bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coprolites Production of Native Earthworms in Braquiaria Fields Under Biofertilization
Authors: Dantas Murielle Magda Medeiros , Zuza José Flavio Cardoso , Henrique Josinaldo Da Silva , Cavalcante Adailza Guilherme , Gondim Joaquim Emanuel Fernandes , Bezerra Ana Carolina , Neto Manoel Alexandre Diniz
Published: September 2019

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the coprolite production of native earthworms in a pasture with Brachiaria, with and without liquid-enriched biofertilization.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out between April of 2014 and August of 2015 at the Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB.

Methodology: A randomized complete block experimental design was used, with subdivided plots and four replicates, with a total of 40 plots in a 5x3x2 factorial arrangement, five grass species (Brachiaria brizantha, B. decumbens, B. humidicola, B. ruziziensise e B. brizantha MG5) and three sampling times, with and without liquid-enriched biofertilization. The plot area was composed of 50.0 m2 (10 m x 5 m) with subplots of 0.25 m2 (0.5 m x 0.5 m). Six foliar fertilization were performed in intervals of fifteen days, with three applications in the drought period and three applications in the rainy season. Each application consisted of 5% of biofertilizer (100 mL of biofertilizer diluted in 2 L of water), each plot received 2 L of biofertilizer.

Results: In the dry season there was a significant difference in the means between the fertilization treatments, leading to the absence of fertilization, obtaining a better result, varying of 48, 24% in relation to the treatments that received fertilization, and there was no significant difference between the brachiaria. In the rainy season, it was verified that there was no significant difference in the means between the fertilization treatments, but there was a significant difference between the brachiaria.

Conclusion: The study concludes that earthworm coprolites production is higher under pasture with B. MG5 during the dry season. In the rainy season, production increased under pasture with B. humidicula. Brachiaria fertilized with liquid-enriched biofertilizer provided lower results in the production of biogenic aggregates (earthworm coprolites). Under conditions of the present study, the hypothesis that the effect of the liquid -enriched biofertilizer increases the production of endogeic earthworm coprolites has not been proven.
Relationship between Creative Thinking and Students Academic Performance in English Language and Mathematics: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Inuusah Mahama, , Regine Kwaw, , Jonathan Mensah, Kwame , Ebenezer Acheampong, , Richard Marfo,
Published: September 2019

Aims: This study sought to explore the moderating role of gender in the relationship between creative thinking and academic performance in English Language and Mathematics among Junior High School students in the Aboom Circuit, Cape Coast.

Study Design: The design for the study is correlational espousing the quantitative approach. The study was guided by two research hypotheses, which were tested using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Andrew F. Hayes Moderation Process. The instruments for the data collection were Kumar, Kemmler and Holman (1997) Creativity Styles Questionnaire-Revised (CSQ-R) and standardised-type test developed by experts in the various subject areas.

Results: The study revealed significant relationship between creative thinking and academic performance of students (English Language: r=.432, n=140, p=0.05, p=.003, 2-tailed; Mathematics: r=.401, n=140 p=0.05, p=0.000, 2-talied). The study further revealed that gender moderated significantly in the relationship between creativity and academic performance (English Language: b=-.276, t=-2.398, CI= -.485, -.088; Mathematics: b=-.300, t=-2.198, CI= -.564, -.070). As such, male respondents had higher creative thinking effect in English Language and Mathematics than female respondents (b=.371, t=4.608, CI [.212, .530; b=.219, t=2.286, CI [.030, .407]).

Conclusion: Creative thinking indeed relates to performance, as such, it was recommended  that creative thinking should be nurtured among all students in J.H.S. In addition, stakeholders in education should consider including creative thinking in the curriculum and pay special attention to nurturing creative think in female students so that they could match up with their male counterparts.
LncRNA DANCR promotes proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by regulating miRNA‐33b
Authors: Luo Yongyun , Wang Qi , Teng Lili , Zhang Jie , Song Jianjun , Bo Wenping , Liu Di , He Yaqin , Tan Airong
Published: September 2019

Increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as important regulators in biological processes and are dysregulated in various tumors. The lncRNA DANCR functions as an oncogene in various cancers, but elucidation of its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) requires further investigation. In the current study, we demonstrate that DANCR was increased in PC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DANCR significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and influenced the levels of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐associated proteins, as demonstrated by the observation of enhanced E‐cadherin levels and reduced N‐cadherin levels in PC cells. In addition, we identified direct binding to the predicted miR‐33b binding site on DANCR. We also showed that there is reciprocal repression between DANCR and miR‐33b. Furthermore, a miR‐33b inhibitor partially abrogated knockdown of DANCR and caused inhibitory effects. We also demonstrated that DANCR functions as a miR‐33b sponge to positively regulate MMP16 expression in PC cells. Collectively, the data reveal that DANCR exerts its function by regulating miR‐33b/MMP16 expression, implying an important role for a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA functional network and suggesting a novel potential therapeutic target for PC.
Bolidophyceae
Authors: Jordan Richard W , Fujita Ryohei , Konno Susumu , Eriksen Ruth
Published: September 2019

