bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation Sestrin2 protects against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative damage bovine mammary epithelial cells via a Keap1‐Nrf2/ARE pathway
Authors: Chen Mengjiao , Xi Yumeng , Chen Kunlin , Xiao Peng , Li Shujie , Sun Xiaochun , Han Zhaoyu
Published: June 2020

Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a highly conservative oxidative stress protein that can regulate energy metabolism, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondria autophagy processes. It plays a role as an antioxidant in various diseases. The aims of the present study were to explore the underlying role of SESN2 after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC‐T cells) by the methods of knockout or overexpression of SESN2. The results show that knockout of Sestrin2 exacerbate apoptosis, upregulate the expressions of Bax/Bcl2 in H2O2‐treated MAC‐T cells. Moreover, knockout of SESN2 also promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and exacerbated oxidative damage in H2O2‐treated MAC‐T cells. On the contrary, overexpression of SESN2 decreased apoptosis by downregulation of Bax/Bcl2 level decreased ROS generation and blocked oxidative damage in H2O2‐treated MAC‐T cells. In addition, results indicate that the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein‐1 (Keap1)‐nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2) like2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway was activated by H2O2; upregulation of SESN2 could relieve oxidative stress by inducing the expression of Keap1, Nrf2, HO‐1, and NDPH: quinone oxidoreductase‐1 protein. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that expression of SESN2 was significantly increased after H2O2 treatment and that SESN2 can alleviate oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in H2O2‐treated MAC‐T cells through activation of the Keap1‐Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Dissipation, residues and risk assessment of pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin in cucumber under field conditions
Authors: Zhao Honglei , Zhao Yue , Hu Jiye
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin are two representative pesticides of strobilurins used to treat cucumber downy mildew, which have raised issues of food safety and human health. A new formulation containing these two compounds is being prepared for marketing in China.

RESULTS

The dissipation and residual levels of pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin in cucumbers under field conditions were determined simultaneously by a validated method via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The dissipation rules were described by first‐order kinetics and the half‐lives of pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin were less than 8.2 days and 3.4 days. The highest terminal residue of pyraclostrobin was 0.014 mg kg−1 which was lower than maximum residue limit (MRL) in China (0.5 mg kg−1) and of picoxystrobin was 0.029 mg kg−1, respectively. In the long‐term intake risk assessment of pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin for general population (18–79 years), the chronic risk quotient (RQc) varied from 5.64% to 21.97%. The assessment of short‐term risks included children (1–6 years) and adults (18–79 years) and in which the RQa values were 0.38% and 2.85%. Both results showed the intake risks of cucumber were acceptable.

CONCLUSION

Pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin degraded easily in cucumbers under open field conditions. The long‐term and short‐term risks caused by final residues of pyraclostrobin and picoxystrobin were insignificant. The recommended pre‐harvest interval of 3 days was safe. The article will be helpful in rational use of these pesticides and MRL formulation of picoxystrobin on cucumber. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Biosynthesis and accumulation of multi‐vitamins in black sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during kernel development
Authors: Hu Xiaodan , Liu Jianhua , Li Wu , Wen Tianxiang , Li Tong , Guo Xinbo , Liu Rui Hai
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Black sweet corn as an edible fruit has various nutritional qualities. This study discusses changes in the vitamin C and E, folate, and carotenoid content during black sweet corn maturation, and also the effects of preharvest weather conditions and of related genes in multi‐vitamin biosynthesis pathways.

RESULTS

Most vitamin levels improved, especially vitamin C and carotenoid levels, while the folate content dropped rapidly. Transcript levels of most genes in folate biosynthesis showed trends that were similar to the content changes. VTC2 and GLDH, which are regulated by light, had high expression levels leading to an increase in ascorbate content during maturation. γ‐Tocotrienol is the main vitamin E component, and HGGT, the key gene controlling the synthesis of tocotrienols, had a much higher expression level than other genes. Lutein and zeaxanthin were the dominant carotenoid components. A rapid reduction in the transcription level of LCYε could result in a lower lutein production rate .

CONCLUSION

Black sweet corn has a high nutritional value and is rich in vitamins, including zeaxanthin, γ‐tocotrienols, and ascorbic acid. The best harvest time is between 20–25 days after pollination (DAPs) when kernels had a good taste as well as relatively high vitamin levels. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) microencapsulated in alginate and whey protein concentrate addition on physicochemical and organoleptic properties of functional stirred yogurt
Authors: Nourmohammadi Niloufar , Soleimanian‐Zad Sabihe , Shekarchizadeh Hajar
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Consumption of Spirulina‐based functionalized food is usually unpleasant due to its specific sensorial properties. Therefore, Spirulina was encapsulated using alginate and whey protein concentrate (WPC) by emulsification method, and the effect of adding free and microencapsulated Spirulina (MS) to non‐fat stirred yogurt was investigated during storage.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscope investigated microcapsules morphology and their mean particle size that was 52 μm, and electrostatic interaction between wall materials was illustrated by Fourier‐ transform infrared spectroscopy. The microspheres had appropriate encapsulation efficiency (44.54 ± 0.06%). Complete release of Spirulina from the microcapsules was observed in simulated intestinal fluid, which is favorable for Lactobacillus growth in human intestinal tract. Encapsulation caused meaningful differences in colorimetric factors, markedly in L*. Moreover, free and MS were added to yogurt samples, and the results showed that the physicochemical properties (pH, color, viscosity, water holding capacity and susceptibility to syneresis) and sensorial assessment of MS yogurt were positively affected. During the storage, MS yogurt had higher pH value than the others; furthermore, it showed the lowest syneresis and a constant increase in viscosity. Finally, the sensory evaluation results of MS yogurt, in comparison with the free form of Spirulina utilization, indicated improved acceptance of the produced functional food.

