bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing CRISPR‐Cas and qPCR eDNA assays for the detection of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Williams Molly‐Ann , Hernandez Cecilia , O'Sullivan Antóin M. , April Julien , Regan Fiona , Bernatchez Louis , Parle‐McDermott Anne
Published: December 2020

Molecular techniques offer sensitive, specific, noninvasive monitoring of target species from a variety of environmental samples. We recently developed a CRISPR‐Cas‐based eDNA assay for rapid single‐species detection as a route to a simple, cost‐effective biosensor device. CRISPR‐Cas‐based diagnostic assays use isothermal conditions in combination with a highly specific sequence recognition system. This CRISPR‐Cas assay was designed to target Salmo salar, and we previously demonstrated its utility in eDNA samples from sites in Ireland. The aim of this study was to validate our assay in two larger sample sets from Canada (n = 16/n = 63) in comparison with an independent S. salar qPCR assay. We demonstrate that overall, the CRISPR‐Cas assay performs similarly to qPCR for assessing the presence or absence of S. salar from eDNA and provides a viable alternative approach where qPCR assay design and application have proven to be challenging.
Influence of the Atmosphere Composition during Malaxation and Storage on the Shelf Life of an Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Preliminary Results
Authors: Macaluso Monica , Taglieri Isabella , Venturi Francesca , Sanmartin Chiara , Bianchi Alessandro , De Leo Marinella , Braca Alessandra , Quartacci Mike Frank , Zinnai Angela
Published: December 2020

The nutraceutical and organoleptic quality of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depends on a process that begins with the olive ripening and ends with the packaging and storage. As the EVOO quality decay is mainly induced by the oxidation process, the gaseous composition of the atmosphere during both malaxation and storage can play a key role. Because of that, the aim of this research work is to determine the influence of the gaseous composition of the atmosphere used during malaxation and storage on an unfiltered EVOO shelf life, and to individuate the best “malaxation atmosphere × storage atmosphere” combination to adopt to more effectively slow down the oil quality decay rate during storage. The combined experimental conditions used during malaxation and storage significantly affect the quality decay rate of the EVOO over one year of storage for all the evaluated parameters. In conclusion, the gaseous composition of the atmosphere used during both malaxation and storage deeply affects the shelf life of the unfiltered EVOO as regards its chemical and sensory features, especially when air is used. On the contrary, the best results are obtained when an inert gas (nitrogen or argon) is used during both phases.

Practical Applications: The regular consumption of EVOO represents one of the main cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), this product can be considered as a healthy food because of its extraordinary nutraceutical and organoleptic properties, so that if consumers consume half a tablespoon of olive oil per day—without increasing their daily calorie intake—they can significantly reduce the incidence of several degenerative diseases as well as the risks associated with them. The knowledge of the impact of different “malaxation atmosphere × storage atmosphere” combinations on the quality decay rate during storage of an unfiltered EVOO can allow to identify the best operating conditions to be used during its production and storage, in order to preserve the nutraceutical and organoleptic properties of this product over time, thus extending its commercial life in terms of both quality parameters and healthy properties.
Babassu Oil (Orbynia phalerata), an Artisanal Product: Process Optimization of Seed Roasting on Yield, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Hudson da Silva Souza Iago , Nogueira Juliete Pedreira , Rajan Murugan , Santos Leite Neta Maria Terezinha , Narain Narendra
Published: December 2020

Babassu oil has high concentrations of phenolic compounds. When seeds are preheated, these compounds tend to migrate to the oil depending on the degree of roasting applied. This study aims to optimize the roasting conditions of babassu seeds using response surface methodology (RSM) and the desirability functions. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) is employed to investigate the effects of two independent variables, temperature (X1) and roasting time (X2) which significantly affected response variables, namely yield (%), total phenolics content (TPC), number of phenolic compounds, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, acid value and peroxide value. The quadratic model is adjusted for most responses. The roasting temperature of 222 °C and the roasting time of 43 min are standardized as ideal conditions. Thus, the oil produced at the optimized conditions shows a yield of 54.47% and TPC of 91.53 mg GAE/100 g. In the control oil sample, the presence of phenolic compounds analyzed by HPLC‐DAD is not observed while under optimized conditions, seven phenolic compounds are observed. The model of optimized conditions shows a good correlation between the predicted and experimental values. In general, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of optimum roasting conditions in improving the quality of bioactive compounds in babassu oil.

