bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved LC–MS/MS method for determination of docetaxel and its application to population pharmacokinetic study in Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Yang Jia , Li Xingang , Li Wenjun , Xi Xin , Du Qian , Pan Feng , Liu Songqing
Published: April 2020

Because of its unpredictable side effects and efficacy, the anticancer drug docetaxel (DTX) requires improved characterisation of its pharmacokinetic profiles through population pharmacokinetic studies. A sensitive and rugged LC–MS/MS method for the detection of DTX in human plasma was developed and optimised using paclitaxel as an internal standard (IS). The plasma samples underwent rapid extraction using hybrid solid‐phase extraction‐protein precipitation. The analyte and IS were separated with an isocratic system on a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column using water containing 0.05% acetic acid along with 20 μM of sodium acetate and methanol (30/70, v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantification was performed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer through multiple reaction monitoring in positive mode, using the m/z 830.3 → 548.8 and m/z 876.3 → 307.7 transitions for DTX and paclitaxel, respectively. The range of the calibration curve was 1–500 ng/mL for DTX, and the linear correlation coefficient was >0.99. The accuracies ranged from −4.6 to 4.2%, and the precision was no higher than 7.0% for the analytes. No significant matrix effect was observed. Both DTX and the IS showed considerable recovery. This method was finally applied to the establishment of a population pharmacokinetic model to optimise the clinical use of DTX.
Goal activation for sustainable consumer choices: A comparative study of Denmark and Brazil
Authors: Thøgersen John , Alfinito Solange
Published: April 2020

To study the context dependence of the impact of goal activation on sustainable consumer choices in an online survey, 1,031 participants in Denmark and 1,028 in Brazil were randomly allocated to three different goal‐activation manipulations, which were set up to activate a normative goal, a hedonic goal, and a gain goal, respectively. Goal‐activation impacts were measured with a choice experiment consisting of six repeated choices of tomatoes. The importance for consumer choices of each of the varied product attributes for consumer choices can be linked to characteristics that differ between countries. Therefore, it was predicted that the importance of attributes differs between Denmark and Brazil. This was confirmed for one of the three attributes (appearance), but not for the other two (organic and price). Still, as predicted, the goal‐activation manipulation influenced the impact of varied product attributes (two out of three) on choices. The activation of a normative goal made participants in both countries more likely to choose organic tomatoes and less focused on the appearance of the tomatoes. However, the goal‐activation manipulation did not influence the importance of the price. The findings suggest that the situational activation of a normative goal can be an effective means to promote sustainable consumer choices in very different national contexts.
Biosynthesis of NiFe2O4@Ag Nanocomposite and Assessment of Its Effect on Expression of norA Gene in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pourmehdi Nozhat , Moradi‐Shoeili Zeinab , Sadat Naeemi Akram , Salehzadeh Ali
Published: April 2020

Activity of norA efflux pump has been known as a resistance mechanism to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus. This study was carried out to assess the effect of biosynthesized NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite on expression of norA gene in Staphylococcus aureus.

In this experimental study, 30 clinical samples were collected from patients hospitalized at different hospitals in Guilan Province, Iran. Then, clinical isolates of S. aureus were identified by standard microbiological tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests of clinical and standard strains of S. aureus were done by disk diffusion method according to CLSI guideline. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) was used to analyze the various functional groups present in the biosynthesized NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite. This analysis confirmed the formation of alga proteins coated on magnetite nanocomposite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) verified the crystalline structure of NiFe2O4@Ag and the deposition of silver on the surface of NiFe2O4. Energy dispersive X‐ray mapping (EDX‐map) analysis confirmed the existence of Ag, Ni, Fe and O in the final product. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the nanocomposites were spherical in shape and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed that the NiFe2O4@Ag had the particle size about 100 nm. Antibacterial activity of NiFe2O4@Ag alone and combined with ciprofloxacin was evaluated using the disk assay method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by broth dilution method. Afterwards, the expression of norA efflux pump gene with and without of NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite and ciprofloxacin was evaluated by Real‐Time PCR. Real‐Time PCR results demonstrated that the expression of norA gene in the strains exposed to both NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite (1/4 MIC) and ciprofloxacin (1/8 MIC) significantly reduced in comparison to untreated strains. This study reveals that, when NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite is combined with ciprofloxacin, the inhibitory effect of ciprofloxacin increases against growth of S. aureus. Therefore, NiFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite can be considered as an effective factor to decrease the growth of S. aureus along with ciprofloxacin.
Divergent and Multi‐Stage Photoisomerization of Four‐Coordinated Boron Compounds with a Naphthyl‐Pyridyl/Thiazolyl Backbone
Authors: He Zhechang , Liu Lijie , Zhao Zhenhui , Mellerup Soren. K. , Ge Yuxin , Wang Xiang , Wang Nan , Wang Suning
Published: April 2020

