bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PDRPS7 protects cardiac cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury through inactivation of JNKs
Authors: Duan Yulian , Cheng Siyuan , Jia Liang , Zhang Zhao , Chen Leilei
Published: February 2020

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major complication of reperfusion therapy in myocardial infarction. Ischemic myocardium produces a variety of peptides. We recently identified PDRPS7 as a novel peptide in cardiomyocytes that can be induced by hypoxia. However, the role of PDRPS7 is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of PDRPS7 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced injury in rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells and NRCMs. We found that PDRPS7 improved cell survival and attenuated lactate dehydrogenase leakage following H/R in H9c2 cells and NRCMs. PDRPS7 also alleviated H/R‐induced pulsation reduction in NRCMs. Moreover, H/R‐induced cell apoptosis was decreased in the presence of PDRPS7. H/R‐induced reactive oxygen species generation was reduced by PDRPS7; in addition, PDRPS7 did not impact H2O2‐induced cell injury. Signaling analysis demonstrated that H/R increased the phosphorylation levels of JNKs, ERKs, and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases. However, PDRPS7 only attenuated H/R‐induced JNK phosphorylation, but not phosphorylation of ERKs and p38. PDRPS7 protected cardiomyocytes from apoptosis by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and c‐Jun phosphorylation pathways, markedly upregulating anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 expression and inhibiting that of pro‐apoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase‐3. Importantly, pharmacological activation of JNKs diminished the protective effect of PDRPS7 in terms of cell survival against H/R stimulation. In summary, our study identified PDRPS7 as a novel cardioprotective peptide against H/R challenge and this action was mediated, at least in part, through inactivation of JNKs.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control for robotic manipulators with funnel boundary
Authors: Bao Jialei , Wang Huanqing , Xiaoping Liu Peter
Published: February 2020

The finite‐time tracking control problem with the output‐constraint property of robotic manipulators subjected to system uncertainties is addressed. Specifically, the radial basis function neural network is employed to compensate for system uncertainties. The finite‐time stability theorem is used for the backstepping design process, by which the limit of the settling time is set. A funnel boundary is used to limit the output overshoot. The proposed controller guarantees that all the signals are semi‐globally practically finite‐time bounded, while the tracking errors are enveloped by the funnel boundary. The performance of the proposed control method is illustrated by a numerical simulation of a 3‐DOF manipulator. It is shown that the tracking errors are bounded by prescribed funnel boundaries. In the meantime, the manipulator is stabilized within a finite period of
time.
Dynamic modeling: The influence of the improved solid elutriation correlation on the two‐phase mathematical model of polyolefin polymerization in a gas‐phase fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Atan Mohd Farid , Hussain Mohd Azlan
Published: February 2020

Dynamic modeling of the polyolefin polymerization process in the gas phase is relatively complex due to its high nonlinearity. This nonlinearity is induced by several factors including the reaction mechanism, the heat and mass transfer mechanism, the flow properties in both solid and gas phases, the type of reactor, and the correlations between the operating conditions and the chemical and physical properties of the polyolefin. In this study, polymerization of the polypropylene was observed in a fluidized bed reactor to potentially improve the solid elutriation correlations proposed previously, to increase the reliability and the accuracy of this two‐phase model. By embedding the improved solid elutriation correlations, the production rate was reduced relative to earlier proposed solid elutriation correlations due to the loss of the product at the top of the fluidized bed reactor. The composition of the reactants and the catalyst flow rate also influenced the production rate, yet the inlet temperature did not. The current two‐phase model is validated with the pilot plant data with the deviations lower than the previously validated model with reference to the production rate, the concentration of propylene and hydrogen, and the temperature of the reactor.
Characterization, conductivity studies, dielectric properties, and gas sensing performance of in situ polymerized polyindole/copper alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Sankar S. , Naik Adarsh A. , Anilkumar T. , Ramesan M. T.
Published: February 2020

Conducting polymer composites of polyindole (PIN) and copper–alumina (Cu–Al2O3) nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of indole with different contents of Cu–Al2O3 nanoparticles. The polymer nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and ammonia gas sensing performance was also analyzed. FTIR and XRD studies revealed the attachment of Cu–Al2O3 in the molecular chain of PIN. The presence of bright trapezoid channels and variation in morphology for different loading of nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM. The attachment of Cu–Al2O3 nanoparticles in the PIN matrix was confirmed through EDX spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the composites were greatly enhanced with the loading of Cu–Al2O3. Enhancement in alternating current conductivity, dielectric constant and the current–voltage characteristics of the prepared composite revealed the semiconducting nature of the system with an increase in the loading of nanoparticles. Also, nanocomposite exhibited an excellent sensitivity and fast response to ammonia gas. The evaluated result of the present study suggested that Cu–Al2O3 reinforced PIN hybrid is a good candidate for the fabrication of electrochemical devices.
Design of a rigid side chain for poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing an alkenyl group and evaluation of their ability to inhibit tetrahydrofuran hydrate crystal growth
Authors: Kawatani Ryo , Kelland Malcolm A. , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: February 2020

Kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) are water‐soluble polymers that are used to prevent gas hydrate formation in flow lines during upstream oil and gas production. All commercial polymers have pendant hydrophobic moieties with saturated carbon–carbon bonds. In our previous studies, poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing alkyl groups and ethylene glycol groups were synthesized and investigated as KHIs. For comparison, we have now synthesized poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives in which an alkenyl group has been introduced at the N‐position to improve the rigidity and steric hindrance of the side chain. The KHI performances of synthesized polymers were evaluated by the method of tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate crystal growth. The molecular weight of the synthesized polymers affected their ability to inhibit THF hydrate crystal growth. Higher molecular weight polymers, above 4,000 g/mol, tended to show higher inhibition efficiencies compared with lower molecular weight polymers of around 1,000 g/mol. However, the KHI performance of poly(N‐vinylamide) derivatives bearing alkenyl groups was generally lower than the polymers in the previous studies. This indicates that the side chain rigidity and/or steric hindrance do not significantly influence the KHI performance.
Boosting the Peroxidase‐like Activity of Cobalt Ions by Amino Acid‐based Biological Species and Its Applications
Authors: Guo Yanyan , Xu Lijun , Liu Aihua
Published: February 2020

Enzyme mimics have been widely used as alternatives to natural enzymes, owing to their high stability and low cost. However, the activity and atom economy of enzyme mimics still need to be improved. Herein, we report the boosting effects of amino acids, peptides and proteins on the peroxidase‐like activity of Co2+. Among 20 amino acids, tryptophan (Trp) enhanced the activity of Co2+ approximately 8 times and was identified as the best stimulator. The study revealed the synergy of amino acids‐based species and HCO3− for efficient catalysis. Co2+ is proposed to bind simultaneously to HCO3− and Trp, and to form a ternary catalyst which facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species. Based on the selective boosting by Trp, a simple and low‐cost Co2+ sensor with high sensitivity was developed, which showed a linear range of 10–300 μM and a limit of detection of 0.4 μM for Co2+.
Leaders and followers in mutual funds: A dynamic Bayesian approach
Authors: Andreu Laura , Sarto José L. , Gargallo Pilar , Salvador Manuel
Published: February 2020

This article proposes a dynamic Bayesian framework to analyze the leadership relationships between mutual funds. To this end, a two‐step procedure is proposed. First, a Bayesian rolling window based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model is used to estimate the evolution of mutual funds' market exposure over time. Then, a vector autoregressive (VAR) model is used to analyze the leader‐follower relationship between pair of mutual funds. Several leadership measures are studied. An application to Spanish mutual funds is carried out. In addition, the study examines the determining factors of mutual fund leadership.
Prediction of biochemical cure in patients with medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Machens A , Lorenz K , Dralle H
Published: February 2020

Background

The impact of number of node metastases versus metastatic lymph node ratio versus AJCC node category on biochemical cure in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is not well defined.

Methods

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine clinical and histopathological variables that contribute to biochemical cure in node-positive MTC.

Results

Some 584 of 1026 patients with MTC underwent systematic lymph node dissections for node-positive disease; 27·4 per cent (54 of 197) were biochemically cured after the initial operation and 13·5 per cent (42 of 310 patients) after repeat surgery. Cured patients had significantly less extrathyroid extension (11–14 versus 33·2–55·6 per cent), fewer lymph node metastases (median 2–4 versus 12–16), a lower metastatic lymph node ratio (median 0·05–0·08 versus 0·23–0·28), and were less likely to have AJCC pN1b disease (56–76 versus 89·9–91·6 per cent) and distant metastases (0 versus 28·4–37·1 per cent) than patients who were not cured. Biochemical cure curves advanced steadily up to 7–12 node metastases and a metastatic lymph node ratio of 0·33, eventually levelling off after 16–17 node metastases and metastatic lymph node ratios of 0·45–0·65. In logistic regression analysis, number of lymph node metastases (odds ratio (OR) 17·24 for more than 20 metastases, OR 5·28 for 11–20 metastases, OR 2·22 for 6–10 metastases), preoperative basal serum calcitonin (OR 6·24 for over 1000 pg/ml), reoperation (OR 5·34) and extrathyroid extension (OR 2·42) independently predicted failure to reach biochemical cure.

Conclusion

Number of lymph node metastases, unlike metastatic lymph node ratio or AJCC node category, determines likelihood of biochemical cure after initial and repeat surgery for node-positive MTC.
Feasibility of spectral pH measurement during the low‐pH virus inactivation step of continuous therapeutic antibody production
Authors: Goby Jeffrey D. , Furuya Kenji , Zimmermann Eike , Beller Justin A. , Schmitt John M. , Cortese Margot , Breit Jeffrey F. , Coffman Jonathan L.
Published: February 2020