Practical Applications : This work aims to optimize the babassu seeds roasting process to obtain oil with a greater number of phenolic compounds and better antioxidant capacity. As the first study on babassu seeds roasting, it contributes to the generation of important data in relation to the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in the oil. Finally, the optimum roasting conditions established in this work can be explored commercially in babassu oil extraction.
Numerical investigation on the usage of finned surface in lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides batteries by using air cooling method
Authors: Celen Ali , Kalkan Orhan
Published: December 2020

In this study, a numerical thermal analysis of a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide prismatic battery having nominal voltage of 3.7 V and capacity of 26 Ah was performed during air cooling conditions. The effects of discharge rate (in the range of 3C‐5C) and air velocity (in the range of 1‐3 m s−1) on average battery temperature, maximum battery temperature, and total heat transfer rate are investigated for both flat and finned cooling surfaces. The results showed that air cooling by means of flat cooling surface is only sufficient for low discharge rate and it is necessary to use finned surfaces in order to keep battery temperature in desired operation temperature range for high discharge rate conditions. Analysis results showed that average battery temperature is reduced up to 29%, 32%, and 30% by increasing air velocity for discharge rates of 3C, 4C, and 5C with the usage of flat surface, respectively. In addition, it was seen that the average and maximum battery temperatures are reduced up to 7.9 and 8.6 K with the usage of finned cooling surface instead of flat one. The heat removed from the battery is increased 8.7 W by using finned surface at the maximum air velocity of 3 m s−1.
Battery remaining useful life prediction using improved mutated particle filter
Authors: Li Junxia , Zhang Miao , Zheng Hui , Jie Jing
Published: December 2020

Accurate prediction of lithium‐ion battery remaining useful life (RUL) is of great significance for battery health management. Particle filter (PF) is used to predict the RUL effectively, but it suffers from particle degeneracy and impoverishment during the estimation. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new RUL prediction model based on improved mutated particle filter (IMPF) approach. In the IMPF algorithm, the mutant particles are generated from the prior particles, which not only represent the high probability region but also accelerate the convergence speed of particles. Then an improved polynomial resampling algorithm is proposed to avoid the loss of particle diversity during the resampling process. The simulation results on benchmark function demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed IMPF algorithm. The method is also applied successfully to a battery capacity degradation data set provided by NASA Ames Research Center. Research results show that the proposed RUL prediction approach has better performance than other related PF techniques.
A fast multipole boundary element method for three‐dimensional acoustic problems in a subsonic uniform flow
Authors: Liu Xueliang , Wu Haijun , Jiang Weikang , Sun Ruihua
Published: December 2020

A fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM) in a subsonic uniform flow is presented. It is based on the boundary integral equation (BIE) in a subsonic uniform flow. The convected Green's function complicates its multipole expansion as well as the implementation of the computer code. Although the Lorentz transformation allows the Helmholtz equation in the uniform flow to be reduced to the standard Helmholtz equation, the deformation of the domain complicates the boundary conditions and may cause the elements' distortion. In this work, the analytical evaluations of singular integrals are achieved. Then a nonsingular BIE in a subsonic uniform flow is obtained and is incorporated in building FMBEM with the plane wave multipole expansion of Green's function directly. Details on the implementation of the algorithm are described. Numerical examples including a pulsating sphere radiation problem, a multibody scattering problem and an aircraft model are performed to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Results show that FMBEM solutions are in good agreement with analytical solutions. The difference between the analytical moments and numerical moments is also investigated carefully in the implementation of the fast multipole method. Dramatical improvements on solution efficiency are observed by comparing the developed algorithm with the CBEM.
H19 Promotes HCC Bone Metastasis Through Reducing Osteoprotegerin Expression in a Protein Phosphatase 1 Catalytic Subunit Alpha/p38 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase–Dependent Manner and Sponging microRNA 200b‐3p
Authors: Huang Zhao , Chu Liang , Liang Junnan , Tan Xiaolong , Wang Yu , Wen Jingyuan , Chen Jin , Wu Yu , Liu Sha , Liao Jingyu , Hou Rui , Ding Zeyang , Zhang Zhanguo , Liang Huifang , Song Shasha , Yang Caihong , Zhang Jinming , Guo Tao , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Bixiang
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Bone is the second most frequent site of metastasis for HCC, which leads to an extremely poor prognosis. HCC bone metastasis is typically osteolytic, involving the activation of osteoclasts. Long noncoding RNA H19 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human cancers. Nonetheless, the mechanism underlying the participation of H19 in HCC bone metastasis remains unclear.

Approach and Results

The current study established a mouse HCC bone metastasis model by using serial intracardiac injection and cell isolation to obtain cells with distinct bone metastasis ability. H19 was highly expressed in these cells and in clinical HCC bone metastasis specimens. Both osteoclastogenesis in vitro and HCC bone metastasis in vivo were promoted by H19 overexpression, whereas these processes were suppressed by H19 knockdown. H19 overexpression attenuated p38 phosphorylation and further down‐regulated the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), also known as osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor. However, up‐regulated OPG expression as well as suppressed osteoclastogenesis caused by H19 knockdown were recovered by p38 interference, indicating that p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)–OPG contributed to H19‐promoted HCC bone metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that H19 inhibited the expression of OPG by binding with protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP1CA), which dephosphorylates p38. SB‐203580‐mediated inactivation of p38MAPK reversed the down‐regulation of HCC bone metastasis caused by H19 knockdown in vivo. Additionally, H19 enhanced cell migration and invasion by up‐regulating zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 through the sequestration of microRNA (miR) 200b‐3p.