The marine microalgal class Bolidophyceae is a sister group to the diatoms and includes motile naked (bolidomonad) cells and nonmotile siliceous plate‐bearing (parmalean) cells. The bolidomonad cell possesses two unequal flagella, a long one bearing mastigonemes (tubular hairs) and a shorter smooth one, with the basal apparatus reduced to basal bodies. The parmalean cell wall is composed of 5–8 interlocking siliceous plates, which exhibit distinct dorsal, ventral, shield and girdle plate morphologies. Both cell types have a chloroplast (including the major carotenoid fucoxanthin and chlorophyllsa+c1+c2+c3) with a girdle lamella, Golgi body, nucleus, mitochondrion and large vacuole. The group currently includes approximately 30 taxa, mostly described from high latitudes, although some tropical species also have been reported. Parmalean algae reach high absolute abundances in the spring, but later in the summer, they sink to the pycnocline (a layer of maximum water density difference) – a strategy similar to the centric diatoms. Their rare occurrences in sediment trap and surface sediments suggest that the siliceous plates are mostly recycled in the photic zone, yet plates of parmalean algae have been discovered in older sediments, although their true stratigraphic distribution remains unknown.

Key Concepts

Recent gene sequence analyses have shown that the genusBolidomonasis polyphyletic, forming several clades, one of which includes the Parmales, resulting in allBolidomonasspecies being transferred toTriparma.

The Bolidophyceae is a sister group to the diatoms, with similar cell features and pigment composition.

Bolidomonad cells are motile and naked, while the nonmotile parmalean cells are covered by 5–8 silicified plates, consisting of three or four types (shield, girdle, ventral and/or dorsal), arranged in a particular pattern and with distinct morphology, which defines each genus.

At present, the ploidy level or life cycle has not been identified; however, it is possible that the nonmotile silica plate‐bearing cells are diploid and alternate with a naked bolidomonad‐like flagellate haploid stage.

Naked bolidomonads appear to be present throughout the World's oceans, while most parmalean taxa inhabit high latitude areas, although tropical taxa also exist.

Studies have shown the parmalean ecology is similar to that of the centric diatoms, with assemblages remaining in their silicified form throughout the year and sinking to the pycnocline in the summer.

Remains of parmalean cells found in the fossil record suggest at least an early Cenozoic origin.

If the bolidophytes are haplodiplontic and represent an ancestral stage to the diplontic diatoms, then future molecular clock calculations should reveal a much older origin, possibly as old as the late Paleozoic (as diatoms are believed to have diverged around the Permian–Triassic boundary).
Kelly at CCSAD: AA works, but most severe patients need treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2019

On Sept. 6, as the remnants of Hurricane Dorian were heading for Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders' (CCSAD's) plenary speaker John F. Kelly, Ph.D., Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the founder and director of the Recovery Research Institute, gave the 1,100 attendees — many of them representatives of the treatment field — some welcome news: 75% of people who once had a problem with drugs and alcohol are now in remission. “Think about that,” said Kelly, who has become a mainstay of the speaker circuit in the addiction field. “This disorder has a good prognosis, despite, sadly, the opioid crisis.”
Depth‐Resolved Modulation of Metal–Oxygen Hybridization and Orbital Polarization across Correlated Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Rogge Paul C. , Shafer Padraic , Fabbris Gilberto , Hu Wen , Arenholz Elke , Karapetrova Evguenia , Dean Mark P. M. , Green Robert J. , May Steven J.
Published: September 2019

Interface‐induced modifications of the electronic, magnetic, and lattice degrees of freedom drive an array of novel physical properties in oxide heterostructures. Here, large changes in metal–oxygen band hybridization, as measured in the oxygen ligand hole density, are induced as a result of interfacing two isovalent correlated oxides. Using resonant X‐ray reflectivity, a superlattice of SrFeO3 and CaFeO3 is shown to exhibit an electronic character that spatially evolves from strongly O‐like in SrFeO3 to strongly Fe‐like in CaFeO3. This alternating degree of Fe electronic character is correlated with a modulation of an Fe 3d orbital polarization, giving rise to an orbital superstructure. At the SrFeO3/CaFeO3 interfaces, the ligand hole density and orbital polarization reconstruct in a single unit cell of CaFeO3, demonstrating how the mismatch in these electronic parameters is accommodated at the interface. These results provide new insight into how the orbital character of electrons is altered by correlated oxide interfaces and lays out a broadly applicable approach for depth‐resolving band hybridization.
When Bio Meets Technology: Biohybrid Neural Interfaces
Authors: Rochford Amy E. , Carnicer‐Lombarte Alejandro , Curto Vincenzo F. , Malliaras George G. , Barone Damiano G.
Published: September 2019