CONCLUSION

Results showed an obvious impact of encapsulation on the physicochemical properties of yogurt containing MS. The sensory evaluation showed that encapsulation could generally enhance the customer's satisfaction. It can be stated that masking microalgae color and flavor by microencapsulation could be used for dairy products fortification by microalgae. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing Triggers of Posttrauma Nightmares
Authors: Youngren Westley A. , Hamilton Nancy A. , Preacher Kris j.
Published: June 2020

Posttrauma nightmares are recurring nightmares that begin after a traumatic experience and can occur as often as multiple times per week, often in a seemingly random pattern. Although these nightmares are prevalent in trauma survivors, little is known about the mechanisms underlying their sporadic occurrence. The present study aimed to investigate predictors of posttrauma nightmares. The sample included 146 observations nested within 27 female college students who reported frequent nightmares related to sexual trauma. Participants were recruited from an undergraduate student subject pool (n = 71) or were clinical referrals (n = 75). Participants completed an initial assessment battery and six consecutive days of pre‐ and postsleep diaries, which included measures of potential posttrauma nightmare triggers and measures intended to assess sleep quality and posttrauma nightmare occurrence. Descriptive statistics, mean comparisons, and multilevel modeling were used to examine the data. The results showed that both presleep cognitive arousal, γ10SLij = 0.58, p = .006, z(1, N = 146) = −2.61; and sleep latency (SL), γ20PCAij = 0.76, p < .001, z(1, N = 146) = −2.69, predicted posttrauma nightmare occurrence. Further investigation suggested that presleep cognitive arousal moderated the relation between SL and posttrauma nightmare occurrence, γ30PCA x SLij = 0.67, p = .048 z(1, N = 146) = 1.98. The present results are the first to show that the co‐occurrence of presleep arousal and delayed sleep onset latency may influence posttrauma nightmare occurrence, suggesting that the time immediately before sleep is crucial to the production of the posttrauma nightmares.
Narrative Reconstruction as an Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Delayed Intervention Quasi‐Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gofman Mordechai , Kivity Yogev , Bar‐Kalifa Eran , Vidan Zohar , Hasson Ohayon Ilanit , Tuval‐Mashiach Rivka , Peri Tuvia
Published: June 2020

Although empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, many patients fail to complete therapy, are nonresponsive, or remain symptomatic following treatment. This paper presents the results of a delayed intervention quasi‐randomized controlled study that evaluated the efficacy of narrative reconstruction as an integrative intervention for PTSD. During narrative reconstruction, the patient and therapist reconstruct an organized, coherent, and detailed written narrative of the patient's traumatic experience. Additionally, narrative reconstruction focuses on arriving at the subjective meaning of the traumatic experience for the patient as related to their personal history. Thus, the therapist asks the patient about associations between the traumatic event and other memories and life events. In the present study, 30 participants with PTSD were randomly assigned to an immediate (n = 17) or delayed (n = 13) 15‐session narrative reconstruction intervention. Participants in the immediate narrative reconstruction group were evaluated using self‐report measures and structured interviews at baseline, posttreatment, and 15‐week follow‐up. Participants in the delayed narrative reconstruction group were evaluated at baseline, postwaitlist/pretreatment, and posttreatment assessments. Data from the pretreatment evaluation showed no significant differences between groups. Mixed linear models showed significant intervention effects for posttraumatic symptom severity, d = 1.17, from pre‐ to posttreatment. Although preliminary, these promising findings suggest that narrative reconstruction may be an effective standalone therapy or an add‐on to current effective treatment strategies.
Minority Participation in Randomized Controlled Trials for Prolonged Exposure Therapy: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Benuto Lorraine T. , Bennett Natalie M. , Casas Jena B.
Published: June 2020