Conclusions

H19 plays a critical role in HCC bone metastasis by reducing OPG expression, which is mediated by the PPP1CA‐induced inactivation of the p38MAPK pathway; and H19 also functions as a sponge for miR‐200b‐3p.
Optimum irrigation strategy to maximize yield and quality of potato: A case study in southern Alberta, Canada*
Authors: Yari Aghil , Gilbert Laura , Madramootoo Chandra A. , Woods Shelley A. , Adamchuk Viacheslav I.
Published: December 2020

The ability to understand how various irrigation levels impact potato productivity could facilitate the introduction of variable‐rate irrigation technology for high‐quality potato production in southern Alberta, Canada. A two‐year field study (2015 and 2016) was therefore conducted to assess the effect of three irrigation levels on yield and quality of potato. Several parameters were measured including climatic data, irrigation amounts, total and marketable potato yield, and tuber quality parameters (specific gravity and glucose content). The Alberta Irrigation Management Model was used to estimate irrigation levels based on soil, crop, and weather variables. The year 2015 was exceptionally dry, resulting in a total of 21 irrigation events, and a total of 12 irrigation events were undertaken in the 2016 growing season. In 2015, the crop in plots receiving normal irrigation (361 mm per season) produced slightly lower total yield than plots receiving high irrigation (480 mm per season), but the normal irrigation plots produced statistically higher marketable yield and better tuber quality in terms of specific gravity and glucose content. In 2016, there were no significant differences between potato yield and quality between irrigation treatments because the rainfall for the year was close to the long‐term average annual rainfall.
Linking current and prospective engineering graduate students' writing attitudes with rhetorical writing patterns
Authors: Berdanier Catherine G. P.
Published: December 2020

Background

At the graduate level, academic writing competencies are essential for graduation and careers as researchers. Little research has been done to understand how engineering writers' attitudes toward writing correspond to enacted textual patterns.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate current and prospective graduate students' attitudes toward writing, how they correlate, and how these attitudes toward writing may correspond with enacted writing patterns.

Design/Method

Through an embedded mixed methods design, I investigated the rhetorical patterns within the research proposals of 50 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) winners in engineering disciplines using genre analysis methods. The same participants completed a battery of validated surveys investigating their writing attitudes. I calculated within‐ and between‐scale Pearson correlations and connected the writing attitude data with rhetorical patterns from the written documents.

Results

Findings indicate that several writing attitudes are statistically linked, such as writer's block with perfectionism and procrastination, and productivity with knowledge transforming concepts and intuitive approaches. Further, writers employed a variety of argumentation strategies, categorized as Outcomes‐Oriented, Process‐Oriented, Methods‐Oriented, and Motivation‐Oriented, which correspond to writers' attitudes.

Conclusions

Instructors or advisors of graduate engineering student writing may be better able to diagnose writing issues armed with an understanding of how writing attitudes are related to rhetorical structure. Instructors or advisors of graduate engineering students can consider how the affective nature of writing influences writing habits and resulting rhetorical patterns to help students improve their academic literacy.
NH4Cl/Zn powder: An efficient, chemoselective reducing catalyst for the microwave‐assisted synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted quinolines via tandem Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Tasqeeruddin Syed , Asiri Yahya I. , Shaheen Syeda
Published: December 2020

An efficient, a hitherto unreported, sustainable, and environmentally friendly microwave‐assisted synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted quinolines by reductive cyclization of 2‐nitrobenzaldehydes and various active methylene compounds via tandem Knoevenagel condensation promoted by an efficient eco‐friendly, chemoselective reducing catalyst ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and zinc powder was developed. This present methodology is a mild, green, efficient, and environmentally benign process as it eliminates the harsh reaction conditions, non‐volatile solvents, relatively expensive reagents, high catalyst loading, and also provides a number of other benefits like fast synthesis, simple reaction set‐up, and good to the excellent yield of the products.
Energy loss by right ventricular pacing: Patients with versus without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Arakawa Yuki , Fukaya Hidehira , Kakizaki Ryota , Oikawa Jun , Saito Daiki , Sato Tetsuro , Matsuura Gen , Kobayashi Shuhei , Shirakawa Yuki , Nishinarita Ryo , Horiguchi Ai , Ishizue Naruya , Nabeta Takeru , Kishihara Jun , Niwano Shinichi , Ako Junya
Published: December 2020

Background

Right ventricular (RV) pacing causes left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony sometimes resulting in pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy. However, RV pacing for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is one of the treatment options. LV flow energy loss (EL) using vector flow mapping (VFM) is a novel hemodynamic index for assessing cardiac function. Our study aimed to elucidate the impact of RV pacing on EL in normal LV function and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with dual‐chamber pacemakers for sick sinus syndrome or implantable cardioverter defibrillators for fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias were enrolled. All patients were divided into two groups: 16 patients with HCM (HCM group) and others (non‐HCM group). The absolute changes in EL under AAI (without RV pacing) and DDD (with RV pacing) modes were assessed using VFM on color Doppler echocardiography.

Results

In the non‐HCM group, the mean systolic EL significantly increased from the AAI to DDD modes (14.0 ± 7.7 to 17.0 ± 8.6 mW/m, P = .003), whereas the mean diastolic EL did not change (19.0 ± 12.3 to 17.0 ± 14.8 mW/m, P = .231). In the HCM group, the mean systolic EL significantly decreased from the AAI to DDD modes (26.7 ± 14.2 to 21.6 ± 11.9 mW/m, P < .001), whereas the mean diastolic EL did not change (28.7 ± 16.4 to 23.9 ± 19.7 mW/m, P = .130).

