bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Processes toward Nitriles without the Use of Cyanide: A Biocatalytic Concept Based on Dehydration of Aldoximes in Water
Authors: Hinzmann Alessa , Betke Tobias , Asano Yasuhisa , Gröger Harald
Published: October 2020

While belonging to the most fundamental functional groups, nitriles represent a class of compound that still raises challenges in terms of an efficient, cost‐effective, general and, at the same time, sustainable way for their synthesis. Complementing existing chemical routes, recently a cyanide‐free enzymatic process technology based on the use of an aldoxime dehydratase (Oxd) as a biocatalyst component has been developed and successfully applied for the synthesis of a range of nitrile products. In these biotransformations, the Oxd enzymes catalyze the dehydration of aldoximes as readily available substrates to the nitrile products. Herein, these developments with such enzymes are summarized, with a strong focus on synthetic applications. It is demonstrated that this biocatalytic technology has the potential to “cross the bridge” between the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, on one hand, and bulk and commodity chemicals, on the other.
Selectivity of Rh⋅⋅⋅H−C Binding in a σ‐Alkane Complex Controlled by the Secondary Microenvironment in the Solid State
Authors: Furfari Samantha K. , Tegner Bengt E. , Burnage Arron L. , Doyle Laurence R. , Bukvic Alexander J. , Macgregor Stuart A. , Weller Andrew S.
Published: October 2020

Single‐crystal to single‐crystal solid‐state molecular organometallic (SMOM) techniques are used for the synthesis and structural characterization of the σ‐alkane complex [Rh(tBu2PCH2CH2CH2PtBu2)(η2,η2‐C7H12)][BArF4] (ArF=3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3), in which the alkane (norbornane) binds through two exo‐C−H⋅⋅⋅Rh interactions. In contrast, the bis‐cyclohexyl phosphine analogue shows endo‐alkane binding. A comparison of the two systems, supported by periodic DFT calculations, NCI plots and Hirshfeld surface analyses, traces this different regioselectivity to subtle changes in the local microenvironment surrounding the alkane ligand. A tertiary periodic structure supporting a secondary microenvironment that controls binding at the metal site has parallels with enzymes. The new σ‐alkane complex is also a catalyst for solid/gas 1‐butene isomerization, and catalyst resting states are identified for this.
Industry‐Driven Rapid Prototyping for Comparing Nonlinear Control Schemes in Pyomo
Authors: Schmid Jochen , Teichert Katrin , Chioua Moncef , Schindler Thorsten , Bortz Michael
Published: October 2020

With ongoing digitalization, fast simulation of process dynamics offers new opportunities for model‐based control schemes. This is eased by the availability of high‐level, open‐access, easy‐to‐use software able to simulate and optimize chemical processes, making rapid prototyping possible also for the chemical engineer. In this study, the capabilities of the Python‐based open‐source software package Pyomo towards industrial application is illustrated in modeling and comparing different control schemes for a simple Williams‐Otto process. It is shown how to simulate the process dynamics and how to compute optimal control trajectories for minimizing waste and maximizing yield. Two approaches to setpoint tracking are compared: one based on proportional‐integral feedback control and one based on optimal open‐loop control.
MinimumLq‐distance estimators for non‐normalized parametric models
Authors: Betsch Steffen , Ebner Bruno , Klar Bernhard
Published: October 2020

We propose and investigate a new estimation method for the parameters of models consisting of smooth density functions on the positive half axis. The procedure is based on a recently introduced characterization result for the respective probability distributions, and is to be classified as a minimum distance estimator, incorporating as a distance function theLq‐norm. Throughout, we deal rigorously with issues of existence and measurability of these implicitly defined estimators. Moreover, we provide consistency results in a common asymptotic setting, and compare our new method with classical estimators for the exponential, the Rayleigh and the Burr Type XII distribution in Monte Carlo simulation studies. We also assess the performance of different estimators for non‐normalized models in the context of an exponential‐polynomial family.
Minimum water requirements of cool‐season turfgrasses for survival and recovery after prolonged drought
Authors: Hong Mu , Bremer Dale J. , Keeley Steve
Published: October 2020

Water restrictions may be imposed on irrigation during drought with little regard for damage to turfgrass. Minimal irrigation that may result in dormancy during prolonged drought but allows for recovery thereafter may save water and prevent expensive reestablishment. Our objectives were (a) to determine minimum water amounts in turfgrass during drought that allow for acceptable recovery, and (b) to evaluate turfgrass quality and performance during drought and recovery among irrigation levels. Sodded ‘Seed Research 8650’ tall fescue (TF, Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb.) and a ‘Mallard’ and ‘Ridgeline’ Kentucky bluegrass blend (KB, Poa pratensis L.) were watered weekly with 0–50% reference evapotranspiration (ETo) replacement during two summers under rainout shelters near Manhattan, KS. Soil moisture, percentage green cover, normalized difference vegetation index, and turfgrass quality were measured weekly. After fall sodding, TF recovered fully after 60–83 d dry downs in both years even without water inputs. However, KB in all ETo treatments did not recover in either year. Irrigation at 50% ETo maintained TF above minimally acceptable quality 15–43 d longer than 0% ETo during drought, recovered 17–18 d faster, and reduced water inputs by 38% compared with 80% ETo, which is usually recommended for well‐watered cool‐season turfgrass. Results indicate TF is better adapted than KB to prolonged drought in the first summer after fall sodding.
Alkaline Water Oxidation Using a Bimetallic Phospho‐Boride Electrocatalyst
Authors: Chunduri Avani , Gupta Suraj , Patel Maulik , Forster Mark , Cowan Alexander J. , Patel Nainesh
Published: October 2020

New oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts based on low‐cost elements, which set new benchmark levels of activity, are vital if water electrolysis is to be applied on a global scale. Herein, a low‐cost bimetallic phospho‐boride catalyst was developed that showed outstanding OER activity of approximately 195 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline water electrolysis, with a minimal catalyst loading of 0.3 mg cm−2. The contrasting electron transfer property of the metal borides and phosphides when combined in phospho‐boride modulated the electron density of the Co atom, yielding highly active CoOOH species at lower potentials. The addition of Mo at low levels further enhanced the activity by increasing the surface area and by formation of nano‐crystalline domains. The combined contributions from each of the components resulted in a new benchmark mass activity of 666 A g−1 at 300 mV overpotential. This work presents a new avenue towards fabricating electrode materials with exceptional performances.
Abundance of a cryptic generalist parasite reflects degradation of an ecosystem
Authors: Artim John M. , Nicholson Matthew D. , Hendrick Gina C. , Brandt Marilyn , Smith Tyler B. , Sikkel Paul C.
Published: October 2020

Ecosystem degradation due to anthropogenic activities is the primary issue of our times. Theoretical analyses as well as efforts to restore and manage ecosystems depend on comprehensive metrics of ecosystem function. In the case of complex ecosystems such as tropical coral reefs—especially where monitoring, management, and restoration are important—multiple metrics reflecting key functional groups are required to accurately reflect ecosystem function and when necessary, diagnose degree and kind of ecosystem degradation. We propose inclusion of the generalist ectoparasite functional group as a measure of ecosystem function of coral reefs. This functional group is adaptable to loss of other community members and may experience an increase in abundance as ecosystem function declines. Fish‐parasitic gnathiid isopods are a member of this group, resident though inconspicuous in coral‐reef communities. On Caribbean coral reefs, based on 938 light‐trap samples, we observed a negative correlation between abundance of smaller‐sized gnathiids and abundance of live coral, a natural predator of gnathiids. Plots grouped by coral cover—a measure of success of the ecosystem engineer—and ectoparasite abundance varied significantly in community composition including abundance of macroalgae, turf algae, and farming Stegastes spp. damselfish reflecting shifts in community structure. Changes in gnathiid abundance with respect to the abundance of organisms participating in each of the core functional processes driving coral‐reef ecosystems reflect broad connectivity of gnathiid parasites across the ecosystem. We conclude that the hyperabundance of a small, cryptic, generalist parasite, when used in combination with a metric of abundance of the primary ecosystem engineer, can provide one nuanced measure of the ecosystem vulnerability to collapse.
Towards understanding factors influencing the benefit of diversity in predator communities for prey suppression
Authors: Laubmeier Amanda N. , Rebarber Richard , Tenhumberg Brigitte
Published: October 2020

It is generally assumed that high biodiversity is key to sustaining critical ecosystem services, including prey suppression by natural predator guilds. Prey suppression is driven by complex interactions between members of predator and prey communities, as well as their shared environment. Because of this, empirical studies have found both positive and negative effects of high predator diversity on prey suppression. However, we lack an understanding of when these different prey suppression outcomes will occur. In this work, we use a mechanistic, trait‐based model to unravel how intraguild interactions, species body mass, predator foraging area, and ambient temperature can combine to produce different levels of prey suppression. Surprisingly, we find that prey suppression is only improved by high biodiversity under a limited set of conditions. The most important factor in determining whether diversity improves prey suppression is the amount of overlap between predators' foraging areas. The degree of overlap in foraging areas shapes species interactions, and as the overlap between species increases, we see decreasing benefits from species‐rich communities. In contrast, diversity in body mass only improves prey suppression when there is significant variation in temperature.
Associations of region‐specific visceral adiposity with subclinical atrial dysfunction and outcomes of heart failure
Authors: Huang Bo‐Han , Chang Shun‐Chuan , Yun Chun‐Ho , Sung Kuo‐Tzu , Lai Yau‐Huei , Lo Chi‐In , Huang Wen‐Hung , Chien Shih‐Chieh , Liu Lawrence Yu‐Min , Hung Ta‐Chuan , Kuo Jen‐Yuan , Lin Jiun‐Lu , Bulwer Bernard , Hou Charles Jia‐Yin , Chen Ying‐Ju , Su Cheng‐Huang , Yeh Hung‐I , Hung Chung‐Lieh
Published: October 2020

Aims

Excessive visceral adiposity (VAT) plays an essential role in metabolic derangements with those close to heart further mediates myocardial homeostasis. The disparate biological links between region‐specific VAT and cardiometabolic profiles as mediators influencing atrial kinetics remain unexplored.