The development of electronics capable of interfacing with the nervous system is a rapidly advancing field with applications in basic science and clinical translation. Devices containing arrays of electrodes can be used in the study of cells grown in culture or can be implanted into damaged or dysfunctional tissue to restore normal function. While devices are typically designed and used exclusively for one of these two purposes, there have been increasing efforts in developing implantable electrode arrays capable of housing cultured cells, referred to as biohybrid implants. Once implanted, the cells within these implants integrate into the tissue, serving as a mediator of the electrode–tissue interface. This biological component offers unique advantages to these implant designs, providing better tissue integration and potentially long‐term stability. Herein, an overview of current research into biohybrid devices, as well as the historical background that led to their development are provided, based on the host anatomical location for which they are designed (CNS, PNS, or special senses). Finally, a summary of the key challenges of this technology and potential future research directions are presented.
Exploiting the Novel Electronic and Magnetic Structure of C3N via Functionalization and Conformation
Authors: Bafekry A. , Stampfl C. , Shayesteh S. Farjami , Peeters F. M.
Published: September 2019

2D polyaniline, C3N, is of recent high interest due to its unusual properties and potential use in various technological applications. In this work, through systematic first‐principles calculations, the atomic, electronic, and magnetic structure of C3N and the changes induced due to functionalization by the adsorption of hydrogen, oxygen, and fluorine, for different coverages and sites, as well as on formation of nanoribbons including the effect of adsorbed hydrogen and oxygen, and the effect of strain, are investigated. Among other interesting phenomena, for hydrogen adsorption, a semiconductor‐to‐topological insulator transition, where two Dirac‐points appear around the Fermi level, as well as ferromagnetic ordering for both hydrogen and oxygen functionalization, is identified. Considering C3N nanoribbons, adsorption of H leads to significant changes in the electronic properties, such as transforming the structures from semiconductor to metallic. Furthermore, investigating the effect of strain on the physical properties, it is found that the band gap can be significantly altered and controlled. The present findings predict that a wide variation in the magnetic and electronic structure of C3N can be achieved by adatom functionalization and conformation indicating its high potential for use in various technological applications, ranging from catalysis, energy storage, and nanoelectronic devices.
Ethnic differences in the prevalence of frailty in the United Kingdom assessed using the electronic Frailty Index
Authors: Pradhananga Shraddha , Regmi Krishna , Razzaq Nasrin , Ettefaghian Alireza , Dey Aparajit Ballav , Hewson David
Published: September 2019

Objective

There have been few studies in which the prevalence of frailty of different ethnic groups has been assessed in multiethnic countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of frailty in different ethnic groups in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Anonymized electronic health records (EHR) of 13 510 people aged 65 years and over were extracted from the database of a network of general practitioners, covering 16 clinical commissioning groups in London. Frailty was determined using the electronic Frailty Index (eFI), which was automatically calculated using EHR data. The eFI was used as a categorical variable with fit and mild frailty grouped together, and moderate and severe frailty grouped as frail.

Results

The overall prevalence of frailty was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.4%‐18.9%). The prevalence of frailty increased with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.12) and body mass index (BMI; OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.06). The highest prevalence of frailty was observed for Bangladeshis, with 32.9% classified as frail (95% CI, 29.2‐36.7); and the lowest prevalence of 14.0% (95% CI, 12.6‐15.5) was observed for the Black ethnic group. Stepwise logistic regression retained ethnicity, age, and BMI as predictors of frailty.

Conclusion

This pilot study identified differences in the prevalence of frailty between ethnic groups in a sample of older people living in London. Additional studies are warranted to determine the causes of such differences, including migration and socioeconomic status. It would be worthwhile carrying out a validation study of the eFI in different ethnic populations.
Enhancing heterologous proteins production by MutSPichia pastoris via periodic methanol induction control
Authors: Jia Luqiang , Shi Zhongping , Yan Jian , Ding Jian , Hua Qiang
Published: September 2019

The methylotrophic Pichia pastoris is one of the most effective systems for producing many value‐added heterologous proteins. During protein expression by highly aerobic MutS P. pastoris induction system, traditional constant methanol control strategy leads to difficulty in enhancing the methanol oxidative reaction in methanol metabolism due to dissolved oxygen (DO) limitation and P. pastoris gradually loses the ability to synthesize proteins and metabolize methanol due to severe intracellular methanol accumulation. In this study, a novel periodic methanol control strategy was proposed to solve this loss of function problem. The strategy alternately shifted methanol induction environments in between “high methanol/low DO concentrations” and “high DO/low methanol concentrations” for 5–6 cycles and was applied for porcine interferon‐α (pIFN‐α) and human lysozyme (hLYZ) production. Compared with the traditional control, activities of both products increased over 100% and intracellular methanol content decreased to zero level which had positive environmental effect.
A Systematic Review of Trauma Interventions in Native Communities
Authors: Gameon Julie A. , Skewes Monica C.
Published: September 2019