Conclusions

RV pacing increased the mean systolic EL in patients without HCM. Conversely, RV pacing decreased the mean systolic EL in patients with HCM.
Kinematics observed during ACL injury are associated with large early peak knee abduction moments during a change of direction task in healthy adolescents
Authors: Sigurðsson Haraldur B. , Karlsson Jón , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Briem Kristín
Published: December 2020

Cluster analysis of knee abduction moment waveforms may be useful to examine biomechanical data. The aim of this study was to analyze if the knee abduction moment waveform of early peaks, consistent with anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms, was associated with foot‐trunk distance, knee kinematics, and heel strike landing posture, all of which have been observed during anterior cruciate ligament injuries. One hundred and seventy‐seven adolescent athletes performed cutting maneuvers, marker‐based motion capture collected kinetic and marker data and an 8‐segment musculoskeletal model was constructed. Knee abduction moment waveforms were clustered as either a large early peak, or not a large early peak using a two‐step process with Euclidean distances and the Ward‐d2 cluster method. Mediolateral distance between foot and trunk was associated with the large early peak waveform with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 3.4 (2.7–4.4). Knee flexion angle at initial contact and knee flexion excursion had odds ratios of 1.9 (1.6–2.4) and 1.6 (1.3–2.0). Knee abduction excursions had an odds ratio of 1.8 (1.1–2.4) and 1.8 (1.4–2.4), respectively. Heel strike landings and anteroposterior distance between foot and trunk were not associated with the large early peak waveform with odds ratios of 1.2 (0.9–1.7) and 1.1 (0.8–1.3), respectively. The knee abduction moment waveform is associated with several kinematic variables observed during ACL injury. The results support intervention programs that can modify these kinematics and thus reduce early stance phase knee abduction moments.
Secondary Anticoagulation Prophylaxis for Catheter‐Related Thrombosis in Pediatric Intestinal Failure: Comparison of Short‐ Vs Long‐Term Treatment Protocols
Authors: Schmidt Melanie Lissa , Wendel Danielle , Horslen Simon Peter , Lane Erin Richardson , Brandão Leonardo Rodrigues , Gottschalk Emily , Belza Christina , Courtney‐Martin Glenda , Wales Paul William , Avitzur Yaron
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT) is a devastating complication of central venous catheters in children with intestinal failure (IF), but the optimal preventive therapy of CRT is unknown. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of 2 protocols of secondary anticoagulation prophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH).

Methods

This is a comparative cohort study of children from 2 IF programs who received secondary anticoagulation prophylaxis with LMWH for CRT. The short‐term protocol group (N = 13) received therapeutic dosing until thrombus resolution or ≤3 months. In the long‐term protocol group (N = 26), prophylactic dosing continued until line removal. Patients underwent routine annual vascular ultrasound and were followed for ≥1 year. The primary outcome was development of secondary thrombosis; post hoc analysis assessed rates of secondary thrombosis at 12 months.

Results

Patient demographics were similar between groups. Secondary thrombosis occurred in 8 of 13 (62%) patients in the short‐term group and in 9 of 26 (35%) in the long‐term protocol group (P = .019) in a median time of 144.5 and 689 days, respectively (P = .01). Secondary thrombosis within 12 months occurred in 7 of 13 (54%, short term) and 2 of 26 (8%, long term) patients (P = .001). Secondary thrombosis was associated with catheter replacements (23.5 vs 5.5 catheters per 1000 catheter days; P = .016) and longer daily parenteral nutrition (PN) infusion (24 vs 15.25 hours; P = .044). Compliance was good (>80% of doses) in 92% of patients.

Conclusions

Long‐term secondary anticoagulation prophylaxis with LMWH reduces the incidence of secondary thrombosis and should be considered in children with CRT that require PN for prolonged periods of time.
Effect of conservation methods on the bioaccessibility of bioelements from in vitro‐digested edible mushrooms
Authors: Kała Katarzyna , Krakowska Agata , Zięba Piotr , Opoka Włodzimierz , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The release of bioelements from edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, Cantharellus cibarius, and Imleria badia) was examined using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion to assess their health‐promoting potential. The following samples were tested: fresh, frozen, dried in a food dryer, dried in the sun, and lyophilized. The samples were incubated in gastric juice (pepsin, NaCl, HCl) and in intestinal juice (NaHCO3, pancreatin, bile salts) with the aim of verifying the bioaccessibility of the bioelements and the digestibility of mushrooms. Four bioelements that are essential for the human body were studied: Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe.