Acidic virus inactivation is commonly used during production of biotherapeutic products to provide virus safety in case of undetected virus contamination. Accurate pH measurement is required to ensure the product pH reaches a virus‐inactivating level (typically 3.5–3.7), and a level post‐inactivation that is appropriate for later purification steps (typically 5.5–7.5). During batch low‐pH inactivation in discrete tanks, potentiometric glass probes are appropriate for measuring pH. During continuous inactivation for 2–3 weeks in an enclosed product stream, probe calibration drift and lag may lead to poor accuracy, and operational difficulties when compensating for drift. Monitoring the spectral response of compounds (indicators) in the product stream whose spectra are pH‐sensitive offers a possible alternative way to measure pH without these drawbacks. Such indicators can already exist in the stream (intrinsic) or can be added (extrinsic). Herein are reported studies evaluating the feasibility of both.Promising ultraviolet screening results with the two extrinsics studied, thiamine and ascorbic acid, led to the addition of both to product stream samples titrated to different potentiometric pH values in the 3.3–4.5 range (a representative range encountered during continuous inactivation), and attempts to model pH using sample ultraviolet spectra. One model, based on variability in six spectral attributes, was able to predict pH of an independent sample set within ±0.07 units at the 95% confidence level. Since a typical inactivating pH tolerance is ±0.1 units, the results show that extrinsic indicators potentially can measure inactivation pH with sufficient accuracy. Suggested future steps and an alternative approach are presented.
Aaptolines A and B, Two New Quinoline Alkaloids from the Marine Sponge Aaptos aaptos
Authors: Tang Wei‐Zhuo , Yu Hao‐Bing , Lu Jing‐Rong , Lin Hou‐Wen , Sun Fan , Wang Shu‐Ping , Yang Fan
Published: February 2020

Two new quinoline alkaloids, aaptolines A and B, were isolated from the marine sponge Aaptos aaptos. Their structures were determined by HR‐ESI‐MS data, NMR analysis, and X‐ray crystallography. Structurally, aaptoline A is characterized as having a quinoline skeleton fused with a 1,4‐dioxane motif at the C(7)−C(8) position, whereas aaptoline B possessed an intriguing 1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐g]quinoline moiety. The cytotoxic assay of these compounds showed no cytotoxicity towards HepG2, A549, and PC9 cancer cell lines and had IC50 values greater than 20 μm.
Rare anoxic brain injury sequela of delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy due to recreational drug overdose with benzodiazepines
Authors: Kaplan Kara , Alam Ariful , Dymm Braydon , Valiuddin Hisham , Nanthabalan Sangeetha
Published: February 2020

A growth in recreational drug use will lead to a rise in delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy cases. Physicians may inadvertently misdiagnose this rare condition as a primary psychiatric disorder by not maintaining a broad differential diagnosis.
Self‐assembly Mesoporous FeP Film with High Porosity for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Cong , Xia Maosheng S. , Liu Zhipeng P. , Huang Guoqing Q. , Yuan Shisheng S. , Ai Jing , Li Nan , Li Xiaotian T.
Published: February 2020

Exploring efficient noble metal‐free electrocatalysts is of significance for water electrolysis. In this work, we fabricated a high‐efficiency self‐supporting electrode with mesoporous FeP film coated on carbon cloth (meso‐FeP film/CC) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Compared with nanoparticle‐stacked disordered porous structure, the ordered mesoporous iron phosphide film exhibits high porosity as high as 2.3×1017 site per mg, as well as small pore size and uniform pore distribution, which enables the exposure of abundant active sites. Moreover, the self‐supporting structure with enhanced conductivity further optimizes its electrocatalytic performance towards the HER. As a result, the meso‐FeP film/CC displays a low overpotential (65 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2) and a small Tafel slope (44 mV dec−1) in acid condition, which is competitive among most of noble‐metal free electrocatalysts.
Effect of support on the apparent activity of palladium oxide in catalytic methane combustion
Authors: Zanoletti Massimiliano , Godard François , Perrier Michel
Published: February 2020

The support effect on the low temperature catalytic oxidation of methane over palladium catalysts was studied by comparing a series of metal oxides as the support. Samples of 0.010 g/g Pd catalysts supported on different grades and/or phases of TiO2, Al2O3, and ZrO2 were prepared via incipient impregnation and their catalytic activity was evaluated using a laboratory plug‐flow reactor. The specific surface area of the supports determined by nitrogen adsorption varied from about 13‐220 m2/g. Initial experiments conducted with titania (anatase) as a support showed a low apparent activity and a poor thermal stability. Focusing on anatase, we have successfully improved its thermal stability by additions of Al2O3 or by doping with CeO2, or La2O3. However, contrary to expectations based on some information in the literature, we have found that the activity decreased in the sequence of Al2O3 > ZrO2 > TiO2, and was not a direct function of specific surface area. This was especially evident in the case of titania. The surface structure of the support and the nature of its interaction with the active component PdO seem to play a far more important role in activity than the apparent specific surface area. Moreover, anatase‐supported catalysts present a very rapid deactivation, whereas rutile‐supported catalysts are relatively stable. The observed phenomena could potentially be related to the interaction between support and the active phase of palladium. Several models have been proposed to describe the strong metal‐support interaction, but either charge transfer or encapsulation seems to be the most probable.
Distinct patterns of hybridization across a suture zone in a coral reef fish (Dascyllus trimaculatus)
Authors: Salas Eva , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Bernal Moisés A. , Simison W. Brian , Berumen Michael L. , Bernardi Giacomo , Rocha Luiz A.
Published: February 2020