Examination of the photoreactivity of a new class of N,C‐chelate organoboron compounds, including a series of unsymmetrically substituted boron molecules, B(naph‐pyridyl)(Ar1)(Ar2) and B(naph‐thiazolyl)(Ar1)(Ar2), led to the discovery of new and divergent photothermal isomerization phenomena. These include the clean and regioselective photoisomerization by unsymmetrical boron, forming borepin isomers, some of which further isomerize to the corresponding boratanorcaradiene diastereomer pairs as a result of the generation of two chiral centers. Significantly, the boratanorcaradienes involving a 3‐thienyl substituent on boron were found to thermally convert to BN‐fluoranthene annulated borapentalene via an unprecedented reversible boratacyclopropane–boratacyclopentene rearrangement. Changing the pyridyl donor to a thiazolyl donor on the boron was found to provide the B(naph‐thiazolyl)(Mes)2 compounds with a distinct new photoisomerization pathway—instead of borepin, forming new blue fluorescent polycyclic azaborinine species. This work illustrates the richness and complexity of boron photochemistry.
Unter Wasser, unter Tage, unter Druck
Authors: Brosig Michael
Published: April 2020

Für die klare Anzeige und Regelung von Temperatur und Druck in den Dekompressionskammern der niederländischen Firma IHC Hytech werden die digitalen Gerate der Serien diraTRON und diraVIEW von Jumo aus Fulda eingesetzt.
Messen ohne Druckverlust
Authors: Winter Daniel
Published: April 2020

Das Ultraschall‐Durchflussmessgerät Prosonic Flow G 300/500 mit integrierten Druck‐ und Temperatursensoren erfüllt alle Anforderungen an moderne Prozessmesstechnik sowohl bei der Gasmengenmessung als auch bei der Analyse von Gasen. Weil er für anspruchsvolle Prozessbedingungen entwickelt wurde, eignet er sich für Anwendungen in der Öl&Gas‐ sowie in der chemischen Industrie.
Explosionsschutz
Authors: Schöllhorn Anna , Wörsdörfer Klaus
Published: April 2020

In diesem dritten Beitrag der Serie wird auf das Zusammenspiel von Betreibern und Herstellern im Explosionsschutz eingegangen und ein Beispiel der Umsetzung der TRGS 725 aufgezeigt.
Erstellung von Thermoprozess‐Abläufen per Maus‐Klick
Authors: Glockmann Uwe
Published: April 2020

Der Multifunktionscontroller von HESCH eignet sich für die Regelung einer Vielzahl von Abläufen bei Thermprozessen z.B. als Ofensteuerung oder für Kälte‐ und Klimatisierungs‐Anwendungen. Darüber hinaus kann er als Prozessrechner oder als Energiemanagement‐System verwendet werden
Für fast alle Einsatzzwecke
Authors: Jessberger Kurt
Published: April 2020

Den Schwerpunkt legt Jessberger im Jahr 2020 auf die Druckluftmembranpumpen der Baureihe JP‐810. Sie sind auch in einer Atex‐Ausführung erhältlich.
Pentathiepins: A Novel Class of Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Inhibitors that Induce Oxidative Stress, Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Behnisch‐Cornwell Steven , Bandaru Siva Sankar Murthy , Napierkowski Martin , Wolff Lisa , Zubair Muhammad , Urbainsky Claudia , Lillig Christopher , Schulzke Carola , Bednarski Patrick J.
Published: April 2020

A novel class of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) inhibitors, namely tri‐ and tetracyclic pentathiepins, has been identified that is approximately 15 times more potent than the most active known GPx1 inhibitor, mercaptosuccinic acid. Enzyme kinetic studies with bovine erythrocyte GPx1 indicate that pentathiepins reversibly inhibit oxidation of the substrate glutathione (GSH). Moreover, no inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase, thioredoxin reductase or glutathione reductase was observed at concentrations that effectively inhibit GPx1. As well as potent enzyme inhibitory activity, the pentathiepins show strong anticancer activity in various human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values in a low‐micromolar range. A representative tetracyclic pentathiepin causes the formation of reactive oxygen species in these cells, the fragmentation of nuclear DNA and induces apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. Moreover, this pentathiepin leads to a rapid and strong loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in treated cancer cells. On the other hand, evidence for the induction of ferroptosis as a form of cell death was negative. These new findings show that pentathiepins possess interesting biological activities beyond those originally ascribed to these compounds.
Big data and sentiment analysis: A comprehensive and systematic literature review
Authors: Hajiali Mahdi
Published: April 2020

