bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving crude protein and methionine production, selective lignin degradation and digestibility of wheat straw by Inonotus obliquus using response surface methodology
Authors: Zang Qiang , Chen Xiaoxiao , Zhang Chao , Lin Mengmeng , Xu Xiangqun
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

To date, fungus‐assisted pretreatment of agricultural residue has not become the preferred method to produce protein‐enriched and ruminally digestible animal feed because of low time efficiency of fungal delignification and protein production, i.e. the long solid‐state fermentation period, and because of laccase as a potential inhibitor of cellulose activity. In this study, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the parameters in the process of producing nutritious animal feed from wheat straw with Inonotus obliquus pretreatment.

RESULTS

The mineral salt solution containing (w/v) (NH4)2SO4 1%, MgSO4·7H2O 0.03%, KH2PO4 0.011%, Tween‐80 0.4%, and corn starch 10% with pH of 7.4 was optimized. Inonotus obliquus rapidly and completely colonized on wheat straw with an ergosterol content of 280 μg g−1 dry matter, consuming 45% of lignin after 15 days of fermentation, producing maximums of lignin peroxidase (1729 IU g−1), manganese peroxidase (610 IU g−1) and laccase (98 IU g−1) on days 5, 15, and 25, respectively. The crude protein (102.4 g kg−1) of 15‐day fermented wheat straw increased by ~132%. After hydrolysis, the essential protein‐bound amino acids (15.3 g kg−1) increased by ~47%, within which Met and Lys measured ~1070% and ~60% higher. The treatment with I. obliquus also improved the in vitro gas production after 72 h (IVGP72) of wheat straw to 178.8 mL g−1 organic matter (~43% increase).

CONCLUSION

For the first time, we found that I. obliquus is an effective white rot fungus turning wheat straw into ruminally digestible animal feed without laccase inhibitor.
Fresh pomegranate juices from cultivars and local ecotypes grown in southeastern Italy: comparison of physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds
Authors: Tarantino Annalisa , Difonzo Graziana , Disciglio Grazia , Frabboni Laura , Paradiso Vito Michele , Gambacorta Giuseppe , Caponio Francesco
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate juice has gained attention for its health properties, becoming consequently a highly demanded product. The revival of the pomegranate in Italy, as in other Mediterranean countries, starts with the planting of new intensive orchards characterized by both the new cultivation technique and new varieties. As a result of growing demand and high productivity, pomegranate could become an interesting crop to diversify farm income. This study seeks to determine the aril juice quality attributes and bioactive compounds of six pomegranate cultivars (‘Mollar’, ‘Dente di cavallo’, ‘Acco’, ‘Jolly red’, ‘Wonderful’ and ‘Wonderful Super’) and two local ecotypes (‘Eco BA’ and ‘Eco FG’) grown in Apulia region, southern Italy.

RESULTS

The aril juices were evaluated for their main physicochemical properties (yield, color, pH, total soluble solids content, titratable acidity, sugar–acid ratio), chemical and bioactive compounds (vitamin C, phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant activities). ‘Eco BA’, ‘Mollar’ and ‘Jolly red’ genotypes were characterized by the highest maturity index, and then could be considered to be sweet–sour in taste. Total phenols and antioxidant activity were higher in ‘Dente di cavallo’ and ‘Eco FG’ genotypes. ‘Eco FG’ was also the richest in vitamin C, punicalagin and ellagic acids, while ‘Dente di cavallo’, ‘Acco’ and ‘Wonderful’ showed the highest content of the detected anthocyanin compounds.

CONCLUSION

These results contribute to current knowledge about chemical composition, phenolic contents, anthocyanin profiles and antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice from different genotypes, showing in most cases an appreciable juice quality and bioactive profile, although significant differences among them were detected. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Calcium and pH interaction limits bloom formation and expansion of a nuisance microalga
Authors: Gollnisch Raphael , Alling Teodor , Stockenreiter Maria , Ahrén Dag , Grabowska Magdalena , Rengefors Karin
Published: July 2021

Microalgal range expansions are increasing in frequency and magnitude but generally remain unnoticed until mass development occurs. Gonyostomum semen is a freshwater raphidophyte that causes nuisance blooms in lakes and has recently expanded its distribution across Europe. G. semen was considered to mainly occur in humic lakes in the boreal region but is now found in high density also in other freshwater habitats on a larger geographic scale with growing incidence. In this study, we focused on which environmental factors limit its expansion. Our hypothesis was that G. semen occurs in many different lake types, except for high alkalinity lakes, in which high pH in combination with high calcium concentration would inhibit its growth. Results from our field study illustrate the environmental heterogeneity of G. semen bloom sites across Europe and the United States. Nevertheless, none of these sites combined high pH and high calcium concentration. In a mesocosm study, as well as a laboratory experiment, we further demonstrated that growth of G. semen is inhibited in conditions combining both high pH and high calcium concentration. We also discuss the function of Sphagnum peat mosses in rendering an alkaline habitat suitable to G. semen growth. Our study highlights that high alkalinity environments act as a major colonization barrier to G. semen. While this finding explains which environmental filters limit G. semen distribution it also helps in understanding its current expansion. With globally decreasing calcium concentrations in freshwater ecosystems, new habitats have and will become conducive to G. semen growth.
Positive framing when assessing the personal resources to manage one's finances increases consumers' retirement self‐efficacy and improves retirement goal clarity
Authors: Hoffmann Arvid O. I. , Plotkina Daria
Published: July 2021