Hybrid zones are natural laboratories for investigating the dynamics of gene flow, reproductive isolation, and speciation. A predominant marine hybrid (or suture) zone encompasses Christmas Island (CHR) and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKE), where 15 different instances of interbreeding between closely related species from Indian and Pacific Oceans have been documented. Here, we report a case of hybridization between genetically differentiated Pacific and Indian Ocean lineages of the three‐spot dascyllus,Dascyllus trimaculatus(Rüppell, 1829). Field observations indicate there are subtle color differences between Pacific and Indian Ocean lineages. Most importantly, population densities of color morphs and genetic analyses (mitochondrial DNA and SNPs obtained via RADSeq) suggest that the pattern of hybridization within the suture zone is not homogeneous. At CHR, both color morphs were present, mitochondrial haplotypes of both lineages were observed, and SNP analyses revealed both pure and hybrid genotypes. Meanwhile, in CKE, the Indian Ocean color morphs were prevalent, only Indian Ocean mitochondrial haplotypes were observed, and SNP analysis showed hybrid individuals with a large proportion (~80%) of their genotypes assigning to the Indian Ocean lineage. We conclude that CHR populations are currently receiving an influx of individuals from both ocean basins, with a greater influence from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, geographically isolated CKE populations appear to be self‐recruiting and with more influx of individuals from the Indian Ocean. Our research highlights how patterns of hybridization can be different at scales of hundreds of kilometers, due to geographic isolation and the history of interbreeding between lineages.
Assessment of lipid response to acute olanzapine administration in healthy adults
Authors: Nahmias Avital , Stahel Priska , Dash Satya
Published: February 2020

Background

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) can induce hypertriglyceridaemia and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain contributes to these effects, but there is evidence that AAP can have acute metabolic effects on glycaemia independent of weight change.

Aims

We undertook a single‐blind crossover study in eight healthy volunteers to assess whether the AAP olanzapine acutely increases triglyceride and free fatty acid in response to a high‐fat oral load (50 g fat with no carbohydrate) and whether these effects are attenuated by the dopamine D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine.

Methods

Participants underwent three treatments in random order: Olanzapine 10 mg plus placebo (OL + PL), Olanzapine 10 mg plus bromocriptine 5 mg (OL + BR) and placebo plus placebo (PL + PL).

Results

Olanzapine increased plasma prolactin, an effect that was reversed by co‐administration of the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine (P = .0002). There were no significant differences in postprandial triglyceride (P = .8), free fatty acid (P = .4) or glucose (P = .8).

Conclusion

These results suggest that AAPs likely do not directly increase postprandial lipids but may do so indirectly via changes in body weight and/or glycaemia.
Ion current rectification behavior of a nanochannel having nonuniform cross‐section
Authors: Yen Wei‐Kuan , Huang Wei‐Cheng , Hsu Jyh‐Ping
Published: February 2020

Due to its versatile applications in biotechnology, ion current rectification (ICR), which arises from the asymmetric nature of the ion transport in a nanochannel, has drawn much attention, recently. Here, the ICR behavior of a pH‐regulated nanochannel comprising two series connected cylindrical nanochannels of different radii is examined theoretically, focusing on the influences of the radii ratio, the length ratio, the bulk concentration, and the solution pH. The results of numerical simulation reveal that the rectification factor exhibits a local maximum with respect to both the radii ratio and the length ratio. The values of the radii ratio and the length ratio at which the local maximum in the rectification factor occur depend upon the level of the bulk salt concentration. The rectification factor also shows a local maximum as the solution pH varies. Among the factors examined, the solution pH influences the ICR behavior of the nanochannel most significantly.
Nonconventional measurements on insulation materials high voltage bushings and power cables using frequency response analysis method
Authors: Arumugam Saravanakumar
Published: February 2020

Power utilities desire an alternate noninvasive test method for assessing the diagnostic status of power apparatus. The primary reason is to minimize the economic constraints and ensure lifetime and reliability of power apparatus within shorter duration. In this context, frequency response analysis (FRA) method is increasingly recommended. The underlying principle of fault diagnosis using FRA method focuses on correlating the insulation condition to the changes in the magnitude and phase frequency response function. Existing practices validates the usage of FRA method in ascertaining the insulation integrity of transformers. Further attempts to expand the potential of FRA in method in determining the insulation status of power apparatus other than transformers, lack scientific and experimental evidence. To fill this gap, a research on using FRA method in assessing the insulation condition of high voltage bushings and power cables is initiated. Initially, test samples of insulation materials that are commonly used in bushings and cables are selected. The chosen samples are prepared in such a way that they represent common defect conditions that inflict premature material degradation and failures. These samples are grouped accordingly, placed on test cells, subjected to nonconventional FRA tests and their diagnostic status are respectively ascertained through comparative analysis. Following this, the pertinent findings are validated on actual bushings and power cables installed on a power transformer. In summary, the findings of this studies not only validate the usage of FRA method but provides the missing scientific and technical evidences and indices that could be used for diagnosing power apparatus.
Failure detection‐less approach for wide sustained operation of MPPT based stand‐alone solar photovoltaic system during failure/disconnection of battery
Authors: Gayen Pritam K. , Saha Satyajit
Published: February 2020

