bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defect‐Enhanced CO2 Reduction Catalytic Performance in O‐Terminated MXenes
Authors: Chen Hetian , Handoko Albertus D. , Wang Tianshuai , Qu Jiale , Xiao Jiewen , Liu Xiaopeng , Legut Dominik , Wei Seh Zhi , Zhang Qianfan
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) represents a promising way to generate fuels and chemical feedstock sustainably. Recently, studies have shown that two‐dimensional metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) can be promising CO2RR electrocatalysts due to the alternating −C and −H coordination with intermediates that decouples scaling relations seen on transition metal catalysts. However, further by tuning the electronic and surface structure of MXenes it should still be possible to reach higher turnover number and selectivities. To this end, defect engineering of MXenes for electrochemical CO2RR has not been investigated to date. In this work, first‐principles modelling simulations are employed to systematically investigate CO2RR on M2XO2‐type MXenes with transition metal and carbon/nitrogen vacancies. We found that the −C‐coordinated intermediates take the form of fragments (e. g., *COOH, *CHO) whereas the −H‐coordinated intermediates form a complete molecule (e. g., *HCOOH, *H2CO). Interestingly, the fragment‐type intermediates become more strongly bound when transition‐metal vacancies are present on most MXenes, while the molecule‐type intermediates are largely unaffected, allowing the CO2RR overpotential to be tuned. The most promising defective MXene is Hf2NO2 containing Hf vacancies, with a low overpotential of 0.45 V. More importantly, through electronic structure analysis it could be observed that the Fermi level of the MXene changes significantly in the presence of vacancies, indicating that the Fermi level shift can be used as an ideal descriptor to rapidly predict the catalytic performance of defective MXenes. Such an evaluation strategy is applicable to other catalysts beyond MXenes, which could enhance high throughput screening efforts for accelerated catalyst discovery.
Regulating the Electronic Structure and Water Adsorption Capability by Constructing Carbon‐Doped CuO Hollow Spheres for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Fengliang , Xiao Linghan , Chen Jianmin , Chen Liyu , Fang Ruiqi , Li Yingwei
Published: August 2020

Copper(II) oxide featuring a narrow bandgap and low toxicity has been frequently applied in the visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, but it suffers from large intrinsic overpotential and low water adsorption capacity. Herein, we report a self‐templated strategy for the preparation of carbon‐doped CuO hollow spheres (C−CuO HSs) through thermal transformation of a hierarchical MOF. The hierarchical Cu−MOFs not only act as a template to form interior voids during the thermal transformation, but also serve as precursors to dope C atoms into the CuO lattice. The as‐synthesized C−CuO HSs exhibits remarkable photocatalytic performance with a H2 evolution rate of 67.3 mmol/g/h and the apparent quantum efficiency of 25.3 % at 520 nm in the present of eosin‐Y photosensitizer. The high performance of C−CuO HSs is attributed to the hierarchical porous structure and modulated electronic structure of CuO by C‐doping with well exposed reactive sites, high water adsorption capability, and low water reduction reaction barrier. The results presented in this work might shed light on the design of high‐performance photocatalysts for various energy‐related applications.
Use of the cell division assay to diagnose Fanconi anemia patients' hypersensitivity to mitomycin C
Authors: Hammarsten Ola , Muslimovic Aida , Thunström Sofia , Ek Torben , Johansson Pegah
Published: August 2020

The recently reported cell division assay (CDA) was optimized to measure the relative sensitivity of cells to cytotoxic drugs in vitro. Here, we investigated the in vitro hypersensitivity of lymphocytes from Fanconi anemia (FA) patients, to cytotoxic drugs using CDA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as cell lines derived from FA patients were treated with two DNA interstrand crosslinking (ICL) agents, mitomycin C and cyclophosphamide. Our data indicate that the CDA detects hypersensitivity of cells from FA patients to mitomycin C. Further, cell lines derived from FA‐patients were also hypersensitive to mitomycin C as well as cyclophosphamide, when assayed by the CDA. This study suggests that the CDA is a useful alternative for the diagnosis of FA patients' hypersensitivity to ICL agents.
Effective treatment and prevention of attempted suicide, anxiety, and aggressiveness with fluoxetine, despite proven use of androgenic anabolic steroids
Authors: Amaral Julio M.X. , Padilha Monica C. , Chagas Silvana V. , Baker Julien S. , Mullen Carrie , Vieira Neto Leonardo , Aquino Neto Francisco R. , Cruz Marcelo S.
Published: August 2020

The treatment of a man who attempted suicide after experiencing symptoms of anxiety and aggressiveness associated with the use of androgenic‐anabolic steroids (AAS) is described. This report includes 30 days of inpatient treatment and a 6‐month follow‐up. Regular use of fluoxetine apparently prevented the onset of anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and suicide ideation, even with the concurrent use of AAS. The urinary concentration of androgens, metabolites of AAS, and fluoxetine were monitored through analysis of urinary samples by the Brazilian Laboratory of Doping Control. Our results are congruent with previous findings describing the risk of suicide prompted by AAS use as well as the efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of mood disorders associated with the use of anabolic steroids.
Detection of a nonerythropoietic erythropoietin, Neuro‐EPO, in blood after intranasal administration in rat
Authors: Martin Laurent , Garcia Rodriguez Julio Cesar , Audran Michel , Ericsson Magnus , Maurice Tangui , Marchand Alexandre
Published: August 2020

