bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimycotic Potential of Alum on Postharvest Deterioration of Tomato
Authors: Amadi Lawrence O. , Udoh Eunice J. , Thompson Rebecca U. , Benjamin Ruth G. , Nmom Felicia W.
Published: November 2019

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most economically attractive and widely consumed vegetables globally. Their high water content, perishability, transport and poor storage system predisposes them to spoilage by a broad spectrum of mycoflora resulting in huge postharvest losses. This study investigates antimycotic potential of alum on postharvest deterioration of tomato. Composite samples of deteriorating tomatoes were subjected to standard mycological analysis from which total fungal colony counts obtained ranged from 1.64x106-5.70x109 CFU/g, and the following species were identified; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus stolonifer, Geotrichum candidium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In vitro antimycotic activity of alum (1% (w/v) concentration) was determined on some of the isolates by agar well method (AWM) and diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) measured using a metre rule. G. candidum had the highest DIZ (9.0mm (29.0%) followed by A. niger (8.0 mm (25.8%) and 7.0mm (⁓ 22.6%) for Fusarium and Penicillium species respectively. R. stolonifer showed no inhibition or zero. pH values increased from 4.35-4.52 whereas TTA values decreased from 0.13-0.07 within 2days of analysis. However, these results indicate that treatment of postharvest deteriorating tomatoes with alum prior to consumption would enhance food safety as some of these fungi are known to be spoilage, toxigenic or opportunistic pathogens. So, their presence raises concern on storability as well as public health risks associated with consumption of these fruits. Therefore, production of tomato requires an integrated and multidisciplinary research approach not only to reduce economic loss but also create consumers’ awareness on potential public health hazards of consuming relatively cheaper and pathogen contaminated deteriorating tomatoes.
Diurnal, Seasonal and Annual Variation of Microwave Radio Refractivity Gradient over Akure, South West Nigeria
Authors: Adediji Adekunle Titus , Babatunde Dada Joseph , Ajewole Moses Oludare
Published: November 2019

In this study, four years in-situ measurements of atmospheric parameters (pressure, temperature and relative humidity) were carried out. The measurement was by placing an automatic weather station at five different heights: ground surface, 50, 100, 150 and 200 m respectively on a 220 m Nigeria Television Authority TV tower in Akure, South Western Nigeria. The four years Data collected (January 2007 to December 2009 and January to December 2011) were used to compute radio refractivity and its gradient. The local effect of a location/ region cannot but looked into when designing effective radio link, hence the diurnal, seasonal and annual variations of the radio refractivity gradient were studied. Results showed that refractivity gradient steadily increases inthe hour of 8:30 and 9:30 to 18:00 during dry season throughout the years investigated, and decreases two hours in the rainy season than the dry season. The record shows that at 50 m altitude, the maximum and minimum values are 158 N-unit/km around 14:30 and - 286 N-unit/km around 13:30 to 14:00 hrs, LT during the dry and rainy season respectively. Seasonally, refractivity gradient is steeper with greater variability in the dry season months than in the wet season months.
Retracted: Occurrence of Multidrug Resistance Escherichia coli and Other Bacteria Species Associated with Urinary Tract Infection in Two Geopolitical Zones of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Waire Titilayo Modupe , Adejumo Timothy Olubisi , Olajubu Festus Abiose
Published: November 2019

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection known to affect different parts of the urinary tract of both male and female. Escherichia coli has been found to be responsible for causing 80% to 90% of the infection. An investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence of bacteria, especially E. coli implicated in UTI, and to ascertain their antibiotics susceptibility pattern. Early morning mid-stream urine samples were collected from 250 patients aged 18 to 60 years, between March and July of 2016 from 5 major Hospitals in the study location. The isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods and susceptibility tests were carried out using ten antibiotics. Results showed that 65(30.7%) of the isolates were E. coli. Followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 45(21.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 42(19.8%), Staphylococcus aureus 32(15.1%) and Proteus mirabilis 28(13.2%). The percentages of resistance of E. coli isolates to antimicrobial agents were chloramphenicol (64.9%), sparfloxacin (59.5%), ciprofloxacin (73.0%), septrin (73.0%), amoxacillin (91.9%), augmentin (83.8%), gentamycin (48.7%), perfloxacin (40.5%), ofloxacin (40.5%) and streptomycin (54.1%). The need for constant antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance by health managements system that will help clinicians to provide safe and effective therapy is advocated.

Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal. This journal is determined to promote integrity in research publication. This retraction is in spirit of the same. After formal procedures editor(s) and publisher have retracted this paper on 10th July 2019. Related policy is available here: http://goo.gl/lI77Nn
Subjective View of Political Officers on Social Action: Phenomenology Study of Aksi Bela Islam (ABI) 212 (Action of Defending Islam) among Members of House of Representative of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI)
Authors: Yusuf Almuzzammil , Hammad Ibnu , Subhan Arif
Published: November 2019

It was on 2 December 2016 that the enormous number of Islamic mass was on a gigantic demonstration, known as Aksi Bela Islam (ABI) 212 (Action of Defending Islam), in Jakarta which further was subject to the controversy by many parties including politicians. This research aims at finding out how ABI 212 is viewed by the 2014-2019 House of Representative of The Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI). 

The research employed the interpretation framework of George Herbert Mead which put the view on ABI 212 as a Phenomenon interpretation. In line with the Mead theory which believes that view is in a subjective territory, the research employed perception phenomenology method with a subjective paradigm through the qualitative data analysis technique from Miles and Huberman.

It was found that each of the representatives has their view on ABI 212. It was subjective and relative from one to another based on their intellectual and social background. The variety of the views can be united into those who are pro-ABI 212 because of the religious partisanship which has been formed long before the ABI 212. In regard with the "multi-generalized other", The organization’s view tends to be independent because of some aspects of the party's attitudes such as the market orientation shifting and the strong Islamic idealism legacy from their previous Islamic organizations.
Boko Haram Insurgency and the Underdevelopment of Girl- Child in Northeastern Nigeria: Implication for National Development
Authors: Abur Cyprian Clement , Iyoho Ngozi Edith
Published: November 2019

In recent times, millions of girl-child in Northeastern schools in Nigeria are caught up in conflicts that resulted from Boko Haram to insecurity which affected their school attendance. This paper examines the effect of Boko Haram Insurgency on girl- child attendance in secondary schools in Northeastern Nigeria. The study purposively selects three states in north eastern Nigeria.  The study employed primary and secondary data; 360 respondents were randomly selected. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model was used to analyzed the data collected. The OLS regression model result shows that the R2 is as high as 0.680, this suggests that Boko Haram has influence on the girlchild attendance in secondary schools in the Northeastern Nigeria, therefore, the null hypothesis that Boko Haram insurgency has no significant effect on Girlchild attendance in Secondary Schools in Nigeria is rejected. This implies that Boko Haram insurgency has significant effects on Girl- child attendance in Secondary Schools in Nigeria. The study recommended that professional public private partnership (4 P’s) should provide all necessary support to teachers and students, who have been affected by violence in Northeast of Nigeria, this should include rehabilitation and resettlement for those who have been forced to flee to return for academic pursuit.
Five-year cumulative incidence of overweight and obesity, and longitudinal change in body mass index in Japanese workers: The Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study
Authors: Hasegawa Miyuki , Akter Shamima , Hu Huanhuan , Kashino Ikuko , Kuwahara Keisuke , Okazaki Hiroko , Sasaki Naoko , Ogasawara Takayuki , Eguchi Masafumi , Kochi Takeshi , Miyamoto Toshiaki , Nakagawa Tohru , Honda Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Murakami Taizo , Shimizu Makiko , Uehara Akihiko , Yamamoto Makoto , Imai Teppei , Nishihara Akiko , Tomita Kentaro , Nagahama Satsue , Hori Ai , Konishi Maki , Kabe Isamu , Mizoue Tetsuya , Kunugita Naoki , Dohi Seitaro ,   Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study Group, Mizoue T , Akter S , Hu H , Inoue Y , Fukunaga A , Kashino I , Islam Z , Konishi M , Nanri A , Kurotani K , Kuwahara K , Nakagawa T , Yamamoto S , Honda T , Watanabe Y , Dohi S , Okazaki H , Imai T , Nishihara A , Sasaki N , Ogasawara T , Uehara A , Yamamoto M , Miyamoto T , Hasegawa M , Shirozu M , Kabe I , Kochi T , Eguchi M , Murakami T , Shimizu C , Shimizu M , Gonmori N , Ogasawara A , Kato N , Tomizawa A , Tomita K , Nagahama S , Kunugita N , Sone T , Fukasawa K , Hori A , Nishiura C , Kinugawa C , Kuroda R , Yamamoto K , Ohtsu M , Sakamoto N , Osaki Y , Totsuzaki T , Endo M , Itoh T , Kawashima M , Masuda M , Kitahara K , Yokoya T , Fukai K , Odagami K , Kobayashi Y
Published: November 2019

Objective

The present study aimed to estimate cumulative incidence of overweight and obesity and describe 5-year longitudinal changes in body mass index (BMI) in a large occupational cohort in Japan.