People are increasingly expected to take an active role in preparing for a financially secure future, and thus face added personal financial responsibility. Unfortunately, many consumers lack the perceived ability to engage effectively in retirement planning (i.e., retirement self‐efficacy) and accordingly fail to envision their financial future and set appropriate goals. However, little is known about how to improve consumers' retirement self‐efficacy and when and why potential policy interventions will be more or less effective. In the current paper, we address this shortcoming of prior literature. Through a series of experiments, we show that when consumers assess personal resources to achieve a financially secure future, positive framing focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is associated with higher retirement self‐efficacy through an increased internal locus of control. Higher self‐efficacy, in turn, leads to improved retirement goal clarity, with the improvement being more pronounced for individuals having a lower consideration of future consequences. In a follow‐up study three months after the initial experimental intervention, we find that retirement goal clarity is positively associated with consumers' level of actual retirement planning activity. Finally, we replicate our findings using an advertisement as an alternative, marketing‐relevant, manipulation.
BCPPs can expand care access, improve BH patient outcomes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2021

Given the mental health and substance use crisis this country is currently facing, along with a shortage of behavioral health providers, board‐certified psychiatric pharmacists (BCPPs) can address this gap in the provision of care, according to new research published online in Psychiatric Services.
Gut Microbiota Composition is Associated with Responses to Peanut Intervention in Multiple Parameters Among Adults with Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Lingling , Wang Di , Huang Meiqin , Zhao Jingyu , Malik Vasanti , Liu Xiaoran , Sun Liang , Lin Xu , Chen Yan
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Peanuts are widely consumed as a meal ingredient and a snack, and are commonly considered as a healthy food based on their nutrient profile. Peanut consumption has been associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in epidemiological studies. This study aims to investigate whether consuming peanuts affects the gut microbiota in adults with risk of MetS and whether the intervention effect of peanuts is associated with gut microbiota composition.

Methods and Results

This study analyzes the gut microbiota of subjects from a 12‐week randomized clinical trial comparing consumption of either peanuts or isocaloric carbohydrate bars. It is observed that there is high inter‐individual variability on multiple clinical and anthropometrical parameters in response to peanut consumption. Meanwhile, the gut microbiota composition is also highly person‐specific and have minor changes when compared laterally or longitudinally. This study employs a machine‐learning algorithm and establishes prediction models using the microbiome data and the responsiveness data of different parameters in subjects with peanut intervention. As a result, it is found that the improvement of MetS risk and numerous parameters, including diastolic blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose level can be predicted for responsiveness with high accuracy that has a value of area under curve over 0.70 by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusion

Together, the findings of this study suggest that individual gut microbiota configuration may modulate host metabolism and alter an individual's response to peanut intervention, thus highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition.
Variation in the Methylation of Caffeoylquinic Acids and Urinary Excretion of 3′‐methoxycinnamic acid‐4′‐Sulfate After Apple Consumption by Volunteers
Authors: Rubió Laura , Romero Maria Paz , Solà Rosa , Motilva Maria José , Clifford Michael N. , Macià Alba
Published: July 2021

Introduction

It has been reported that the phenolic metabolite 3′‐methoxycinnamic acid‐4′‐sulfate generated from 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid may have potential benefits in human health. However, the variation in 3′‐ and 4′‐methylation of 3′,4′‐dihydroxycinnamic acid and its impact on the yield of this sulfate metabolite is unclear and has been poorly studied.

Methods and Results

To address this aim, the excreted 3′‐methoxy and 4′‐methoxy metabolites in urine samples (24‐h) are determined in 14 volunteers after an acute intake of 80 g of red‐fleshed apple (RFA) or white‐fleshed apple (WFA). These methoxy metabolites are also determined in the same volunteers in a second acute intake after a 6‐week sustained consumption of the same products.