Methods and results

Among 1326 asymptomatic individuals, region‐specific VAT including peri‐aortic root fat (PARF) and total pericardial fat (PCF) of cardiac region, together with thoracic peri‐aortic adipose tissue (TAT), was assessed using multiple‐detector computed tomography. VAT measures were related to functional left atrial (LA) metrics assessed by speckle‐tracking algorithm and clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). Multivariate linear regression models incorporating body fat, metabolic syndrome, and E/TDI‐e' consistently demonstrated independent associations of larger PARF/PCF with peak atrial longitudinal systolic strain (PALS) reduction, higher LA stiffness, and worsened strain rate components; instead, TAT was independently associated with cardiometabolic profiles. PARF rather than PCF or TAT conferred independent prognostic values for incident AF/HF by multivariate Cox regression (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–2.08, P = 0.002) during a median of 1790 days (interquartile range: 25th to 75th: 1440–1927 days) of follow‐up, with subjects categorized into worst PALS and largest VAT tertiles demonstrating highest events (all log‐rank P < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that higher triglyceride and lower high‐density lipoproteins may serve as intermediary factors for effects between VAT and LA functional metrics, with lesser role by glucose level.

Conclusions

Visceral adiposity surrounding atrial region was tightly associated with subclinical atrial dysfunction and incident AF or HF beyond metabolic factors. Instead, peri‐aortic adiposity may mediate their toxic effects mainly through circulating cardiometabolic profiles.
Intergroup context‐sensitive adaptation and validation of the BIAS Map for measuring stereotypes of the Roma in Slovakia: The case for an emic‐etic mixed methods approach
Authors: Lášticová Barbara , Popper Miroslav , Findor Andrej , Hruška Matej , Petrjánošová Magda
Published: October 2020

We report the process of adapting and validating the BIAS Map (Behaviors from Intergroup Affect and Stereotypes) used to measure perceived stereotypes and related social structure, emotions, and behavioral tendencies toward the Roma—Slovakia's most stigmatized ethnic minority group. In two surveys (Studies 1 and 4, n = 705) and group‐based (Study 2, n = 92) and individual (Study 3, n = 12) cognitive interviews, we integrated quantitative reliability, scalability, factor structure analysis, and qualitative inductive thematic analysis. We identified potential problems in the instruments’ ecological validity and explored the limits of intergroup context‐specific interpretation to improve its psychometric properties. Besides developing a more reliable and valid measure, we make an argument for utilizing the emic‐etic mixed methods approach to enhance the intergroup context‐sensitive adaptation and validation procedure of universal measurement instruments in social psychology research.
Rapid Nanomolar Detection of Guaiacol from its Precursors Using a Core‐shell Reversed‐phase Column Coupled with a Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Hayes Phyllis E. , Buzid Alyah , Luong John H. T. , Glennon Jeremy D.
Published: October 2020

The electrooxidation mechanisms of guaiacol (2‐methoxyphenol), a food and beverage spoilage metabolite, and its precursors; vanillic acid (VA), vanillin, and ferulic acid (FA) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) with a boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrode. Reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) together with a BDD electrode poised at +1.6 V vs. Pd/H2, was optimized for their sensitive detection. The separation was achieved in 60 s with a core‐shell column (HALO C18). The detection limits of these analytes ranged from 10–30 nM. The method was applicable for the analysis of guaiacol and its precursors from a popular commercial drink.
Experimental investigation of hydrogen insertion in copper oxide on photovoltaic performance of p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cell
Authors: Vajda Melinda , Ursu Daniel , Mosoarca Cristina , Duteanu Narcis , Miclau Marinela
Published: October 2020

Hydrogenation of photoanodes has proved to be an effective method to improve performance of n‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Based on unfavorable assumptions given by the theoretical simulations, no hydrogenation of photocathodes and its effect on the conversion efficiency of in p‐type DSSCs are reported. While the theoretical works have addressed the study of the electronic structure of hydrogenated Cu2O, our experimental work aims to highlight the features of hydrogenated Cu2O/dye interface which are critical in DSSC and still unexplored. We report the beneficial effect of hydrogen in Cu2O on anchoring of the dye leading to an improvement by 98% for JSC and thus, improving the solar energy conversion efficiency of p‐type DSSC. Even in 2% H2 atmosphere, the significant increase in JSC had demonstrated the suitability of hydrogenation in the case of p‐type semiconductors as an effective and low‐cost way to augment the efficiency of p‐DSSCs.
Mechanical and fire characterization of composite material made of polyethylene matrix and dry chemical powder obtained from end‐of‐life extinguishers
Authors: Ortega Zaida , Paz Rubén , Montejo Alba , Suárez Luis
Published: October 2020