Nonerythropoietic erythropoietins (EPOs) are investigated for their high antioxidant properties. A new drug candidate under clinical investigation to treat brain diseases is Neuro‐EPO, produced by selecting EPO isoforms with low sialic acid content. Intranasal administration allows to bypass the blood–brain barrier to get a fast and concentrated delivery to the brain. The aims of this project were to characterize Neuro‐EPO with anti‐doping methods used to detect conventional recombinant EPOs (isoelectric focusing [IEF] and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS‐PAGE]) and to evaluate the window of detection of Neuro‐EPO in brain and blood (plasma) after a single intranasal administration in rats. Neuro‐EPO drug analyzed by IEF‐PAGE presented a very basic profile completely detected only when using a 2–8 or 2–10 pH gradient instead of the conventional 2–6 pH gradient. Its profile consisted in six main bands that did not interfere with endogenous EPO profile from human or rat. After SDS‐PAGE, a broad band was detected for Neuro‐EPO in the same area as endogenous EPO, making Neuro‐EPO identification very difficult by this approach. Therefore, IEF was the method for identification chosen after administration in rats. Neuro‐EPO was clearly identified in blood 2 and 6 h after the delivery. Fainter signals were obtained between 12 and 48 h, but some characteristic very basic bands remained detectable. Surprisingly, brain extracts did not show the presence of Neuro‐EPO even 2 h after administration, indicating a fast degradation or elimination from the brain to the bloodstream. This experiment indicated that detection of Neuro‐EPO after intranasal delivery should be possible for a few days.
Context‐dependent venom deployment and protein composition in two assassin bugs
Authors: Fischer Maike L. , Wielsch Natalie , Heckel David G. , Vilcinskas Andreas , Vogel Heiko
Published: August 2020

The Heteroptera are a diverse suborder of phytophagous, hematophagous, and zoophagous insects. The shift to zoophagy can be traced back to the transformation of salivary glands into venom glands, but the venom is used not only to kill and digest invertebrate prey but also as a defense strategy, mainly against vertebrates. In this study, we used an integrated transcriptomics and proteomics approach to compare the composition of venoms from the anterior main gland (AMG) and posterior main gland (PMG) of the reduviid bugs Platymeris biguttatus L. and Psytalla horrida Stål. In both species, the AMG and PMG secreted distinct protein mixtures with few interspecific differences. PMG venom consisted mostly of S1 proteases, redulysins, Ptu1‐like peptides, and uncharacterized proteins, whereas AMG venom contained hemolysins and cystatins. There was a remarkable difference in biological activity between the AMG and PMG venoms, with only PMG venom conferring digestive, neurotoxic, hemolytic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. Proteomic analysis of venom samples revealed the context‐dependent use of AMG and PMG venom. Although both species secreted PMG venom alone to overwhelm their prey and facilitate digestion, the deployment of defensive venom was species‐dependent. P. biguttatus almost exclusively used PMG venom for defense, whereas P. horrida secreted PMG venom in response to mild harassment but AMG venom in response to more intense harassment. This intriguing context‐dependent use of defensive venom indicates that future research should focus on species‐dependent differences in venom composition and defense strategies among predatory Heteroptera.
Sunshine versus gold: The effect of population age on genetic structure of an invasive mosquito
Authors: Pless Evlyn , Hopperstad Kristen A. , Ledesma Nicholas , Dixon Daniel , Henke Jennifer A. , Powell Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2020

The genetic diversity and structure of invasive species are affected by the time since invasion, but it is not well understood how. We compare likely the oldest populations of Aedes aegypti in continental North America with some of the newest to illuminate the range of genetic diversity and structure that can be found within the invasive range of this important disease vector. Aedes aegypti populations in Florida have probably persisted since the 1600‐1700s, while populations in southern California derive from new invasions that occurred in the last 10 years. For this comparison, we genotyped 1,193 individuals from 28 sites at 12 highly variable microsatellites and a subset of these individuals at 23,961 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This is the largest sample analyzed for genetic structure for either region, and it doubles the number of southern California populations previously analyzed. As predicted, the older populations (Florida) showed fewer indicators of recent founder effect and bottlenecks; in particular, these populations have dramatically higher genetic diversity and lower genetic structure. Geographic distance and driving distance were not good predictors of genetic distance in either region, especially southern California. Additionally, southern California had higher levels of genetic differentiation than any comparably sized documented region throughout the worldwide distribution of the species. Although population age and demographic history are likely driving these differences, differences in climate and transportation practices could also play a role.
Restriction of sexual reproduction in the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum along an elevational gradient
Authors: Maruo Fumino , Imura Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Terrestrial plant populations located at the margins of species’ distributions often display reduced sexual reproduction and an increased reliance on asexual reproduction. One hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is that the decline is associated with environmental effects on the energetic costs to produce reproductive organs.