Conclusion

Seven 3′‐methoxy and seven 4′‐methoxy metabolites are determined, i.e., the free cinnamic and corresponding phenylpropanoic acid, plus their sulfate, glucuronide, and glycine conjugates. In only six volunteers, five females and one male, is 4′‐methylation preferred over 3′‐methylation, but it is observed that an individual′s 3′‐ : 4′‐methylation ratio can change over time, and that the yield of 3′‐methoxycinnamic acid‐4′‐sulfate is extremely variable, ranging from undetectable to 71% of the total C6‐C3 metabolites excreted, and any benefit accruing from this metabolite will not necessarily be available to all consumers.
Absolute Abundance Estimates for Red Snapper, Greater Amberjack, and Other Federally Managed Fish on Offshore Petroleum Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Gallaway Benny J. , Raborn Scott W. , McCain Kyle A. , Beyea R. Taylor , Dufault Susan , Heyman Will , Putman Nathan F. , Egerton Jack
Published: July 2021

Offshore petroleum platforms provide habitat utilized by an array of reef fish that are valuable to both commercial and recreational fishers. However, thousands of offshore platforms have been decommissioned in the Gulf of Mexico over the past decade, with many of the removals being accomplished using explosive severance methods. Here, we estimate the impact of platform removal in the Gulf of Mexico on five stocks of federally managed reef fish based on the percentage of each stock that is resident on platforms. We conclude that the gulfwide impact of removal will be relatively minor (1% to 8% of the estimated stock abundance) for four species, Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus, Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus, Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens, and Cobia Rachycentron canadum. In contrast, losses for the Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili stock would potentially represent 45% of the known stock. An alternative explanation is that the actual abundance of Greater Amberjack is much larger than the most recent stock size estimate; in either case, we suggest this issue needs further examination. Removal impacts could also be significant for reef-fish fisheries (especially the Red Snapper fishery) in areas where platforms are presently abundant but other high-relief natural or artificial reefs are not present. Removal of the platforms from these areas will greatly impact the local fisheries.
Using Otolith Chemistry to Determine Early Life Environments and Movement of the Emerging Bigheaded Carp Population in Pools 16–19 of the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Anderson Charmayne L. , Whitledge Gregory W. , Rude Neil P. , Lamer James T.
Published: July 2021

Bigheaded carp (Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix) are invasive species in the USA and have spread throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. Population abundance upstream of Lock and Dam (LD) 19 (LD19) on the upper Mississippi River (UMR) has likely been limited by the high-head dam at this location, which restricts all upstream fish passage to the lock chamber. We measured otolith (lapillus) stable isotope composition and elemental microchemistry of 146 Silver Carp (n = 77 females, 69 males) and 141 Bighead Carp (n = 76 females, 65 males) to determine early life environments (ELEs) of adult bigheaded carp captured upstream of LD19 at the invasion front, in an area of intense management (Pools 16–19). Otolith oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) and elemental ratios (Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca) were compared to values of isotope and elemental ratios in water from putative ELEs to assign the ELE for each fish. Most Bighead Carp (68.8%) and Silver Carp (54.1%) collected upstream of LD19 had otolith core signatures consistent with ELEs downstream of LD19. Nineteen percent of Bighead Carp and 34% of Silver Carp could not be classified. The sex ratios of bigheaded carp (Pools 17–19 combined) with otolith core signatures downstream of LD19 did not differ from 1:1. Our results, when compared to those of Whitledge et al. (2019), suggest low but stable recruitment above this population pinch-point dam in the UMR and suggest that targeting removal of bigheaded carp downstream of LD19 or inhibiting their movement upstream through the lock there might be effective as part of integrated control efforts.
Clinical Outcomes, Treatment Toxicity, and Health Care Utilization in Older Adults with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Johnson P. Connor , Yi Alisha , Horick Nora , Amonoo Hermioni L. , Newcomb Richard A. , Lavoie Mitchell W. , Rice Julia , Reynolds Matthew J. , Ritchie Christine S. , Nipp Ryan D. , El-Jawahri Areej
Published: July 2021

Background

Although balancing treatment efficacy with risks of complications is critical for older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), few studies have described these patients’ clinical outcomes, rates of toxicities, and health care utilization.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults ≥65 years diagnosed with aggressive NHL and receiving systemic therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital from April 2000 to July 2020. We abstracted patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, treatment toxicity, unplanned hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions within 6 months of treatment initiation from the medical record. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined factors associated with rates of grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity and unplanned hospitalization.

Results

Among 295 patients (median age, 73 years; 39.0% female), 5-year overall survival (OS) was 74.2%. Five-year OS by age group (65–69, 70–74, 75–79, and 80+ years) was 82.2%, 72.0%, 73.6%, and 66.4%, respectively. Overall, 42.4% experienced grade 3+ toxicity, with 8.1% experiencing grades 4–5. The rates of unplanned hospitalization and ICU admission were 41.0% and 6.1%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR], 4.29; p < .001) and high comorbidity score (OR, 4.22; p < .001) were associated with likelihood of grade 3+ toxicity. Hypoalbuminemia (OR, 2.83; p = .003), high comorbidity score (OR, 3.93; p = .001), and receipt of EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin; OR, 5.45; p = .012) were associated with likelihood of unplanned hospitalization.

Conclusions

The majority of older adults receiving upfront therapy for aggressive NHL survive beyond 5 years, yet nearly half experience substantial treatment toxicities and unplanned hospitalizations. Our findings underscore the need for supportive care interventions to enhance the care experience of this population.