Sentiment analysis can extract information from many text sources such as reviews, news, and blogs; then it classifies them based on their polarity. Moreover, big data is produced via mobile networks and social media. Applications of sentiment analysis on big data are used as a way of classifying the opinions into diverse sentiment. Accordingly, performing sentiment analysis on big data can be helpful for a business to take useful commercial insights from text‐oriented content. However, there are very few comprehensive investigations and profound argument in this context. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the state‐of‐the‐art techniques and highlight the directions for future research. In this paper, we used systematic literature review method and in the first step, we obtained 15 351 articles; then, based on different filters, 48 related articles were attained. We have selected 23 articles based on the year of publication, the relevance of the journal, the completeness of the text, the nonrepeatability of the title, and the page number. Also, we have categorized big data and sentiment analysis into two classifications: centralized and distributed platforms. Furthermore, the disadvantages and advantages of the investigated techniques are studied and their key issues are emphasized. Consequently, this study shows that a better analysis of textual big data in terms of sentiment increases efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence. By providing comparative information and analyzing the current developments in this area, this paper will directly support academics and practicing professionals for better handling of big data in the field of sentiment analysis. This study sheds some new light on using sentiment analysis and big data for public opinion estimation and prediction.
An Italian validation of the Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale: Reliability and validity
Authors: Gentile Daniela , Colli Antonello , Lingiardi Vittorio
Published: April 2020

The Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale (CPPS) is an instrument designed to measure therapist interventions in a psychotherapy session. The scale includes 20 items divided into two subscales: the PI (psychodynamic‐interpersonal) scale, which describes psychodynamic‐interpersonal techniques; and the CB (cognitive‐behavioural) scale, which includes cognitive‐behavioural interventions. The aim of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the CPPS, comparing the PI and CB subscales with the psychodynamic, cognitive and STTP prototypes, as described by the Psychotherapy Process Q‐set(PQS). The sample comprised 94 sessions (N = 94) of psychodynamic and cognitive‐behavioural orientation. Two groups of independent raters with excellent interrater reliability (ICC = .78) evaluated the sessions. The results suggest that the CPPS is a valid and reliable instrument that provides a clinically sensitive and psychometrically robust evaluation of a therapist's techniques. The clinical and research implications of the results are discussed.
Ternary Cathode Blend Electrodes for Environmentally Friendly Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jobst Nicola Michael , Hoffmann Alice , Klein Andreas , Zink Stefan , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: April 2020

The combination of two active materials into one positive electrode of a lithium‐ion battery is an uncomplicated and cost‐effective way to combine the advantages of different active materials while reducing the disadvantages of each material. In this work, the concept of binary blends is extended to ternary compositions. The combination of three different active materials provides high versatility in designing the properties of an electrode. Therefore, the unique properties of a layered oxide, phospho‐olivine, and spinel type material are mixed to design a high‐energy cathode with improved environmental friendliness. Four different compositions of blend electrodes are investigated, each with individual benefits. Synergistic effects improved the rate capability, power density, thermal and chemical stability simultaneously. The blend electrode consisting of 75 % NMC, 12.5 % LMFP and LMO provides similar energy and power density as a pure NMC electrode while economizing 25 % cobalt and nickel.
In Vivo Flow Cytometric Evaluation of Circulating Metastatic Pancreatic Tumor Cells after High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy
Authors: Yu Qian , Yao Yijing , Zhu Xi , Gao Yihui , Chen Yini , Wang Rui , Xu Pingping , Wei Xunbin , Jiang Lixin
Published: April 2020

We examined our hypothesis that high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in nude mice models may lead to an increased occurrence of hematogenous metastasis. The human PDAC cell line BxPC‐3 transfected with mCherry was implanted into nude mice to establish orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft (OX and SX) tumor models. Mice were exposed to HIFU when tumor sizes reached approximately 200–300 mm3. The OX and SX tumor models were monitored continuously for tumor growth characteristics and hematogenous metastasis using in vivo flow cytometric (IVFC) detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the pancreas. We chose an appropriate mouse model to further examine whether or not HIFU increases the potential risk of hematogenous metastasis, using IVFC detection. Our results showed that the CTC number was greater in the OX model than in the SX model. The CTC number in the OX model increased gradually over time, whereas the CTC number in the SX model remained low. Therefore, the OX model was better for studying tumor metastasis by IVFC detection. We found significantly decreased CTC numbers and tumor volume after HIFU ablation. Our results showed the applicability of the PDAC OX tumor model for studying the occurrence of tumor metastasis due to the generation of CTCs. HIFU ablation substantially restricted PDAC hematogenous metastasis and provided effective tumor control locally. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals Inc., on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
A Caretaker Acute Stress Paradigm: Effects on behavior and physiology of caretaker and infant
Authors: Tronick Ed , Mueller Isabelle , DiCorcia Jennifer , Hunter Richard , Snidman Nancy
Published: April 2020

While experimental stress paradigms of infants (arm restraint; the Still‐Face) are powerful tools for infant research, no study has experimentally stressed mothers to observe its independent effects on infant stress regulation. Extant caretaker/maternal stress studies essentially are correlational and confounded by other conditions (e.g., depression). Here, we present a standard procedure, the Caregiver Acute Stress Paradigm (CASP), for stressing mothers during en face interactions with their infants. We hypothesized that infants of the stressed mothers would be more distressed than infants of non‐stressed mothers. A total of 106 four‐month‐old infants and their mothers were randomly assigned to the experimental stress or non‐stress manipulation. Confirming our hypothesis, infants of the stressed mothers were significantly more likely to become distressed and require terminating the procedure. While objective ratings of maternal behavior showed no difference between groups, mother in the stress condition self‐rated the episode following the caretaker stress significantly lower than mothers in the non‐stress group. The self‐ratings in the maternal stress‐group were reflected in infant cortisol. The findings indicate that CASP is an effective experimental paradigm for exploring the independent effects of an acute stress on caretakers, including effects of conditions, such as poverty or mental illness.
The roles of phosphatidylethanol, ethyl glucuronide, and ethyl sulfate in identifying alcohol consumption among participants in professionals health programs
Authors: Reisfield Gary M. , Teitelbaum Scott A. , Opie Shannon O. , Jones Joseph , Morrison Deborah G. , Lewis Ben
Published: April 2020