American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations communities suffer from health disparities associated with multiple forms of trauma exposure. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to heal current and historical trauma wounds. Although there are evidence‐based trauma interventions for other populations, few have been implemented or evaluated with Native communities. Understanding the extant research on trauma interventions in Native communities is crucial for advancing science and filling gaps in the evidence base, and for meeting the needs of underserved people. In this systematic review of the literature on trauma interventions in Native communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, we identified 15 studies representing 10 interventions for historical and/or current trauma. These studies involved the community to some extent in developing or culturally adapting the interventions and suggested positive outcomes with regard to historical and interpersonal trauma symptoms. However, notable limitations in study design and research methods limit both internal validity and external validity of these conclusions. Only one study attempted (but did not achieve) a quasi‐experimental design, and small sample sizes were persistent limitations across studies. Recommendations for researchers include working in partnership with Native communities to overcome barriers to trauma intervention research and to increase the rigor of the studies so that ongoing efforts to treat trauma can yield publishable data and communities can secure funding for intervention research.
NMR Analysis of Apo Glutamine‐Binding Protein Exposes Challenges in the Study of Interdomain Dynamics
Authors: Kooshapur Hamed , Ma Junhe , Tjandra Nico , Bermejo Guillermo A.
Published: September 2019

Glutamine‐binding protein (GlnBP) displays an apo, “open” and a holo, “closed” crystal form, mutually related by a rigid‐body reorientation of its domains. A fundamental question about such large‐scale conformational transitions, whether the closed state exists in the absence of ligand, is controversial in the case of GlnBP. NMR observations have indicated no evidence of the closed form, whereas experimentally validated computations have suggested a remarkable ca. 40 % population. Herein, a paramagnetic NMR strategy designed to detect the putative apo‐closed species shows that a major population of the latter is highly improbable. Further, NMR residual dipolar couplings collected under three anisotropic conditions do not reveal differential domain alignment and establish that the average solution conformation is satisfied by the apo‐open crystal structure. Our results indicate that the computational prediction of large‐scale interdomain motions is not trivial and may lead to erroneous conclusions without proper experimental validation.
Cardiovascular surgery experience does not significantly improve patients' response to stroke
Authors: Li Shengde , Cui Li‐Ying , Anderson Craig , Gao Chunpeng , Yu Chengdong , Shan Guangliang , Wang Longde , Peng Bin ,   the FAST‐RIGHT Investigators and Coordinators
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Patients with a history of cardiovascular surgery are at risk of stroke, and immediately calling emergency medical services (EMS) after stroke onset is crucial to receiving effective reperfusion therapy. We aimed to determine the effect of a history of cardiovascular surgery on patients' ability to recognize stroke and intent to call EMS.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional community‐based study from January 2017 to May 2017. A total population of 186,167 individuals, recruited from 69 administrative areas across China, was analyzed. Different multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify the associations between cardiovascular surgical history and stroke recognition or intent to call EMS, respectively.

Results

0.1% of the total population had a history of cardiovascular surgery. In the surgery group, the estimated stroke recognition rate (SRR) and correct action rate (CAR) were 84.9% and 74.7%, respectively. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was significantly higher in the surgery group. Cardiovascular surgical history was not associated with recognition of stroke across different models. The surgery group was more likely to call EMS, but the difference was not significant after full adjustment (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.99–1.98, p = .0572).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular surgical history does not influence patients' likelihood of calling EMS more often at stroke onset. Patients receiving cardiovascular surgeries should be counseled regarding stroke recognition, proper response to stroke, and the importance of controlling risk factors.
Endocrine‐related adverse events associated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in patients with melanoma
Authors: Kassi Eva , Angelousi Anna , Asonitis Nikolaos , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis , Anastasopoulou Amalia , Papaxoinis George , Kokkinos Michalis , Giovanopoulos Ilias , Kyriakakis Georgios , Petychaki Fotini , Savelli Akrivi , Benopoulou Olga , Gogas Helen
Published: September 2019

Background

Immune‐checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to improve survival in melanoma patients, but can also trigger immune‐related endocrinopathies, especially hypophysitis and thyroid dysfunction.

Methods

To assess the incidence and the spectrum of endocrinopathies in melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy a prospective observational study was conducted. Forty out of 339 patients, treated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors, developed endocrinopathies. All patients had hormonal functional tests at screening (before the initiation of immunotherapy) and during follow‐up.

Results

The total incidence of endocrinopathies was 11.8%, 13.4% due to anti‐PD1/PDL1, 5% due to anti‐CTLA4, and 18.5% due to sequential and/or combination treatment. Twenty‐one patients (6.2%) presented with isolated anterior hypophysitis, eleven (3.2%) with primary thyroid dysfunction and eight (2.4%) with both abnormalities. The most frequent anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was central adrenal insufficiency, followed by central hypothyroidism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. None of the patients with corticotroph axis failure recovered during follow‐up. Endocrinopathies occurred after a median of 22 weeks (range: 4‐156) from treatment initiation. Of note, sequential and/or combination therapy with anti‐CTLA4 and anti‐PD1/anti‐PDL1 led to an almost threefold incidence of hypophysitis compared to either monotherapy. Only one of 120 patients receiving anti‐CTLA4 monotherapy developed primary hypothyroidism.