A fire extinguisher is a portable element designed to fight emerging fires, with a useful life of around 20 years. After this period, they are withdrawn from the market. All their components (shell, hose, and so on) are usually separated and recycled, except the chemical powder used as extinguishing agent, which usually consists at monoammonium phosphate (MAP), widely used in the production of agricultural fertilizers. Although there are several companies dedicated to this task, in the case of remote areas or islands such as the Canary Islands, there are no options to recycle this component and the shipping is unaffordable. As a result, the companies of this sector (distributors of fire‐fighting systems) tend to accumulate them in large quantities. In order to give a second use to this dry chemical powder, this work analyzes its potential as an additive for a polyethylene matrix. This would not only take advantage of a currently unused raw material but would also improve the fire resistance performance of polyolefins thanks to the fireproof properties of the extinguishing agent. Samples with different proportions of dry chemical powder were elaborated and tested to determine their mechanical and fire properties, achieving composites with significant improved fire performance regarding the net matrix.
Thermal protective performance of firefighting protective clothing incorporated with phase change material in fire environments
Authors: Wang Yunyi , Ma Yanliu , Chen Ruoying , Su Yun
Published: October 2020

Phase change materials (PCMs) can optimize the thermal properties of fabric. Twelve kinds of microencapsulated phase change materials were selected, including four different phase change temperatures and three different content gradients. Twelve kinds of PCM‐coated fabrics were prepared by dry coating, and their basic physical properties were tested. The PCM‐coated fabric was added to the thermal protective fabric system as a comfortable layer. The thermal protective performance of the fabric system under two conditions of low‐level thermal radiation and fire exposure was analyzed through second‐degree burn time. The results showed that the incorporation of PCMs greatly improved the thermal protective performance of the fabric system under the low‐level thermal radiation, which was affected by the content, phase change temperature, mass per unit area and thermophysical properties of the coated fabric. In addition, the coated fabric by the PCMs was proved to be suitable for the condition of fire exposure, and greatly increased the thermal protective performance of the fabric system. The coated fabric with phase change temperature of 35°C and content of 45% showed the best thermal protective performance under both low‐level thermal radiation and fire exposure conditions.
Using Opportunistic Datasets to Infer Spatial Management Strategies of Local Fisheries in the U.S. Caribbean Region
Authors: Tzadik Orian E , Arnold William S , Brooks Mallory , Cruz-Motta Juan Jose , Garcia-Moliner Graciela , Mar Lopez Maria , Rankin Tauna L , Sabine Alexis M , Stephenson Sarah P
Published: October 2020

As an initial step towards the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to management, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council has recently ratified three island-based fishery management plans that will supplant the existing regional plans. The newly formed management plans account for nuances among the island platforms in the U.S. Caribbean, including ecological, cultural, and social considerations. The island-based approach represents a novel strategy among the eight fishery management councils in the United States and therefore remains an untested technique. This study evaluated the decision to separate fishery management among the island platforms by comparing fish assemblages through time in the region. The results suggest that the structure and function of fish communities are spatially driven, with little temporal influence. Combined with the ecological, cultural, and social differences among the islands, the spatial nature of the fish community data support the Caribbean Fishery Management Council decision to transition to island-based management plans.
Physicochemical characteristics and spatial distribution pattern of the Yercaud Lake surface sediments, South India
Authors: Gopal Veeramalai , Achyuthan Hema , Shah Rayees Ahmad , Jayaprakash Muthumanickam
Published: October 2020

Freshwater lakes and sediments need to be monitored continuously for environmental assessment and geochemical explorations. Lake sediments are major sinks for organic matter and for all geochemical elements. In the present study, total organic matter (TOC), nitrogen (TN), and geochemical analysis of major oxides was carried out on Yercaud Lake surface sediments, located at a higher elevation in South India to infer sediment distribution pattern and source for organic matter. Particle size distribution of lake surface sediments suggests that the sediments are predominantly silty sand and sandy silt, poorly to very poorly sorted and symmetrically skewed. TOC/TN ratio (6.54–12.65) reveal that the organic matter (OM) is derived from the in situ lake sources particularly from the vascular plants and lake biota accumulation. Weathering indices that fall from [chemical index of alteration (CIA)] 88.59–93.08 values and A‐CN‐K plot reflects intense chemical weathering of the bedrock exposures in the source area, which was accelerated under warmer and humid climate conditions in the sub‐tropical regions. Al2O3/TiO2 ratio (6.94–26.62) indicates weathering particularly of the exposed charnockite rocks around the lake basin.
Language distance in orthographic transparency affects cross‐language pattern similarity between native and non‐native languages
Authors: Dong Jie , Li Aqian , Chen Chuansheng , Qu Jing , Jiang Nan , Sun Yue , Hu Liyuan , Mei Leilei
Published: October 2020