Methods

Participants were 55 229 Japanese employees, who were aged 20-59 years and attended at all subsequent annual health check-ups between 2009 and 2014. Mixed model analysis was performed to examine the effects of age and cohort by gender on BMI change, with age as a random variable. Cumulative incidence of overweight (23.0≤ BMI <27.5 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2) was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios for the incidence of overweight and obesity according to age group.

Results

The incidence of overweight and obesity was approximately double in men (28.3% and 6.7%, respectively) compared to women (14.3% and 3.9%, respectively). The incidence of obesity decreased with age in men, but did not differ according to age in women (P for trend: .02 and .89, respectively). Among overweight participants, the incidence of obesity was higher in women (18.9%) than men (14.5%) and decreased with advancing age (P for trend: <.001 in men and .003 in women). Mean BMI was higher in men than women in all age groups throughout the period. Younger cohorts tended to have a higher BMI change compared with older cohorts.

Conclusions

In this Japanese occupational cohort, transition from overweight to obesity is higher in women than men, and the more recent cohorts had a higher change in mean BMI than the older cohorts.
TGF‐β‐induced fibrotic stress increases G‐quadruplex formation in human fibroblasts
Authors: Toshniwal Priyanka , Nguyen Michelle , Guédin Aurore , Viola Helena , Ho Diwei , Kim Yongeun , Bhatt Uditi , Bond Charles S. , Hool Livia , Hurley Laurence H. , Mergny Jean‐Louis , Fear Mark , Wood Fiona , Iyer Swaminathan K. , Smith Nicole M.
Published: November 2019

Scar formation after wound healing is a major medical problem. A better understanding of the dynamic nuclear architecture of the genome during wound healing could provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology and enable novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we demonstrate that TGF‐β‐induced fibrotic stress increases formation of the dynamic secondary DNA structures called G‐quadruplexes in skin fibroblasts, which is coincident with increased expression of collagen 1. This G‐quadruplex formation is attenuated by a small molecule inhibitor of intracellular Ca2+ influx and an anti‐fibrotic compound. In addition, we identify G‐quadruplex‐forming sequences in the promoter region of COL1A1, which encodes collagen 1, and confirm their ability to form G‐quadruplex structures under physiologically relevant conditions. Our findings reveal a link between G‐quadruplexes and scar formation that may lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
A panel of miRNAs derived from plasma extracellular vesicles as novel diagnostic biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Bing , Qu Shuang , Hu Ruifeng , Gao Wen , Jin Shidai , Liu Ming , Zhao Quan
Published: November 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) being the most common histological subtype (approximately 40%). In the absence of reliable screening biomarkers for early diagnosis, most patients with LUAD are inevitably diagnosed at an advanced stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated within plasma‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be suitable for use as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for aggressive malignancies, including LUAD. In this study, we first investigated the miRNA profiles of plasma‐derived EVs from LUAD patients and healthy donors, and then systematically evaluated the expression patterns of selected plasma‐derived EV miRNAs in a large cohort of patients with LUAD and healthy controls. Notably, we observed that miR‐451a, miR‐194‐5p, and miR‐486‐5p were significantly increased in EVs from LUAD patients, compared to healthy controls. The area under the curve values for the three miRNAs were 0.9040 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8633–0.9447) for miR‐451a, 0.7492 (95% CI, 0.6992–0.7992) for miR‐194‐5p, and 0.9574 (95% CI, 0.9378–0.9769) for miR‐486‐5p, while the AUC of the combination of these three miRNAs was 0.9650. Thus, these results suggest that these EV miRNAs may be promising candidates for the development of highly effective, noninvasive biomarkers for early LUAD diagnosis.
Mechanical Interaction between Cells Facilitates Molecular Transport
Authors: Gomez David , Natan Sari , Shokef Yair , Lesman Ayelet
Published: November 2019