Per the most recent census, non‐Latinx White individuals comprise the majority of the U.S. population (76.6%); Latinx individuals make up 18.3% of the total U.S. population, followed by African Americans (13.4%) and Asians (5.9%). Given the high prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) observed across many ethnoracial minority groups in the United States, the fact that PTSD presentation may vary across culture, and the National Institute of Health's mandates for the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical outcome research, the aim of the present systematic review was to examine minority inclusion in clinical outcome research for PTSD. Our review focused exclusively on one empirically supported treatment: prolonged exposure therapy (PE); we identified 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Apart from African Americans, who were overrepresented in 21 studies (inclusion rate range: 13.5%–73.9%), ethnoracial minority inclusion in RCTs examining PE was low. More specifically, across included studies that reported ethnoracial minority data, 58.9% of participants were White, 31.1% were African American, 4.9% were Latinx, 0.6% were Asian American or Pacific Islander, and 4.7% reported race as “other.” Inclusion rates for ethnoracial minorities appeared to increase across time, and recruitment strategies did not appear to be associated with increased ethnoracial minority participation in RCTs for PE.
Shikani Optical Stylet for Awake Nasal Intubation in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Cheng Tong , Wang Li‐Kuan , Wu Hai‐Yin , Yang Xu‐Dong , Zhang Xiang , Jiao Liang
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Shikani optical stylet (SOS) versus fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) for awake nasal intubation in head and neck surgery patients with an anticipated difficult airway.

Study Design

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

Methods

This study involved 50 adult patients scheduled for elective head and neck surgery and presented with an anticipated difficult airway. Patients planned for awake nasotracheal intubation were randomly divided into two groups: FOB (n = 25) and SOS (n = 25). Patients were intubated under local anesthesia and sedation using the randomly assigned intubation device by anesthetists proficient in both airway devices. The time to successful intubation was regarded as the primary endpoint.

Results

The median time (interquartile range) to tracheal intubation in the FOB group was 74 seconds (57–108) and 38 seconds (27–60) in the SOS group (P < .001). Intubation success rates on the first attempt in the FOB and SOS groups were 96% and 92%, respectively (P > .999). Airway assisted maneuvers were required in six (24%) SOS intubations compared to 21 (84%) FOB intubations (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the incidences of oxygen desaturation and postoperative complications related to intubation.

Conclusion

Compared to the FOB group, awake nasal intubation in the SOS group required significantly less time and fewer airway‐assisted maneuvers on adult head and neck surgery patients with anticipated difficult airway.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 131:319–325, 2021
Machine Perfusions in Liver Transplantation: The Evidence‐Based Position Paper of the Italian Society of Organ and Tissue Transplantation
Authors: Ghinolfi Davide , Lai Quirino , Dondossola Daniele , De Carlis Riccardo , Zanierato Marinella , Patrono Damiano , Baroni Stefano , Bassi Domenico , Ferla Fabio , Lauterio Andrea , Lazzeri Chiara , Magistri Paolo , Melandro Fabio , Pagano Duilio , Pezzati Daniele , Ravaioli Matteo , Rreka Erion , Toti Luca , Zanella Alberto , Burra Patrizia , Petta Salvatore , Rossi Massimo , Dutkowski Philippe , Jassem Wayel , Muiesan Paolo , Quintini Cristiano , Selzner Markus , Cillo Umberto
Published: June 2020

The use of machine perfusion (MP) in liver transplantation (LT) is spreading worldwide. However, its efficacy has not been demonstrated, and its proper clinical use has far to go to be widely implemented. The Società Italiana Trapianti d’Organo (SITO) promoted the development of an evidence‐based position paper. A 3‐step approach has been adopted to develop this position paper. First, SITO appointed a chair and a cochair who then assembled a working group with specific experience of MP in LT. The Guideline Development Group framed the clinical questions into a patient, intervention, control, and outcome (PICO) format, extracted and analyzed the available literature, ranked the quality of the evidence, and prepared and graded the recommendations. Recommendations were then discussed by all the members of the SITO and were voted on via the Delphi method by an institutional review board. Finally, they were evaluated and scored by a panel of external reviewers. All available literature was analyzed, and its quality was ranked. A total of 18 recommendations regarding the use and the efficacy of ex situ hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion and sequential normothermic regional perfusion and ex situ MP were prepared and graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. A critical and scientific approach is required for the safe implementation of this new technology.
Silk Fibroin Processing from CeCl3 Aqueous Solution: Fibers Regeneration and Doping with Ce(III)
Authors: Rizzo Giorgio , Lo Presti Marco , Giannini Cinzia , Sibillano Teresa , Milella Antonella , Matzeu Giusy , Musio Roberta , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: June 2020

Silk fibroin (SF) obtained from Bombyx mori cocoon is a very promising biopolymer. It can be processed from aqueous solutions to obtain many versatile scaffolds useful in optoelectronics, photonics, and biomedicine. Aqueous solutions are prepared by dissolving degummed fibroin with chaotropic agents and then purifying by dialysis. This work presents, for the first time, a solubilization protocol, involving CeCl3·7H2O as chaotropic salt in water and ethanol, that allows to regenerate SF under a fibrous form, unlike the standard Ajisawa’s method, which uses CaCl2 and allows to obtain aqueous gels. All the experimental analyses performed (SEM, XPS, WAXS, ATR‐FTIR, NMR) suggest that the fiber recovered preserves most of the morphological and structural features of the pristine SF and is doped with Ce(III) ions, that interact mainly with the oxygen atoms of CO moieties and side‐chains of amino acids. Ce(III) doped SF could be the base for new luminescent materials.
Novel SiO2‐Supported Chromocene and Vanadium Bimetallic Catalysts Producing Bimodal Polyethylene
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Rui , Ren He , Zhao Ning , Jin Yulong , He Xuelian , Liu Boping
Published: June 2020