RESULTS

It was found that Mg was extracted in the highest amounts from the sun‐dried A. bisporus (1.620 g kg−1 d.w.). In the case of microelements, the lyophilized fruiting bodies of I. badia released Zn in the highest quantities (0.180 g kg−1 d.w.). Lyophilization and sun‐drying methods were more advantageous than other methods. Fresh material was a more valuable source of bioelements than frozen material.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that edible mushrooms have a high content of bioelements that are easily bioaccessible, which indicates their health‐promoting properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Preservation of Aloe vera and soybean flour fortified Granny Smith apple through optimised quartz–halogen radiated vacuum drying: kinetics and quality evaluation
Authors: Chakraborty Rajat , Samanta Ritika , Das Sabyasachi
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Granny Smith (GS) apple has low protein content and poor antimicrobial properties; hence it has been blended with Aloe vera (AV; high ascorbic acid, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties) and soybean flour (SF; rich in phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, total antioxidant and protein) in different proportions to obtain fortified GS, i.e. GSAVSF. Moreover, GS being a perishable fruit, its moisture content should be reduced to enhance shelf life. Accordingly, this GSAVSF was osmotically pre‐dehydrated and finally dried through energy‐efficient quartz–halogen radiation (QHR) assisted vacuum‐drying (QHRVD) to produce dried GSAVSF i.e. (DGSAVSF) under optimized conditions.

RESULTS

The optimally dehydrated DGSAVSF product resulted in minimum moisture (4.85% w/w) and maximum protein (6.24 g kg−1) content. The application of osmotic dehydration and QHRVD afforded acceptable colour of DGSAVSF compared to GSAVSF (ΔEI* = 10.07 ± 0.21). A parametric drying model was formulated that corroborated well with Fick's equation. QHRVD rendered high moisture diffusivity (1.49 × 10−8 m2 s−1) and low activation energy (27.64 kJ mol−1 K−1). Appreciable quality improvements with respect to fresh GS concerning ascorbic acid (176.05%), total phenolic (579.07%), total flavonoid (333.33%) contents and 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (446.71%) could be achieved. The product demonstrated satisfactory shelf life (1 × 104CFU g−1: aerobic mesophilic; 1 × 104CFU g−1: mould and yeast) and high rehydration ratio (4.25 ± 0.1).

CONCLUSION

The enrichment of GS with AV and SF along with optimal drying protocols could provide a quality fortified DGSAVSF through an energy‐proficient sustainable process. The highly nutritious product with suitable colour, microbial stability and rehydration ratio also satisfied a 9‐point hedonic scale, thus confirming consumer acceptability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of methyl jasmonate on the monoterpenes of Muscat Hamburg grapes and wine
Authors: Yue Xiaofeng , Shi Pengbao , Tang Yali , Zhang Huaixin , Ma Xin , Ju Yanlun , Zhang Zhenwen
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The importance of monoterpenes in grape and wine aroma has compelled researchers to focus on developing methods to increase their abundance. Recent research has revealed that exogenous elicitors can increase the contents of these compounds. This study determined the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) preharvest treatments on the monoterpene profiles of Muscat Hamburg grapes and wine.

RESULTS

A total of 27 monoterpenes were identified for Muscat Hamburg grapes and wine. The contents of most of the monoterpenes (free and glycosylated forms) in the grapes and wine increased in response to MeJA. An analysis of the expression of the genes in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway indicated that the related biosynthetic pathways were activated by MeJA. The transcript levels of some genes were consistent with monoterpene production, including VviCSLinNer, VviGwbOciF, VviPNRLin, VviGT14 and VviUGT85A1L1. The developmental expression patterns of the VviPP2B1 and VviMYB24 transcription factor genes were positively correlated with monoterpene accumulation in ripening grapes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that MeJA may be useful for improving the aroma quality of grapes and wines.
Expression profiling of endo‐xylanases during ripening of strawberry cultivars with contrasting softening rates. Influence of postharvest and hormonal treatments
Authors: Hirsch Mailén , Langer Silvia E , Marina María , Rosli Hernán G , Civello Pedro M , Martínez Gustavo A , Villarreal Natalia M
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Softening is one of the main features that determine fruit quality during strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch.) ripening and storage. Being closely related to textural changes, the molecular and biochemical bases underlying strawberry cell‐wall metabolism is a matter of interest. Here we investigated the abundance of transcripts encoding putative strawberry endo‐xylanases in plant tissues, during fruit ripening and under postharvest and hormonal treatments. Total xylanase activity and expression of related genes in strawberry varieties with contrasting firmness were analyzed.

RESULTS

FaXynA and FaXynC mRNA abundance was significantly higher than FaXynB in each plant tissue studied. Higher total xylanase activity was detected at the end of the ripening of the softer cultivar (‘Toyonoka’) in comparison with the firmer one (‘Camarosa’), correlating with the abundance of FaXynA and FaXynC transcripts. Postharvest 1‐methylcyclopropene treatment up‐regulated FaXynA and FaXynC expressions. FaXynC mRNA abundance decreased with heat treatment but the opposite was observed for FaXynA. Calcium chloride treatment down‐regulated FaXynA and FaXynC expression. Both genes responded differently to plant growth regulators' exposure. FaXynC expression was down‐regulated by auxins and gibberellins treatment and up‐regulated by abscisic acid. FaXynA was up‐regulated by auxins, while no changes in mRNA levels were evident by abscisic acid and gibberellins treatment. Ethephon exposure did not change FaXynA and FaXynC expressions.