Implications for Practice

The results of this study highlight the potential benefits of intensive chemoimmunotherapy for the majority of older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, even at advanced ages. Nearly half of older adults experienced substantial treatment toxicities and unplanned hospitalizations, emphasizing the unmet need for supportive care interventions in this population. The present study also identified hypoalbuminemia and patient comorbidity score as factors associated with grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity and unplanned hospitalization. These findings may guide the development and implementation of targeted supportive care interventions in high-risk older adults with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Bamlanivimab use in mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 disease: A matched cohort design
Authors: Destache Christopher J. , Aurit Sarah J. , Schmidt David , Peet Erkes Laura , Tierney Maureen , Vivekanandan Renuga
Published: July 2021

Study Objective

Our objective was to determine if bamlanivimab (LY‐CoV555; BAM), a monoclonal antibody for mild‐to‐moderate Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐Co‐V‐2, prevented emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations for SARS‐CoV‐2, or death within 60 days of a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 viral test.

Design

Patient propensity matching was performed for BAM administration to get two discrete groups of patients; those who received BAM (N = 117) and those who did not (N = 117).

Setting

Outpatients (N = 2107) eligible to receive BAM from November 1 to December 31, 2020, were identified.

Patients

A total of 144 of 2107 patients with mild‐to‐moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 received BAM

Intervention

Eligible patients had mild‐to‐moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 disease, a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test, and risk factor(s) for progression to severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. All patients were reviewed for subsequent ED visits, subsequent hospitalization, and death.

Measurements and Main Results

Patients (N = 234) were matched, 117 in each group. Median (interquartile range) age was 72 (65–80) years. Forty‐seven percent of patients were male. Twenty‐one patients who received BAM were subsequently seen in the ED compared to 34 untreated patients (18.0% vs. 29.1%; p = 0.045). Fourteen BAM‐treated patients were subsequently hospitalized post‐BAM infusion compared to 27 untreated patients (12.0% vs. 23.1%; p = 0.025). Finally, there were no mortalities in the BAM group, however, eleven patients in the untreated group died (0.0% vs. 9.4%; p < 0.001). The number needed to treat (NNT) is 11 patients to prevent one mortality event.

Conclusions

BAM infusion for mild‐to‐moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in outpatients significantly prevented subsequent ED visits, hospitalizations, and death from SARS‐CoV‐2.
Insight into the genetic contribution of maximum yield potential, spikelet development and abortion in barley
Authors: Alqudah Ahmad M. , Sharma Rajiv , Börner Andreas
Published: July 2021

Societal Impact Statement

To feed the world's ever‐increasing population, new genetic approaches are required. Increasing the number of living spikelets is one promising way to improve grain yield. This, in turn, increases the number of spikelets per plant, thereby increasing the total yield. We present the first evidence for genetic control of alive spikelets in barley. Discovering natural variation as well as genomic regions associated with these traits will serve as a benchmark in future breeding for improving grain yield.

The primary goal of most breeding programmes is to increase grain yield. However, one of the many methods for raising yield that is yet to be fully investigated is increasing the number of spikelets by minimising spikelet abortion. Spikelet abortion dramatically increases during the late reproductive phase, but the molecular and genetic mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we employed a phenotyping approach in which developed and undeveloped spikelets were detected and counted during spike development and their maximum yield potential (MYP) was investigated.

We studied 20 agronomic and spikelet‐related traits using a set of 184 diverse spring barley accessions under field conditions. By employing a set of >125K  SNPs, GWAS was conducted.

Our analysis revealed 26 genetic clusters associated with MYP and the number of developed and undeveloped spikelets. Most of the significant associated genomic regions were co‐located near the candidate genes of phytohormones such as ABA, auxin, and cytokinin suggesting the importance of phytohormones in keeping spikelets alive, their development, and MYP.

Our findings point to a potential link between jasmonic acid and the MYP, development and abortion of spikelets. We further provide genetic evidence that sugar‐related genes and sucrose have the potential to regulate MYP, spikelet development and spikelet survival. Our findings can be used for marker‐assisted breeding and as a resource for future molecular and genetic validation. Collectively, we propose a new genetic network linking spikelet‐related traits to grain yield determinants.
Human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes: Cardiovascular properties and metabolism and pharmacokinetics of deuterated mexiletine analogs
Authors: Gomez‐Galeno Jorge , Okolotowicz Karl , Johnson Mark , McKeithan Wesley L. , Mercola Mark , Cashman John R.
Published: July 2021