How native and non‐native languages are represented in the brain is one of the most important questions in neurolinguistics. Much research has found that the similarity in neural activity of native and non‐native languages are influenced by factors such as age of acquisition, language proficiency, and language exposure in the non‐native language. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how the similarity between native and non‐native languages in orthographic transparency, a key factor that affects the cognitive and neural mechanisms of phonological access, modulates the cross‐language similarity in neural activation and which brain regions show the modulatory effects of language distance in orthographic transparency. To address these questions, the present study used representational similarity analysis (RSA) to precisely estimate the neural pattern similarity between native language and two non‐native languages in Uyghur‐Chinese‐English trilinguals, whose third language (i.e., English) was more similar to the native language (i.e., Uyghur) in orthography than to their second language (i.e., Chinese). Behavioral results revealed that subjects responded faster to words in the non‐native language with more similar orthography to their native language in the word naming task. More importantly, RSA revealed greater neural pattern similarity between Uyghur and English than between Uyghur and Chinese in select brain areas for phonological processing, especially in the left hemisphere. Further analysis confirmed that those brain regions represented phonological information. These results provide direct neuroimaging evidence for the modulatory effect of language distance in orthographic transparency on cross‐language pattern similarity between native and non‐native languages during word reading.
Dynamic analysis of circulating tumor DNA to predict prognosis and monitor therapeutic response in metastatic relapsed cervical cancer
Authors: Tian Xiaoyuan , Ge Dongcen , Zhang Feng , Zhang Bocheng , Bai Wanting , Xu Xiaoying , Li Zongjuan , Cao Ying , Li Peiying , Zou Kun , Zou Lijuan
Published: October 2020

Limited and inefficient treatment options exist for metastatic relapsed cervical cancer (MRCC), and there are currently no reliable indicators to guide therapeutic selection. We performed deep sequencing analyses targeting 322 cancer‐related genes in plasma cell‐free DNA and matched white blood cells in 173 serial blood samples from 82 locally advanced CC (LACC) or MRCC patients and when possible during treatment. We identified five notable nonsynonymous mutant genes (PIK3CA, BRAF, GNA11, FBXW7 and CDH1) in the MRCC samples as the metastatic relapse significantly mutated (MSG) genes and found that MRCC patients with any detectable MSG mutations had significantly shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = .005) and overall survival (OS) (P = .007) times than those without detectable MSG mutations. Additionally, analyses of matched prechemotherapy and postchemotherapy plasma revealed that a reduction in the number of MSG mutations after chemotherapy was significantly associated with partial remission (PR) and stable disease (SD) (P = .007). Among the patients included in the longitudinal tracking ctDNA analysis, an increase in MSG mutations was observed earlier in response to disease progression than radiological imaging. Our results outline the mutation profiles of MRCC. We show how longitudinal monitoring with ctDNA in liquid biopsy samples provides both predictive and prognostic information during treatment.
The role of gestational weight gain disorders in symptoms of maternal postpartum depression
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Giliberti Lara , Giliberti Elia , Grassi Agostino , Perin Veronica , Parotto Matteo , Soldera Gino , Straface Gianluca
Published: October 2020

Objective

To examine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG), categorized according to 2009 IOM guidelines as adequate, inadequate, and excessive, with symptoms of mental disorders perceived by mothers after childbearing as anhedonia, anxiety, and depression, defined by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Previous studies indicated that disorders related to GWG are associated with an increased risk of postpartum psychological distress.

Methods

A prospective cohort study took place at the Policlinico Abano Terme, Italy, from May 2016 to November 2018.

Results

The sample included 1268 healthy at term puerperae, 557 (43.9%) with adequate, 388 (30.6%) with inadequate, and 323 (25.5%) with excessive GWG. Mean EPDS scores were comparable among inadequate, adequate, and excessive GWG groups. However, mean factor scores for anhedonia and anxiety were significantly higher (P = 0.041 and P = 0.001, ANOVA) in mothers with excessive GWG. Conversely, factor scores for depression were significantly higher (P = 0.008, ANOVA) in mothers with inadequate GWG.

Conclusion

It was found that excessive GWG across an uncomplicated pregnancy is a warning sign of symptoms of anhedonia and anxiety, whereas inadequate GWG is a significant indicator of symptoms of depression. These relationships highlight the potential for interventions directed toward psychosocial support to have beneficial effects upon GWG.
Linking emerging contaminants exposure to adverse health effects: Crosstalk between epigenome and environment
Authors: Alam Md Nur , Shapla Ummay Mahfuza , Shen Heqing , Huang Qingyu
Published: October 2020

Environmental epigenetic findings shed new light on the roles of epigenetic regulations in environmental exposure‐induced toxicities or disease susceptibilities. Currently, environmental emerging contaminants (ECs) are in focus for further investigation due to the evidence of human exposure in addition to their environmental occurrences. However, the adverse effects of these environmental ECs on health through epigenetic mechanisms are still poorly addressed in many aspects. This review discusses the epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expressions) linking ECs exposure to health outcomes. We emphasized on the recent literature describing how ECs can dysregulate epigenetic mechanisms and lead to downstream health outcomes. These up‐to‐date research outputs could provide novel insights into the toxicological mechanisms of ECs. However, the field still faces a demand for further studies on the broad spectrum of health effects, synergistic/antagonistic effects, transgenerational epigenetic effects, and epidemiologic and demographic data of ECs.
PTN−PTPRZ signalling is involved in deer antler stem cell regulation during tissue regeneration
Authors: Dong Zhen , Li Chunyi , Coates Dawn
Published: October 2020

