Bender Renar João , Brecht Jeffrey K , Sargent Steven A
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Tree‐ripe mangoes are of a better quality than the more commonly marketed mature‐green fruit. However, the postharvest life of tree‐ripe mangoes at the chilling threshold temperature for mature‐green fruit of 12 °C is insufficient to allow long distance transport for international marketing. Because the chilling sensitivity often decreases as fruit ripen, lower temperatures (5 and 8 °C) in combination with a controlled atmosphere of 5 kPa O2 plus 10 or 25 kPa CO2 were tested to determine whether the quality of tree‐ripe mangoes could be maintained longer without chilling injury (CI).

RESULTS

Tree‐ripe ‘Tommy Atkins’ and ‘Keitt’ mangoes were stored for 14 or 21 days, respectively, in air or controlled atmosphere (CA) at 5 or 8 °C. Respiration rates were below 10 mL kg−1 h−1 during CA storage and increased three‐fold during a 3‐day shelf life period at 20 °C. Ethanol synthesis of fruit stored in 25 kPa CO2, but not 10 kPa CO2, increased during storage and remained high during shelf life, indicating physiological stress. Elevated electrolyte leakage and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid concentrations in both cultivars stored in 25 kPa CO2 also indicated that mesocarp tissues were injured by the higher CO2 level. No CI symptoms were observed in air or CA at either 5 or 8 °C.

CONCLUSION

Storage of tree‐ripe mangoes in 5 kPa O2 plus 10 kPa CO2 at either 5 or 8 °C best maintained the quality of Tommy Atkins and Keitt fruit for 14 or 21 days, respectively, without evidence of either atmosphere injury or CI. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential allergenicity of Medicago sativa investigated by a combined IgE‐binding inhibition, proteomics and in silico approach
Authors: Yakhlef Marwa , Giangrieco Ivana , Ciardiello Maria A , Fiume Immacolata , Mari Adriano , Souiki Lynda , Pocsfalvi Gabriella
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) is one of the most planted crops worldwide primarily used to feed animals. The use of alfalfa in human diet as sprouts, infusions and nutritional supplements is rapidly gaining popularity. Despite this, allergenicity assessment of this novel plant food is largely lacking.

RESULTS

Here, leaf protein extract of alfalfa was studied using a combined proteomics, Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding inhibition assay and in silico approach to find potential allergens. We have identified and annotated 129 proteins using in‐gel digestion proteomics and Blast2Go suit. A search against COMPARE database, using the identified proteins as query sequences, revealed high similarity with several allergenic proteins. The Single Point Highest Inhibition Achievable assay (SPHIAa) performed on the multiplex FABER® allergy testing system confirmed the in silico results and showed some additional potential allergens. This approach allowed the detection of proteins in alfalfa leaves cross‐reacting with plant allergens from three different allergen families such as lipid transfer, thaumatin‐like and Bet v 1‐like protein families. In addition, the absence of structural determinants cross‐reacting with seed storage allergenic proteins and with animal allergens was recorded.

CONCLUSION

This study reports for the first time potential allergenic proteins in alfalfa. The results suggest that this plant food can be safely introduced, as a protein‐rich supplement, in the diet of patients allergic to animal food allergens. Allergic patients towards certain plant food allergens need to be careful about consuming alfalfa because they might have allergic symptoms. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Permeabilization and immobilization of whole‐cell Pseudomonas nitroreducensSP.001 to improve its l‐glutaminase performance
Authors: Shen Xinlei , Hua Ying , Luo Yejiao , Zhang Tao , Jiang Bo , Shuai Yuying
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

L‐Glutaminase is considered to be an important industrial enzyme in both the pharmaceutical and food industries, especially for producing functional glutamyl compounds, such as l‐theanine. Pseudomonas nitroreducens SP.001 with intracellular l‐glutaminase activity has been screened previously. In the present study, three physical permeabilization methods were used to improve l‐glutaminase activity. Then, the whole‐cell immobilization conditions of permeabilized cells using sodium alginate as an embedding agent were optimized to enhance the enzyme's stability and reusability. The characteristics of the immobilized cells were investigated in comparison with those of permeabilized cells.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that cell permeabilization using osmotic shock with 155 g L−1 sucrose markedly improved enzyme activity. Then, an effective procedure for immobilization of permeabilized P. nitroreducens cells was established. The optimum conditions for cell immobilization were: sodium alginate 40 g L−1, calcium chloride 30 g L−1, cell mass 100 g L−1 and a curing time of 3 h. After successful immobilization, characterization studies revealed that the thermostability and pH resistance of l‐glutaminase from immobilized cells were enhanced compared to those from permeabilized cells. Moreover, the immobilized biocatalyst could be reused up to 10 times and retained 80% of its activity.