Conclusions

Our cohort demonstrated an increased incidence of hypophysitis with anti‐PD1/anti‐PDL1 in contrast to the rarity of primary thyroid dysfunction with anti‐CTLA4 treatment. These results could be attributed to genetic/ethnic differences. Sequential treatment is, for the first time to our knowledge, reported to increase the risk of developing hypophysitis to a level as high as that of combination therapy.
Neonaticide in the Courtroom – Room for Improvement? Conclusions Drawn from Austria and Finland's Register Review
Authors: Amon Sabine , Klier Claudia M. , Putkonen Hanna , Weizmann‐Henelius Ghitta , Fernandez Arias Paula
Published: September 2019

This study analyses the psychological, clinical and criminal characteristics of neonaticide focusing on court verdicts with the aim of formulating recommendations for judicial guidelines. This study was register based, comprising all known neonaticides in Austria and Finland between 1995 and 2005. The cases (n = 28) were obtained by screening death certificates from coroner departments and analysing them alongside all further reports available. Five out of 21 convicted offenders were imprisoned with an average sentence of 1.65 years. A mental disorder, at the time of the offence, was diagnosed in half of the offenders (9/18) who underwent forensic examination. Of the total offenders, 14 were deemed responsible for the crime, one was deemed to have had diminished responsibility and three were considered not responsible for the crime. The main motive, determined by court evaluation, was an ‘unwanted child', followed by ‘no motive', ‘fear of abandonment or a negative response from others' and 'mental overload'. The rate of repeated neonaticide was 13 per cent. Considering the rate of mental illness within the neonaticide offenders, we would recommend a treatment detention order instead of imprisonment or non‐prosecution, as well as state‐of‐the‐art guidelines for the court.

‘Analyses the psychological, clinical and criminal characteristics of neonaticide focusing on court verdicts'

Key Practitioner Messages

Autopsies should be conducted for all suspected neonaticides.

Forensic examinations should be performed by experts with knowledge and experience of neonaticide.

There should be standardised forensic examinations using structured psychiatric and psychological methods by two independent experts.

Neonaticide cases should be tried in specialised courts.

A psychiatric treatment order should be made for all neonaticide offenders as a preventive measure to reduce reoffending and address the high psychological burden.
Insights in the Study of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells using Hybrid Platinum‐Ceria Nanorods Electrocatalysts
Authors: Pinheiro Victor S. , Souza Felipe M. , Gentil Tuani C. , Böhnstedt Paula , Paz Edson C. , Parreira Luanna S. , Hammer Peter , Batista Bruno L. , Santos Mauro C.
Published: September 2019

This work reports on the synthesis and characterization of hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pt nanoparticles and ceria nanorods (CeO2 NR) supported on Vulcan XC‐72 carbon black (Ptx(CeO2 NR)yCz) and evaluation of their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), aiming the application of 4‐electrons process in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). The hybrid electrocatalysts are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), CO‐stripping analysis and electrocatalytic activity for ORR studied by the rotating ring‐disc electrode (RRDE) technique and single fuel cell experiments. The Ptx(CeO2 NR)yCz hybrid electrocatalysts prove to be efficient for ORR in a 4‐electron process, maintaining a high conversion rate of O2 to H2O, even at reduced platinum (Pt) load. The electrocatalyst presents a notable an unusual behavior in single fuel cell experiments presenting slightly lower open circuit voltage than Pt based commercial electrocatalysts, containing Pt only, as well as improved current and power density. This is achieved at operating temperatures between 40 °C and 70 °C, making the material very promising for application in high efficiency low temperature fuel cells.
Generation and Validation of Tissue‐Specific Knockout Strains for Toxicology Research
Authors: Taylor Cherish A. , Shawlot William , Ren Jin Xiang , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra
Published: September 2019