In order to clarify the changing processes of sexual reproduction along an elevational gradient, we investigated the sexual reproductive parameters, such as the number of sporophytes and gametangia, in Racomitrium lanuginosum, a dioicous moss found on Mt. Fuji.

Matured sporophytes were present only below 3,000 m, and the number of sporophytes per shoot tended to be lower at higher elevation habitats. The numbers of male inflorescences per shoot and antheridia per inflorescence and shoot significantly decreased with increasing elevation. In contrast, the numbers of female inflorescences per shoot and archegonia per inflorescence and shoot varied little across elevations.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the reasons for this limitation are assumed to be limitations in sporophyte development that result in abortion, and the spatial segregation between males and females. Possible reasons for the abortion of sporophytes are the inhibitory effects of low air temperature, a shortened growth period, and winter environmental conditions at higher elevations. Remarkable differences between male and female on various reproductive parameters found in this study are thought to affect the mode of sexual reproduction under the harsh environment. These differences between males and females may be caused by differences in the costs of production and development of gametangia, sensitivity to environmental stressors, and phenological patterns.
Migrant blackbirds, Turdus merula, have higher plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to residents, but not enhanced fatty acid unsaturation index
Authors: Jensen Johan Kjellberg , Isaksson Caroline , Eikenaar Cas , Andersson Martin N.
Published: August 2020

Birds have been observed to have dietary preferences for unsaturated fatty acids during migration. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may increase the exercise performance of migrant birds; however, PUFAs are also peroxidation prone and might therefore incur increased costs in terms of enhanced oxidative damage in migratory individuals. To shed light on this potential constraint, we analyzed plasma fatty acid (FA) composition and estimated the unsaturation index as a proxy for susceptibility to lipid peroxidation of migrants and residents of the partially migratory common blackbird (Turdus merula) at a stopover site during autumn migration. As predicted, migrant birds had higher relative and absolute levels of PUFAs compared to resident birds. This included the strictly dietary ω‐3 PUFA α‐linolenic acid, suggesting a dietary and/or storage preference for these FAs in migrants. Interestingly, the FA unsaturation index did not differ between migrants and residents. These findings suggest a mechanism where birds alter their levels of metabolic substrate without simultaneously increasing the susceptibility of the substrate to lipid peroxidation. In summary, our results are in line with the hypothesis that increased exercise performance during migration might be constrained by oxidative stress, which is manifested in changes in the composition of key FAs to retain the unsaturation index constant despite the increased levels of peroxidizable PUFAs.
Risk factors for diabetic foot complications in type 2 diabetes—A systematic review
Authors: Rossboth Sophia , Lechleitner Monika , Oberaigner Willi
Published: August 2020

Aims

With increasing numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide, the number of associated diabetic foot complications might also increase. This systematic review was performed to summarize published data about risk factors for the diabetic foot (DF) syndrome in order to improve the identification of high‐risk patients.

Materials and methods

Six electronic databases were searched for publications up to August 2019 using predefined stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Of 9,476 identified articles, 31 articles from 28 different study populations fulfilled the criteria for our evaluation. The overall quality of the studies was good, and the risk of bias was low. There was large heterogeneity among the studies concerning study protocols and patient populations analysed. A total of 79 risk factors were analysed within this review. The majority of studies described a consistently positive association with different outcomes of interest related to DF for gender, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, poor glycaemic control, insulin use, duration of diabetes, smoking and height. For age, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and body mass index, the results remain inconsistent.

Conclusion

A most up‐to‐date literature review resulted in glycaemic control and smoking as the only amenable risk factors with a consistently positive association for DF. Due to the high personal and financial burden associated with DF and the large heterogeneity among included studies, additional longitudinal studies in large patient populations are necessary to identify more modifiable risk factors that can be used in the prediction and prevention of DF complications.
Limited detection of secondarily consumed plant food by DNA‐based diet analysis of omnivorous carabid beetles
Authors: Guenay Yasemin , Trager Harald , Glarcher Irene , Traugott Michael , Wallinger Corinna
Published: August 2020