CONCLUSION

New knowledge about the presence of xylanases in ripening strawberry fruit and their response to postharvest and hormonal treatments is provided. Our findings suggest a role for endo‐xylanases in hemicelluloses depolymerization and possibly in strawberry fruit softening. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Soil bacterial and eukaryotic co‐occurrence networks across a desert climate gradient in northern China
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhang Yuqing , Lai Zongrui , Qin Shugao , Yan Ru , Sun Yanfei , She Weiwei
Published: December 2020

A vast portion of the surface of the Earth is desert and desertified land, where, due to the harsh natural environment, vegetation is generally scarce. Soil microbes play important roles in ecosystems and have been used as indicators of soil quality and health. However, microbial interactions in desert ecosystems remain poorly understood. In this study, we collected soil samples from 12 deserts in northern China, spanning four climate types representing distinct aridity gradients, to evaluate bacterial and eukaryotic co‐occurrence networks, and analyze environmental factors determining microbial interactions and their relationships with these factors. At the regional scale, bacterial and eukaryotic interactions strengthened with increasing mean annual precipitation (MAP). They were also influenced by soil total phosphorus and the normalized difference vegetation index. At the local scale, although soil‐, climate‐, and plant‐related factors significantly constrained bacterial and eukaryotic networks, their relative effects varied. Overall, eukaryotic communities formed smaller and less complex networks than bacterial communities. Both bacterial and eukaryotic networks were more complex in deserts with higher MAP, suggesting that they are more stable and play more important roles in biogeochemical cycling in these areas than in lower MAP deserts. Our results provide further evidence that altered precipitation gradient probably leads to unstable and vulnerable microbial communities. This study enhances our understanding of microbial community organization in desert ecosystems, while providing novel insights into soil health. These findings should prove valuable in the evaluation of land development and degradation processes.
Regional differences in the factors that affect vegetation cover in China
Authors: Ma Zihao , Guo Jiahong , Li Weiming , Cai Zhaoyang , Cao Shixiong
Published: December 2020

Decreasing vegetation cover leads to serious environmental problems, with negative impacts on human health and socioeconomic development. In recent years, these problems have seriously threatened human societies around the world. Although there have been many studies of urbanization's impacts on natural land cover, ecosystem health, and biodiversity, the effects of spatial variation of human factors and their interaction with climate factors are less well known, particularly in rapidly developing countries such as China. This makes it difficult to design effective ecological restoration policies because the lack of such research creates a high risk of misunderstanding the current situation and wasting a lot of money and labour. To provide some of the missing information, we used municipal‐ and county‐level data from China in 2017 to calculate the contributions of 14 factors that affect vegetation cover, which combine urbanization, socioeconomic development, and natural influences. We found significant regional differences in the impacts of the urbanization and socioeconomic development factors, suggesting that their impact differed among northeastern, southern, and western China, sometimes with opposite effects. This was especially true in western China, where most human factors had negative impacts on vegetation cover. Our research has implications for environmental protection planning in regions affected by environmental degradation in China.
Improvements in Disease‐Specific Health‐Related Quality of Life of Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients During Immunosuppression Withdrawal
Authors: Mohammad Saeed , Sundaram Shikha S. , Mason Kristen , Lobritto Steven , Martinez Mercedes , Turmelle Yumirle P. , Bucuvalas John , Feng Sandy , Alonso Estella M.
Published: December 2020

Long‐term immunosuppression (IS) leads to systemic complications affecting health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients. We serially assessed HRQOL using the PedsQL Generic and Multidimensional Fatigue Scales and Family Impact and Transplant Modules as part of a multicenter prospective immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW) trial between 2012 and 2018. Participants received a primary LT ≥4 years before the study and were on stable IS with normal liver tests and without rejection in the prior 2 years. IS was withdrawn in 7 steps over 36 to 48 weeks. HRQOL was assessed at regular intervals. The primary endpoint was change in disease‐specific HRQOL measured by the PedsQL Transplant Module. Generic HRQOL was measured by the PedsQL Generic Scale and was compared with an age‐matched and sex‐matched multicenter cohort. Of the 88 participants, 39 were boys, median age was 11 years (range, 8‐13), and time since transplant was 9 years (range, 6‐11). For 36 months, disease‐specific HRQOL improved for all participants, whereas generic HRQOL was unchanged. Neither generic nor disease‐specific HRQOL changed for the 35 participants who developed acute rejection during ISW. In the first use of patient‐reported outcome measures during an ISW trial, we found improvements in disease‐specific HRQOL in all participants and no lasting detrimental effects in those who experienced rejection.
A novel SLC37A4 missense mutation in GSD‐Ib without hepatomegaly causes enhanced leukocytes endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis
Authors: Xu Qianyun , Tang Haiyan , Duan Liping , Zuo Xiaoxia , Shi Xiaoliu , Li Yisha , Zhao Hongjun , Zhang Huali
Published: December 2020

Background

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ib is an autosomal recessive disease caused by defects of glucose‐6‐phosphate transporter (G6PT), encoded by the SLC37A4 gene. To date, over 100 mutations have been revealed in the SLC37A4 gene. GSD‐Ib patients manifest a metabolic phenotype of impaired blood glucose homeostasis and also carry the additional complications of neutropenia and myeloid dysfunction.