Tissue‐specific knockout mice are widely used throughout scientific research. A principle method for generating tissue‐specific knockout mice is the Cre‐loxP system. Here, we give a detailed description of the steps required to generate and validate tissue‐specific knockout mice using the Cre‐loxP system. The first protocol describes how to use gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate mice with conditional alleles. Subsequent protocols describe how to recover Cre transgenic mice from cryopreserved sperm using in vitro fertilization and present a breeding strategy for obtaining tissue‐specific knockouts. Finally, methods are provided for validating the knockout mice using PCR of genomic DNA, reverse‐transcription PCR and quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR of mRNA, and immunoblot analysis of proteins. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Energy‐efficient resource allocation in D2D communications for energy harvesting–enabled NOMA‐based cellular networks
Authors: Najimi Maryam
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we propose an energy‐efficient power control and harvesting time scheduling scheme for resource allocation of the subchannels in a nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA)–based device‐to‐device (D2D) communications in cellular networks. In these networks, D2D users can communicate by sharing the radio resources assigned to cellular users (CUs). Device‐to‐device users harvest energy from the base station (BS) in the downlink and transmit information to their receivers. Using NOMA, more than one user can access the same frequency‐time resource simultaneously, and the signals of the multiusers can be separated successfully using successive interference cancellation (SIC). In fact, NOMA, unlike orthogonal multiple access (OMA) methods, allows sharing the same frequency resources at the same time by implementing adaptive power allocation. Our aim is to maximize the energy efficiency of the D2D pairs, which is the ratio of the achievable throughput of the D2D pairs to their energy consumption by allocating the proper subchannel of each cell to each device user equipment (DUE), managing their transmission power, and setting the harvesting and transmission time. The constraints of the problem are the quality of service of the CUs, minimum required throughput of the subchannels, and energy harvesting of DUEs. We formulate the problem and propose a low‐complexity iterative algorithm on the basis of the convex optimization method and Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions to obtain the optimal solution of the problem. Simulation results validate the performance of our proposed algorithm for different values of the system parameters.
Predicting impact of a biocontrol agent: integrating distribution modeling with climate‐dependent vital rates
Authors: Augustinus Benno , Sun Yan , Beuchat Carine , Schaffner Urs , Müller‐Schärer Heinz
Published: September 2019

Species distribution models can predict the suitable climatic range of a potential biological control agent (BCA), but they provide little information on the BCA's potential impact. To predict high population buildup, a prerequisite of biocontrol impact, studies are needed that assess the effect of environmental factors on vital rates of a BCA across the environmental gradient of the BCA's suitable habitats, especially for the region where the BCA is considered for field release. We extended a published species distribution model with climate‐dependent vital rates of Ophraella communa, a recently and accidentally introduced potential BCA of common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe. In field and laboratory experiments, we collected data on climate‐dependent parameters assumed to be the most relevant for the population buildup of O. communa, i.e., temperature driving the number of generations per year and relative humidity (RH) determining egg hatching success. We found that O. communa concluded one generation in 334 cumulative degree days, and that egg hatching success strongly decreased from > 80% to < 20% when RH drops from 55% to 45% during the day. We used these values to spatially explicitly project population densities across the European range suitable for both A. artemisiifolia and the beetle and found that the present distribution of the beetle in Europe is within the range with the highest projected population growth. The highest population density of O. communa was predicted for northern Italy and parts of western Russia and western Georgia. Field observations of high impact on A. artemisiifolia with records of 80% aerial pollen reduction in the Milano area since the establishment of O. communa are in line with these predictions. The relative importance of temperature and RH on the population density of O. communa varies considerably across its suitable range in Europe. We propose that the combined statistical and mechanistic approach outlined in this paper helps to more accurately predict the potential impact of a weed BCA than a species distribution model alone. Identifying the factors limiting the population buildup of a BCA across the suitable range allows implementation of more targeted release and management strategies to optimize biocontrol efficacy.
Anorexia nervosa and diffusion weighted imaging: An open methodological question raised by a systematic review and a fractional anisotropy anatomical likelihood estimation meta‐analysis
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Collantoni Enrico , Solmi Marco , Tenconi Elena , Favaro Angela
Published: September 2019

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by white matter abnormalities in neuroimaging studies. Fractional anisotropy (FA) is a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) index that is considered an instrument for the evaluation of white matter alterations. However, the literature has recently pointed out the role of the partial volume effect (PVE) as a confounding factor for the identification of juxtaposed tissues. Our goal was to review the DTI literature in AN and evaluate possible confounding factors linked to the reported results.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify Diffusion Tensor Imaging studies of individuals with AN and, subsequently, an anatomical likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis was performed on studies published before March 18, 2019.

Results

Twenty‐four studies (AN = 517, controls = 542) were included in the qualitative systematic review of the literature. Ten published studies underwent the ALE‐analysis (AN = 210, controls = 229), plus data from an unpublished cohort (AN = 38, controls = 38). Two clusters of decreased FA were identified, namely in the left corona radiata, and in the left thalamus. Only one article took the PVE correction analysis into account.

Conclusions

The alterations identified must be considered within the limits of a possible methodological bias regarding PVE and free water and re‐analysis of the data may be recommended. The preliminary data showed that the alteration of white matter pathways between the limbic structures and brain cortex may be linked to the processing of somatosensory information that could play a key role in the psychopathology of the disorder.
High‐Purity Tocored Improves the Stability of Stripped Corn Oil Under Accelerated Conditions
Authors: Zheng Liyou , Karrar Emad , Xie Liangliang , Jin Jun , Huang Jianhua , Wang Xingguo , Zhang Hui , Jin Qingzhe
Published: September 2019