Trophic interactions are monitored by molecular methods based on the identification of prey DNA in feces, regurgitates, or the gut content of consumers. In providing highly resolved taxonomic information on dietary choice, DNA‐based analysis has become a key approach to unraveling the structure and dynamics of food webs. It is crucial, however, to correctly assign and evaluate trophic linkages among species. Links might be distorted by secondary predation, such as when the DNA of food items that have been consumed by the prey of the predator is detected and incorrectly assigned to the predator's diet. This may become a particular problem when evaluating the diet spectrum of omnivores. We present the first assessment, to our knowledge, of the potential for trophic link errors resulting from secondary consumption of prey in predator–herbivore–plant interactions. Individuals of Drosophila suzukii, fed raspberries (Rubus idaeus) as food items, were freeze‐killed at 0, 6, and 9 hr post‐feeding and then offered to the carabid Pseudoophonus rufipes. Post‐consumption detection intervals (0–128 hr) for DNA of primary prey (D. suzukii) and secondarily consumed raspberry in carabid regurgitates were assessed via PCR assays. Secondary consumption was detected only when D. suzukii flies consumed by the carabid had been feeding on raspberry immediately before they were eaten. The maximum detection time for secondarily consumed food was 32 hr post‐feeding of the carabid, and only in a single regurgitate out of twelve. No secondary food DNA was detected at all when the consumed D. suzukii had digested raspberry for 6 or 9 hr beforehand. These findings would indicate that secondarily consumed plant food is unlikely to contribute to significant error in food web structure. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consider feeding interactions across food webs for estimating the potential of incorrect trophic assignments due to secondary predation events.
Computational Design of Single Mo Atom Anchored Defective Boron Phosphide Monolayer as a High‐performance Electrocatalyst for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Zaichun , Huang Ting , Chang Huhu , Wang Faxing , Wen Juan , Sun Haodong , Hossain Masud , Xie Qingji , Zhao Yan , Wu Yuping
Published: August 2020

Catalytic reduction of molecular dinitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) is one of the most important and challenging industrial reactions. Electrochemical reduction is considered as an energy‐saving technology for artificial ambient nitrogen fixation, which is emerging as an optimal potential sustainable strategy to substitute for the Haber–Bosch process. However, this process demands efficient catalysts for the N2 reduction reaction (NRR). Here, by means of first‐principles calculations, we systematically explored the potential electrocatalytic performance of single transition metal atoms (Pd, Ag, Rh, Cu, Ti, Mo, Mn, Zn, Fe, Co, Ru, and Pt) embedded in monolayer defective boron phosphide (TMs/BP) monolayer with a phosphorus monovacancy for ambient NH3 production. Among them, the Mo/BP exhibits the best catalytic performance for ambient reduction of N2 through the typical enzymatic and consecutive reaction pathways with an activation barrier of 0.68 eV, indicating that Mo/BP is an efficient catalyst for N2 fixation. We believe that this work could provide a new avenue of ambient NH3 synthesis by using the designed single‐atom electrocatalysts.
Temporal trends in decompensated heart failure and outcomes during COVID‐19: a multisite report from heart failure referral centres in London
Authors: Cannatà Antonio , Bromage Daniel I. , Rind Irfan A. , Gregorio Caterina , Bannister Clare , Albarjas Mohammed , Piper Susan , Shah Ajay M. , McDonagh Theresa A.
Published: August 2020

Aims

Admission rates for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) declined during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the impact of this reduction on hospital mortality is unknown. We describe temporal trends in the presentation of patients with acute HF and their in‐hospital outcomes at two referral centres in London during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods and results

A total of 1372 patients hospitalized for HF in two referral centres in South London between 7 January and 14 June 2020 were included in the study and their outcomes compared with those of equivalent patients of the same time period in 2019. The primary outcome was all‐cause in‐hospital mortality. The number of HF hospitalizations was significantly reduced during the COVID‐19 pandemic, compared with 2019 (P < 0.001). Specifically, we observed a temporary reduction in hospitalizations during the COVID‐19 peak, followed by a return to 2019 levels. Patients admitted during the COVID‐19 pandemic had demographic characteristics similar to those admitted during the equivalent period in 2019. However, in‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (P = 0.015). Hospitalization in 2020 was independently associated with worse in‐hospital mortality (hazard ratio 2.23, 95% confidence interval 1.34–3.72; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

During the COVID‐19 pandemic there was a reduction in HF hospitalization and a higher rate of in‐hospital mortality. Hospitalization for HF in 2020 is independently associated with more adverse outcomes. Further studies are required to investigate the predictors of these adverse outcomes to help inform potential changes to the management of HF patients while some constraints to usual care remain.
Body posture and interpersonal perception in a dyadic interaction: A Big Two analysis
Authors: Abele Andrea E. , Yzerbyt Vincent
Published: August 2020

Body posture influences feelings about the self, but little is known about its impact on social cognition more generally. We apply the Big Two framework (Agency/Competence, Communion/Warmth) and study how body posture influences interpersonal perception in a dyadic interaction. In three experiments, we studied dyads with different body postures (Exps. 1 and 2: expanded/restricted; Exp. 3: expanded/neutral). Dyad members worked on a joint task, and rated self and other. Findings showed that participants in an expanded posture rated the self higher and the other lower on agency, whereas those in a submissive (or neutral) posture rated the self lower and the other higher on agency. In Experiment 2, participants in a submissive posture also rated their communion lower. Results are important both for the impact of body posture on interpersonal perception and for context effects in the relationship of Agency versus Communion ratings of self and others.
A Low‐cost Paper‐based Diamond Electrode for Trace Copper Analysis at On‐site Environmental Area
Authors: Thangphatthanarungruang Jeerakit , Lomae Atchara , Chailapakul Orawon , Chaiyo Sudkate , Siangproh Weena
Published: August 2020