Direct alcohol biomarkers, including urinary ethyl glucuronide (EtG), urinary ethyl sulfate (EtS), and blood phosphatidylethanol (PEth), are used to monitor alcohol abstinence in individuals who are mandated to abstain.

In this consecutive case series study, we examined 1000 forensic reports of participants enrolled in a professionals health program who were contractually obligated to abstain from alcohol and who underwent recovery status evaluations. We identified 52 evaluations in which urinary EtG, EtS, and blood PEth were measured and which produced a positive result for at least one of these analytes.

PEth, at a cutoff concentration of 20 ng/mL, revealed alcohol use more frequently than EtG or EtS at our laboratory's cutoff concentrations of 100 and 25 ng/mL, respectively. This was true, as well, at alternative EtG/EtS cutoff concentrations of 200/50, 300/75, and 400/100 ng/mL. PEth was more likely than EtG/EtS to be positive in participants previously diagnosed with alcohol use disorders (AUD), whereas EtG/EtS was more likely than PEth to be positive in participants without AUD.

In this study, blood PEth was the most sensitive biomarker for evidencing alcohol use.
Hydrology‐driven responses of herbivorous geese in relation to changes in food quantity and quality
Authors: Zhang Pingyang , Zou Ye‐ai , Xie Yonghong , Zhang Siqi , Chen Xinsheng , Li Feng , Deng Zhengmiao , Zhang Hong , Tu Wei
Published: April 2020

East Dongting Lake is a Ramsar site and a particularly important wintering ground for herbivorous geese along the East Asian‐Australasian Flyway. The operation of the Three Gorges Dam has changed the water regime and has a significant impact on wetland ecosystems downstream. We studied the responses of two sympatric herbivorous goose species, the Lesser white‐fronted goose Anser erythropus and Bean goose Anser fabalis, to habitat change by investigating their food conditions, habitat selection, and diet composition in the wintering periods of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, which had early and late water recession, respectively. It was expected that the contrasting water regimes would result in different food conditions and geese responses. The results showed that the food quality and quantity differed significantly between winters. As responses to the high‐quantity/low‐quality food during 2016/2017, more geese switched to feeding on mudflat and exploited plants such as dicotyledons and moss. The tall swards of Carex spp. (dominant plants in the meadow) that developed during the first growing season decreased the food accessibility during the second growing season and hindered the exploitation of newly generated shoots by the geese, which was further confirmed by our clipping control experiment. Nearly all the geese chose to feed on meadow, and Carex spp. made up the majority of their diet in 2017/2018 when there was more low‐quantity/high‐quality food. Compared with the globally vulnerable Lesser white‐fronted geese, the larger‐sized Bean geese seemed to be less susceptible to winter food shortages and exhibited more stable responses. We concluded that the food quality–quantity condition was the external factor influencing the geese responses, while morphological and physiological traits could be the internal factors causing different responses between the two species. This study enhanced the understanding of the influence that habitat change exerts on herbivorous geese in their wintering site in the context of the Three Gorges Dam operation. We suggested that regulating hydrological regime was important in terms of wetland management and species conservation.
Terrestrial laser scanning‐derived canopy interception index for predicting rainfall interception
Authors: Yu Yue , Gao Tian , Zhu Jiaojun , Wei Xiaohua , Guo Qinghua , Su Yanjun , Li Yumei , Deng Songqiu , Li Mingcai
Published: April 2020

Rainfall interception (RI) by forest canopies is an important process in hydrological cycling in forest ecosystems. However, accurately predicting RI is a challenging topic. In this study, a dimensionless descriptor, canopy interception index (CII), for predicting RI was defined. The terrestrial laser scanning was used to estimate CII in four temperate forest types, including Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) plantation forest (KPF) stands, larch (Larix spp.) plantation forest (LPF) stands, mixed broadleaved forest (MBF) stands and Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) forest (MOF) stands. Using the measured RI values over the rainy seasons in 2017 and 2018, CII's performance for predicting RI was tested and also compared with several other indices (LAI: leaf area index, PAI: plant area index and ACH: average canopy height). The results indicated that CII was significantly and strongly related with RI for the four forest types together (R2 = 0.79), as well as for an individual forest type (R2 = 0.55–0.63). More importantly, its performance was better than those from LAI (R2 = 0.33–0.43), PAI (R2 = 0.40–0.53) and ACH (R2 = 0.35). All those results demonstrated that CII was an efficient index for accurately predicting RI. The potential applications of CII were also discussed.
Relating the depth of the water table to the depth of weathering
Authors: Lebedeva M.I. , Brantley S.L.
Published: April 2020