Polyethylene (PE) with bimodal molecular weight distribution has intrigued researchers because of its significant processability and mechanical properties. Novel SiO2‐supported chromocene (S‐9)/vanadium (V) bimetallic catalysts utilizing the different hydrogen response for producing bimodal PE are successfully synthesized and studied systematically. The catalysts are prepared through using the residual hydroxyl groups on the surface of SiO2‐supported vanadium catalyst to introduce chromocene. Both of the low molecular weight (MW) fraction and the high MW fraction can be controlled through adjusting the loading of bimetallic active centers. The bimetallic catalysts also show good 1‐hexene incorporation ability in ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization.
An Enzyme‐Activable Noncovalent Fluorescent Probe Based on Water Soluble Azobenzene Containing Polymer and AIEgen
Authors: Shen Jiajia , Xue Tianhao , He Yaning
Published: June 2020

Covalent connected fluorescent probe is often effective, but sometimes it is inevitable to adopt complex molecular design and tedious synthesis process. With the advantages of relatively simple operability and widespread generality, noncovalent strategy is gradually considered an ideal choice to solve this dilemma. In this work, an enzyme‐activatable noncovalent fluorescent probe based on water soluble positively charged azobenzene containing poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)‐N,N,N‐trimethylethan‐1‐aminium iodide‐co‐(4‐(4‐dimethylamino)phenylazophenyl methacrylate)] (PEG‐b‐PQDMA‐co‐PAZOMA) and negatively charged 3,3′‐(((2‐(4‐(2,2‐dicyano‐1‐phenylvinyl)phenyl)‐2‐phenylethene‐1,1‐diyl)bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(oxy))bis(propane‐1‐sulfonate) (TPE‐2SO3−) is reported. Due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process from aggregates induced emission donor to azobenzene acceptor, this probe is nearly non‐emissive. After the reduction of azo bond by azoreductase under hypoxic condition, the probe emits strong fluorescence with long emission wavelength, realizing efficient off–on property. In addition, the cleavage of the azobenzene do not show influence on the morphology of the nano sized self‐assemblies.
Intermedin promotes vessel fusion by inducing VE‐cadherin accumulation at potential fusion sites and to achieve a dynamic balance between VE‐cadherin‐complex dissociation/reconstitution
Authors: Kong Lingmiao , Xiao Fei , Wang Lijun , Li Min , Wang Denian , Feng Zhongxue , Huang Luping , Wei Yong'gang , Li Hongyu , Liu Fei , Kang Yan , Liao Xuelian , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

To create a closed vascular system, angiogenic sprouts must meet and connect in a process called vessel fusion, which is a prerequisite for establishment of proper blood flow in nascent vessels. However, the molecular machinery underlying this process remains largely unknown. Herein, we report that intermedin (IMD), a calcitonin family member, promotes vessel fusion by inducing endothelial cells (ECs) to enter a “ready‐to‐anchor” state. IMD promotes vascular endothelial cadherin (VEC) accumulation at the potential fusion site to facilitate anchoring of approaching vessels to each other. Simultaneously, IMD fine‐tunes VEC activity to achieve a dynamic balance between VEC complex dissociation and reconstitution in order to widen the anastomotic point. IMD induces persistent VEC phosphorylation. Internalized phospho‐VEC preferentially binds to Rab4 and Rab11, which facilitate VEC vesicle recycling back to the cell‐cell contact for reconstruction of the VEC complex. This novel mechanism may explain how neovessels contact and fuse to adjacent vessels to create a closed vascular system.
Positive ground state solutions for Schrödinger–Poisson system with critical nonlocal term in ℝ3
Authors: Yin Rong , Zhang Jihui , Shang Xudong
Published: June 2020

This paper is dedicated to studying the following Schrödinger–Poisson system

Under some different assumptions on functions V(x), K(x), a(x) and f(u), by using the variational approach, we establish the existence of positive ground state solutions.
Existence and general decay rate estimates of a coupled Lamé system only with viscoelastic dampings
Authors: Feng Baowei , Hajjej Zayd , Balegh Mohamed
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider a coupled Lamé system only with viscoealstic dampings. By assuming a more general of relaxation functions and by using some properties of convex functions, we establish optimal explicit and general energy decay results to the system. This result improves previous results in the literature.
Twelve‐month treatment of mental disorders in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey
Authors: Al‐Habeeb Abdulhameed , Altwaijri Yasmin A. , Al‐Subaie Abdullah S. , Bilal Lisa , Almeharish Amani , Sampson Nancy A. , Liu Howard , Kessler Ronald C.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To estimate treatment rates of 12‐month mental disorders in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS).

Methods

The SNMHS is a face‐to‐face community epidemiological survey in a nationally representative household sample of citizens ages 15–65 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (n = 4,004). The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to produce estimates of 12‐month prevalence and treatment of common DSM‐IV mental disorders.