Prolongation of the cardiac action potential (AP) and early after depolarizations (EADs) are electrical anomalies of cardiomyocytes that can lead to lethal arrhythmias and are potential liabilities for existing drugs and drug candidates in development. For example, long QT syndrome‐3 (LQTS3) is caused by mutations in the Nav1.5 sodium channel that debilitate channel inactivation and cause arrhythmias. We tested the hypothesis that a useful drug (i.e., mexiletine) with potential liabilities (i.e., potassium channel inhibition and adverse reactions) could be re‐engineered by dynamic medicinal chemistry to afford a new drug candidate with greater efficacy and less toxicity. Human cardiomyocytes were generated from LQTS3 patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) and normal hIPSCs to determine beneficial (on‐target) and detrimental effects (off‐target) of mexiletine and synthetic analogs, respectively. The approach combined “drug discovery” and "hit to lead” refinement and showed that iterations of medicinal chemistry and physiological testing afforded optimized compound 22. Compared to mexiletine, compound 22 showed a 1.85‐fold greater AUC and no detectable CNS toxicity at 100 mg/kg. In vitro hepatic metabolism studies showed that 22 was metabolized via cytochrome P‐450, as previously shown, and by the flavin‐containing monooxygenase (FMO). Deuterated‐22 showed decreased metabolism and showed acceptable cardiovascular and physicochemical properties.
Heterophyllin B, a cyclopeptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, enhances cognitive function via neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity
Authors: Yang Zhiyou , Zhang Cai , Li Xiaohong , Ma Zhihui , Ge Yuewei , Qian Zhongji , Song Cai
Published: July 2021

Neurite outgrowth‐induced construction of neural circuits and networks is responsible for memory generalization, consolidation, and retrieval. In this study, we found that the traditional Chinese medicine Pseudostellaria heterophylla promoted neurite regrowth and enhanced cognitive function in normal mice. Further, we orally administered Pseudostellaria heterophylla water extracts (PHE) to ICR mice, and detected heterophyllin B (HET‐B), an important cyclopeptide, in the plasma and cerebral cortex. We demonstrated that neurites were significantly elongated after coculturing with HET‐B for 4 days. Next, the intraperitoneal injection of HET‐B on seven consecutive days in 3‐month‐old ICR mice significantly enhanced the object recognition memory and object location memory than that in control. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated significantly increased β3‐tubulin–positive neurite density, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density 95 in the perirhinal cortex and hippocampus after administering HET‐B. Furthermore, the concentration of neurotransmitters was measured using HPLC analysis; HET‐B significantly increased five‐levels of HT in the hippocampus, and decreased metabolites of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Taken together, HET‐B induces neurite elongation and neurotransmitter regulation and possibly enhances cognitive memory.
Robust adaptive control of uncertain nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics using command filter
Authors: Yang Yongliang , Tang Liqiang , Zou Wencheng , Ding Da‐Wei
Published: July 2021

This article proposes a robust adaptive controller design method for strict feedback nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics and input saturation. By using command filters, the explosion of complexity is obviated. The influence of filter errors bought in by command filters is eliminated by introducing compensating signals. Moreover, by skillfully constructing annth‐order auxiliary dynamic system, the effect of input saturation is avoided, where the disadvantages of conventional methods based on the hyperbolic tangent function are overcome. To tackle the effect of unmodeled dynamics which can destroy the performance and even destabilize the system, based on input‐to‐state stability theory, a dynamic signal is designed. Finally, the Lyapunov theory‐based stability analysis proves that all the closed‐loop signals are uniformly ultimately bounded. The effectiveness of the proposed controller design scheme is verified in simulation experiments.
A novel lysosome‐localized fluorescent probe with aggregation‐induced emission without alkalinizing effect
Authors: Zhang Jingran , Jia Yan , Xing Xinyi , Qin Mengmei , Wu Zibo , Zhong Yingqian , Liu Lele , Sun Shuqing , Li Peng , Wang Haiyuan , Zhao Guangjiu
Published: July 2021

Herein, a novel small molecule probe, tetraphenylethylene‐cystein (TPE‐Cys), was rationally designed and developed for the intracellular lysosome localization. The combination of tetraphenylethylene and cysteine serve as a novel strategy for lysosome‐targeting, with significant aggregation‐induced emission increases with the proportion of water by as high as 25‐folds. Biofluorescence imaging experiments show that the probe TPE‐Cys has a good colocalization effect with the commercially available lysotracker red, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.91. In addition, we also demonstrate that TPE‐Cys has good light stability. TPE‐Cys, as a neutral compound, is free of alkalinizing effect when applied in lysosome localization. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations and density function theories are employed to explore the detailed aggregation process and the mechanism of TPE‐Cys aggregation in water solution. The mechanism of lysosome localization of probe TPE‐Cys was explained by cellular endocytosis process and the formation of larger particle in the more acidic environment of lysosomes. This work not only demonstrates an efficient strategy for the construction of fluorescent probes for lysosome localization, but also indicates that they are promising as live cell imaging tools.
On the dependence of concrete edge breakout on concrete age and coarse aggregate type
Authors: Ninčević Krešimir , Wan‐Wendner Roman
Published: July 2021