CONCLUSION

The stability and reusability of the permeabilized cells were improved through the immobilization. These findings indicated that immobilized whole‐cell l‐glutaminase from P. nitroreducens SP.001 possesses more potential for various industrial biotechnological applications than free cells. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Productivity and nutritional and nutraceutical value of strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cultivated under irrigation with treated wastewaters
Authors: Renai Lapo , Tozzi Francesca , Scordo Cristina VA , Giordani Edgardo , Bruzzoniti Maria C , Fibbi Donatella , Mandi Laila , Ouazzani Naaila , Del Bubba Massimo
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Agriculture represents a productive sector typically characterized by a high water demand, whereas freshwater (FW) availability is a problem of increasing concern in the world and FW resources are becoming insufficient for sustaining agricultural irrigation. The reuse of treated wastewaters (TWWs) for crop irrigation could be an efficient tool for reducing water shortage. Hence, the present study evaluated the food quality of Fragaria x ananassa (cultivar Camarosa) fruits irrigated with four types of treated wastewaters (TWWs). Strawberries were analysed for yield, sucrose, fructose, glucose, total soluble polyphenols (TSP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), and antiradical and antioxidant capacity. In addition, a targeted quantification of the most representative phenolic compounds of strawberry was performed.

RESULTS

TWWs complied the Italian ministerial decree 185/2003 for wastewater reuse, with very few exceptions, mainly represented by chloride concentrations (258–643 mg L–1 versus a legal threshold of 250 mg L–1). The reuse of TWWs reduced fruit yield (10–26%) compared to irrigation with tap water as a control. Irrigation with TWWs gave also rise to the decrease of total sugars (14–26%), TSP (2–10%) and TMA (29–49%). Individual phenolic acids, flavonols and flavanols were quite stable in response to the irrigation with TWWs, whereas anthocyanidins decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Although TWWs negatively affected fruit quality, the nutritional and nutraceutical parameters determined in the present study were in line with data previously reported for strawberries purchased in the market or cultivated in research orchards, thus suggesting that the use of TWWs does not prevent the fruit marketability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of FDG‐PET/CT to detect early recurrence after resection of high‐risk stage III melanoma
Authors: Stahlie Emma H. A. , van der Hiel Bernies , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , Schrage Yvonne M. , van Houdt Winan J. , Wouters Michel W. , van Akkooi Alexander C. J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The role of surveillance imaging in high‐risk stage III melanoma patients after complete surgical resection remains controversial, and with the advent of adjuvant therapy, it may also be expanded. Therefore, we evaluated two fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) protocols in two cohorts.

Methods

Cohort 1 (n = 35) focused on surveillance in asymptomatic patients (before approval and reimbursement of adjuvant therapy) and was assigned to 5x FDG‐PET/CT's after surgery: one every 6 months for 2 years, with one final scan after 3 years. Cohort 2 (n = 42) was assigned to one screening FDG‐PET/CT, which took place in between surgery and the start of adjuvant treatment.

Results

In cohort 1 (median follow‐up: 33 months), 12 patients (34.3%) developed recurrence detected by FDG‐PET/CT, of which 7 (20.0%) were detected with the first scan. Sensitivity and specificity were 92.3% and 100%, respectively. In cohort 2, recurrence was suspected on nine scans (21.4%) and four (9.5%) were true positive. The number of scans needed to find one asymptomatic recurrence were 8.8 and 10.5 in cohort 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions

FDG‐PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool to detect recurrence in stage III melanoma, even shortly after surgery. A surveillance FDG‐PET/CT protocol after surgery or a screening PET/CT before adjuvant therapy should be considered.
Regulation of autophagy, glucose uptake, and glycolysis under dengue virus infection
Authors: Lee Ying‐Ray , Wu Shan‐Ying , Chen Ruei‐Yi , Lin Yee‐Shin , Yeh Trai‐Ming , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng
Published: August 2020