Weathering of bedrock creates and occludes permeability, affecting subsurface water flow. Often, weathering intensifies above the water table. On the contrary, weathering can also commence below the water table. To explore relationships between weathering and the water table, a simplified weathering model for an eroding hillslope was formulated that takes into account both saturated and unsaturated subsurface water flow (but does not fully account for changes in dissolved gas chemistry). The phreatic line was calculated using solutions to mathematical treatments for both zones. In the model, the infiltration rate at the hill surface sets both the original and the eventual steady‐state position of the water table with respect to the weathering reaction front. Depending on parameters, the weathering front can locate either above or below the water table at steady state. Erosion also affects the water table position by changing porosity and permeability even when other hydrological conditions (e.g. hydraulic conductivity of parent material, infiltration rate at the surface) do not change. The total porosity in a hill (water storage capacity) was found to increase with infiltration rate (all else held constant). This effect was diminished by increasing the erosion rate. We also show examples of how the infiltration rate affects the position of the water table and how infiltration rate affects weathering advance. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Effect of thermally treated barley dietary fiber against hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Bader Ul Ain Huma , Saeed Farhan , Sultan Muhammad Tauseef , Afzaal Muhammad , Imran Ali , DeFeo Vincenzo , Cobelschi Calin
Published: April 2020

Dietary fiber is a nondigestible constituent of vegetal foods, formed by insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. The intake of dietary fiber, especially soluble dietary fiber, is limited and demands researcher's attention. The modification of cereal's dietary fiber, predominantly insoluble fiber, could be one possible solution. The current study evaluated the comparative effects of several thermal treatments on the modification of insoluble dietary fiber in barley and explored their therapeutic potential in vivo against hypercholesterolemia. The two cultivars of barley, Haider‐93 and Jau‐87, were thermally treated using different techniques, and dietary fiber was extracted. Successively, the intake of these dietary fibers was evaluated for its antilipidemic activity in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the first phase, thermal treatments especially cooking without soaking increased the soluble fiber (68.08%). The roasting all increased the soluble fiber contents, however, at relatively lower rate (53.91%). The results of efficacy study revealed that biochemical parameters in control animals were within the normal clinical ranges, thus appraising the safe status of the experimental diets. The thermally treated barley fiber decreased total cholesterol (12.14%–12.63%), low‐density lipoprotein (14.12%–14.85%), and triglycerides (2.25%–4.32%). The study recorded increasing trends for high‐density lipoprotein in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. In the nutshell, thermal modification of dietary fiber increased the ratio of soluble to insoluble dietary fiber that improved its hypocholesterolemic potential. The thermally treated barley dietary fiber is effective in reducing the lipid profile in Sprague–dawley rats than untreated dietary fiber and, therefore, can be considered as a functional food and ingredient to cope different lifestyle diseases.
Incorporation of the nanoencapsulated polyphenolic extract of Ferula persica into soybean oil: Assessment of oil oxidative stability
Authors: Estakhr Parviz , Tavakoli Javad , Beigmohammadi Faranak , Alaei Shima , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: April 2020

In the present study, for the first time, the biological activities of Ferula persica extract (FPE) coated with locust bean gum (LBG) and chitosan in W/O/W emulsions were investigated. Based on the findings, the Z‐average size of emulsions coated by chitosan, LBG, and the complex of chitosan and LBG (1:1) (CCL) was 115.47, 128.37, and 68.12 nm, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the phenolic extracts in the powder produced by chitosan, LBG, and CCL decreased from 85.3 to 64.1, from 89 to 71.4, and from 93.3% to 77.9% during 24‐day storage, respectively. Also, the application of the coating in the encapsulation of FPE increased the antioxidant efficacy in soybean oil while compared with tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and un‐encapsulated FPE. In this regard, The FPE nanoencapsulated by CCL showed the best antioxidative activity in soybean oil, followed by the FPE of nanoencapsulated by LBG and chitosan, respectively, which can be correlated with higher levels of polyphenolic compounds release over time in the sample coated with CCL. In this context, the encapsulation with CCL can be proposed as a promising technique to improve the antioxidant activity of extracts.
Dietitians vary by counseling status in bean promotion with type 2 diabetes clients: A pilot study
Authors: Winham Donna M. , Nikl Rebecca R. , Hutchins Andrea M. , Martin Rose L. , Campbell Christina G.
Published: April 2020