In the present study, an alternative platform for trace copper ions (Cu(II)) determination using a diamond electrode in combination with a disposable paper‐based analytical device (d‐PAD) has been proposed. First, the complexation between Cu(II) and 1,10‐phenanthroline ligand was adsorptively accumulated onto a paper that is directly in contact with the diamond electrode and measured via square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the peak current was proportional to the concentration of Cu(II) in the range of 0.4–70 ng mL−1, and the detection limit was found to be 0.1 ng mL−1. Most importantly, this platform can be successfully applied to detect trace Cu(II) in different water samples (drinking water, tap water, groundwater and river water) with satisfactory results. Thus, the proposed d‐PAD could be a highly efficient platform for trace Cu(II) determination in environmental samples.
Easily Multiplexable Immunoplatform to Assist Heart Failure Diagnosis through Amperometric Determination of Galectin‐3
Authors: Piguillem Sofía V. , Gamella Maria , García de Frutos Pablo , Batlle Montserrat , Yáñez‐Sedeño Paloma , Messina Germán A. , Fernández‐Baldo Martín A. , Campuzano Susana , Pedrero María , Pingarrón José M.
Published: August 2020

This work reports the first electrochemical immunoassay involving magnetic microbeads (MBs) for the determination of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), a β‐galactosidase‐binding lectin that acts as mediator of heart failure (HF). MBs‐captured sandwich‐type immune complexes and amperometric detection at disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes were used. The immunoplatform showed a detection limit of 8.3 pg mL−1, good reproducibility, and excellent selectivity. The endogenous concentration of Gal‐3 in human plasma from HF patients was determined with results in agreement with those obtained using ELISA. The multiplexing feasibility of the developed immunoplatform was demonstrated for the simultaneous determination of Gal‐3 and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP).
Simultaneous determination of active compounds in Piper betle Linn. leaf extract and effect of extracting solvents on bioactivity
Authors: Nguyen Lam Thi Truc , Nguyen Thuong Thi , Nguyen Hoa Ngoc , Bui Quynh Thi Phuong
Published: August 2020

In the present study, we reported the codetermination of highly bioactive compounds, namely, hydroxychavicol, eugenol, and gallic acid in the Piper betle Linn. leaf extract by high‐performance liquid chromatography method. These compounds are of great interest in the pharmaceutical field and also in other food‐related applications owing to their impressive biological and pharmaceutical properties. Moreover, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the extracts produced by different extracting solvents were also investigated in detail. The methanol extract was found to contain the highest amounts of hydroxychavicol and gallic acid thus offering the strongest antioxidant activity in 1,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay. All the three compounds were found at low levels in the hexane extract. However, the solvent type did not affect significantly on the concentration of extracted eugenol. The ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium whereas the hexane extract showed negligible antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that ethyl acetate is a good choice to produce a highly antibacterial extract but methanol and ethanol are more suitable when the antioxidant activity of the extract is more concerned.
Combined effect of both surface finish and sub‐surface porosity on component strength under repeated load conditions
Authors: McMillan Alison J. , Jones Rhys
Published: August 2020

High duty engineering component life is usually demonstrated through extensive testing and statistical analysis applied to empirical curve‐fit equations. Because of this, the extent of the testing required is huge and costly: it must consider the load cycle range and test to high numbers of cycles. Additive Manufacturing (AM) for high duty components has brought to the fore the question of the effect of porosity and surface roughness on fatigue life, and how the true life of a critical component can be assessed conservatively. The authors propose the first step toward the development of a fatigue model based on well‐established engineering physics principles, by creating computational specimens with modeled surface roughness and porosity, and subjected to cyclic loading using Finite Element Analysis. They show that the combination of roughness features and sub‐surface pores leads to an equivalent plastic strain distribution pattern that suggests an emergent physical process that has not been reported before, and which indicates that the component strength and life reduction arising from surface roughness can be made significantly worse by the presence of porosity. The development of such phenomenological understanding should lead to improved life prediction techniques, more cost effective test procedures, and the development of better AM methods.
Field tests of an improved sediment tracer including non‐intrusive measurement of burial depth
Authors: Cain Aryn , MacVicar Bruce
Published: August 2020

Radio‐frequency identification (RFID) transponders are now widely used to track sediment in a variety of environments. A recent innovation placed the transponder inside of a rotating inner mechanism that is designed to minimize missed detections due to burial and shielding or ‘signal collision’ effects between tracers, while also allowing a rapid measurement of the burial depth of the particle. Here we test a developed protocol for burial depth measurement and deploy the ‘Wobblestone’ tracers in the field for the first time. Results show that new tracers can be reliably positioned in the horizontal plane (median error ± 0.03 m) and that the burial depth can be accurately measured (~0.02 m maximum error). The field study was characterized by high mobility and travel lengths, and ~20% of the tracers were buried at depths up to 0.15 m. A comparison of exponential distributions for travel length of surface deposited and buried tracers indicate that the buried tracers on average traveled farther and earlier in the flood event. Tracers that did not move were also buried at one site as a result of sediment transport from upstream. Overall the technique has great potential for characterizing vertical mixing and understanding this rarely considered control on sediment transport. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of the Olfactory System of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with Diltiazem
Authors: Lari Ebrahim , Burket S. Rebekah , Steinkey Dylan , Brooks Bryan W. , Pyle Greg G.
Published: August 2020

Diltiazem is ubiquitously prescribed and has been reported in many effluents and freshwater bodies. Being a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem could disrupt the function of the sensory and central nervous systems. In the present study, using electro-olfactography (EOG), we investigated the interaction of diltiazem with the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) of rainbow trout by looking into the detection threshold and effects of immediate (~5 min) and acute (24 h) exposure to diltiazem at 6.6, 66, and 660 µg/L. We also studied the accumulation of the drug in fish plasma and whole body. Brief exposure to diltiazem impaired the OSN response to a chemosensory stimulus in a concentration-dependent manner at 6.6 µg/L and higher, whereas OSNs exposed for 24 h only displayed an impairment at 660 µg/L. Chemical analysis showed that the accumulation of diltiazem in fish plasma and body correlated with the EOG response because it was 10 times higher in the group that displayed a significant impairment (660 µg/L) compared to the other 2 groups (6.6, 66 µg/L). This correlation suggests that the impact of diltiazem on OSNs might partially be through the accumulated molecules in the fish bloodstream. Fish did not detect diltiazem as a sensory stimulus even at concentrations as high as 660 µg/L; thus, fish could potentially swim toward or fail to escape harmful concentrations of diltiazem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:554–550. © 2020 SETAC
Integrated proteome and transcriptome analyses revealed key factors involved in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under high temperature stress
Authors: Ding Haidong , Mo Shuangrong , Qian Ying , Yuan Guibo , Wu Xiaoxia , Ge Cailin
Published: August 2020

High temperature (HT) is an important environmental factor affecting crops growth, development, and yield. Transcriptome and proteome technologies developed in recent years can provide deeper and more reliable data to decipher the mechanisms of HT response. In the present study, the transcriptome analysis with RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) and integrative analysis on obtained proteomic data were performed in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves under HT stress (42°C for 4 hr). In total, 3,531 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 268 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were explored. The quantitative data were validated by qRT‐PCR and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Upon mapping of the DEGs/DEPs to the KEGG pathway database, “protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum” was found to be the most significant enrichment pathway both at the transcriptional and protein levels, suggesting that endoplasmic reticulum stress may play a central role in HT tolerance. Furthermore, transcriptome‐proteome integrative analysis revealed 91 genes shared both in DEGs and DEPs, of which 79 correlations with the same changing trends were most associated with stress response and protein folding. Among these, a HT response gene designated SlBAG5 of unknown function received attention. The full‐length of SlBAG5 was cloned and ectopically overexpressed in Arabidopsis, which displayed thermosensitive phenotype. Taken together, this work provides deep insight into the molecular mechanisms of plant thermotolerance and also facilitates the identification of the key potential genes/proteins for HT response.
Photoperiod control of yield and sink capacity in Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) genotypes
Authors: Kendabie Presidor , Jørgensen Søren T. , Massawe Festo , Fernandez Jose , Azam‐Ali Sayed , Mayes Sean
Published: August 2020

In Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc], long photoperiods can cause a decline in pod and seed number. While negative photoperiod effects on pod yield have been reported, positive effects and the existence of genotypes less sensitive for photoperiod have not been reported. Ten geographically diverse genotypes were evaluated over 3 years under short and long photoperiod for yield‐related traits (pod number, pod weight, seed number, seed weight, and 100 seed weight), pod growth habit (geocarpic or ageocarpic pods), peduncle elongation and soil penetration, and pod set/abortion. Anatomical sections of gynophores and embryonic pod development of a highly photoperiod sensitive genotype “Ankpa‐4” from Nigeria were examined. A strong photoperiodic effect on yield component traits (pod number, pod weight, seed number, seed weight, and 100 seed weight) was observed and with considerable variation between genotypes. Three classes of photoperiod effect on pod yield were identified, (a) qualitative short‐day types; (b) quantitative short‐day types; and (c) quantitative long‐day types. In long photoperiods, above‐ground vegetative biomass and the length of lateral branches in some genotypes increased by at least twofold. Morphological and anatomical characterization of gynophores and developing pods of the most sensitive line shows continuous geocarpic growth, but with healthy embryonic pods failing to enlarge after soil penetration. Results from the yield patterns of the three phenotypic classes confirm that pods and seeds are high priority sinks, and long photoperiod alters the balance in assimilate distribution between competing yield forming processes and vegetative sinks. By exploiting the genetic variation characterized here for photoperiod requirement for pod filling, the geographical range of this crop could be extended beyond current growing regions. In the near future, we anticipate that Bambara groundnut will become a significant contributor to global food, nutritional, and environmental security once these photoperiod issues are resolved.
Modulation of the host microbiome by black raspberries or their components and the therapeutic implications in cancer
Authors: Peiffer Daniel S
Published: August 2020