We previously reported that dengue virus (DENV)‐induced autophagy plays a promoting role in viral replication and pathogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Although it is known that DENV infection increases glycolysis, which promotes viral replication, the role of glucose metabolism together with autophagic activity in DENV replication remains unclear. In this study, we reveal that DENV2 infection increased autophagic activity, glucose uptake, protein levels of glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT1), and glycolysis rate‐limiting enzyme hexokinase‐2 (HK2) in cells. Furthermore, the protein levels of LC3‐II and HK2 were increased in the brain tissues of the DENV2‐infected suckling mice. However, DENV2 infection decreased ATP level and showed no effect on mRNA expression of HK2 and phosphofructokinase, as well as lactate production, indicating that DENV2‐regulated glycolytic flux occurs at the post‐transcriptional level and is lactate pathway‐independent. Moreover, amiodarone‐induced autophagic activity, glucose uptake, HK2 level, and viral titer were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor spautin‐1 or silencing of Atg5 gene expression. Intriguingly, blocking of glycolysis, HK2 protein level, and viral titer were accordingly decreased, but autophagic activity was increased, suggesting the existence of another regulation mechanism that influences the relationship between glycolysis and autophagy. This is the first report to reveal that DENV2‐induced autophagy positively regulates glycolysis and viral replication in vitro and in vivo. Our findings open a new avenue wherein metabolic modulation could be used as a target for the treatment of DENV infection.
Low‐power divide‐by‐five injection‐locked frequency divider with a built‐in balun
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsin
Published: August 2020

This paper reports an injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) with a divide‐by‐five feature, a built‐in balun, and low power consumption fabricated in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process. By employing a fourth harmonic (4f0) enhancement technique realized in a stacked cross‐coupled pair and mixing with an injection signal (5f0) through injection transistors, an output signal (f0 = 5f0‐4f0) is obtained without using extra passive devices. The built‐in balun is employed to transfer a single‐ended signal to differential signals injected into injection transistors. The proposed ILFD improves the locking range without the help of varactors and the power dissipation by adopting two cross‐coupled transistor pairs. The proposed ILFD has the free‐running frequency of 4.3 GHz and the injection frequencies from 21.1 to 22.1 GHz at an input power level of 0 dBm. The proposed ILFD core only consumes 3.75 mW from a supply voltage of 1.5 V.
First‐stage validation of a portable imageable MR‐compatible water calorimeter
Authors: D’Souza Mark , Nusrat Humza , Renaud James , Peterson Gerard , Sarfehnia Arman
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a water calorimeter with three goals in mind: (a) To be fully magnetic resonance (MR)‐compatible; (b) To be imaged using kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), MV portal imaging or MRI for accurate positioning; (c) To accommodate both vertical and horizontal beam incidence, as well as volumetric deliveries or Gamma Knife®. Following this, the calorimeter performance will be measured using an accelerator‐based high‐energy photon beam.

Methods

A portable 4°C cooled stagnant water calorimeter was built using MR‐compatible materials. The walls consist of layers of acrylic plastic, aerogel‐based material acting as thermal insulation, as well as tubing for coolant to flow to keep the calorimeter temperature stable at 4°C. The lid contains additional pathways for coolant to flow through as well as two hydraulically driven stirrers. The water calorimeter was positioned in an Elekta Versa using kV CBCT imaging as well as orthogonal MV image pairs. Absolute absorbed dose to water was then determined under a 6 MV flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam. This was compared against reference dosimetry results that were measured under identical conditions with an Exradin A1SL ionization chamber with a calibration coefficient directly traceable to the National Research Council Canada.

Results

The dose to water determined with the calorimeter (n = 30) agreed with the A1SL ionization chamber reference dose measurements (n = 15) to within 0.25%. The uncertainty associated with the water calorimeter absorbed dose measurement was estimated to be 0.54% (k = 1).