A growing deer antler contains a stem cell niche that can drive endochondral bone regeneration at up to 2 cm/day. Pleiotrophin (PTN), as a multifunctional growth factor, is found highly expressed at the messenger RNA level within the active antler stem cell tissues. This study aims to map the expression patterns of PTN protein and its receptors in a growing antler and investigate the effects of PTN on antler stem cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was employed to localise PTN/midkine (MDK) and their functional receptors, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z (PTPRZ), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), NOTCH2, and integrin αVβ3, on serial slides of the antler growth centre. PTN was found to be the dominantly expressed growth factor in the PTN/MDK family. High expression of PTPRZ and ALK co‐localised with PTN was found suggesting a potential interaction. The high levels of PTN and PTPRZ reflected the antler stem cell activation status during the regenerative process. When antler stem cells were cultured in vitro under the normoxic condition, no PTN protein was detected and exogenous PTN did not induce differentiation or proliferation but rather stem cell maintenance. Collectively, the antler stem cell niche appears to upregulate PTN and PTPRZ in vivo, and PTN−PTPRZ signalling may be involved in regulating antler stem cell behaviour during rapid antler regeneration.
Digestive symptoms and liver injury in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Jian , Wang Xuan , Su Song , Zhang Yujie , Jin Yirong , Shi Yanting , Wu Kaichun , Liang Jie
Published: October 2020

Although most COVID‐19 patients typically present with respiratory symptoms, many patients could experience digestive symptoms as the major complaint. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the exact prevalence of digestive symptoms and liver injury in COVID‐19 patients and compare the difference between patients with and without digestive symptoms. PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Wanfang data, and CNKI were searched until 24 April 2020 to identify studies that reported digestive symptoms and liver injury in COVID‐19 patients. A random‐effect model was used to combine the data. Finally, 64 studies with 15 141 patients were included. The pooled rate of digestive symptoms and liver dysfunction was 31.8% (95 CI 21.0–42.5%, I2 = 97.6%) and 27.4% (95 CI 16.9–37.9%, I2 = 97.9%), respectively. Patients with digestive symptoms were more likely to present with fatigue (OR 2.28, 95 CI 1.66–3.14, P < 0.00001, I2 = 31%), myalgia (OR 1.96, 95 CI 1.06–3.65, P = 0.03, I2 = 69%), and acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) (OR 2.94, 95 CI 1.17–7.40, P = 0.02, I2 = 0) and had a trend to present as severe/critical type (OR 1.87, 95 CI 0.98–3.57, P = 0.06, I2 = 58%). Severe/critical patients were more likely to present with diarrhea (OR 2.02, 95 CI 1.16–3.50, P = 0.01, I2 = 64) and have high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 2.08, 95 CI 1.55–2.81, P < 0.00001, I2 = 13%,) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR 3.53, 95 CI 2.76–4.51, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0). The pooled rate of patients with digestive symptoms was 28.7% (95 CI 17.6–39.8%) and 42.8% (95 CI 23.4–62.3%) in studies from China and out of China, respectively. COVID‐19 patients had a high rate of digestive symptoms and liver injury. Patients with digestive symptoms had a trend to develop severe/critical illness.
Changes in Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) during Cardiac Cycle of the Brain in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Before and After Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage
Authors: Osawa Tomoshi , Ohno Naoki , Mase Mitsuhito , Miyati Tosiaki , Omasa Ryoko , Ishida Shota , Kan Hirohito , Arai Nobuyuki , Kasai Harumasa , Shibamoto Yuta , Kobayashi Satoshi , Gabata Toshifumi
Published: October 2020

Background

The causative mechanisms of idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) symptoms are currently unknown.

Purpose

To assess the dynamic changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) during the cardiac cycle (ΔADC) of the brain before and after the lumbar tap and shunt surgery for the purpose of determining changes in hydrodynamic and biomechanical properties in the brain after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage for iNPH.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Overall, 22 patients suspected to have iNPH were examined before and after the lumbar tap and were divided into patients who showed symptomatic improvements (positive group, n = 17) and those without improvement (negative group, n = 5) after the lumbar tap. Seven patients in the positive group were examined after the shunt surgery.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T, electrocardiographically synchronized single‐shot diffusion echo‐planar imaging.

Assessment

The frontal white matter ΔADC and mean ADC (ADCmean) were compared between before and 24 hours after lumbar tap and from 1 week to 1 month after the shunt surgery.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The ΔADC after the lumbar tap in the positive group was significantly lower than that before (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found in the negative group (P = 0.23). After the lumbar tap, ΔADC decreased in 16 of 17 patients in the positive group, whereas ADCmean did not significantly change (P = 0.96). After the shunt surgery, ΔADC decreased in all seven patients (P < 0.05), whereas ADCmean did not significantly change (P = 0.87).

Data Conclusion

The frontal white matter ΔADC in iNPH decreased after the lumbar tap and shunt surgery. ΔADC analysis may provide detailed information regarding changes in the hydrodynamic and biomechanical properties through CSF drainage.

Level of Evidence

4.