Black raspberries (BRB) and their components have been demonstrated to prevent and inhibit the progression of cancers including oral, breast, esophageal, and colon in both preclinical studies and human clinical trials. The mechanism for their anticancer effect appears to vary by organ system, and include their anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and pro‐apoptotic properties. Given findings that suggest that the host microbiome plays a distinct role in the development and progression of cancer, there has been a recent focus on discerning if BRB and their constituents modulate gut microbe levels. This review summarizes the reported effects BRB and their constituents have on the human microbiome and the implications that this has for their use in conjunction with traditional chemotherapies. BRB and their components have been shown to modulate the human gut flora in a positive manner, namely by promoting the population of the gut with “good” bacteria. These include BRB, their major polyphenol anthocyanins (AC), the major metabolite of AC protocatechuic acid (PCA), ellagic acid, and its major metabolite the urolithins. All of these components have been shown to modulate the gut flora, with variations between the individual components. This is in comparison to chemotherapeutic drugs including platinum‐based entities and 5‐flourouracil, which have been reported to negatively impact the human microbiome, leading to dysbiosis. Given these parallel findings, recent studies have attempted to discern if BRB or their components may reverse the negative effects traditional chemotherapies have on the gut microbiome, and if this results in an improvement in therapeutic outcomes.
Ozonation of three different fungal conidia associated with apple disease: Importance of spore surface and membrane phospholipid oxidation
Authors: Pagès Marielle , Kleiber Didier , Violleau Frédéric
Published: August 2020

Although ozone (O3) is a well‐known bactericide and fungicide, the required dose of ozone can depend significantly on the targeted pathogens. The present research evaluates the variation in sensibility to ozone of three fungal species from a single fungal group. The three fungal species selected, Venturia inaequalis, Botrytis cinerea, and Neofabreae alba, belong to the Ascomycota group and attack apples. The fungi were exposed to ozone by bubbling directly into the spore solutions (treatment period ranged from 0.5 to 4 min, ozone concentration in inlet gas ranged from 1 to 30 g/m3). The rates of germination were determined, and the level of peroxidation of the lipid membrane was quantified based on the malondialdehyde (MDA) production. The results indicate that ozone effectively reduces spore development and suggest that the fungi differ in sensitivity. To reduce by 50% the spore germination rate of N. alba, B. cinerea, and V. inaequalis requires ozone doses of 0.01, 0.03, and 0.07 mg/ml, respectively. Spore sensitivity seems to be directly linked to spore surface. For all the fungal species, the MDA level and the level of spore inactivation both increase with ozone dose, which confirms that ozone alters the cell membrane.
Therapeutic and nutraceutical potentials of a brown seaweed Sargassum fusiforme
Authors: Liu Jian , Luthuli Sibusiso , Yang Yue , Cheng Yang , Zhang Ya , Wu Mingjiang , Choi Jong‐il , Tong Haibin
Published: August 2020

Sargassum fusiforme, also known as Yangqicai (羊栖菜) in Chinese and Hijiki in Japanese, is a brown seaweed that grows abundantly along the rocky coastlines of Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China. The first use of S. fusiforme as a traditional Chinese medicinal plant was recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing, dated 200 AD. It was referred to as Haizao (seaweed), renowned for treating Yinglu (tumor‐like induration), dysuria, and edema. Currently, it is commonly used in traditional cuisine as it is rich in dietary fiber and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Owing to its health benefits, S. fusiforme remains popular in China, Korea, and Japan, as well as in the UK and in North America. Currently, there is a lack of research on S. fusiforme; thus, we review the therapeutic effects of S. fusiforme, such as anticancer, antiangiogenic, and antiviral effects, in vitro and in vivo as reported during the past two decades. This review may promote further research on the therapeutic uses of S. fusiforme. Furthermore, we discuss the processes and considerations involved in using drugs produced from marine sources.
Digital Asset Performance Management—Taking Utility Asset Management to the Next Level
Authors: Belmont Dan , Hade Kevin , Sefah Kojo
Published: August 2020