Batteries play an important role in stand‐alone two‐stage converter (boost converter and inverter) based solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems. Here, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operation of a stand‐alone solar system is carried out with the usage of a battery by absorbing excess solar power. Nevertheless, instability (abnormal rise of DC link voltage) can appear during the real‐time operation of the battery‐based solar energy conversion system due to the action of the MPPT controller, if a sudden battery breakdown happens. In this respect, a failure detection‐less solution is proposed. The suggested strategy restricts operation of the MPPT and helps to settle the output power of the SPV at non‐maximum level on its P‐V curve as per necessity. Thus, voltage instability at DC bus (link between boost converter and three‐phase voltage source inverter [VSI]) is prevented. Here, the bus voltage can be kept within a predefined upper and lower limit. The limits are decided accordingly to the SPV characteristics. Simultaneously, the required load powers (both active and reactive portions) are supported by the VSI. In the proposed strategy, the output of the MPPT algorithm is restricted by adopting a saturation limit for a certain duty ratio. The critical task is to find the value of the saturation limit, as the limit supports all‐time operations (it allows desired performances under all maximum power situations and avoids instability under all non‐maximum operating conditions). The procedure of determining the limit is thoroughly described. The conventional approach uses a failure detection‐based separate control algorithm. At the same time, the proposed concept does not require a separate algorithm. The suggested concept is validated via a MATLAB‐SIMULINK‐based simulation study and down‐scaled experimental set
up.
Assessing biological factors affecting postspeciation introgression
Authors: Hamlin Jennafer A. P. , Hibbins Mark S. , Moyle Leonie C.
Published: February 2020

An increasing number of phylogenomic studies have documented a clear “footprint” of postspeciation introgression among closely related species. Nonetheless, systematic genome-wide studies of factors that determine the likelihood of introgression remain rare. Here, we propose an a priori hypothesis-testing framework that uses introgression statistics—including a new metric of estimated introgression, Dp—to evaluate general patterns of introgression prevalence and direction across multiple closely related species. We demonstrate this approach using whole genome sequences from 32 lineages in 11 wild tomato species to assess the effect of three factors on introgression—genetic relatedness, geographical proximity, and mating system differences—based on multiple trios within the “ABBA–BABA” test. Our analyses suggest each factor affects the prevalence of introgression, although our power to detect these is limited by the number of comparisons currently available. We find that of 14 species pairs with geographically “proximate” versus “distant” population comparisons, 13 showed evidence of introgression; in 10 of these cases, this was more prevalent between geographically closer populations. We also find modest evidence that introgression declines with increasing genetic divergence between lineages, is more prevalent between lineages that share the same mating system, and—when it does occur between mating systems—tends to involve gene flow from more inbreeding to more outbreeding lineages. Although our analysis indicates that recent postspeciation introgression is frequent in this group—detected in 15 of 17 tested trios—estimated levels of genetic exchange are modest (0.2–2.5% of the genome), so the relative importance of hybridization in shaping the evolutionary trajectories of these species could be limited. Regardless, similar clade-wide analyses of genomic introgression would be valuable for disentangling the major ecological, reproductive, and historical determinants of postspeciation gene flow, and for assessing the relative contribution of introgression as a source of genetic variation.
Nondestructive classification of saffron using color and textural analysis
Authors: Mohamadzadeh Moghadam Morteza , Taghizadeh Masoud , Sadrnia Hassan , Pourreza Hamid Reza
Published: February 2020

Saffron classification based on machine vision techniques as well as the expert's opinion is an objective and nondestructive method that can increase the accuracy of this process in real applications. The experts in Iran classify saffron into three classes Pushal, Negin, and Sargol based on apparent characteristics. Four hundred and forty color images from saffron for the three different classes were acquired, using a mobile phone camera. Twenty‐one color features and 99 textural features were extracted using image analysis. Twenty‐two classifiers were employed for classification using mentioned features. The support vector machine and Ensemble classifiers were better than other classifiers. Our results showed that the mean classification accuracy was up to 83.9% using the Quadratic support vector machine and Subspace Discriminant classifier.
The effects of A1/A2 astrocytes on oligodendrocyte linage cells against white matter injury under prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Miyamoto Nobukazu , Magami Shunsuke , Inaba Toshiki , Ueno Yuji , Hira Kenichiro , Kijima Chikage , Nakajima Sho , Yamashiro Kazuo , Urabe Takao , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2020

As oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are vulnerable to ischemia, their differentiation to oligodendrocytes (OLG) is impaired in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Astrocyte–OLG interaction is important for white matter homeostasis. Recently, reactive astrocytes were separated into two types, A1 (cytotoxic) and A2 (neurotrophic). However, their role in prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion remains unclear. We analyzed the effects of interaction between A1–A2 astrocytes and OPC–OLG under hypoperfusion, focusing on mitochondrial migration. As an in vivo model, chronic hypoperfusion model mice were created by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) using microcoils. As a matching in vitro study, rat primary cells were cocultured with a nonlethal concentration of CoCl2. At 28 days after hypoperfusion, the number of OPC and astrocytes increased, whereas that of OLG decreased. Increased astrocytes were mainly A1‐like astrocytes; however, the number of A2‐like type decreased. In cell culture, OPC differentiation was interrupted under mimic chronic ischemia, but improved after astrocyte‐conditioned medium (ACM) was added. However, injured‐ACM was unable to improve OPC maturation. Incubation with CoCl2 changed astrocytes from A2‐like to A1‐like, and mitochondrial migration was also reduced. A Trkβ agonist was able to maintain astrocytes from A1‐like to A2‐like even under hyperperfused conditions, and aided in OPC maturation and memory impairment via mitochondrial migration and drug effects in cell culture study and BCAS model. The reduction of A1‐like astrocytes protects against white matter injury. Trkβ agonists may play an important role in the impairment under chronic ischemic conditions. Mitochondrial migration may be a broad therapeutic strategy for cerebrovascular diseases.

Main points

Prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion leads to impaired oligodendrocyte (OLG) maturation and increased numbers of A1 astrocytes. Mitochondria migration maintained A2 astrocyte morphology, mature OLG, and myelinated white matter in vivo/vitro.
Similarity solution of three‐dimensional MHD radiative Casson nanofluid motion over a stretching surface with chemical and diffusion‐thermo effects
Authors: Rao Pentyala Srinivasa , Prakash Om , Mishra Satya R. , Sharma Ram Prakash
Published: February 2020

In this study, we analyzed three‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic non‐Newtonian and Newtonian fluid motion, transfer of heat and mass over a stretching surface with Brownian flow, thermophoresis, and Dufour effects. By Runge‐Kutta based shooting method, the transformed governing equations are solved numerically. With the facilitate of tables and graphs, momentum, energy and mass profiles along with the skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are analyzed in the influence of nondimensional parameters. It is established that enhance the stretching ratio parameter improves the energy and concentration transfer rate. The transfer of energy and concentration rate in the Newtonian fluid is relatively low while compared with non‐Newtonian fluid.
MicroRNA profiles in plasma samples from young metabolically healthy obese patients and miRNA‐21 are associated with diastolic dysfunction via TGF‐β1/Smad pathway
Authors: Yang Pengkang , Dong Xin , Zhang Yuyang
Published: February 2020

Background

Metabolically healthy obese patients accounts for a large part of obese population, but its clinical significance and cardiac dysfunction are often underestimated. The microRNA profiles of metabolically healthy obese patients were investigated in the study, and the selected microRNA (miRNA) based on our microarray assay will be further verified in a relatively large metabolically healthy obese population.

Methods

microRNA microarray was performed from six metabolically healthy obese and 6 health control blood samples. Based on the bioinformatics analysis, we further measured RT‐PCR, fibrosis markers, echocardiograms, and TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway in 600 metabolically healthy obese population.

Results

We found that miRNAs expression characteristics in metabolically healthy obese groups were markedly different from healthy control group. MiRNA‐21 was significantly increased in the samples of metabolically healthy obese patients. Besides, miRNA‐21 levels were associated with cardiac fibrosis marker. Meanwhile, higher miRNA‐21 levels were related to elevated E/E′. Besides, patients with the highest miRNA‐21 quartile showed the lowest ratio of E/A. These associations between miRNA‐21 and diastolic function parameters were independent of obesity and other confounding variables. Of note, TGF‐β1and Smad 3 were significantly upregulated while Smad 7 was downregulated according to the miRNA‐21 quartiles in metabolically healthy obese group.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the profiles of circulating microRNAs in metabolically healthy obese patients. Increased plasma miRNA‐21 levels were related to impaired diastolic function independent of other relevant confounding variables. MiRNA‐21 could be one of the mechanistic links between obesity and diastolic dysfunction through regulating cardiac fibrosis via TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway in obese hearts, which may serve as a novel target of disease intervention.
Retraction: Hsa_circ_0003645 shows an oncogenic role by sponging microRNA‐1299 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Qiuyun , Dai Jinhua , Shu Ming
Published: February 2020

Retraction: “Hsa_circ_0003645 shows an oncogenic role by sponging microRNA‐1299 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells”, by Qiuyun Yu, Jinhua Dai, Ming Shu, Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, 2020, e23249 (https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.23249). The above article, published online on 28 February 2020 in Early View in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief Junming Guo, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because the data and figures, including figure 7A, that the authors present in the paper are flawed. The authors’ original data are not available. The conclusions drawn from the data and figures are unreliable.
Tissue‐Specific T2* Biomarkers in Patellar Tendinopathy by Subregional Quantification Using 3D Ultrashort Echo Time MRI
Authors: Breda Stephan J. , Poot Dirk H.J. , Papp Dorottya , de Vries Bas A. , Kotek Gyula , Krestin Gabriel P. , Hernández‐Tamames Juan A. , de Vos Robert‐Jan , Oei Edwin H.G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Quantitative MRI of patellar tendinopathy (PT) can be challenging due to spatial variation of T2* relaxation times.