γ‐Tocopherol‐5,6‐quinone (tocored) is of importance among the γ‐tocopherol (γ‐T) oxidant products and found in corn germ oil. Investigation on tocored is impeded in part by the difficulty to access high purity tocored. In this present study, high‐purity tocored is successfully prepared, and its antioxidant activity, together with γ‐T and TBHQ (positive control) in increasing concentrations in stripped corn germ oil is evaluated by Rancimat and Schaal oven tests. The stabilization factor in the Rancimat tests increases significantly (p < 0.05) along with an increase in the levels of antioxidants. Furthermore, tocored exhibits higher stabilization than γ‐T in the Schaal oven tests, although its efficacy gradually increases up to 100 mg kg–1 and decreases significantly at higher levels (from 100 to 500 mg kg–1), drawn from the comprehensive parameter A (considering both efficiency and strength) changes (5.06–11.21). In addition, the curves illustrating the residual contents of tocored and γ‐T run in different ways when the four levels are taken into consideration, further bearing the above results. Tocored tends to be a potent natural antioxidant for edible corn germ oil preservation.

Practical Application: The present work provides more clear procedures for high‐purity tocored synthesis. Furthermore, tocored may be a potential natural antioxidant that is especially suitable for lipid base food substrates. The results of the present work contribute to the deeper understanding of the antioxidant activity of γ‐tocopherol. The antioxidant activity of tocored is higher than γ‐tocopherol in Schaal oven test. Tocored is a bright orange‐red substance that affects the appearance of the edible oil. Meanwhile, γ‐tocopherol is well known for its valuable health benefits, and appropriate measures should be adopted to store oils (corn oil, soybean oil, and so on) rich in γ‐tocopherol to control transformation in order to keep stability optimal. To some degree, the practical applications of the present results are also related to the processing and storage of edible oils.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Cyclopropylidene Iminolactones and Functionalized Cyclopropanecarboxamides Mediated by Triflic Acid
Authors: Maximiano Adrielle P. , Sá Marcus M.
Published: September 2019

A straightforward synthesis of cyclopropylidene iminolactones mediated by triflic acid under mild conditions is described. Different types of hydroxy‐substituted cyclopropanecarboxamides containing a variety of functional groups participated in this smooth cyclization through an intramolecular SN2 attack of the amidic oxygen on the protonated carbinol group with the release of water. Ten cyclopropylidene iminolactones were readily obtained in high purity after a basic work‐up with no additional chromatographic separation (62–98 % yield). Besides the simplicity, the method is highly diastereoselective and tolerates several functional groups, demonstrating the broad scope of this process. Selected iminolactones were applied in further synthetic transformations to give functionalized cyclopropanecarboxamides through hydrogenolysis or nucleophilic ring‐opening reactions.
Influence of spermine and nitrogen deficiency on growth and secondary metabolites accumulation in Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. cultured in a RITA® temporary immersion system
Authors: Rubio‐Rodríguez Elizabeth , López‐Laredo Alma Rosa , Medina‐Pérez Virginia , Trejo‐Tapia Gabriela , Trejo‐Espino José Luis
Published: September 2019

The effect of exogenous spermine (SPM) on Castilleja tenuiflora shoots developing under nitrogen deficiency (ND) stress was evaluated. Shoots cultivated in a temporary immersion system were subjected to four experimental treatments: (1) control; (2) exogenous SPM; (3) ND; and (4) ND+SPM. Shoots were longer in the ND+SPM treatment (6.3 ± 0.5 cm) than in the ND treatment (4.2 ± 0.5 cm). The total chlorophyll content was similar in the control and SPM treatments (0.41 µg mg−1 FM) and the highest values of total phenolic content were detected at 21 days in the ND+SPM treatment (84.1 ± 0.05 GAE g−1 DM). In the ND+SPM treatment, the phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity increased earlier than in ND treatment, and reached its maximum at day 21 (3.9 ± 0.2 µmol E‐CIN h−1 mg−1 protein). Compared with the control, the ND and ND+SPM treatments resulted in increased secondary metabolites contents in both root and aerial parts. The strongest effect was in the roots, where the SPM and ND+SPM treatments both resulted in increased quercetin content (4.3‐fold that in the control). Our results showed that SPM partially counteract the damage caused by ND and results in increased contents of valuable bioactive compounds.
In sito galanthamine extraction during the cultivation of Leucojum aestivum L. shoot culture in two‐phase bubble column cultivation system
Authors: Ivanov Ivan , Berkov Strahi , Pavlov Atanas , Georgiev Vasil
Published: September 2019

Two‐phase bioreactor cultivation system was developed and applied for in sito recovery of extracellular galanthamine during the cultivation of Leucojum aestivum L. shoot culture in a modified column bioreactor system. The inclusion of an external circulation column with adsorbent resin Amberlite XAD‐4 as a second phase, on the 21st day of the beginning of cultivation resulted in 1.25 folds increase in biomass accumulation and maximal amounts of accumulated galanthamine of 6 mg/L (3.1 mg/L intracellular and 2.9 mg/L extracellular). It was demonstrated that the inclusion of a second phase at the cultivation of the L. aestivum shoot culture in a bubble column bioreactor with internal sections redirected the alkaloid metabolism to galanthamine synthesis and inhibits the synthesis of hemanthamine and lycorine type alkaloids. Our research demonstrated that the application of the two‐phase cultivation systems could be an important tool to increase the yields of valuable secondary metabolites in plant tissue culture‐based bioprocess.
Maximum Marginal Likelihood Estimation With an Expectation–Maximization Algorithm for Multigroup/Mixture Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Fu Jianbin
Published: September 2019