Methods

Here, we present two daughters with an initial diagnosis of gout in a Chinese consanguineous family. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the mutations. The mechanism of leukocytopenia was investigated.

Results

Whole‐exome sequencing analysis of the proband identified a novel homozygous p.P119L mutation in SLC37A4, leading to a diagnosis of GSD‐Ib. We found that the potential pathogenic p.P119L mutation leads to an unusual phenotype characterized by gout at onset, and GSD‐Ib arising from this variant also manifests multiple metabolic abnormalities, leukocytopenia, and anemia, but no hepatomegaly. The leukocytes from the proband showed increased mRNA levels of sXBP‐1, BIP, and CHOP genes in the unfolded protein response pathway, and enhanced Bax mRNA and caspase‐3 activity, which might contribute to leukocytopenia.

Conclusion

Our findings broaden the variation spectrum of SLC37A4 and suggest no strict genotype–phenotype correlations in GSD‐Ib patients.
Jensen‐Grüss inequality and its applications for the Zipf‐Mandelbrot law
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Klaričić Bakula Milica , Pečarić Đilda , Pečarić Josip
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we prove several Jensen‐Grüss type inequalities under various conditions. Some applications in information theory are also given.
Ultrasound‐assisted laser thrombolysis with endovascular laser and high‐intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Jo Janggun , Forrest M. Laird , Yang Xinmai
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The combination of laser and ultrasound can significantly improve the efficiency of thrombolysis through an enhanced cavitation effect. We developed a fiber optics‐based laser‐ultrasound thrombolysis device and tested the feasibility and efficiency of this technology for restoring blood flow in an in vitro blood clot model.

Methods

An in vitro blood flow‐clot model was setup, and then an endovascular laser thrombolysis system was combined with high‐intensity focused ultrasound to remove the clot. The laser and ultrasound pulses were synchronized and delivered to the blood clot concurrently. The laser pulses of 532 nm were delivered to the blood clot endovascularly through an optical fiber, whereas the ultrasound pulses of 0.5 MHz were applied noninvasively to the same region. Effectiveness of thrombolysis was evaluated by the ability to restore blood flow, which was monitored by ultrasound Doppler.

Results

As laser powers increased, the ultrasound threshold pressures for effective thrombolysis decreased. For laser fluence levels of 0, 2, and 4 mJ/cm2, the average negative ultrasound threshold pressures were 1.26 ± 0.114, 1.05 ± 0.181, and 0.59 ± 0.074 MPa, respectively. The periods of time needed to achieve effective thrombolysis were measured at 0.8, 2, and 4 mJ/cm2 laser fluence levels and 0.42, 0.70, and 0.98 MPa negative ultrasound pressures. In general, thrombolysis could be achieved more rapidly with higher laser powers or ultrasound pressures.

Conclusions

Effective thrombolysis can be achieved by combining endovascular laser with noninvasive ultrasound at relatively low power and pressure levels, which can potentially improve both the treatment efficiency and safety.
Technical Note: Characteristics of a microSilicon X shielded diode detector for photon beam dosimetry
Authors: Akino Yuichi , Okamura Keita , Das Indra J. , Isohashi Fumiaki , Seo Yuji , Tamari Keisuke , Hirata Takero , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Inoue Shinichi , Ogawa Kazuhiko
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study investigated the characteristics of a new shielded diode detector, microSilicon X (model 60022: MSX), for small‐field and large‐field dosimetry.

Methods

The percent depth dose (PDD), beam profiles, detector output factor (OFdet), temperature dependence, dose rate dependence, dose‐per‐pulse (DPP) dependence, and dose‐response linearity of MSX were evaluated in Cyberknife and TrueBeam photon beams and compared with various detectors including microDiamond (PTW model 60019: MD), Sun Nuclear EDGE detector, Photon diode (PTW model 60016: PD), and semiflex ionization chamber (PTW model 31010: IC).

Results

For field sizes ranging from 50 × 50 mm2 to 400 × 400 mm2, MSX‐measured OFdet values were within 1% of the IC‐measured values. For the CyberKnife small fields, the maximum difference between the MSX‐measured OFdet and the MD‐measured field output factor (Ω) was 4.0%, while the maximum differences were 8.8% and 10.9% for PD and EDGE, respectively. MSX showed a stable response within 0.7% for water temperatures of 5°C to 34°C, while PD and EDGE showed a linear correlation between the water temperature and the response. MSX showed small variations within 0.2% for the dose rate, and PD and EDGE showed logarithmic increases in the response with the dose rate. MSX and MD had smaller DPP dependences than PD and EDGE.