Technical Efficacy Stage

4.
Ozone as adjuvant support in the treatment of COVID‐19: A preliminary report of probiozovid trial
Authors: Araimo Fabio , Imperiale Carmela , Tordiglione Paolo , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Borrazzo Cristian , Alessandri Francesco , Santinelli Letizia , Innocenti Giuseppe Pietro , Pinacchio Claudia , Mauro Vera , Recchia Gregorio Egidio , Zancla Serena , Calò Andrea , Poscia Roberto , Ruberto Franco , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Bilotta Federico , Mastroianni Claudio , Pugliese Francesco
Published: October 2020

The evaluation of new therapeutic resources against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) represents a priority in clinical research considering the minimal options currently available. To evaluate the adjuvant use of systemic oxygen‐ozone administration in the early control of disease progression in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia. PROBIOZOVID is an ongoing, interventional, randomized, prospective, and double‐arm trial enrolling patient with COVID‐19 pneumonia. From a total of 85 patients screened, 28 were recruited. Patients were randomly divided into ozone‐autohemotherapy group (14) and control group (14). The procedure consisted in a daily double‐treatment with systemic Oxygen–ozone administration for 7 days. All patients were treated with ad interim best available therapy. The primary outcome was delta in the number of patients requiring orotracheal‐intubation despite treatment. Secondary outcome was the difference of mortality between the two groups. Moreover, hematological parameters were compared before and after treatment. No differences in the characteristics between groups were observed at baseline. As a preliminary report we have observed that one patient for each group needed intubation and was transferred to ITU. No deaths were observed at 7–14 days of follow up. Thirty‐day mortality was 8.3% for ozone group and 10% for controls. Ozone therapy did not significantly influence inflammation markers, hematology profile, and lymphocyte subpopulations of patients treated. Ozone therapy had an impact on the need for the ventilatory support, although did not reach statistical significance. Finally, no adverse events related to the use of ozone‐autohemotherapy were reported. Preliminary results, although not showing statistically significant benefits of ozone on COVID‐19, did not report any toxicity.
Olfaction: Sensitive indicator of inflammatory burden in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Yan Xiaoguang , Whitcroft Katherine Lisa , Hummel Thomas
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective

Olfactory dysfunction has a high prevalence in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and significantly affects quality of life. CRS is recognized as a complex disorder encompassing heterogeneous inflammatory processes in the nose and paranasal sinuses. Olfactory dysfunction in CRS patients is associated with the level of inflammatory mediators and the efficiency of inflammatory control. Learning about the association between CRS‐related inflammation and olfactory function will provide clues to the pathogenesis of CRS.

Structure

The first section of this review describes the assessment of olfactory function using various measures, from ratings to MR based imaging. Then, we discuss the conductive and inflammatory mechanisms related to olfactory dysfunction in CRS: olfaction is associated with certain inflammatory patterns and is potentially a marker of CRS subtype. Finally, we review anti‐inflammatory therapies including conservative and surgical approaches, and their effectiveness in olfactory dysfunction in CRS.

Conclusion

Assessment of olfactory function should be considered in the clinical evaluation of CRS patients, not only for detecting and quantifying patients' symptom, but also because it appears to be useful to objectively assess the efficacy of CRS treatment over time. In addition, olfaction can be expected to expand the library of CRS phenotypes and endotypes and, hence, pave the way for more precise, tailored treatment options.
A Facile Approach toward Thermoplastic Triple‐Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhenlei , Du Jiang , Shan Wanwen , Ren Tianbin , Lu Zheng
Published: October 2020

In this work, a ternary blend of polyolefin elastomer (POE), lauric acid (LA), and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with triple‐shape memory effect (triple‐SME) is reported. LA and PCL exhibit distinct thermal transitions and construct two reversible switching networks capable of fixing and releasing different temporary shapes under a mild condition. The ternary blend shows excellent triple‐shape memory properties and good toughness. Besides, the permanent shape can be reconfigured by a simple thermal treatment. These particular features make the novel blend a competitive candidate for diverse applications. And the creative combination of crystalline small molecule and semicrystalline polymer expands the freedom for producing triple‐shape memory polymers (triple‐SMPs).
Multiple plasmid origin‐of‐transfer regions might aid the spread of antimicrobial resistance to human pathogens
Authors: Zrimec Jan
Published: October 2020

Antimicrobial resistance poses a great danger to humanity, in part due to the widespread horizontal gene transfer of plasmids via conjugation. Modeling of plasmid transfer is essential to uncovering the fundamentals of resistance transfer and for the development of predictive measures to limit the spread of resistance. However, a major limitation in the current understanding of plasmids is the incomplete characterization of the conjugative DNA transfer mechanisms, which conceals the actual potential for plasmid transfer in nature. Here, we consider that the plasmid‐borne origin‐of‐transfer substrates encode specific DNA structural properties that can facilitate finding these regions in large datasets and develop a DNA structure‐based alignment procedure for typing the transfer substrates that outperforms sequence‐based approaches. Thousands of putative DNA transfer substrates are identified, showing that plasmid mobility can be twofold higher and span almost twofold more host species than is currently known. Over half of all putative mobile plasmids contain the means for mobilization by conjugation systems belonging to different mobility groups, which can hypothetically link previously confined host ranges across ecological habitats into a robust plasmid transfer network. This hypothetical network is found to facilitate the transfer of antimicrobial resistance from environmental genetic reservoirs to human pathogens, which might be an important driver of the observed rapid resistance development in humans and thus an important point of focus for future prevention measures.
Genome‐Wide Association Studies of Cognitive and Motor Progression in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Tan Manuela M.X. , Lawton Michael A. , Jabbari Edwin , Reynolds Regina H. , Iwaki Hirotaka , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Kanavou Sofia , Pollard Miriam I. , Hubbard Leon , Malek Naveed , Grosset Katherine A. , Marrinan Sarah L. , Bajaj Nin , Barker Roger A. , Burn David J. , Bresner Catherine , Foltynie Thomas , Wood Nicholas W. , Williams‐Gray Caroline H. , Hardy John , Nalls Michael A. , Singleton Andrew B. , Williams Nigel M. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Hu Michele T.M. , Grosset Donald G. , Shoai Maryam , Morris Huw R.
Published: October 2020

Background

There are currently no treatments that stop or slow the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Case–control genome‐wide association studies have identified variants associated with disease risk, but not progression. The objective of the current study was to identify genetic variants associated with PD progression.

Methods

We analyzed 3 large longitudinal cohorts: Tracking Parkinson's, Oxford Discovery, and the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. We included clinical data for 3364 patients with 12,144 observations (mean follow‐up 4.2 years). We used a new method in PD, following a similar approach in Huntington's disease, in which we combined multiple assessments using a principal components analysis to derive scores for composite, motor, and cognitive progression. These scores were analyzed in linear regression in genome‐wide association studies. We also performed a targeted analysis of the 90 PD risk loci from the latest case–control meta‐analysis.

Results

There was no overlap between variants associated with PD risk, from case–control studies, and PD age at onset versus PD progression. The APOE ε4 tagging variant, rs429358, was significantly associated with composite and cognitive progression in PD. Conditional analysis revealed several independent signals in the APOE locus for cognitive progression. No single variants were associated with motor progression. However, in gene‐based analysis, ATP8B2, a phospholipid transporter related to vesicle formation, was nominally associated with motor progression (P = 5.3 × 10−6).

Conclusions

We provide early evidence that this new method in PD improves measurement of symptom progression. We show that the APOE ε4 allele drives progressive cognitive impairment in PD. Replication of this method and results in independent cohorts are needed. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Entropy generation analysis in magnetohydrodynamic Sisko nanofluid flow with chemical reaction and convective boundary conditions
Authors: Bisht Ankita , Sharma Rajesh
Published: October 2020

The main emphasis of the present study is to analyze the novel feature of entropy generation in the flow and heat transfer of Sisko nanofluid over a stretching sheet in the presence of the magnetic field, chemical reaction, and convective boundary conditions. Buongiorno's nanofluid model is used to consider the effect of Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis. The governing Sisko nanofluid flow equations comprising the momentum, nanoparticle volume fraction, and energy are reduced to nonlinear differential equations by utilizing appropriate similarity variables. The numerical solution of nonlinear coupled differential equations is obtained using the finite difference scheme in combination with the quasilinearization technique. The impact of different physical parameters on velocity, nanoparticle volume fraction, and temperature is presented graphically. The variation in entropy generation and Bejan number with different pertinent parameters that characterize the entropy generation phenomenon for the flow of Sisko nanofluid is discussed. The obtained results indicate that the entropy generation enhances with an increase in the magnetic parameter, Brinkman number, and thermal Biot number while reduces with the Sisko material parameter. Moreover, the behavior of mass and heat transfer rates is displayed through the Brownian diffusion parameter and thermophoresis parameter. The analysis of entropy generation minimization has crucial applications in the industrial heat transfer problems, solar heat exchanger, turbomachinery designing, LED‐based spotlights, designing of air‐cooled gas turbine blades, cooling in nuclear fuel rods, rotating reactors, in chillers, air separators, and so forth. Furthermore, entropy generation with MHD flow has applications in MHD generators, nuclear reactors, flow meters, micropumps, power plants, and so forth.
An iterative method for solving fractional diffusion‐wave equation involving the Caputo–Weyl fractional derivative
Authors: Derakhshan Mohammadhossein , Aminataei Azim
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a numerical scheme based on the iterative method for solving the fractional diffusion‐wave equation involving the Caputo–Weyl fractional derivative of order . The convergence of the approximate solutions of the fractional diffusion‐wave equation is rigourously established. Moreover, the approximate solutions of the fractional diffusion‐wave equation have been presented graphically.
Marriage‐Related Exchanges and the Agency of Women among the Langalanga, Solomon Islands
Authors: Guo Pei‐yi
Published: October 2020

This article examines the transformation of marriage‐related exchanges and the agency of women among the Langalanga people in the Solomon Islands. The Langalanga perspective is distinctive because they have been the main producers of shell money in the region, and the persistence of bridewealth is important for their economic and cultural lives. Looking into the three essential components: kwatena (bridewealth), duuna (micro exchange network among new affinal kins), and launia (bridal dress), I discuss the roles women play in the process of marriage‐related exchanges, with particular attention to the affective dimension. In recent years, it has become more popular to dress the bride in the expensive launia, and some Langalanga brides, who live in urban areas, have begun to take possession of the valuables, which contributes to their growing economic independence and autonomy. I argue that while marriage‐related exchanges sometimes constrain the autonomy of women in Melanesia, the Langalanga case provides an alternative view.