A maximum marginal likelihood estimation with an expectation–maximization algorithm has been developed for estimating multigroup or mixture multidimensional item response theory models using the generalized partial credit function, graded response function, and 3‐parameter logistic function. The procedure includes the estimation of item parameters, attribute population distribution parameters, and test takers' attributes. All estimation functions and derivatives are provided. This procedure has been implemented in an R program. A simulation study has been conducted using this R program on various models related to the generalized partial credit function, and the result shows reasonable parameter recovery.
Aiming for smart wind energy: A comparison analysis between wind speed forecasting techniques
Authors: Alhaddad Mohamad , Ever Enver , Fahrioglu Murat , Al‐Turjman Fadi
Published: September 2019

Smart cities are one of the promising application areas where the energy management (supply/dispatch) issues have the potential to positively affect the society. In the common era of information and technology, the consumers expect the required amount of energy to be present at anytime. This energy is obtained through renewable and nonrenewable resources. Smart wind energy is the idea of efficient energy generation utilizing the wind while satisfyinggreenexpectations. However, the random characteristics caused by various external factors have significant effects on wind speeds, thus introducing difficulties in power systems operations and energy generation. Forecasting techniques can be effectively used to predict future wind speeds and power generation to optimize the energy output. The objective of this study is to provide a framework for a local smart‐city wind energy harvesting model. Our study evaluates wind speed forecasting models based on synced weather characteristics (air temperature, humidity, and pressure), against models based on wind speed data itself. The produced models are implemented viak‐nearest neighbors and linear regression. Two different data sets are addressed for performance comparison purposes. The first one is 5 years of 10‐minute time span measurements at Middle East Technical University campus. The second data set is 3 years of the same time span at a site in California, USA. The accuracy of predictions is found to be higher for the data sets with lower variance (METU data set). However, the models fit the higher variance (NREL data set) data better than the lower one.
Two‐dimensional DOA estimation for noncoherent and coherent signals using subspace approach
Authors: Shahimaeen Assieh , Dehghani Mohammad Javad , Dodangeh Mahdi
Published: September 2019

This paper focuses on the problem of two‐dimensional (2D) direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation for a mixture of noncoherent and coherent signals impinging on two parallel uniform linear arrays. It adopts the principal‐eigenvector utilization for modal analysis (PUMA)–based algorithm. The algorithm offers a closed‐form solution for updating the 2D DOA estimation and pairs the estimated angles automatically as well as has mild computational complexity. Finally, simulation results confirm that our PUMA‐based algorithm has good performance in handling 2D DOA estimation even in the presence of coherent signals.
Simplified lattice Boltzmann method for non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid flows
Authors: Chen Zhen , Shu Chang
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we present a simplified lattice Boltzmann method for non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid flows. The new method adopts the predictor‐corrector scheme and reconstructs solutions to the macroscopic equations recovered from the lattice Boltzmann equation through Chapman‐Enskog expansion analysis. The truncated power‐law model is incorporated into this method to locally adjust the physical viscosity and the associated relaxation parameter, which recovers the non‐Newtonian behaviors. Compared with existing non‐Newtonian lattice Boltzmann models, the proposed method directly evolves the macroscopic variables instead of the distribution functions, which eliminates the intrinsic drawbacks like high cost in virtual memory and inconvenient implementation of physical boundary conditions. The validity of the method is demonstrated by benchmark tests and comparisons with analytical solution or numerical results in the literature. Benchmark solutions to the three‐dimensional lid‐driven cavity flow of non‐Newtonian power‐law fluid are also provided for future reference.
Effect of various additives on the properties of the films and coatings derived from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose—A review
Authors: Ghadermazi Reza , Hamdipour Saeid , Sadeghi Kambiz , Ghadermazi Rojin , Khosrowshahi Asl Asghar
Published: September 2019

Edible films and coating materials are commonly used as appropriate packaging materials to extend the shelf life of fresh food. Due to all their properties, edible film and coating materials have been received much attention. They are biodegradable, edible, and good barrier against environmental parameters; thereby, they could carry and deliver food additives protecting food quality. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a cellulose derivatives, can act as an excellent film‐forming agent for coating food produces. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the HPMC properties and investigate the effects of various additives on its film‐forming properties, such as rheological behavior, water vapor, and gas permeability, as well as mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, with a focus on the recent progress and outputs, which has been recently published. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is prone to be commonly used as an advanced film‐forming and coating materials for the sake of well miscibility with a wide range of organic and inorganic materials. However, this polymer requires further improvements regarding moisture susceptibility and thermal properties.