Beans are noted for their beneficial effects on blood glucose for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, little is known about dietitian attitudes and perceptions, self‐efficacy, or counseling practices about beans in T2DM management. Through an online survey, the attitudes and perceptions dietitians have toward the role of beans in managing T2DM were examined. The practice intentions for advising T2DM clients about beans, perceived self‐efficacy for counseling on general nutrition topics and specifically on beans, were evaluated. While the target population was dietitians, all persons on the Arizona Dietetic Association and the Arizona School Nutrition Association listservs received a direct email invitation for an online survey on foods and chronic disease. There was no mention of beans or pulses to reduce bias toward bean advocates. Of the 302 dietitian respondents, over 66% counseled clients with T2DM. Fewer clinical counseling dietitians recommended beans to control blood glucose (p = .041) or to increase fiber (p < .05), and more of them promoted beans as being the same as other carbohydrates (p = .002). Higher mean self‐efficacy scores for general nutrition counseling were observed for T2DM counseling RDs (p < .001). Counseling dietitians in nonclinical settings had the highest bean self‐efficacy score (p < .001). Findings suggest clinical counseling dietitians are aware of bean health benefits, but do not consistently suggest beans to improve nutrition for those with T2DM in contrast to dietitians who counsel in other settings.
The impact of United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) step 1 cutoff scores on recruitment of underrepresented minorities in medicine: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Williams Myia , Kim Eun Ji , Pappas Karalyn , Uwemedimo Omolara , Marrast Lyndonna , Pekmezaris Renee , Martinez Johanna
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) scores are the single, most objective criteria for admission into residency programs in the country. Underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) are found to have lower USMLE scores compared to their White counterparts. The objective of this study is to examine how USMLE step 1 cutoff scores may exclude self‐reported URiM from the residency interview process across various specialties.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 10 541 applicants to different residency programs at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health between May 2014 and May 2015. We identified Blacks and Hispanics as URiM. The primary outcome is the percentage of applicants with USMLE step 1 score above different ranges of cutoff score, from 205 to 235 in five‐point increments, by race/ethnicity and by URiM status. Secondary outcome is percentages of URiM vs non‐URiM above and below mean USMLE step 1 scores by different specialties (internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry).

Results

The study sample included 2707 White, 722 Black, 805 Hispanic, 5006 Asian, and 562 Other Race/Ethnicity applicants. Overall, 50.2% were male, 21.3% URiM, 7.4% had limited English proficiency, 67.6% attended international medical schools, and 2.4% are Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) members. The mean (±SD) USMLE step 1 score was significantly greater among non‐URiM applicants as compared to URiM applicants (223.7 ± 19.4 vs 216.1 ± 18.4, P < .01, two‐sample t‐test). Non‐URiM applicants were younger, and the percentage of male and AOA applicants was greater among non‐URiM applicants as compared to URiM applicants (50.5% vs 47.7%, P = .02, Chi‐Square test; 2.9% vs 1.2%, P < .01, Chi‐Square test, respectively).

Conclusion

Using a USMLE step 1 cutoff score as an initial filter for applicant recruitment and selection could jeopardize the benefits of a diverse residency program. Practical implications are discussed.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1/microRNA 125a axis presents excellent value in discriminating sepsis patients and exhibits positive association with general disease severity, organ injury, inflammation level, and mortality in sepsis patients
Authors: Liu Wei , Geng Feng , Yu Li
Published: April 2020

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the potential value of long non‐coding RNA metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lnc‐MALAT1)/microRNA (miR)‐125a axis in disease management and prognosis surveillance of sepsis.

Methods

Totally, 196 sepsis patients and 196 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected within 24 hours after admission in sepsis patients and were collected at enrollment in healthy controls. The relative expression of lnc‐MALAT1 and miR‐125a in all participants was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the inflammatory cytokines in plasma of sepsis patients were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Lnc‐MALAT1/miR‐125a axis was increased in sepsis patients compared with healthy controls (P < .001) and was of excellent value in distinguishing septic patients from healthy controls with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.931 (95% CI: 0.908‐0.954). In sepsis patients, lnc‐MALAT1 was negatively associated with miR‐125a, and lnc‐MALAT1/miR‐125a axis was positively correlated with acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, serum creatinine, C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8, while negatively associated with albumin. Furthermore, lnc‐MALAT1/miR‐125a axis was of value in predicting increased 28‐day mortality risk to some extent (AUC: 0.678, 95% CI: 0.603‐0.754).

Conclusion

Lnc‐MALAT1/miR‐125a axis presents excellent value in differentiating sepsis patients from healthy controls and also exhibits positive association with general disease severity, organ injury, inflammation level, and mortality in sepsis patients.
Impatience and Savoring vs. Dread: Asymmetries in Anticipation Explain Consumer Time Preferences for Positive vs. Negative Events
Authors: Hardisty David J. , Weber Elke U.
Published: April 2020

For positive experiences (e.g., when to eat a snack), consumers generally prefer to have them immediately, and for negative experiences (e.g., when to pay a bill), consumers often prefer to delay. Yet, across three studies (plus twelve supplemental studies) we find that anticipatory feelings push in the opposite direction, and do so differently for positive vs. negative events, leading to different time preferences: The desire for immediate positives is stronger than the desire to delay negatives. For negative events, anticipatory utility is strongly negative, reducing the desire to delay bad things (i.e., consumers want to “get it over with” to minimize the psychological discomfort), but for positive events, overall anticipatory utility is weakly positive, and therefore does little to reduce consumers’ desire to expedite good things. This anticipatory asymmetry happens because when consumers think about a future positive event, they both enjoy imagining it (savoring) while simultaneously disliking the feeling of waiting for it (impatience), but when consumers think about a negative event, they both dislike imagining it (dread) and dislike the feeling of waiting for it. We demonstrate the managerial implications of these findings in a pair of field studies using online advertisements for retirement planning.
Green synthesis of doped Co3O4 nanocatalysts using organic template for fast azo dye degradation from aqueous environment
Authors: Shaheen Irum , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

During recent years, great efforts have been devoted towards the functionalization of metal oxide nanomaterials with various carbonaceous groups to enhance their catalytic performance for environmental remediation applications such as dye degradation. Here, we synthesized Co3O4, Co3O4:NiO and Co3O4:PdO/Pd nanomaterials via organic compounds of Abies pindrow Royle following a hydrothermal route and then investigated them as catalysts for the degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution in the presence of solar light as well as under dark ambient conditions.

RESULTS

The chemical composition and phase analysis of Co3O4, Co3O4:NiO and Co3O4:PdO/Pd were confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while spherical nanostructures were observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Carbon‐ and oxygen‐containing functional groups were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The catalytic efficiency of the functionalized nanocatalysts was enhanced to 99% and 98% by incorporation of NiO and PdO/Pd, respectively, within 15 min in the presence of solar light. Whereas, under dark conditions, the degradation efficiency of Co3O4:PdO/Pd and Co3O4:NiO was calculated as 75% and 77%, respectively. The catalysts demonstrated excellent reusability in four cycles of experiments with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics (R2 < 1) in the light and under dark conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrated an efficient and sustainable bio‐templated synthesis of nanocatalysts for removal of organic dyes from aqueous environment. The excellent photocatalytic potential of phytosynthesized Co3O4:PdO/Pd and Co3O4:NiO was attributed to nanostructures as well as to incorporated carbonaceous compounds. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
lncRNA HOXC‐AS1 promotes gastric cancer via binding eIF4AIII by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Chao , An Na , Cao Chunyan , Wang Guodong
Published: April 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in several cancers. The present study aimed to determine the functions of lncRNA HOXC‐AS1 in gastric cancer (GC) in vitro.

Methods

A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to measure the expression of lncRNA HOXC‐AS1 in GC cell lines and normal cells. After silencing HOXC‐AS1 in GC cells, a cell counting kit‐8 assay monitored the viability of the cells. qRT‐PCR and western blot documented the EMT key genes in response to HOXC‐AS1 change. qRT‐PCR detected mRNA expression for eIF4AIII in GC and normal cell lines and cell viability was measured after an increase and decrease of eIF4AIII. RNA pull‐down and qRT‐PCR confirmed the binding in between. Apoptosis was compared by flow cytometry. The interplay between the two genes was surveyed by introduction of the sh‐HOXC‐AS1 and sh‐eIF4AIII and by assessing cell viability, EMT and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.

Results

lncRNA HOXC‐AS1 expression is up‐regulated in GC cells and a decrease of lncRNA HOXC‐AS1 inhibited cell viability. Binding was validated by RNA pull‐down. Additionally, inhibition of eIF4AIII induced an increase of lncRNA HOXC‐AS1, thus promoting cell proliferation and the EMT process but deterring apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling was impeded by HOXC‐AS1 inhibition but restored by suppression of eIF4AIII.

Conclusions

HOXC‐AS1 may promote the proliferation and the EMT process and inhibit apoptosis by binding eIF4AIII via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which indicates that HOXC‐AS1/eIF4AIII might be an axis that could be further used as a biomarker to help with the diagnosis of GC.
Cooperative dissociation of peptide backbones and side‐chains during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in‐source decay mediated by hydrogen abstraction
Authors: Asakawa Daiki
Published: April 2020