Purpose

1) To compare T2* quantification using a standard approach with analysis in specific tissue compartments of the patellar tendon. 2) To evaluate test–retest reliability of different methods for fitting ultrashort echo time (UTE)‐relaxometry data.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Sixty‐five athletes with PT.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D UTE scans covering the patellar tendon were acquired using a 3.0T scanner and a 16‐channel surface coil.

Assessment

Voxelwise median T2* was quantified with monoexponential, fractional‐order, and biexponential fitting. We applied two methods for T2* analysis: first, a standard approach by analyzing all voxels covering the proximal patellar tendon. Second, within subregions of the patellar tendon, by using thresholds on biexponential fitting parameter percentage short T2* (0–30% for mostly long T2*, 30–60% for mixed T2*, and 60–100% for mostly short T2*).

Statistical Tests

Average test–retest reliability was assessed in three athletes using coefficients‐of‐variation (CV) and coefficients‐of‐repeatability (CR).

Results

With standard image analysis, we found a median [interquartile range, IQR] monoexponential T2* of 6.43 msec [4.32–8.55] and fractional order T2* 4.39 msec [3.06–5.78]. The percentage of short T2* components was 52.9% [35.5–69.6]. Subregional monoexponential T2* was 13.78 msec [12.11–16.46], 7.65 msec [6.49–8.61], and 3.05 msec [2.52–3.60] and fractional order T2* 11.82 msec [10.09–14.44], 5.14 msec [4.25–5.96], and 2.19 msec [1.82–2.64] for 0–30%, 30–60%, and 60–100% short T2*, respectively. Biexponential component short T2* was 1.693 msec [1.417–2.003] for tissue with mostly short T2* and long T2* of 15.79 msec [13.47–18.61] for mostly long T2*. The average CR (CV) was 2 msec (15%), 2 msec (19%) and 10% (22%) for monoexponential, fractional order and percentage short T2*, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Patellar tendinopathy is characterized by regional variability in binding states of water. Quantitative multicompartment T2* analysis in PT can be facilitated using a voxel selection method based on using biexponential fitting parameters.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:420–430.
The influence of Lake Erie on changes in temperature and frost dates
Authors: Dobson Kara C. , Beaty Lynne E. , Rutter Michael A. , Hed Bryan , Campbell Michael A.
Published: February 2020

Anthropogenic climate change is affecting virtually all ecosystems across the globe. Some of the noticeable effects of the changing climate are the shifting of frost dates in the fall and spring, and how warm temperatures are distributed throughout the year. The degree to which an ecosystem is affected by these changes depends upon many factors, including where the ecosystem is located and what regional variabilities in climate surround that ecosystem. One ecosystem that experiences a unique microclimate is the region surrounding Lake Erie, the southernmost Laurentian Great Lake. Using historic climate data dating from 1948 to 2017, we set out to determine how changes in temperature and frost dates differ between the coastal and inland regions of the southern coast of Lake Erie, and to hypothesize as to why these effects may be occurring differently between these regions. We found that, for both coastal and inland regions, the first frost in the fall has begun later, while the last frost in the spring has begun earlier, leading to both regions experiencing longer frost‐free seasons. However, although both regions have experienced these shifts, the rate at which these shifts occurred differed between the coastal and inland regions. The average date that the frost events occurred also differs between the two regions. It was also found that average temperatures have been increasing for each region, primarily in coastal regions, due to increased minimum temperatures over time. The results from this study highlight the importance of regional climate variability in large‐scale climatic studies.
South China Sea summer monsoon withdrawal and the synoptic‐scale wave train over the western North Pacific
Authors: Hu Peng , Huangfu Jingliang , Chen Wen , Huang Ronghui
Published: February 2020

Based on NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data (1951–2016), this study focuses on the in‐phase relationship between the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) withdrawal date and the strength of the synoptic‐scale wave train. The synoptic‐scale wave train during early autumn, which features northwest–southeast‐oriented cyclonic and anticyclonic anomalies, is the dominant synoptic mode over the tropical western North Pacific (WNP). The synoptic‐scale wave train is observed to be significantly strengthened (depressed) during the late (early) SCSSM withdrawal years. Concurrent with the late SCSSM withdrawal, the monsoon trough remains stronger than that in the early withdrawal years. The anomalous low‐level cyclone over the South China Sea favours the barotropic energy conversion from the mean flow to synoptic‐scale eddies. Moreover, the anomalous easterly wind shear over the SCS and the increased moisture over the tropical WNP provide a favourable environment for the development of the synoptic‐scale wave train. This study interprets the inner dynamics of tropic atmospheric activity based on a wave perspective. These results may suggest that synoptic‐scale wave train‐related tropical cyclone activity and precipitation are enhanced in the late SCSSM withdrawal years.
Are the autocorrelation structures of the hemispheric‐mean temperatures significantly different?
Authors: Triacca Alessandro , Triacca Umberto
Published: February 2020