A large experimental campaign and its analysis are presented with the main goal to experimentally investigate possibly significant influence factors on concrete edge breakout, tested on bonded anchors that are loaded in shear towards a free edge. The main investigated influence factors are (i) the used coarse aggregate type, and (ii) the concrete age. Three normal strength concretes with different coarse aggregate type (quartz, limestone, and basalt) were cast and tested at two different ages—28 and 70 days. The experimental investigation comprised material characterization tests performed on aggregates and concretes, and structural tests, that is, quasi‐static shear tests on installed anchors for three edge distances. The concrete failure surfaces were measured by means of photogrammetry in order to detect variations in cone size and shape dependent on coarse aggregate type and concrete age. The analysis based on the available data, normalizing with compressive strength obtained at the age of the anchor tests, reveals only a minor aggregate effect for the two larger investigated edge distances. Additionally, present differences between concretes are found to be smaller than those between different ages of the same concrete.
Ecological risk and sources of metals in open‐burned grasses in Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Abdulraheem Khadijat Abdulkareem , Aremu Adeniyi Saheed , Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo
Published: July 2021

Heavy metals in particulate emissions released into the atmosphere from open burning of grasses pose considerable danger to human health and environment. This study investigated the ecological risks and sources of heavy metals from burned grass emissions. Particulates resulting from laboratory‐simulated open burning of 40 species of grasses common in Nigeria were analyzed for heavy metals using energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Highest metal concentrations were observed in Digitaria nuda for Cr, Cu, Rb, Zr, and Ni at 105, 35, 95, 70, and 40 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The pollution assessment with enrichment factor, geo‐accumulation index, and contamination factor showed that Panicum repens and Sorghum bicolor were heavily contaminated with Pb. Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationship between Cu, Ni, Rb, Cr, and Zr, implying a same pollution source. Principal component analysis was used to identify possible pollutant sources, and 36.29% of the total variance was observed in factor 1. High loading of Cu (0.987), Ni (0.987), Rb (0.986), Cr (0.984), and Zr (0.839) were contributed by metal industries and crustal origin. This study revealed the extent of environmental pollution by heavy metals during open burning of grasses particularly from anthropogenic sources.
The RNA regulatory programs that govern lymphocyte development and function
Authors: Diaz‐Muñoz Manuel D. , Osma‐Garcia Ines C.
Published: July 2021

Lymphocytes require of constant and dynamic changes in their transcriptome for timely activation and production of effector molecules to combat external pathogens. Synthesis and translation of messenger (m)RNAs into these effector proteins is controlled both quantitatively and qualitatively by RNA binding proteins (RBPs). RBP‐dependent regulation of RNA editing, subcellular location, stability, and translation shapes immune cell development and immunity. Extensive evidences have now been gathered from few model RBPs, HuR, PTBP1, ZFP36, and Roquin. However, recently developed methodologies for global characterization of protein:RNA interactions suggest the existence of complex RNA regulatory networks in which RBPs co‐ordinately regulate the fate of sets of RNAs controlling cellular pathways and functions. In turn, RNA can also act as scaffolding of functionally related proteins modulating their activation and function. Here we review current knowledge about how RBP‐dependent regulation of RNA shapes our immune system and discuss about the existence of a hidden immune cell epitranscriptome.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: in ’t Groen Stijn L. M. , Broeders Mike , Pijnappel W. W. M. Pim
Published: July 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs) and gene editing technologies have become broadly accessible in the last few years and are no longer confined to specialized laboratories. As a result of these developments, both techniques are becoming increasingly prominent in many fields of biomedical research. The use of the CRISPR-Cas9 platform has proven much less labor-intensive compared to alternative platforms for gene editing such as TALENs or ZFNs. However, application of CRISPR-Cas9 in hiPSCs can be cumbersome due to the relatively low efficiency of gene editing in these cells, combined with the requirement of advanced techniques for culturing human iPSCs. Here, we provide protocols for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing in hiPSCs for the generation of gene knockouts, large deletions, and the introduction of a donor template in a safe harbor.
Teil III: Das Projekt UnVergessen
Authors: Karl Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

In diesem Teil des Buches steht eine genaue Schilderung des Projektes UnVergessen im Fokus. Die Darstellung beginnt bei der Entstehung der Projektidee, führt weiter zur Entwicklung des Projektes und einer detaillierten Beschreibung des Projektablaufes inkl. seiner curricularen Anbindung. Dem schließt sich die Weiterentwicklung und Ausrichtung auf das Forschende Lernen an. Somit wird hier der hochschuldidaktische Blick eingenommen. Ein eigener Abschnitt widmet sich den besonderen Herausforderungen, vor denen UnVergessen im Frühjahr 2020 durch die Corona-Pandemie stand und schildert die daraus hervorgegangenen neuen Aktivitäten und gestärkten Kontakte.
Teil VI: Berufliche Perspektive: UnVergessen als Türöffner
Authors: Karl und Studierende Katrin Bente
Published: July 2021