In vivo, eukaryotic cells are embedded in a matrix environment, where they grow and develop. Generally, this extracellular matrix (ECM) is an anisotropic fibrous structure, through which macromolecules and biochemical signaling molecules at the nanometer scale diffuse. The ECM is continuously remodeled by cells, via mechanical interactions, which lead to a potential link between biomechanical and biochemical cell–cell interactions. Here, it is studied how cell‐induced forces applied on the ECM impact the biochemical transport of molecules between distant cells. It is experimentally observed that cells remodel the ECM by increasing fiber alignment and density of the matrix between them over time. Using random walk simulations on a 3D lattice, elongated fixed obstacles are implemented that mimic the fibrous ECM structure. Both diffusion of a tracer molecule and the mean first‐passage time a molecule secreted from one cell takes to reach another cell are measured. The model predicts that cell‐induced remodeling can lead to a dramatic speedup in the transport of molecules between cells. Fiber alignment and densification cause reduction of the transport dimensionality from a 3D to a much more rapid 1D process. Thus, a novel mechanism of mechano‐biochemical feedback in the regulation of long‐range cell–cell communication is suggested.
MoS2/MoTe2 Heterostructure Tunnel FETs Using Gated Schottky Contacts
Authors: Balaji Yashwanth , Smets Quentin , Śzabo Áron , Mascaro Marco , Lin Dennis , Asselberghs Inge , Radu Iuliana , Luisier Mathieu , Groeseneken Guido
Published: November 2019

2D transition metal dichalcogenide based van der Waals materials are promising candidates to realize tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) with a steep subthreshold swing (SS) for low‐power applications. Their atomically flat, self‐passivated layers offer potentially defect free interlayer tunneling. There are still several issues that need to be addressed to experimentally achieve a steep SS, e.g., the Schottky contacts, impact of thick layers, and device architecture with respect to gate configuration. This paper resolves these challenges by experimentally demonstrating MoS2/MoTe2 TFETs and their electrical characteristics, in conjunction with ab initio simulations and surface Kelvin probe microscopy. The Schottky barrier's effect at the contact regions are isolated by fabricating individual buried gates below the contacts. Devices with different top and bottom gate configurations are produced to understand the impact of gate placement on the heterostructure characteristics. Quantum transport simulations are performed on MoS2/MoTe2 multilayer stack to evaluate the impact of multiple layers on TFET performance, effect of gate placement, and the mechanism behind indirect tunneling over the heterojunction region. This work highlights the influence of the Schottky contacts, multiple layers and the role of different gate configurations on the band‐to‐band tunneling phenomenon in 2D heterojunction TFETs.
Thermal Conductivity Reduction in a Nanophononic Metamaterial versus a Nanophononic Crystal: A Review and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud I. , Tsai Chia‐Nien , Honarvar Hossein
Published: November 2019

The notion of a locally resonant metamaterial—widely applied to light and sound—has recently been introduced to heat, whereby the thermal conductivity is reduced primarily by intrinsic localized atomic vibrations rather than scattering mechanisms. This article reviews and analyzes this new emerging concept, termed nanophononic metamaterial (NPM), and contrasts it with the competing concept of a nanophononic crystal (NPC) in which thermal conductivity reduction is realized primarily via nanoscale Bragg scattering. Both the NPM and NPC core mechanisms require the presence of a sufficient level of wave behavior, which is possible when there is a relatively wide distribution of the phonon mean free path (MFP). Silicon serves as a perfect material to form NPMs and NPCs given its relatively large average phonon MFP. This offers a unique opportunity considering silicon's abundance and mature fabrication technology. It is shown in this comparative study that while both the NPM and NPC nanosystems may be rendered to serve as extreme insulators of heat, an NPM may do so without excessive reduction in the minimum feature size–which is key to keeping the electrical properties intact. This trait makes a silicon‐based NPM poised to serve as a low‐cost thermoelectric material with exceptional performance.
2D Ca3Sn2S7 Chalcogenide Perovskite: A Graphene‐Like Semiconductor with Direct Bandgap 0.5 eV and Ultrahigh Carrier Mobility 6.7 × 104 cm2 V−1 s−1
Authors: Du Juan , Shi Jun‐jie
Published: November 2019