In this article, the time series of the North Hemispheric and South Hemispheric temperature anomalies are examined. Our results suggest that there is no evidence of any difference in the autocorrelation structure of the two hemispheric temperatures. They have the same second‐order dynamics. It is important to stress that this finding has been established using not a descriptive method but an inferential procedure.
Climate change impacts on viticulture in Croatia: Viticultural zoning and future potential
Authors: Omazić Branimir , Telišman Prtenjak Maja , Prša Ivan , Belušić Vozila Andreina , Vučetić Višnja , Karoglan Marko , Karoglan Kontić Jasminka , Prša Željka , Anić Marina , Šimon Silvio , Güttler Ivan
Published: February 2020

Since changes in temperature and precipitation have different effects on (a) all developmental stages of grapevines in most of the wine regions worldwide (i.e., on their phenological characteristics) and (b) different varieties, a comprehensive database of bioclimatic indices has been calculated and analysed for Croatian wine producing regions. The database consists of the average growing season temperature, growing degree‐days, Huglin index, dryness index and cool night index that are based on all available meteorological measurements as well as the outputs of regional climate models (RCMs) from the EURO‐CORDEX database. The horizontal grid spacing of 0.11° from the RCM ensembles enabled a fine‐scale determination of bioclimatic indices for the present and future climate in Croatia. In addition, statistical analyses (standard statistical parameters and Bayesian method) were carried out to examine trends in sugar content, total acidity and date of harvest. Calculations were performed for the present and future climate on the basis of data from seven selected vineyards/wineries and four varieties (‘Graševina’, ‘Plavac mali’, ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Merlot’). The results show whether the part of Croatia that is suitable for grape cultivation in the present climate will continue to be favourable in the future within the Mediterranean area. In general, projections suggest further warming and drying of the climate in Croatia and an earlier harvest, with some variations among varieties that show latitude dependence. Projections for the future climate also suggest that the existing viticultural zoning will be much less adequate for the Croatian territory because it reduces the economically sustainable production of wine in certain areas.
Obtaining glycoconjugates of marine origin via Maillard reaction and their cytotoxic effect: an alternative for the use of animal byproducts
Authors: Mondaca‐Navarro Blanca Areli , Torres‐Arreola Wilfrido , Ávila‐Villa Luz Angélica , Villa‐Lerma Alma Guadalupe , Hernández‐Mendoza Adrián , Wall‐Medrano Abraham , Ramírez Roberto Rodríguez
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Protein glycation by Maillard reaction is commonly used to improve the functional and bioactive properties of food proteins. It is also known that this glycation method can be accelerated by heat without the need for chemical reagents that could be harmful to health. In this study, glycoconjugates were obtained from a mixture of connective tissue proteins (CTP) from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and two different sugars, dextran (DEX; 10 kDa) and glucose (GLU), using protein‐to‐carbohydrate ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, in solution at 50 °C for 6 h. The glycation products were characterized by means of their physicochemical properties and cytotoxic effect.

RESULTS

The intensity of the browning measured at A420nm and A294nm in glycoconjugates showed no significant difference (P < 0.05). CTP‐DEX (1:2) and CTP‐DEX (1:3) were those products with the greatest fluorescence related to the intermediate stage in the Maillard reaction, and also with the highest degree of glycation, which was confirmed using o‐phthaldialdehyde assay and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The values of cellular viability for CTP‐GLU (1:3), CTP‐DEX (1:2, 1:3) as well as CTP (0, 6 h) were around 92–103%.

CONCLUSIONS

The operational parameters used in the glycation process achieved the formation of glycoconjugates from proteins of D. gigas, showing no cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cell line. This research proposes an alternative for the modification of proteins and opens the way to future investigations regarding the bioactivity of these macromolecules to have applications for the use of byproducts in food science and technology. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Models for the rapid assessment of water and oil content in olive pomace by near‐infrared spectrometry
Authors: Altieri Giuseppe , Matera Attilio , Genovese Francesco , Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

The measurement of the water and oil content in olive pomace is crucial for controlling the olive‐oil extraction process. The use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectra could allow the measurement of the oil and water content in olive pomace.

RESULTS

Partial least squares for pomace oil content on a dry basis reached an error of 2.5% (±0.5). Principal component regression for pomace oil content on a wet basis reached an error of 3.7% (±0.5). Both were suitable for quantitative analysis. Principal component regression for pomace water content reached an error of 6.0% (±2.3), suitable for process control. The relationship between ‘ratio of standard deviation of calibration data to standard error of prediction data’ and ‘range of confident prediction error percentage’ was investigated, it results of hyperbolic type, the constant of the hyperbolic equation depends on the product under analysis: for the olive pomace this constant is equal to 45.60 (±1.78).

CONCLUSION

Near‐infrared analysis confirmed the possibility of determining the oil and water content in the olive pomace, which is important in the olive oil extraction process control. A new algorithm was used, together with standard statistical algorithms, to identify and remove the less useful wavelengths from the model, improving the overall prediction performance. A new parameter (the ‘range of confident prediction error percentage’) has been proposed for estimating the model's prediction error in an objective way. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry