bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal hazard and reaction mechanism of the preparation of adipic acid through the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Jiang Wei , Ni Lei , Jiang Juncheng , Chen Qiang , Chen Zhiquan , Ye Shuliang
Published: October 2020

In this study, various calorimetric and analytical techniques were used to evaluate the thermodynamics of the preparation of adipic acid through the oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. The reaction exotherm was combined with the reaction mechanism. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the hydrogen peroxide was relatively stable when Na2WO4.2H2O and H2SO4 were used as cocatalysts. Reaction calorimetry, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results indicated a possible macroscopic reaction pathway at 73 and 90°C stage. Furthermore, the results obtained through adiabatic calorimeter (Phi‐TEC II) and GC/MS indicated the possibility of catastrophic accidents if control of the target reaction was lost. The criticality classes of this reaction were of Grade 5. The results of this study can be further used to improve the inherent safety of its operating measures, as a result, this reaction process can be scaled up.
Overlapping phenotype comprising Kenny‐Caffey type 2 and Sanjad‐Sakati syndromes: The first case report
Authors: Cavole Thiago Rodrigues , Perrone Eduardo , de Faria Soares Maria de Fatima , Dias da Silva Magnus Régios , Maeda Sergio Setsuo , Lazaretti‐Castro Marise , Alvarez Perez Ana Beatriz
Published: October 2020

Kenny‐Caffey syndrome (KCS) is a rare hereditary skeletal disorder involving hypoparathyroidism. The autosomal dominant form (KCS2), caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FAM111A gene, is distinguished from the autosomal recessive form (KCS1) and Sanjad‐Sakati syndrome (SSS), both caused by pathogenic variants in the tubulin folding cofactor E (TBCE) gene, by the absence of microcephaly and intellectual disability. We present a patient with KCS2 caused by a de novo pathogenic variant c.1706G>A (p.Arg569His) in FAM111A gene, presenting intellectual disability and microcephaly, which are considered to be typical signs of SSS. We suggest that KCS1, KCS2, and SSS may not represent mutually exclusive clinical entities, but possibly an overlapping spectrum.
Selective Synthesis of Non‐Aromatic Five‐Membered Sulfur Heterocycles from Alkynes by using a Proton Acid/N‐Chlorophthalimide System
Authors: Yu Wentao , Zhu Baiyao , Shi Fuxing , Zhou Peiqi , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: October 2020

A multicomponent strategy to achieve two different regioselectivities from alkynes, isothiocyanates and H2O with a proton acid/N‐chlorophthalimide (NCPI) system is described to selectively obtain non‐aromatic five‐membered sulfur heterocycles (1,3‐oxathiol‐2‐imines/thiazol‐2(3H)‐one derivatives) through multiple bond formations. The process features readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, good functional‐group tolerance, high regio‐ and chemo‐ selectivities, gram‐scale synthesis and late‐stage modifications. Mechanistic studies support the proposal that the transformation process includes a combination of H2O and isothiocyanate, free‐radical formation, carbonation and intramolecular cyclization to give the products. Furthermore, the 1,3‐oxathiol‐2‐imine derivatives possess unique fluorescence characteristics and can be used as Pd2+ sensors with a “turn‐off” response, demonstrating potential applications in environmental and biological fields.
Photocatalytic Generation of π‐Allyltitanium Complexes via Radical Intermediates
Authors: Li Fusheng , Lin Shuangjie , Chen Yuqing , Shi Caizhe , Yan Huaipu , Li Chenchen , Wu Chao , Lin Luqing , Duan Chunying , Shi Lei
Published: October 2020

The addition of π‐allylmetal complexes to carbonyls is the most important route to homoallylic alcohols. This study reports the first photocatalytic generation of π‐allyltitanium complexes by a radical strategy. This novel strategy enables the three‐component allylation of carbonyls with 1,3‐butadiene, providing rapid access to valuable homoallylic alcohols (over 60 examples). The exceptional regio‐ and diastereoselectivity provided by dual photoredox/Ti catalysis is comparable to that of the Cr‐catalyzed Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi allylation reaction.
Cationic Group VI Metal Imido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Nitrile Complexes: Bench‐Stable, Functional‐Group‐Tolerant Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Benedikter Mathis J. , Musso Janis V. , Frey Wolfgang , Schowner Roman , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: October 2020

Despite their excellent selectivities and activities, Mo‐and W‐based catalysts for olefin metathesis have not gained the same widespread use as Ru‐based systems, mainly due to their inherent air sensitivity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of air‐stable cationic‐at‐metal molybdenum and tungsten imido alkylidene NHC nitrile complexes. They catalyze olefin metathesis reactions of substrates containing functional groups such as (thio‐) esters, (thio‐) ethers and alcohols without the need for prior activation, for example, by a Lewis acid. The presence of a nitrile ligand was found to be essential for their stability towards air, while no decrease in activity and productivity could be observed upon coordination of a nitrile. Variations of the imido and anionic ligand revealed that alkoxide complexes with electron‐withdrawing imido ligands offer the highest reactivities and excellent stability compared to analogous triflate and halide complexes.
Synthesis of bis[benzyl‐N′‐hydrazinecarbodithioato‐κ2N′,S]nickel(II) complex as a novel lead molecule for cancer treatment
Authors: Zahan Ronok , Ahmed Sinthyia , Sharmin Tahmida , Halim Mohammad A. , Rahi Md. Sifat , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Zangrando Ennio , Naz Tarannum , Islam Md. Al‐Amin‐Al‐Azadul , Reza Md Abu
Published: October 2020

A novel bis[benzyl‐N′‐hydrazinecarbodithioato‐κ2 N′,S]nickel(II) complex was synthesized and characterized by means of various physical, chemical, and spectroscopic techniques. The X‐ray single crystal diffraction analysis indicated two independent close comparable bis‐chelated square planar complexes of trans‐configuration, where S‐benzyl dithiocarbazate (SBDTC) ligand is coordinated via N,S‐donor set. The complex is able to inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell proliferation by 51.81% and 75.75%, with 0.3 and 50 mg kg−1 (dose adjusted) dose, respectively, administered intraperitoneally for five successive days in mice model. Apoptotic cell morphological changes were examined using optical and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Expression pattern of apoptosis regulatory genes in EAC cells treated with the synthesized nickel(II) complex for five consecutive days showed an increased expression of P53, Bax, Cas‐8, Cas‐9, Cas‐3, Cyt‐c, and TNF‐α proapoptotic genes and decreased expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 gene. The Ni(II) complex and Bleomycin (standard drug) were used in molecular docking coupled with molecular dynamics simulation studies with the aim to support the experimental results and to investigate the apoptotic effect towards the targeting apoptotic genes. Both experimental and computational studies reveal that the nickel(II) complex inhibits EAC cells growth successfully, suggesting a potential compound for cancer treatment.
Suppression of Serum Interferon‐γ Levels as a Potential Measure of Response to Ustekinumab Treatment in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cesaroni Matteo , Seridi Loqmane , Loza Matthew J. , Schreiter Jessica , Sweet Kristen , Franks Carol , Ma Keying , Orillion Ashley , Campbell Kim , M. Gordon Robert , Branigan Patrick , Lipsky Peter , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Hahn Bevra H. , Tsokos George C. , Chevrier Marc , Rose Shawn , Baribaud Frédéric , Jordan Jarrat
Published: October 2020

Objective

In a previously reported phase II randomized, placebo‐controlled, interventional trial, we demonstrated that treatment with ustekinumab, an anti–interleukin‐12 (IL‐12)/IL‐23 p40 neutralizing monoclonal antibody, improved global and organ‐specific measures of disease activity in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Utilizing the biomarker data from this phase II clinical study, we sought to determine whether modulation of the expression of IL‐12, IL‐23, or both cytokines by ustekinumab is associated with clinical efficacy in patients with SLE.

Methods

This phase II randomized, placebo‐controlled study enrolled 102 patients with autoantibody‐positive SLE whose disease remained active despite standard‐of‐care therapy. Patients were randomized at a 3:2 ratio to receive ~6 mg/kg ustekinumab intravenously or placebo at week 0, followed by subcutaneous injections of 90 mg ustekinumab or placebo every 8 weeks, with placebo crossover to 90 mg ustekinumab every 8 weeks. The SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI‐4) at week 24 was used to determine which patients could be classified as ustekinumab responders and which could be classified as nonresponders. In addition to measurements of p40 and IL‐23, serum levels of interferon‐γ (IFNγ), IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐22, as a proxy for the IL‐12 and IL‐23 pathways, were quantified by immunoassay.

Results

Changes in the serum levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐22 at different time points after treatment were not consistently significantly associated with an SRI‐4 clinical response to ustekinumab in patients with SLE. In contrast, an SRI‐4 response to ustekinumab was significantly associated (P < 0.01) with durable reductions in the serum IFNγ protein levels at several time points relative to baseline, which was not observed in ustekinumab nonresponders or patients who received placebo.

Conclusion

While not diminishing a potential role of IL‐23, these serum biomarker assessments indicate that IL‐12 blockade has an important role in the mechanism of action of ustekinumab treatment in patients with SLE.
The measurement of “interdisciplinarity” and “synergy” in scientific and extra‐scientific collaborations
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Ivanova Inga
Published: October 2020

Problem solving often requires crossing boundaries, such as those between disciplines. When policy‐makers call for “interdisciplinarity,” however, they often mean “synergy.” Synergy is generated when the whole offers more possibilities than the sum of its parts. An increase in the number of options above the sum of the options in subsets can be measured as redundancy; that is, the number of not‐yet‐realized options. The number of options available to an innovation system for realization can be as decisive for the system's survival as the historically already‐realized innovations. Unlike “interdisciplinarity,” “synergy” can also be generated in sectorial or geographical collaborations. The measurement of “synergy,” however, requires a methodology different from the measurement of “interdisciplinarity.” In this study, we discuss recent advances in the operationalization and measurement of “interdisciplinarity,” and propose a methodology for measuring “synergy” based on information theory. The sharing of meanings attributed to information from different perspectives can increase redundancy. Increasing redundancy reduces the relative uncertainty, for example, in niches. The operationalization of the two concepts—“interdisciplinarity” and “synergy”—as different and partly overlapping indicators allows for distinguishing between the effects and the effectiveness of science‐policy interventions in research priorities.
Paternal exposure to di‐n‐butyl‐phthalate induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Hu Jingying , Xia Minjie , Wang Yuzhu , Tian Fang , Sun Bing , Yang Mingjun , Yang Wei , Ding Xuncheng , Xu Huihui , Li Weihua
Published: October 2020

Background

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an environmental endocrine disruptor detected in water, soil, and other environmental media frequently. Growing concerns regarding DBP exposure focus on toxicity to male reproduction. Reports about the developmental toxicity of paternal DBP exposure are rare. In this study, we investigated the developmental toxicity of paternal exposure to DBP on offspring in zebrafish.

Methods

Adult male zebrafish with normal reproductive function were exposed to 0.2, 0.6, 1.8 mg/L of DBP or acetone solvent control for 30 days, and then mated with females. Thirty embryos per group were randomly selected to be observed, and malformations were recorded and photographed. The mating and observations were repeated three times, for a total of 90 embryos per group.

Results

The results showed that the percentage of malformations, such as edema and a bent trunk, was increased in the 0.6 and 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure groups, the heart rate and spontaneous contraction decreased in the 0.6 and 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure groups and migration of primordial germ cells was disrupted in some F1 embryos in all DBP exposure group after paternal exposure. The axial skeleton was affected in some F1 adults in the 1.8 mg/L DBP exposure group.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the developmental toxicity of paternal DBP exposure in zebrafish.
Zika virus‐induced brain malformations in chicken embryos
Authors: Wachholz Gabriela Elis , Varela Ana Paula Muterle , Teixeira Thais Fumaco , de Matos Sophia Martins Simon , Rigon da Luz Soster Paula , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz , de Souza Diogo Onofre Gomes , Roehe Paulo Michel , Schuler‐Faccini Lavínia , Fraga Lucas Rosa
Published: October 2020

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) was confirmed to be related to microcephaly in 2016. However, there is still a need for understanding the embryonic morphological changes induced by ZIKV and when they occur. Here, chicken embryos were chosen as experimental model of ZIKV to evaluate virus‐associated morphological alterations that might take place during embryonic development.

Methods

A screening with different viral doses was conducted in embryos at HH Stage 10–12 (E1.5) as well as a follow up of the first 5 days postinfection (dpi) was performed to observe the main morphologic changes post ZIKV infection.

Results

ZIKV exposed embryos presented a higher prevalence of mortality and defects such as brain malformation when compared to controls. Moreover, we observed that the phenotypes become more evident at 4dpi, when the viral load quantification reaches a peak.

Conclusions

We found that ZIKV exposed embryos presented a high prevalence of mortality and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in a dose‐dependent manner. The phenotype was more evident 4 days postinfection, when the viral load quantification reached a peak.
Impact of baseline conduction abnormalities on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with SAPIEN‐3
Authors: Sammour Yasser , Sato Kimi , Kumar Arnav , Gajulapalli Rama Dilip , Lak Hassan , Chawla Sanchit , Banerjee Kinjal , Kaur Manpreet , Patel Jay , Incognito Cameron , Svensson Lars , Popovic Zoran , Tarakji Khaldoun , Wazni Oussama , Reed Grant W , Yun James , Puri Rishi , Krishnaswamy Amar , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: October 2020

Background

Baseline conduction abnormalities are known risk factors for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to determine the impact of baseline right bundle branch block (RBBB), left bundle branch block (LBBB), left anterior hemiblock (LAHB), first‐degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) on TAVR outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR with SAPIEN‐3 (S3) were included. We excluded patients with prior PPM, nontransfemoral access or valve‐in‐valve.

Results

Among 886 patients, baseline RBBB was seen in 15.9%, LBBB in 6.3%, LAHB in 6.2%, first‐degree AVB in 26.3% and AF in 37.5%. The rate of 30‐day PPM was 10.1%. Baseline RBBB (OR 4.005; 95% CI 2.386–6.723; p < .001) and first‐degree AVB (OR 1.847; 95% CI 1.133–3.009; p = .014) were independent predictors of 30 day PPM. LAHB also resulted in higher PPM rates but only in unadjusted analysis (21.8% vs. 9.4%; p = .003). Baseline LBBB and AF were associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at both baseline and 1 year after TAVR. However, Δ LVEF over time were noted to be similar with baseline LBBB (1.8% vs. 1.4%; p = .809) and AF (1.1% vs. 1.7%; p = .458). Moreover, baseline AF was also associated with higher stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 1 year (4.4% vs. 1.8%; p = .019), 1‐year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (19.5% vs. 13.3%; p = .012) and 2 year mortality (23.5% vs. 15.2%; p = .016). None of the other baseline conduction defects affected long‐term mortality or MACCE.

Conclusion

In our S3 TAVR population, baseline RBBB and first‐degree AVB predicted higher PPM risk. Prior LBBB and AF were associated with lower LVEF at both baseline and 1 year. Lastly, preexisting AF was associated with higher rates of mortality, stroke/TIA, and MACCE.
Flour and bread making properties of whole and split yellow peas treated with dry and steam heat used as premilling treatment
Authors: Sopiwnyk Elaine , Bourré Lindsay , Young Gina , Borsuk Yulia , Lagassé Shelley , Boyd Lindsey , Sarkar Ashok , Jones Stuart , Dyck Adam , Malcolmson Linda
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives

Pulse flours can impart off‐flavors limiting their use in foods. The objective of this study was to examine the flour and bread making properties of whole and split yellow peas treated with dry and steam heat used as a premilling treatment.

Findings

Particle size distributions and pasting properties of flours milled from heat‐treated peas were altered, and starch damage was reduced compared to flours milled from untreated peas. Breads made with flour milled from heat‐treated peas had similar firmness to breads made with flour milled from untreated peas with no change in volume and minimal impact on crumb structure. Changes in crumb color (lower L*, higher a*) were consistent with color changes observed in the flours. Heat treating whole peas produced breads with decreased aroma, flavor, and aftertaste, whereas heat treating split peas produced breads with lower intensities of aroma, flavor, bitterness, and aftertaste and increased acceptability.

Conclusions

Revtech dry and steam heating of whole and split yellow peas as a premilling treatment successfully reduced off‐flavors with minimal changes to flour and bread making properties.

Significance and novelty

Heat treating pulses prior to milling offers greater opportunities for incorporating pulse flours in foods.
Bifunctional Nanoprobes Used for Label‐Free Determination of Cardiac Troponin I
Authors: Xue Yuan , Han Yanchao , Xia Hongyin , Fan Yongchao , Peng Chao , Xing Huanhuan , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: October 2020

In this work, bifunctional nanoprobes (Fe3O4@RuSiO2) combing the magnetic feature of Fe3O4 and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance from Ru(bpy)32+@SiO2 were prepared via a facile procedure for the construction of label‐free sensing platform for the determination of marker of acute myocardial infarction‐cardiac troponin I. With our well‐structured thin layer ECL flow detection cell, the incubated hybrids can be collected on the working surface easily and detected in the presence of co‐reactants with high ECL efficiency. Integrated with the on‐line flow cleaning process and immobilization from external magnetic field, the constructed immunosensor exhibited good stability and high selectivity with the detection limit of 15.4 pg mL−1. And the practical application was verified using human serum samples. The proposed sensor alleviated the introduction of the secondary antibody and save the time and cost, which shows great potential in the future.
A Carboxyl‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework Synthesized in a Deep Eutectic Solvent for Dye Adsorption
Authors: Dong Bin , Wang Wen‐Jing , Xi Sun‐Chang , Wang Dong‐Yue , Wang Ren
Published: October 2020

Instead of using organic solvents, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of tetrabutylammonium bromide and imidazole (Bu4NBr/Im) was employed as a solvent for the first time to synthesize covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Due to the low vapor pressure of the Bu4NBr/Im‐based DES, a new carboxyl‐functionalized COF (TpPa‐COOH) was synthesized under environmental pressure. The as‐synthesized TpPa‐COOH has open channels, and the DES can be removed completely from the pores. The dye adsorption performance of TpPa‐COOH was examined for three organic dyes with similar molecular sizes: one anionic dye (eosin B, EB) and two cationic dyes (methylene blue, MB and safranine T, ST). TpPa‐COOH showed an excellent selective adsorption effect on MB and ST. The electronegative keto form in TpPa‐COOH might help to form electrostatic and π–π interactions between the π‐stacking frameworks of TpPa‐COOH and the positive plane MB and ST molecules. The adsorption isotherms of MB and ST on TpPa‐COOH were further investigated in detail, and the equilibrium adsorption was well modeled by using a Langmuir isotherm model. Together with hydrogen bonding, TpPa‐COOH showed higher adsorption capacity for ST than for MB (1135 vs. 410 mg g−1). These results could provide a guidance for the green synthesis of adsorbents in removing organic dyes from wastewater.
Detection of Hydrazine at MXene/ZIF‐8 Nanocomposite Modified Electrode†
Authors: Yao Yanqing , Han Xuhui , Yang Xuanhe , Zhao Jia , Chai Chunpeng
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

ZIF‐8 with excellent chemical and physical properties is a promising material for the field of electrochemical sensing. However, the poor electrical conductivity of ZIF‐8 severely limits its electrochemical performance. Here, we report a method that can significantly improve the conductivity of ZIF‐8 by intercalating Ti3C2Tx MXene as a conductive platform. Benefiting from higher conductivity and unique electrocatalytic activity, the obtained MXene/ZIF‐8 nanocomposite presented the worthy analytical performance for hydrazine sensing. The successful fabrication of MXene/ZIF‐8 holds great promise for the design of electrochemical sensors, and it is a promising material to promote the development of new electrode materials.
Discovery of β‐Dihydroagarofuran‐Type Sesquiterpenoids from the Leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii with Neuroprotective Activities
Authors: Dong Shuhui , Lin Bin , Xue Xiaobian , Bai Ming , Huang Xiaoxiao , Song Shaojiang
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Nine undescribed dihydro‐β‐agarofuran sesquiterpenoid derivatives (1—9), along with a known analogue (10), were obtained from the leaves of Tripterygium wilfordii. Their gross structures were determined via extensive spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were elucidated by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and electron circular dichroism (ECD) techniques, which include ECD exciton chirality, octant rule of saturated cyclohexanone and comparison between the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. All the isolated compounds were tested for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2‐induced cell injury in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Compounds 5 and 6 improved cell viability by 16.15% and 15.12% compared with the H2O2 treated group at 25 μmol·L–1, respectively.
Donor Preactivation‐Based Glycosylation: An Efficient Strategy for Glycan Synthesis
Authors: Qin Xianjin , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: October 2020

Carbohydrates have gained a lot of appreciation in the past few decades due to their important roles in numerous biological events. Acquiring a structurally well‐defined carbohydrate compound is essential for the understanding of its functions. Although some innovative methods have been developed for the synthesis of complex oligosaccharides, glycan synthesis is in general still a time‐consuming and difficult work. Herein, we will introduce the preactivation‐based glycosylation strategy, which is an efficient protocol independent of the reactivity of glycosyl donor. This review will focus on summarizing the versatile applications of preactivation strategy in stereoselective glycosylation and one‐pot assembly of biologically important oligosaccharides and even polysaccharides.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Preactivation‐based one‐pot glycosylation strategy and applications.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

I got into this field when I was a research associate in 1996. My supervisor, Prof. Chi‐Huey Wong, gave me a research topic for synthesis of oligosaccharide libraries. At that moment, as a beginner, I did not know too much carbohydrate chemistry, just to learn and to do it. The importance and challenge of carbohydrates attracted me.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Curiosity, passion, and creative thinking.

How do you supervise your students?

In my opinion, before the graduate students start a specific project, their experimental skills need to be well trained. During the period of graduate studies, the enhancement of abilities to analyze problems and to solve problems is very important. The graduate students should always keep an eye on the unusual experimental phenomena.

What's your hobbies?

Reading history books.

What is your favorite journals?

The journals publishing the latest research works in chemistry and medical science.
A CPU‐FPGA heterogeneous approach for biological sequence comparison using high‐level synthesis
Authors: Jorge Carlos A. C. , Nery Alexandre S. , Melo Alba C. M. A. , Goldman Alfredo
Published: October 2020

This article presents a high‐level synthesis implementation of the longest common subsequence (LCS) algorithm combined with a weighted‐based scheduler for comparing biological sequences prioritizing energy consumption or execution time. The LCS algorithm has been thoroughly tailored using Vivado High‐Level Synthesis tool, which is able to synthesize register transfer level (RTL) from high‐level language descriptions, such as C/C++. Performance and energy consumption results were obtained with a CPU Intel Core i7‐3770 CPU and an Alpha‐Data ADM‐PCIE‐KU3 board that has a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale XCKU060 FPGA chip. We executed a batch of 20 comparisons of sequences on 10k, 20k, and 50k sizes. Our experiments showed that the energy consumption on the combined approach was significantly lower when compared to the CPU, achieving 75% energy reduction on 50k comparisons. We also used the tool proposed in this article to do a case study on Covid‐19, with real SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences, comparing their LCS scores.
Cover‐crop water use and productivity in the high plains wheat–fallow crop rotation
Authors: Holman Johnathon D. , Assefa Yared , Obour Augustine K.
Published: October 2020

A long fallow period (∼15 mo) in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow rotation (W‐F) cropping system is meant to store soil water for the following crop but loss of soil quality, low precipitation use‐efficiency, and increased cost of fallow management are among its drawbacks. Replacing a portion of the fallow period with a short‐season cover crop may alleviate these drawbacks. The objectives of this study were to evaluate available soil water at planting (ASWPcc), performance, management, and post‐cover‐crop fallow efficiency, and available soil water at winter wheat planting (ASWPww) of 12 short‐season cover crops. This field study was conducted from 2008 through 2011 at Garden City, KS. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split‐split‐plot arrangement. Crop phases were main plot, cover‐crop species was the subplot, and cover‐crop management method (cover crop left standing or hayed) was the split‐split‐plot treatment. Results showed ASWPcc was greater at spring cover‐crop planting than in the fall or winter cover crops. However, water use, productivity, and post‐cover‐crop fallow efficiency were greatest for sole winter triticale (×Triticosecale spp.) or winter legume–triticale mixtures. In addition, ASWPww was 4–27% more for cover crop left standing than hayed cover crops. Post‐cover‐crop precipitation storage was positively related to ASWPww but cover‐crop biomass had a negative linear relationship with ASWPww. We concluded that cover crops left standing stored more soil water than those hayed; however, forage use of the cover crop could provide a dual purpose and economic benefit to improve overall system profitability.
Education programmes for persons with type 1 diabetes using an insulin pump: A systematic review
Authors: Rytter Karen , Schmidt Signe , Rasmussen Lauge Neimann , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: October 2020

Education is essential in insulin pump therapy, but literature in the field is limited. We systematically reviewed insulin pump education programmes and their effects in two situations as follows: (1) basic education at the start of insulin pump therapy, providing the study design enabled us to separate the effects of insulin pump therapy itself from the effects of education and (2) re‐education of experienced pump users. Population: individuals ≥16 years with type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps with or without continuous glucose monitoring. Systematic searches were run in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and ERIC. Original studies reporting an effect of insulin pump education programmes were included if published in English between January 1999 and May 2019. Of 988 potentially relevant studies, 48 were assessed in full text. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including one randomised controlled trial. Educational approaches and settings were sparsely described in all studies, and the content was usually reported as teaching points. Two studies considered basic education, reporting evaluations of knowledge and application skills, and programme satisfaction. The remaining seven studies referred to re‐education. Two studies measured severe hypoglycaemic events before and after a re‐education intervention, both reporting a significant event reduction. HbA1c decreased significantly in three of four studies. Two studies reported increased knowledge and improved application skills. In conclusion, this review indicates benefits from basic education and from re‐education. The strength of the conclusions is limited by the low number of studies and study designs. High‐quality studies are needed comparing different approaches for insulin pump education.
Effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors on liver parameters and steatosis: A meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Coelho Francisca dos Santos , Borges‐Canha Marta , von Hafe Madalena , Neves João Sérgio , Vale Catarina , Leite Ana Rita , Carvalho Davide , Leite‐Moreira Adelino
Published: October 2020

Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease in Western countries and a common comorbidity with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It lacks effective pharmacotherapy. We aimed to summarize the evidence on the effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on liver structure and function.

Materials and methods

Meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials in PubMed, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to April 2019. Trials evaluating liver function and/or structure and comparing SGLT2 inhibitors with placebo or other oral antidiabetic drugs in patients with T2D were included. Twenty studies (from 3033) were included. A total of 1950 patients with T2D, with or without NAFLD, were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors for at least 8 weeks, and 1900 patients were used as controls. Independent extraction was carried out by two observers. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis.

Results

SGLT2 inhibitors induced a significant decrease in serum alanine (−7.43U/L, [95%CI −12.14, −2.71], p < 0.01), in aspartate aminotransferases (−2.83U/L, [−4.71, −0.95], p < 0.01), as well as in gamma glutamyl transferase (−8.21U/L, [−9.52, −6.91], p < 0.01), and an increase in total plasma bilirubin (8.19% [0.79, 15.59], p < 0.01), comparing with placebo or other oral antidiabetic drugs. SGLT2 inhibitors treatment was associated with a decrease in liver steatosis (−3.39% [−6.01, −0.77], p < 0.0.1).

Conclusions

Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors improves liver structure and function in patients with T2D. This meta‐analysis suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising pharmacological approach for treatment of NAFLD.
Progress of artificial intelligence in diabetic retinopathy screening
Authors: Wang Yue‐Lin , Yang Jing‐Yun , Yang Jing‐Yuan , Zhao Xin‐Yu , Chen You‐Xin , Yu Wei‐Hong
Published: October 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and the limited availability of qualified ophthalmologists restricts its early diagnosis. For the past few years, artificial intelligence technology has developed rapidly and has been applied in DR screening. The upcoming technology provides support on DR screening and improves the identification of DR lesions with a high sensitivity and specificity. This review aims to summarize the progress on automatic detection and classification models for the diagnosis of DR.
Reduced fractional anisotropy in projection, association, and commissural fiber networks in neonates with prenatal methamphetamine exposure
Authors: Warton Fleur L. , Taylor Paul A. , Warton Christopher M. R. , Molteno Christopher D. , Wintermark Pia , Zöllei Lilla , van der Kouwe Andre J. , Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W. , Meintjes Ernesta M.
Published: October 2020

Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine is associated with neurostructural changes, including alterations in white matter microstructure. This study investigated the effects of methamphetamine exposure on microstructure of global white matter networks in neonates. Pregnant women were interviewed beginning in mid‐pregnancy regarding their methamphetamine use. Diffusion weighted imaging sets were acquired for 23 non‐sedated neonates. White matter bundles associated with pairs of target regions within five networks (commissural fibers, left and right projection fibers, and left and right association fibers) were estimated using probabilistic tractography, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusion measures determined within each connection. Multiple regression analyses showed that increasing methamphetamine exposure was significantly associated with reduced FA in all five networks, after control for potential confounders. Increased exposure was associated with lower axial diffusivity in the right association fiber network and with increased radial diffusivity in the right projection and left and right association fiber networks. Within the projection and association networks a subset of individual connections showed a negative correlation between FA and methamphetamine exposure. These findings are consistent with previous reports in older children and demonstrate that microstructural changes associated with methamphetamine exposure are already detectable in neonates.
A comparative UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS untargeted metabolomics investigation of different parts of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels
Authors: Fan Ruiyi , Peng Cheng , Zhang Xinxin , Qiu Diyang , Mao Genlin , Lu Yusheng , Zeng Jiwu
Published: October 2020

In this study, the non‐targeted large‐scale plant metabolomics (UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS) was performed for the comparison of chemical profiling of the leaves, barks, flowers, peels, pulps, and seeds of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels (called “wampee”). A total of 364 metabolites were identified, and 62 potential biomarkers were selected by the multivariate statistical analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis suggested that the selected biomarkers were significant differential metabolites among various parts of wampee. Metabolic pathway analysis showed a significant enrichment of the “Flavone and flavonol synthesis” and “Isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis” pathway. This study provides important information for the isolation and identification of functional components from different tissues of wampee and the metabolic biosynthesis pathway elucidation in detail.
The heterogeneous impact of environmental regulations on low‐carbon economic transformation in China: Empirical research based on the mediation effect model
Authors: Wang Xinli , Huang Yuansheng
Published: October 2020

The heterogeneous impacts of environmental regulation on China's low‐carbon economic transformation has attracted much attention. This paper uses the provincial panel data of China as the sample, by constructing a dynamic intermediary effect model, this paper empirically tests the intermediary effect and path difference of different environmental regulation policies on carbon dioxide emission reduction. The study found that whether China's environmental regulatory policies can influence the intensity of carbon emissions through mediation effects is closely related to the type of policy. China's ordered environmental regulation policy can force technological innovation to indirectly curb carbon emissions, but a high carbon industry structure indirectly promotes carbon emissions. Carbon trading pilots have a negative intermediary effect on carbon emissions through industrial structure and technological innovation. The eastern mainly directly suppress carbon emissions through the market incentive policy, the central mainly relies on the command‐controlled environmental policy to achieve backward emission reduction, the western produces a green paradox. The Chinese government must fully consider the heterogeneity of environmental policies constantly improve and optimize the combination of environmental regulation policies. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of R‐Ras1 and R‐Ras2 causes mitochondrial alterations that trigger axonal degeneration in a hypomyelinating disease model
Authors: Alcover‐Sanchez Berta , Garcia‐Martin Gonzalo , Escudero‐Ramirez Juan , Gonzalez‐Riano Carolina , Lorenzo Paz , Gimenez‐Cassina Alfredo , Formentini Laura , de la Villa‐Polo Pedro , Pereira Marta P. , Wandosell Francisco , Cubelos Beatriz
Published: October 2020

Fast synaptic transmission in vertebrates is critically dependent on myelin for insulation and metabolic support. Myelin is produced by oligodendrocytes (OLs) that maintain multilayered membrane compartments that wrap around axonal fibers. Alterations in myelination can therefore lead to severe pathologies such as multiple sclerosis. Given that hypomyelination disorders have complex etiologies, reproducing clinical symptoms of myelin diseases from a neurological perspective in animal models has been difficult. We recently reported that R‐Ras1−/− and/or R‐Ras2−/− mice, which lack GTPases essential for OL survival and differentiation processes, present different degrees of hypomyelination in the central nervous system with a compounded hypomyelination in double knockout (DKO) mice. Here, we discovered that the loss of R‐Ras1 and/or R‐Ras2 function is associated with aberrant myelinated axons with increased numbers of mitochondria, and a disrupted mitochondrial respiration that leads to increased reactive oxygen species levels. Consequently, aberrant myelinated axons are thinner with cytoskeletal phosphorylation patterns typical of axonal degeneration processes, characteristic of myelin diseases. Although we observed different levels of hypomyelination in a single mutant mouse, the combined loss of function in DKO mice lead to a compromised axonal integrity, triggering the loss of visual function. Our findings demonstrate that the loss of R‐Ras function reproduces several characteristics of hypomyelinating diseases, and we therefore propose that R‐Ras1−/− and R‐Ras2−/− neurological models are valuable approaches for the study of these myelin pathologies.
Temporally and sex‐specific effects of maternal perinatal stress on offspring cortical gyrification and mood in young adulthood
Authors: Mareckova Klara , Miles Amy , Andryskova Lenka , Brazdil Milan , Nikolova Yuliya S.
Published: October 2020

Maternal stress during pregnancy and shortly thereafter is associated with altered offspring brain development that may increase risk of mood and anxiety disorders. Cortical gyrification is established during the prenatal period and the first 2 years of life and is altered in psychiatric disorders. Here, we sought to characterize the effects of perinatal stress exposure on offspring gyrification patterns and mood dysregulation in young adulthood. Participants included 85 young adults (56.5% women; 23–24 years) from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) with perinatal stress data across four distinct timepoints and structural MRI data from young adulthood. Perinatal stress exposure was measured as maternal stress during first and second half of pregnancy, first 6 months, and 6–18 months after birth. Cortical gyrification and mood dysregulation were quantified using local gyrification index (LGI), computed with Freesurfer, and the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, respectively. Perinatal stress predicted cortical gyrification in young adulthood, and its timing influenced location, direction, and sex‐specificity of effects. In particular, whereas early prenatal stress was associated with sex‐dependent medium‐to‐large effects in large temporal, parietal, and occipital regions (f2 = 0.19–0.38, p < .001), later perinatal stress was associated with sex‐independent small‐to‐medium effects in smaller, more anterior regions (f2 = 0.10–0.19, p < .003). Moreover, in females, early prenatal stress predicted higher LGI in a large temporal region, which was further associated with mood disturbance in adulthood (r = 0.399, p = .006). These findings point out the long‐term implications of perinatal stress exposure for cortical morphology and mood dysregulation.
Rehearsal of tactile working memory: Premotor cortex recruits two dissociable neuronal content representations
Authors: Schmidt Timo Torsten , Schröder Pia , Reinhardt Pablo , Blankenburg Felix
Published: October 2020

Recent working memory (WM) research has focused on identifying brain regions that retain different types of mental content. Only few neuroimaging studies have explored the mechanism of attention‐based refreshing, which is a type of rehearsal and is thought to implement the dynamic components of WM allowing for update of WM contents. Here, we took advantage of the distinct coding properties of the superior parietal lobe (SPL), which retains spatial layout information, and the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), which retains frequency information of vibrotactile stimuli during tactile WM. In an fMRI delayed match‐to‐sample task, participants had to internally rehearse sequences of spatial layouts or vibratory frequencies. Our results replicate the dissociation of SPL and IFG for the retention of layout and frequency information in terms of activation differences between conditions. Additionally, we found strong premotor cortex (PMC) activation during rehearsal of either stimulus type. To explore interactions between these regions we used dynamic causal modeling and found that activation within the network was best explained by a model that allows the PMC to drive activity in the SPL and IFG during rehearsal. This effect was content‐specific, meaning that the PMC showed stronger influence on the SPL during pattern rehearsal and stronger influence on the IFG during frequency rehearsal. In line with previously established PMC contributions to sequence processing, our results suggest that it acts as a content‐independent area that flexibly recruits content‐specific regions to bring a WM item into the focus of attention during the rehearsal of tactile stimulus sequences.
Prognostic value of immune‐related genes and immune cell infiltration analysis in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zizhuo , Yuan Huangbo , Huang Jia , Hu Dianxing , Qin Xu , Sun Chaoyang , Chen Gang , Wang Beibei
Published: October 2020

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the few malignant tumors that respond well to immunotherapy. We aimed to investigate the immune‐related genes and immune cell infiltration of HNSCC and construct a predictive model for its prognosis.

Methods

We calculated the stromal/immune scores of patients with HNSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas using the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data algorithm and investigated the relationship between the scores and patients' prognosis. Three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, Random Forest, and Rbsurv) were performed to screen key immune‐related genes and constructed a predictive model. The immune cell infiltrating was calculated by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource algorithm.

Results

The stromal and immune scores significantly correlated with prognosis. A 6‐gene signature was selected and displayed a robust predictive effect. The expressions of key genes were associated with immune infiltrating. GSE65858 validated the results.

Conclusion

Our study comprehensively analyzed the tumor microenvironment of HNSCC and constructed a robust predictive model, providing a basis for further investigation of therapy.
On the contribution of groundwater to streamflow in laterite catchments of the Darling Range, south‐western Australia
Authors: Grigg Andrew Haden , Kinal Joe
Published: October 2020

In deeply weathered laterite catchments of the Darling Range in south‐western Australia, the direct contribution (i.e., discharge) of permanent groundwater to streamflow has long been considered as minor. Instead, downslope shallow throughflow was thought to dominate, generating more than 90% of streamflow. We used a chemical hydrograph separation approach to estimate annual groundwater discharge for three catchments over periods of up to 39 years, and found that direct groundwater contributions to streamflow were far more variable across catchments and through time than has previously been acknowledged. The estimated proportion of annual streamflow sourced directly from groundwater ranged from 0 to 93% and was related linearly to the size of the groundwater discharge area in the catchment valley floor. In contrast, contributions from shallow sources including shallow throughflow varied primarily and linearly with annual rainfall. However, the response to rainfall was “amplified” in a predictable way by the size of the groundwater discharge area, consistent with the variable source area concept. We derived a functional relationship between catchment annual rainfall‐runoff ratio and groundwater discharge area and successfully applied this to a further four catchments, inferring that the results were broadly applicable across the Darling Range. The implications for an improved understanding of streamflow generating processes in the study region, and for laterite catchments generally, are discussed.