Results

About one eighth (13.7%) of respondents with a 12‐month DSM‐IV/CIDI disorder received 12‐month treatment. The highest proportion of treatment occurred in the general medical sector (53.0%). Close to half (45.2%) of patients received treatment rated at least minimally adequate using standard treatment guidelines. Although serious disorders were significantly more likely to be treated (20.2%) than mild or moderate disorders (8.5–10.7%), no association was found between disorder severity and probability of receiving adequate treatment. Sociodemographic correlates were for the most part nonsignificant.

Conclusions

A high level of unmet need for treatment of mental disorders exists in KSA. Further analyses of the SNMHS data might provide insights into modifiable barriers to treatment and policy options to address the problem of unmet need for treatment.
Reproducibility and repeatability of MRI‐based body composition analysis
Authors: Borga Magnus , Ahlgren André , Romu Thobias , Widholm Per , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof , West Janne
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There is an absence of reproducibility studies on MRI‐based body composition analysis in current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the between‐scanner reproducibility and the repeatability of a method for MRI‐based body composition analysis.

Methods

Eighteen healthy volunteers of varying body mass index and adiposity were each scanned twice on five different 1.5T and 3T scanners from three different vendors. Two‐point Dixon neck‐to knee images and two additional liver scans were acquired with similar protocols. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) volume, thigh muscle volume, and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) in the thigh muscle were measured. Liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was assessed using two different methods, the scanner vendor's 6‐point method and an in‐house 2‐point method. Within‐scanner test‐retest repeatability and between‐scanner reproducibility were calculated using analysis of variance.

Results

Repeatability coefficients were 13 centiliters (cl) (VAT), 24 cl (ASAT), 17 cl (total thigh muscle volume), 0.53% (MFI), and 1.27‐1.37% for liver PDFF. Reproducibility coefficients were 24 cl (VAT), 42 cl (ASAT), 31 cl (total thigh muscle volume), 1.44% (MFI), and 2.37‐2.40% for liver PDFF.

Conclusion

For all measures except MFI, the within‐scanner repeatability explained much of the overall reproducibility. The two methods for measuring liver fat had similar reproducibility. This study showed that the investigated method eliminates effects due to scanner differences. The results can be used for power calculations in clinical studies or to better understand the scanner‐induced variability in clinical applications.
A least‐squares finite element method based on the Helmholtz decomposition for hyperbolic balance laws
Authors: Kalchev Delyan Z. , Manteuffel Thomas A.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a least‐squares finite element method for scalar nonlinear hyperbolic balance laws is proposed and studied. The approach is based on a formulation that utilizes an appropriate Helmholtz decomposition of the flux vector and is related to the standard notion of a weak solution. This relationship, together with a corresponding connection to negative‐norm least‐squares, is described in detail. As a consequence, an important numerical conservation theorem is obtained, similar to the famous Lax–Wendroff theorem. The numerical conservation properties of the method in this paper do not fall precisely in the framework introduced by Lax and Wendroff, but they are similar in spirit as they guarantee that when L2 convergence holds, the resulting approximations approach a weak solution to the hyperbolic problem. The least‐squares functional is continuous and coercive in an H−1‐type norm, but not L2‐coercive. Nevertheless, the L2 convergence properties of the method are discussed. Convergence can be obtained either by an explicit regularization of the functional, that provides control of the L2 norm, or by properly choosing the finite element spaces, providing implicit control of the L2 norm. Numerical results for the inviscid Burgers equation with discontinuous source terms are shown, demonstrating the L2 convergence of the obtained approximations to the physically admissible solution. The numerical method utilizes a least‐squares functional, minimized on finite element spaces, and a Gauss–Newton technique with nested iteration. We believe that the linear systems encountered with this formulation are amenable to multigrid techniques and combining the method with adaptive mesh refinement would make this approach an efficient tool for solving balance laws (this is the focus of a future study).
CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphisms and Risperidone Pharmacokinetics: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Lusi , Brown Sarah Jane , Shan Yuting , Lee Adam M. , Allen Josiah D. , Eum Seenae , de Leon Jose , Bishop Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Risperidone is a second‐generation antipsychotic drug metabolized to an active metabolite, 9‐hydroxyrisperidone, primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4. The extent to which drug metabolism genetics impacts risperidone and 9‐hydroxyrisperidone exposure has not been clarified.

Objective

A systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of genetically defined CYP2D6 function on risperidone pharmacokinetics applying a standardized genotype–phenotype translation system.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic database search identified studies reporting relationships between genetically determined CYP2D6 metabolism and risperidone pharmacokinetic properties. The exposure of risperidone or active moiety (risperidone + 9‐hydroxyrisperidone) was measured by dose‐adjusted steady‐state serum or plasma concentration or area under the concentration‐time curve as primary outcomes. Subjects were assigned to CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, intermediate metabolizer, normal metabolizer, or ultrarapid metabolizer groups using a standardized genotype–phenotype translation method. Effect sizes between groups were pooled and stratified by single or multiple dosing regimens.