Den abschließenden Teil bildet eine Darstellung dessen, inwiefern die Teilnahme am Projekt für zwei Studentinnen der Wegbereiter für ihren beruflichen Werdegang war. Hier berichtet zunächst Yvonne Behrens von den tiefgreifenden Erfahrungen, die sie dazu bewegt haben, das Themengebiet zu ihrem Dissertationsthema zu machen.  Im zweiten Abschnitt führt eine weitere ehemalige Teilnehmerin, Dorothea Laszczak, aus, an welchen Punkten ihres Lebens Querverweise zur Pflege zu finden sind und wie sie diese auf ihrem Weg in die berufliche Welt geprägt haben.
Scattering from production in 2d
Authors: Tourkine Piotr , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: July 2021

Abstract

In 1968, Atkinson proved the existence of functions that satisfy all S-matrix axioms in four spacetime dimensions. His proof is constructive and to our knowledge it is the only result of this type. Remarkably, the methods to construct such functions used in the proof were never implemented in practice. In the present paper, we test the applicability of those methods in the simpler setting of two-dimensional S-matrices. We solve the problem of reconstructing the scattering amplitude starting from a given particle production probability. We do this by implementing two numerical iterative schemes (fixed-point iteration and Newton’s method), which, by iterating unitarity and dispersion relations, converge to solutions to the S-matrix axioms. We characterize the region in the amplitude-space in which our algorithms converge, and discover a fractal structure connected to the so-called CDD ambiguities which we call “CDD fractal”. To our surprise, the question of convergence naturally connects to the recent study of the coupling maximization in the two-dimensional S-matrix bootstrap. The methods exposed here pave the way for applications to higher dimensions, and expose some of the potential challenges that will have to be overcome.
Can a humanoid social robot stimulate the interactivity of cognitively impaired elderly? A thorough study based on computer vision methods
Authors: Tulsulkar Gauri , Mishra Nidhi , Thalmann Nadia Magnenat , Lim Hwee Er , Lee Mei Ping , Cheng Siok Khoong
Published: July 2021

Social Assistive Robotics is increasingly being used in care settings to provide psychosocial support and interventions for the elderly with cognitive impairments. Most of these social robots have provided timely stimuli to the elderly at home and in care centres, including keeping them active and boosting their mood. However, previous investigations have registered shortcomings in these robots, particularly in their ability to satisfy an essential human need: the need for companionship. Reports show that the elderly tend to lose interests in these social robots after the initial excitement as the novelty wears out and the monotonous familiarity becomes all too familiar. This paper presents our research facilitating conversations between a social humanoid robot, Nadine, and cognitively impaired elderly at a nursing home. We analysed the effectiveness of human–humanoid interactions between our robot and 14 elderly over 29 sessions. We used both objective tools (based on computer vision methods) and subjective tools (based on observational scales) to evaluate the recorded videos. Our findings showed that our subjects engaged positively with Nadine, suggesting that their interaction with the robot could improve their well-being by compensating for some of their emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial deficiencies. We detected emotions associated with cognitively impaired elderly during these interactions. This study could help understand the expectations of the elderly and the current limitations of Social Assistive Robots. Our research is aligned with all the ethical recommendations by the NTU Institutional Review Board.
The Evolving Phenotypes of Cardiovascular Disease during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Correale Michele , Croella Francesca , Leopizzi Alessandra , Mazzeo Pietro , Tricarico Lucia , Mallardi Adriana , Fortunato Martino , Magnesa Michele , Ceci Vincenzo , Puteo Alessandra , Iacoviello Massimo , Di Biase Matteo , Brunetti Natale Daniele
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the management of patients with acute and chronic cardiovascular disease: acute coronary syndrome patients were often not timely reperfused, heart failure patients not adequately followed up and titrated, atrial arrhythmias not efficaciously treated and became chronic. New phenotypes of cardiovascular patients were more and more frequent during COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to be even more frequent in the next future in the new world shaped by the pandemic. We therefore aimed to briefly summarize the main changes in the phenotype of cardiovascular patients in the COVID-19 era, focusing on new clinical challenges and possible therapeutic options.
Model Teachers or Model Students? A Comparison of Video Modelling Interventions for Improving Reading Fluency and Comprehension in Children with Autism
Authors: Egarr Rachael , Storey Catherine
Published: July 2021

Video modelling (VM) interventions have been used to improve the fluency of individuals with learning disabilities and reading difficulties; this study aimed to replicate these findings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) students. Four children with ASD (aged between 8 and 15) experienced two VM interventions, across 10 sessions, during an alternating treatments design: VM using a teacher model, and feedforward video self-modelling (FFVSM) where the student acted as the model. For two participants, FFVSM was found to be an effective intervention but overall, results for both interventions were inconsistent with previous research. Talking Mats Interviews were used to include these individuals within the social validation process of behavioural research.
Weak and Strong Interaction of Excitation Kinks in Scalar Parabolic Equations
Authors: Pauthier Antoine , Rademacher Jens D. M. , Ulbrich Dennis
Published: July 2021

Motivated by studies of the Greenberg-Hastings cellular automata (GHCA) as a caricature of excitable systems, in this paper we study kink-antikink dynamics in the perhaps simplest PDE model of excitable media given by the scalar reaction diffusion-type $$\theta $$
θ
-equations for excitable angular phase dynamics. On the one hand, we qualitatively study geometric kink positions using the comparison principle and the theory of terraces. This yields the minimal initial distance as a global lower bound, a well-defined sequence of collision data for kinks- and antikinks, and implies that periodic pure kink sequences are asymptotically equidistant. On the other hand, we study metastable dynamics of finitely many kinks using weak interaction theory for certain analytic kink positions, which admits a rigorous reduction to ODE. By blow-up type singular rescaling we show that distances become ordered in finite time, and eventually diverge. We conclude that diffusion implies a loss of information on kink distances so that the entropic complexity based on positions and collisions in the GHCA does not simply carry over to the PDE model.
A graph model for probabilities of nested conditionals
Authors: Wójtowicz Anna , Wójtowicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

We define a model for computing probabilities of right-nested conditionals in terms of graphs representing Markov chains. This is an extension of the model for simple conditionals from Wójtowicz and Wójtowicz (Erkenntnis, 1–35. 10.1007/s10670-019-00144-z, 2019). The model makes it possible to give a formal yet simple description of different interpretations of right-nested conditionals and to compute their probabilities in a mathematically rigorous way. In this study we focus on the problem of the probabilities of conditionals; we do not discuss questions concerning logical and metalogical issues such as setting up an axiomatic framework, inference rules, defining semantics, proving completeness, soundness etc. Our theory is motivated by the possible-worlds approach (the direct formal inspiration is the Stalnaker Bernoulli models); however, our model is generally more flexible. In the paper we focus on right-nested conditionals, discussing them in detail. The graph model makes it possible to account in a unified way for both shallow and deep interpretations of right-nested conditionals (the former being typical of Stalnaker Bernoulli spaces, the latter of McGee’s and Kaufmann’s causal Stalnaker Bernoulli models). In particular, we discuss the status of the Import-Export Principle and PCCP. We briefly discuss some methodological constraints on admissible models and analyze our model with respect to them. The study also illustrates the general problem of finding formal explications of philosophically important notions and applying mathematical methods in analyzing philosophical issues.
Tension and Other Idioms of Distress Among Slum Dwelling Young Men: A Qualitative Study of Depression in Urban Bangladesh
Authors: Wahid Syed Shabab , Sarker Malabika , Arafat A. S. M. Easir , Apu Arifur Rahman , Kohrt Brandon A.
Published: July 2021

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) it is vital to understand acceptable, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate ways of communicating about mental distress. Diagnostic terminology is rarely used, may be stigmatizing, and is subject to misinterpretation. Local terms, such as idioms of distress, can improve mental health literacy and service delivery. Our objective was to examine lived experience and coping connected to distress and depression in an under-researched population: young men from LMIC urban slums. We conducted 60 qualitative interviews with men (ages 18–29) in Bhashantek slum, Bangladesh. Themes were generated using thematic analysis and grounded theory techniques. The heart-mind (mon), mentality (manoshikota), mood (mejaj), head (matha or “brain”), and body (shorir) comprised the self-concept, and were related to sadness, hopelessness, anger, worry, and mental illness. The English word “tension” was the central idiom of distress. “Tension” existed on a continuum, from mild distress or motivational anxiety, to moderate distress including rumination and somatic complaints, to severe psychopathology including anhedonia and suicidality. Respondents connected “tension” to burnout experiences and mental illness which was summarized in an ethnopsychological model. These findings can inform culturally sensitive measurement tools and interventions that are acceptable to the community, potentially increasing engagement and enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Green manure effect on the ability of native and inoculated soil bacteria to mobilize zinc for wheat uptake (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Costerousse Benjamin , Quattrini Joel , Grüter Roman , Frossard Emmanuel , Thonar Cécile
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Green manuring can increase the plant available fraction of zinc (Zn) in soil, making it a potential approach to increase wheat Zn concentrations and fight human Zn deficiency. We tested whether green manure increases the ability of both the native soil bacteria and inoculated Zn solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) to mobilize Zn.

Methods

Wheat was grown in a pot experiment with the following three factors (with or without); (i) clover addition; (ii) soil x-ray irradiation (i.e. elimination of the whole soil biota followed by re-inoculation with the native soil bacteria); and (iii) ZSB inoculation. The incorporation of clover in both the irradiated and the ZSB treatments allowed us to test green manure effects on the mobilization of Zn by indigenous soil bacteria as well as by inoculated strains.

Results

Inoculation with ZSB did neither increase soil Zn availability nor wheat Zn uptake. The highest soil Zn availabilities were found when clover was incorporated, particularly in the irradiated soils (containing only soil bacteria). This was partly associated with the stimulation of bacterial activity during the decomposition of the incorporated green manure.

Conclusion

The results support that the activity of soil bacteria is intimately involved in the mobilization of Zn following the incorporation of green manure.