Conclusions

The characteristics of MSX for measurements of small‐ and large‐field photon beams are favorable. Compared to PD, MSX exhibited significant improvement in the over‐response for small fields. The OFdet values measured by MSX were approximately in‐between those measured by MD and PD. MSX showed stable responses against water temperature, dose rate, and DPP variations and provided suitable data for a wide range of field sizes. However, careful attention is required for measurements of OFdet for field sizes of <10 × 10 mm2 and PDD for field sizes of ≥200 × 200 mm2.
On the signal‐to‐noise ratio benefit of spiral acquisition in diffusion MRI
Authors: Lee Yoojin , Wilm Bertram J. , Brunner David O. , Gross Simon , Schmid Thomas , Nagy Zoltan , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Spiral readouts combine several favorable properties that promise superior net sensitivity for diffusion imaging. The purpose of this study is to verify the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) benefit of spiral acquisition in comparison with current echo‐planar imaging (EPI) schemes.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted in vivo brain data from three subjects were acquired with a single‐shot spiral sequence and several variants of single‐shot EPI, including full‐Fourier and partial‐Fourier readouts as well as different diffusion‐encoding schemes. Image reconstruction was based on an expanded signal model including field dynamics obtained by concurrent field monitoring. The effective resolution of each sequence was matched to that of full‐Fourier EPI with 1 mm nominal resolution. SNR maps were generated by determining the noise statistics of the raw data and analyzing the propagation of equivalent synthetic noise through image reconstruction. Using the same approach, maps of noise amplification due to parallel imaging (g‐factor) were calculated for different acceleration factors.

Results

Relative to full‐Fourier EPI at b = 0 s/mm2, spiral acquisition yielded SNR gains of 42‐88% and 40‐89% in white and gray matter, respectively, depending on the diffusion‐encoding scheme. Relative to partial‐Fourier EPI, the gains were 36‐44% and 34‐42%. Spiral g‐factor maps exhibited less spatial variation and lower maxima than their EPI counterparts.

Conclusion

Spiral readouts achieve significant SNR gains in the order of 40‐80% over EPI in diffusion imaging at 3T. Combining systematic effects of shorter echo time, readout efficiency, and favorable g‐factor behavior, similar benefits are expected across clinical and neurosciences uses of diffusion imaging.
Transceive phase corrected 2D contrast source inversion‐electrical properties tomography
Authors: Stijnman Peter R. S. , Stefano Mandija  , Fuchs Patrick S. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Remis Rob F.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To remove the necessity of the tranceive phase assumption for CSI‐EPT and show electrical properties maps reconstructed from measured data obtained using a standard 3T birdcage body coil setup.

Methods

The existing CSI‐EPT algorithm is reformulated to use the transceive phase rather than relying on the transceive phase assumption. Furthermore, the radio frequency (RF)‐shield is numerically implemented to accurately model the RF fields inside the MRI scanner. We verify that the reformulated two‐dimensional (2D) CSI‐EPT algorithm can reconstruct electrical properties maps given 2D electromagnetic simulations. Afterward, the algorithm is tested with three‐dimensional (3D) FDTD simulations to investigate if the 2D CSI‐EPT can retrieve the electrical properties for 3D RF fields. Finally, an MR experiment at 3T with a phantom is performed.

Results

From the results of the 2D simulations, it is seen that CSI‐EPT can reconstruct the electrical properties using MRI accessible quantities. For 3D simulations, it is observed that the electrical properties are underestimated, nonetheless, CSI‐EPT has a lower standard deviation than the standard Helmholtz based methods. Finally, the first CSI‐EPT reconstructions based on measured data are presented showing comparable accuracy and precision to reconstructions based on simulated data, and demonstrating the feasibility of CSI‐EPT.

Conclusions

The CSI‐EPT algorithm was rewritten to use MRI accessible quantities. This allows for CSI‐EPT to fully exploit the benefits of the higher static magnetic field strengths with a standard quadrature birdcage coil setup.
FSL‐MRS: An end‐to‐end spectroscopy analysis package
Authors: Clarke William T. , Stagg Charlotte J. , Jbabdi Saad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

We introduce FSL‐MRS, an end‐to‐end, modular, open‐source MRS analysis toolbox. It provides spectroscopic data conversion, preprocessing, spectral simulation, fitting, quantitation, and visualization.

Methods

The FSL‐MRS package is modular. Its programs operate on data in a standard format (Neuroimaging Informatics Technology Initiative [NIfTI]) capable of storing single‐voxel and multivoxel spectroscopy, including spatial orientation information. The FSL‐MRS toolbox includes tools for preprocessing of raw spectroscopy data, including coil combination, frequency and phase alignment, and filtering. A density matrix simulation program is supplied for generation of basis spectra from simple text‐based descriptions of pulse sequences. Fitting is based on linear combination of basis spectra and implements Markov chain Monte Carlo optimization for the estimation of the full posterior distribution of metabolite concentrations. Validation of the fitting is carried out on independently created simulated data, phantom data, and three in vivo human data sets (257 single‐voxel spectroscopy and 8 MRSI data sets) at 3 T and 7 T. Interactive HTML reports are automatically generated by processing and fitting stages of the toolbox. The FSL‐MRS package can be used on the command line or interactively in the Python language.

Results

Validation of the fitting shows low error in simulation (median error of 11.9%) and in phantom (3.4%). Average correlation between a third‐party toolbox (LCModel) and FSL‐MRS was high (0.53‐0.81) in all three in vivo data sets.

Conclusion

The FSL‐MRS toolbox is designed to be flexible and extensible to new forms of spectroscopic acquisitions. Custom fitting models can be specified within the framework for dynamic or multivoxel spectroscopy. It is available as part of the FMRIB Software Library.