Results

A total of 15 studies involving 2125 adult subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. Following multiple‐dose oral administration, compared with CYP2D6 normal metabolizers, the risperidone dose‐adjusted steady‐state serum/plasma concentration was 2.35‐fold higher in intermediate metabolizers (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77–3.13, p<0.0001) and 6.20‐fold higher in poor metabolizers (95% CI 5.05–7.62, p<0.0001); the active moiety dose‐adjusted steady‐state concentration was 1.18‐fold higher in intermediate metabolizers (95% CI 1.11–1.25, p<0.0001) and 1.44‐fold higher in poor metabolizers (95% CI 1.23–1.69, p<0.0001). Higher area under the concentration‐time curve of risperidone and active moiety was also found in single‐dose studies.

Conclusion

Genetically defined impaired CYP2D6 activity is associated with increased exposure of both risperidone and risperidone + 9‐hydroxyrisperidone in adults receiving oral formulations. Additional studies are needed to quantify the clinical impact of these relationships.
The synergetic effect of zinc phthalate and carboxymethyl cellulose–carbon nanotube of glass fibers surfaces on improving strength and toughness of polypropylene composite
Authors: Fang Jianpeng , Cheng Yue , Zhang Ling , Li Chunzhong
Published: June 2020

The interfacial interaction between glass fibers (GFs) and polypropylene (PP) resin is the key factor which affects the properties of GFs reinforced PP composites. The β‐transcrystallization (β‐TC) structure induced by β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA) at the interface is beneficial to improving the interfacial performance and comprehensive mechanical properties. However, due to the poor adhesive ability, it is difficult to introduce β‐NAs onto GFs surface directly. In this work, for solving above problem, the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and NH2 functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct the network structure on GFs (CMC‐CNT‐GF) through plenty of active groups. Furthermore, the zinc phthalate (ZnPht, β‐NA) was synthesized and coated on GFs surface by hydrogen bonds interaction with CMC‐CNT and physical anchoring effect (ZnPht@CMC‐CNT‐GF). Finally, the hybrid GFs reinforced PP composite (iPP/ZnPht@CMC‐CNT‐GF) was prepared, which exhibited enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strength by 20.1, 9.3, and 33.3%, respectively when compared with the iPP/raw GF due to the formation of β‐TC and improvement of interfacial adhesion. This study provides an effective strategy to introduce β‐NAs on GFs with network structure for improving interfacial properties by inducing β‐TC to enhance the strength and toughness of composite, which could be applied in other fiber/semicrystalline polymer systems.
Study of Shock Initiation of an NTO‐Based Melt‐Cast Insensitive Composition
Authors: Trzciński Waldemar A.
Published: June 2020

The paper presents research on the shock initiation of a melt‐cast insensitive explosive composition containing 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐one (NTO), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), wax, and aluminum powder. The composition was elaborated for steel tubes and initiated with the use of boosters of various configurations. Research systems were made to measure the velocity of detonation wave and to determine the type of response of the composition to shock initiation. A relatively long shock to detonation distances after initiation using the boosters with a steel buffer were found. A method of initiating the composition was indicated to guarantees an immediate achievement of the stationary detonation regime. An attempt was also made to explain the observed processes theoretically. The results obtained can be used in the design of munition filled with melt‐cast insensitive explosives.
Early intervention exercise training does not delay prostate cancer progression in Pten−/− mice
Authors: Taylor Renea A. , Farrelly Simon G. , Clark Ashlee K. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

Background

There is convincing evidence that men with advanced prostate cancer experience improved quality of life as a result of exercise therapy, although there is limited preclinical, and no clinical, data to directly support the notion that exercise training improves prostate cancer prognosis or outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of regular exercise training on the early stages of prostate cancer progression, as well as assessing whether alterations to prostate cancer metabolism are induced by exercise.

Methods

Mice with prostate‐specific deletion of Pten (Pten−/−) remained sedentary or underwent 6 weeks of endurance exercise training or high‐intensity exercise training involving treadmill running. At the conclusion of the training period, the prostate lobes were excised. A portion of fresh tissue was used to assess glucose, glutamine, and fatty acid metabolism by radiometric techniques and a second portion was fixed for histopathology.

Results

Despite the implementation of an effective exercise regime, as confirmed by improvements in running capacity, neither prostate mass, cell proliferation or the incidence of high‐grade prostate intraepithelial hyperplasia or noninvasive carcinoma in situ were significantly different between groups. Similarly, neither glucose uptake, oxidation and de novo lipogenesis, glutamine oxidation, or fatty acid uptake, oxidation and storage into various lipids were significantly different in prostate tissue obtained from untrained and exercise trained mice.