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in‐source decay (MALDI‐ISD) causes the selective cleavage of Cα–C peptide bonds when an oxidizing matrix is used, and the fragmentation involves the hydrogen abstraction from a peptide by a matrix. The hydrogen abstraction from either an amide nitrogen or β‐carbon atom has been proposed to be the initial step leading to the Cα–C bond cleavage. In this regard, the production of [a]+ fragments originated upon bond cleavage at the C‐terminal side of phenylglycine residues strongly suggested that that the Cα–C bond cleavage occurred through a nitrogen‐centered radical intermediate and that the fragmentation through a β‐carbon‐centered radical intermediate can be ruled out from the MALDI‐ISD process, because phenylglycine residues do not contain β‐carbon atoms. The Cα–C bond cleavage of such nitrogen‐centered radical initially produced an [a]•/[x − H] fragment pair, and then the [a]• radical either reacted with the matrix or underwent loss of the side‐chain, leading to [a − H] or [d − H] fragment. The Cα–C bond cleavage at the C‐terminal side of phenylglycine and phenylalanine residues only generated [a]+ fragments, whereas that of homophenylalanine and S‐methylated cysteine residues provided both [a]+ and [d]+ fragments. The yield of [d]+ fragments was dependent on the chemical stability of the resultant radicals formed upon side‐chain loss. MALDI‐ISD produced [M − H + matrix]+, [M − 16 + H]+, [M − 32 + H]+, and [d]+ fragments, when the analyte peptide contained a methionine residue. These fragments were formed upon abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the side‐chain of a methionine residue and its subsequent reaction with the matrix. The oxidation of methionine residues suppressed the hydrogen abstraction from their side‐chain.
In situ isobaric lipid mapping by MALDI–ion mobility separation–mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Fu Tingting , Oetjen Janina , Chapelle Manuel , Verdu Alexandre , Szesny Matthias , Chaumot Arnaud , Degli‐Esposti Davide , Geffard Olivier , Clément Yohann , Salvador Arnaud , Ayciriex Sophie
Published: April 2020

The highly diverse chemical structures of lipids make their analysis directly from biological tissue sections extremely challenging. Here, we report the in situ mapping and identification of lipids in a freshwater crustacean Gammarus fossarum using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in combination with an additional separation dimension using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The high‐resolution trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) allowed efficient separation of isobaric/isomeric lipids showing distinct spatial distributions. The structures of the lipids were further characterized by MS/MS analysis. It is demonstrated that MALDI MSI with mobility separation is a powerful tool for distinguishing and localizing isobaric/isomeric lipids.
Improved air gap permeance model to characterise the transient behaviour of electrical machines using magnetic equivalent circuit method
Authors: Lannoo Jonas , Vanoost Dries , Peuteman Joan , Debruyne Stijn , De Gersem Herbert , Pissoort Davy
Published: April 2020

Transient analysis of electrical machines with mixed eccentricity requires dedicated, fast and accurate solvers. This article proposes an improved air gap permeance expression which (a) is physically interpretable and (b) can be easily derived based on the rotor position. This expression is very suitable for inclusion in a solver based on the magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method. This allows to for example, calculate the torque and forces when vibrations act on the rotor. The results of the MEC solver agree very well with those obtained with a finite element method (FEM) solver, but are obtained with a fraction of the simulation time of the FEM solver.
The value of 21st century work–family supports: Review and cross‐level path forward
Authors: Masterson Courtney , Sugiyama Keimei , Ladge Jamie
Published: April 2020

The adoption of work–family supports (WFSs), defined as discretionary and formal organizational policies, services, and benefits aimed at reducing employees' work–family conflict and/or supporting their family roles outside of the workplace, has become a growing trend in contemporary organizational life. Yet, despite their widespread popularity and vast scholarship investigating their effects, questions remain as to the value (i.e., positive effects or benefits) they provide to organizations and their stakeholders. In this review, we carefully examine and critique current research that explores the value of WFSs conducted within different academic disciplines, across global research contexts, and using a variety of methodological approaches. We pay particular attention to understanding the different ways and conditions under which employees and organizations can benefit from WFSs, and we highlight the potential paths (i.e., why and when) through which value can be experienced. In conducting this comprehensive review, we also discuss the critical theoretical and empirical limitations associated with extant studies. Lastly, we offer a path forward and agenda to explore new and novel directions for future research, including work and family relationships and cross‐level investigations of WFSs that integrate individual, interpersonal, and organizational perspectives.
Creative Actions Scale: A Spanish Scale of Creativity in Different Domains
Authors: Elisondo Romina Cecilia
Published: April 2020

This article introduces the Creative Actions Scale (CAS), a Spanish self‐report assessment of individual differences in creative actions. The CAS consists of independent scales that assess the frequency of engagement in everyday creative actions across seven domains: Literature, Plastic Arts and Crafts, Science and Technology, Scenic Arts, Music, Social Participation, and Everyday Creativity. The sample included 1604 men and women who lived in different provinces in Argentina. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 94 years. All of the participants spoke Spanish and had an average socioeconomic level. People with different levels of education were included in the sample. We applied the following data collection instruments: CAS, Biographical Inventory of Creative Behaviors, and Domains of Creativity Scale. The analysis provided evidence of internal consistency and validity of the CAS. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit of the seven‐domain model. The results also showed significant differences according to gender in some CAS domains. Inclusion of the Social Participation and Everyday Creativity domains is novel and useful for assessing creativity in the Spanish‐speaking population.
Efficient multiquality super‐resolution using a deep convolutional neural network for an FPGA implementation
Authors: Kim Min Beom , Lee Sanglyn , Kim Ilho , Hong Hee Jung , Kim Chang Gone , Yoon Soo Young
Published: April 2020

We propose an efficient deep convolutional neural network for a super‐resolution which is capable of multiple‐quality input, by analyzing the input quality and choosing appropriate features automatically. To implement the network in an FPGA and an ASIC, we employ a network trimming technique to compress the neural network.