Asset management today is more complex and sophisticated than ever before. With the numerous digital enhancements required for grid modernization, the average utility is managing 10 times the number of devices it was 20 years ago. Additionally, these devices have electronic components that require increased regular care and maintenance. The industry has moved beyond putting a pole in the ground and dressing it—mounting arms and a transformer and spanning conductors to the customer and the next pole. Sound asset management strategies provide an array of benefits, including operational efficiencies and cost savings, increased asset life expectancy, improved reliability, and increased safety. More so, in today's digital world, enterprise asset management (EAM) has become known as asset performance management (APM) and continues to evolve toward “digital asset performance management.” Implementation of a digital APM solution can reduce utilities capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) spend by 20 percent or more.
Evolution patterns of seawater carbon isotope composition during the Cambrian and their stratigraphic significance
Authors: Wu Ya‐Sheng , Wang Wei , Jiang Hong‐Xia , Cui Ying , Zhao Rui , Huang Zhi‐Bin , Yang Zhi‐Lin , Chen Yong‐Quan
Published: August 2020

Our current understanding of the Cambrian carbon cycle mostly comes from geologically rapid carbon isotope excursions (CIEs) of marine carbonate. In addition to carbon cycle indicators, stable carbon isotopes of marine carbonates can be used as stratigraphic correlation tools. Previous studies have recognized 10 CIEs in the Cambrian, but only 3 of them appear to have global significance. This limits the application of CIEs in chronostratigraphic correlation of Cambrian successions with the 10 successive stages. Here, we present a continuous carbon isotope record from a stratigraphically complete Cambrian section at Xiaoerbulak, Aksu region in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China. Its comparison with more than 40 sections across the world shows the carbon isotope record of the Cambrian can be divided into 10 units based on the variation patterns. Each pattern has occurrences in at least two Cambrian tectonic plates, suggesting global significance. A generalized curve consisting of the 10 patterns, Carbon Isotope Pattern Curve (CIPC) has been compiled. Based on the fossil records, the 10 patterns are correlated with the 10 stages of the chronostratigraphic system of the Cambrian. The pattern Angularianis correlated with Fortunian Stage and the lower half of Stage 2, Dampingian with the upper part of Stage 2, Boxian with Stage 3, Rabbitian with Stage 4, Chairian with the lower half of Wuliuan, Zigzagian with the upper Wuliuan Stage, Stickian with the Drumian and Guzhangian stages, Towerian with the Paibian Stage and Lower Jiangshan Stage, Shelfian with Upper Jiangshan Stage and the lower half of Stage 10, and Hillian with the upper half of Stage 10.We suggest that the application of CIPC makes the chronostratigraphy of non‐fossiliferous successions realizable.
Longitudinal functional brain network reconfiguration in healthy aging
Authors: Malagurski Brigitta , Liem Franziskus , Oschwald Jessica , Mérillat Susan , Jäncke Lutz
Published: August 2020

Healthy aging is associated with changes in cognitive performance and functional brain organization. In fact, cross‐sectional studies imply lower modularity and significant heterogeneity in modular architecture across older subjects. Here, we used a longitudinal dataset consisting of four occasions of resting‐state‐fMRI and cognitive testing (spanning 4 years) in 150 healthy older adults. We applied a graph‐theoretic analysis to investigate the time‐evolving modular structure of the whole‐brain network, by maximizing the multilayer modularity across four time points. Global flexibility, which reflects the tendency of brain nodes to switch between modules across time, was significantly higher in healthy elderly than in a temporal null model. Further, global flexibility, as well as network‐specific flexibility of the default mode, frontoparietal control, and somatomotor networks, were significantly associated with age at baseline. These results indicate that older age is related to higher variability in modular organization. The temporal metrics were not associated with simultaneous changes in processing speed or learning performance in the context of memory encoding. Finally, this approach provides global indices for longitudinal change across a given time span and it may contribute to uncovering patterns of modular variability in healthy and clinical aging populations.
Revenge is sweet: Investigation of the effects ofApproach‐Motivatedanger on theRewPin the motivated anger delay (MAD) paradigm
Authors: Threadgill A. Hunter , Gable Philip A.
Published: August 2020

Past research has found that neural activity associated with feedback processing is enhanced by positive approach‐motivated states. However, no past work has examined how reward processing changes in the context of revenge. Using a novel aggression paradigm, we sought to explore the influence of approach‐motivated anger on neural responses to feedback indicating the opportunity to seek revenge against an offending opponent by examining the reward positivity (RewP), an event‐related potential indexing performance feedback. In Experiment 1, after receiving insulting feedback from an opponent, participants played a reaction time game with three trial types: revenge trials, aggravation trials, and no‐consequence trials. Results revealed that RewP amplitudes were larger to revenge trial win feedback than no‐consequence trial win feedback or revenge trial loss feedback. RewP amplitudes were larger to both aggravation trial win and loss feedback than on no‐consequence trials. Experiment 2 examined the influence of approach‐motivated anger during the acquisition of rewards on the RewP without the possibility of retribution from the offending individual. Participants played a reaction time game similar to Experiment 1, except instead of giving or receiving noise blasts, participants could win money from the insulter (revenge trials) or a neutral‐party (e.g., bank). Results indicated that revenge wins elicited larger RewP amplitudes than bank wins. These results suggest that anger enhances revenge‐related RewP amplitudes to obtaining revenge opportunities and further aggravation wins or losses. Anger appears to enhance the pleasurable feelings of revenge.