Conclusions

These results show that 6 weeks of moderate or high‐intensity exercise training does not alter substrate metabolism in the prostate or slow the progression of Pten‐null prostate cancer. These results question whether exercise is a useful therapy to prevent or delay prostate cancer progression.
PTH suppression by calcitriol does not predict off‐target actions in experimental CKD
Authors: Svajger Bruno A. , Pruss Cynthia M. , Laverty Kimberly J. , Zelt Jason G. E. , Jones Glenville , Kaufmann Martin , Petkovich Martin , Holden Rachel M. , Adams Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D receptor agonist (VDRA) therapy for PTH suppression is a mainstay for patients with severe CKD. Calcitriol (1,25‐(OH)2D3) is a former first‐line VDRA in CKD treatment. However, a consequence of its use in CKD is accelerated vascular calcification (VC). An experimental CKD model was used to determine whether altering the calcitriol delivery profile to obtain different PTH suppression levels could improve vascular health outcomes. High adenine diet (0.25%) was used to generate experimental CKD in rats. CKD rats were treated using different calcitriol dosing strategies: (a) 20 ng/kg SD (n = 8), (b) 80 ng/kg SD (n = 8), (c) 5 ng/kg QID (n = 9), or (d) 20 ng/kg QID (n = 9). Multiple targets of calcitriol were assessed which include arterial calcium and phosphate as well as circulating calcium, phosphate, PTH, FGF‐23, VWF, and vitamin D metabolome. PTH suppression occurred dose‐dependently after 1‐week calcitriol treatment (P < .01), but the suppressive effect was lost over time. Both VC and circulating FGF‐23 increased > 10× in all calcitriol‐treated rats (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively); similarly, circulating VWF increased at all time points (P < .05). Ad‐hoc analysis of CKD morbidities in treated rats indicated no differences in negative outcomes based on PTH suppression level (minimal‐, target‐, and over‐). Comparing different calcitriol dosing strategies revealed the following: (a) despite initial calcitriol‐influenced PTH suppression across all treatments, the ability to continually suppress PTH was markedly reduced by study conclusion and (b) PTH suppression level is not an adequate proxy for improvements in overall CKD morbidity. These findings show (a) a more holistic approach to evaluate CKD treatment efficacy aside from PTH suppression is needed and (b) that other VDRA therapies should be examined in CKD treatment.
Cotton thrips infestation predictor: a practical tool for predicting tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca) infestation of cotton seedlings in the south‐eastern United States
Authors: Chappell Thomas M , Ward Rebecca V , DePolt Kelley T , Roberts Phillip M , Greene Jeremy K , Kennedy George G
Published: June 2020

Background

Thrips (order Thysanoptera) infestations of cotton seedlings result in plant injury, increasing the detrimental consequences of other challenges to production agriculture, such as abiotic stress or infestation by other pests. Using Frankliniella fusca as a thrips species of focus, we empirically developed a composite model of thrips phenology and cotton seedling susceptibility to predict site‐specific infestation risk so that monitoring and other resources can be allocated efficiently, to optimize the timing of thrips control measures to maximize effectiveness, and to inform stakeholders about the dynamics of thrips infestation and cotton seedling injury at a time when thrips are evolving resistance to commonly‐used pesticides.

Results

A mixture distribution model of thrips infestation potential, fit to data describing F. fusca adult dispersal in time, proved best for predicting infestations of F. fusca on cotton seedlings. Thrips generations occurring each year as a function of weather are represented as a probability distribution. A model of cotton seedling growth was also developed to predict susceptibility as a function of weather. Combining these two models resulted in a model of seedling injury, which was validated and developed for implementation as a software tool.

Conclusions

Experimental validation of the implemented model demonstrated the utility of its output in predicting infestation risk. Successful implementation and use of the software tool derived from this model was enabled by close cooperation with university extension personnel, agricultural consultants, and growers, underscoring the importance of stakeholder and expert input to the success of applied analytical research. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Tunnel entries and a killing agent uncover the importance of fly retention in Drosophilasuzukii traps
Authors: Van Kerckvoorde Vincent , Clymans Rik , Bangels Eva , Alhmedi Ammar , De Ketelaere Bart , De Clercq Patrick , Bylemans Dany , Belien Tim
Published: June 2020

Background

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a pest of stone and small fruits causing considerable economic losses. Current management strategies rely primarily on calendar‐based spraying, owing to the poor relationship between monitoring data and damage levels, and the lack of success of mass‐trapping tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate different trap models for SWD, with an emphasis on their fly‐retention capacity. To this end, we examined and quantified the added value of two fly‐retaining trap features; tunnel entries to impede escape and an insecticide‐coated inner surface as a killing agent.

Results

An insecticide‐coated inner surface resulted in significantly higher trap retention after 24 h in the laboratory (4.9‐ to 7.4‐fold greater, depending on trap type) compared to a noncoated trap. Trapping efficacy was significantly improved in field trials by such a killing agent in the trap (1.2‐ to 4.5‐fold greater). Tunnel entries significantly improved trap retention in the laboratory and field (by 1.5‐fold).

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study clearly reveal the substantial impact of the fly‐retention capacity of SWD traps on their overall capture performances. It was demonstrated for the first time that an insecticide‐coated inner surface as a killing agent significantly improves trap efficacy for SWD. This finding can readily be implemented in any trap model to improve monitoring and mass trapping of SWD. Also tunnel entries were shown to have a significant influence on the fly retention and, hence, substantially enhance trapping efficacy.
Regression models using parametric pseudo‐observations
Authors: Nygård Johansen Martin , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Thorlund Parner Erik
Published: June 2020

Pseudo‐observations based on the nonparametric Kaplan‐Meier estimator of the survival function have been proposed as an alternative to the widely used Cox model for analyzing censored time‐to‐event data. Using a spline‐based estimator of the survival has some potential benefits over the nonparametric approach in terms of less variability. We propose to define pseudo‐observations based on a flexible parametric estimator and use these for analysis in regression models to estimate parameters related to the cumulative risk. We report the results of a simulation study that compares the empirical standard errors of estimates based on parametric and nonparametric pseudo‐observations in various settings. Our simulations show that in some situations there is a substantial gain in terms of reduced variability using the proposed parametric pseudo‐observations compared with the nonparametric pseudo‐observations. The gain can be measured as a reduction of the empirical standard error by up to about one third; corresponding to an additional 125% larger sample size. We illustrate the use of the proposed method in a brief data example.
Activist hedge fund success: The role of reputation
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe , Ahn Albert , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2020

Research Summary

Activist hedge funds are the new breed of corporate raiders, yet we know little about how the management and board of target firms respond to activist investors. Using a behavioral perspective, we propose that an activist's reputation for being confrontational conveys information to the target company as to what they are likely to encounter in an activist campaign. To avoid the potential adverse consequences of engaging in such a contest, we propose and find that target companies are more likely to settle with an activist known for being confrontational. Our study contributes to corporate governance research by providing insight into the importance of the social context surrounding activist campaigns and the role of reputation in influencing how companies respond to activist investors.

Managerial Summary

Given that hedge fund activism is having a major impact on firm's strategic and financial decision‐making, it is important to understand how these activist investors influence companies. An activist campaign is a highly disruptive event leading to considerable ambiguity and uncertainty as to what is likely to transpire. Given this information void, our study finds that the board and management respond based on the reputation of the activist investor that has taken a stake in the company. That activist investors with a reputation for being hostile are more successful may be a defensive response on the part of management in order to avoid the potential adverse consequences of a hostile campaign. This has implications for corporate governance and the fiduciary duty of the board.
Photosensitizer‐Modified MnO2 Nanoparticles to Enhance Photodynamic Treatment of Abscesses and Boost Immune Protection for Treated Mice
Authors: Wang Chenya , Xiao Yuanpeng , Zhu Wenwen , Chu Jiacheng , Xu Jun , Zhao He , Shen Fengyun , Peng Rui , Liu Zhuang
Published: June 2020

The emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria and easy recurrence has been challenging in the clinical treatment of skin abscesses resulting from bacterial infections (e.g., by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)). Herein, an antibacterial nanoagent capable of modulating the abscess microenvironment is designed to enhance photodynamic treatment of skin abscesses, and subsequently activate the immune system to effectively prevent abscess recurrence. In the system, manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) with high catalytic reactivity toward H2O2 are modified with photosensitizer chlorine e6 (Ce6) and coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The obtained Ce6@MnO2‐PEG NPs, by triggering the decomposition of lesion endogenous H2O2, are able to effectively relieve the hypoxic abscess microenvironment during S. aureus infection. The light‐triggered photodynamic bacterial killing effect could thus be remarkably enhanced, resulting in effective in vivo therapy of S. aureus‐induced skin abscesses. Interestingly, a notable pathogen‐specific immunological memory effect against future infection by the same species of bacteria is elicited after such treatment, owing to the release of bacterial antigens post photodynamic therapy (PDT) together with the adjuvant‐like function of manganese ions to activate the host immune system. This work thus presents a new type of photodynamic nanoagent particularly promising for highly effective light‐triggered abscess treatment and prevention of abscess recurrence.
Vapor‐Sensitive Materials from Polysaccharide Fibers with Self‐Assembling Twisted Microstructures
Authors: Budpud Kulisara , Okeyoshi Kosuke , Okajima Maiko K. , Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: June 2020

Polysaccharides play a variety of roles in nature, including molecular recognition and water retention. The microscale structures of polysaccharides are seldom utilized in vitro because of the difficulties in regulating self‐assembled structures. Herein, it is demonstrated that a cyanobacterial polysaccharide, sacran, can hierarchically self‐assemble as twisted fibers from nanoscale to microscale with diameters of ≈1 µm and lengths >800 µm that are remarkably larger than polysaccharides previously reported. Unlike other rigid fibrillar polysaccharides, the sacran fiber is capable of flexibly transforming into two‐dimensional (2D) snaking and three‐dimensional (3D) twisted structures at an evaporative air–water interface. Furthermore, a vapor‐sensitive film with a millisecond‐scale response time is developed from the crosslinked polymer due to the spring‐like behavior of twisted structures. This study increases understanding of the functions of fibers in nature and establishes a novel approach to the design of environmentally adaptive materials for soft sensors and actuators.