Conclusions

An MR‐compatible water calorimeter was successfully built and absolute absorbed dose to water under a conventional 6 MV FFF beam was determined successfully as a first‐stage validation of the system.
Escherichia coli membrane‐derived oxygen‐reducing enzyme system (Oxyrase) protects bubaline spermatozoa during cryopreservation
Authors: Dalal Jasmer , Chandolia Ramesh Kumar , Jan Mustafa Hassan , Pawaria Shikha , Verma Nisha , Jerome Andonissamy , Kumar Dharmendra , Kumar Pradeep
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of deoxygenation of semen extender using Escherichia coli membrane‐derived oxygen scavenger (Oxyrase) on post‐thaw quality of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa. Sixteen semen ejaculates, four each from four bulls, were each divided into five equal fractions, diluted using Tris‐egg yolk extender supplemented with different concentrations of Oxyrase (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 U/ml), designated as treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, and cryopreserved. Immediately after thawing, Oxyrase did not improve sperm kinetics and motility; however, it improved the keeping quality (significantly lower deterioration of post‐thaw sperm motility after incubation for 120 min) in T3. Further, T3 reduced (p < .05) cholesterol efflux and protected the intactness of the sperm plasma membrane. Flow cytometry with Fluo‐3 AM/propidium iodide (PI) dual staining revealed the highest (p < .05) proportion of live spermatozoa with low intracellular calcium in T3. Oxyrase supplementation protected spermatozoa from premature capacitation which was confirmed by low expression of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins (32, 75, and 80 kDa) and a relatively lower percentage of F‐pattern (uncapacitated spermatozoa) in chlortetracycline assay. Importantly, the Oxyrase fortification decreased superoxide anion in a dose‐dependent manner indicating reduced availability of oxygen at sperm mitochondrial level. Similarly, in Oxyrase‐fortified sperm, malondialdehyde concentration, an index of lipid peroxidation, is also reduced in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrate that deoxygenation of buffalo semen by Oxyrase has the potential of improving post‐thaw sperm quality by overcoming the problem of cryocapacitation and oxidative damage during cryopreservation process.
In vivo characterization of downfield peaks at 9.4 T: T2 relaxation times, quantification, pH estimation, and assignments
Authors: Borbath Tamas , Murali‐Manohar Saipavitra , Wright Andrew Martin , Henning Anke
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Relaxation times are a valuable asset when determining spectral assignments. In this study, apparent T2 relaxation times () of downfield peaks are reported in the human brain at 9.4 T and are used to guide spectral assignments of some downfield metabolite peaks.

Methods

Echo time series of downfield metabolite spectra were acquired at 9.4 T using a metabolite‐cycled semi‐LASER sequence. Metabolite spectral fitting was performed using LCModel V6.3‐1L while fitting a pH sweep to estimate the pH of the homocarnosine (hCs) imidazole ring. were calculated by fitting the resulting relative amplitudes of the peaks to a mono‐exponential decay across the TE series. Furthermore, estimated tissue concentrations of molecules were calculated using the relaxation times and internal water as a reference.

Results

of downfield metabolites are reported within a range from 16 to 32 ms except for homocarnosine with of 50 ms. Correcting for exchange rates () resulted in relaxation times between 20 and 33 ms. The estimated pH values based on hCs imidazole range from 7.07 to 7.12 between subjects. Furthermore, analyzing the linewidths of the downfield peaks and their contribution led to possible peak assignments.

Conclusion

relaxation times were longer for the assigned metabolite peaks compared to the unassigned peaks. Tissue pH estimation in vivo with proton MRS and simultaneous quantification of amide protons at 8.30 ± 0.15 ppm is likely possible. Based on concentration, linewidth, and exchange rates measurements, tentative peak assignments are discussed for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), and urea.
A simple hypoplastic model with loading surface accounting for viscous and fabric effects of clays
Authors: Tafili Merita , Triantafyllidis Theodoros
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a simple hypoplastic model capturing mostly all salient features of clays: rate dependency, time dependency and inherent and induced anisotropy without being restricted to only viscoplastic clays. Therefore, due to the strain rate decomposition into three parts, nonviscous clays, that is, rate‐independent clays, can also be simulated. The incorporation of a loading surface allows to capture the behaviour of normal and overconsolidated clays. The model requires eight material parameters, which are simple to calibrate from standard laboratory tests. In total, 77 simulations of five different clayey‐like soils are compared with experimental data. The simulations contain one oedometer test with loading–unloading–reloading cycles, creep and relaxation stages, both undrained and drained triaxial tests in compression and extension, as well as eight incremental response envelopes capturing also the directional response of Beaucaire Marl clay. Some limitations of the model such as the description of temperature effects on the behaviour of clays are also pointed out.