Graphene, a star 2D material, has attracted much attention because of its unique properties including linear electronic dispersion, massless carriers, and ultrahigh carrier mobility (104–105 cm2 V−1 s−1). However, its zero bandgap greatly impedes its application in the semiconductor industry. Opening the zero bandgap has become an unresolved worldwide problem. Here, a novel and stable 2D Ruddlesden–Popper‐type layered chalcogenide perovskite semiconductor Ca3Sn2S7 is found based on first‐principles GW calculations, which exhibits excellent electronic, optical, and transport properties, as well as soft and isotropic mechanical characteristics. Surprisingly, it has a graphene‐like linear electronic dispersion, small carrier effective mass (0.04 m0), ultrahigh room‐temperature carrier mobility (6.7 × 104 cm2 V−1 s−1), Fermi velocity (3 × 105 m s−1), and optical absorption coefficient (105 cm−1). Particularly, it has a direct quasi‐particle bandgap of 0.5 eV, which realizes the dream of opening the graphene bandgap in a new way. These results guarantee its application in infrared optoelectronic and high‐speed electronic devices.
TEMPO‐Mediated Synthesis of N‐(Fluoroalkyl)imidazolones via Reaction of Imidazoles with Iodofluoroacetate
Authors: Chen Jia‐Hao , Ahmed Wasim , Li Ming‐Hua , Li Zhao‐Dong , Cui Zi‐Ning , Tang Ri‐Yuan
Published: November 2019

We report a TEMPO‐mediated oxidative copper‐catalyzed synthesis of N‐(fluoroalkyl)imidazolones via the radical addition of imidazoles with iodofluoroacetate. A possible key intermediate involving TEMPO was observed by ESI‐MS. We also found that aerobic oxidation conditions were effective for the transformation in the presence of a copper catalyst, enabling access to a number of N‐(fluoroalkyl)imidazolones in moderate to good yields.

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Silver(I) Triflate‐Catalyzed Protocol for the Post‐Ugi Synthesis of Spiroindolines
Authors: Zaman Manzoor , Hasan Muhammad , Peshkov Anatoly A. , Van Hecke Kristof , Van der Eycken Erik V. , Pereshivko Olga P. , Peshkov Vsevolod A.
Published: November 2019

A silver(I) triflate‐catalyzed protocol for the post‐Ugi synthesis of tetracyclic spiroindolines has been developed. The protocol worked best for indole‐3‐carbaldehyde‐derived Ugi adducts obtained using anilines and 3‐aryl propiolic acids. Thus, it is complementary to the previous cationic gold‐catalyzed procedure that was developed for analogues Ugi substrates derived from aliphatic amines and 3‐alkyl propiolic acids. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that under our new settings this domino Friedel‐Crafts ipso cyclization / imine trapping process could be efficiently combined with the preceding four‐component Ugi reaction into a two‐step one‐pot transformation.

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The Vice Chair of Education in Emergency Medicine: A Workforce Study to Establish the Role, Clarify Responsibilities, and Plan for Success
Authors: Papanagnou Dimitrios , Messman Anne M. , Branzetti Jeremy , Diemer Gretchen , Hobgood Cherri , Hopson Laura R. , Regan Linda , Zhang Xiao C. , Gisondi Michael A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Despite increasing prevalence in emergency medicine (EM), the vice chair of education (VCE) role remains ambiguous with regard to associated responsibilities and expectations. This study aimed to identify training experiences of current VCEs, clarify responsibilities, review career paths, and gather data to inform a unified job description.

Methods

A 40‐item, anonymous survey was electronically sent to EM VCEs. VCEs were identified through EM chairs, residency program directors, and residency coordinators through solicitation e‐mails distributed through respective listservs. Quantitative data are reported as percentages with 95% confidence intervals and continuous variables as medians with interquartiles (IQRs). Open‐ and axial‐coding methods were used to organize qualitative data into thematic categories.

Results

Forty‐seven of 59 VCEs completed the survey (79.6% response rate); 74.4% were male and 89.3% were white. Average time in the role was 3.56 years (median = 3.0 years, IQR = 4.0 years), with 74.5% serving as inaugural VCE. Many respondents held at least one additional administrative title. Most had no defined job description (68.9%) and reported no defined metrics of success (88.6%). Almost 78% received a reduction in clinical duties, with an average reduction of 27.7% protected time effort (median = 27.2%, IQR = 22.5%). Responsibilities thematically link to faculty affairs and promotion of the departmental educational mission and scholarship.

Conclusion

Given the variability in expectations observed, the authors suggest the adoption of a unified VCE job description with detailed responsibilities and performance metrics to ensure success in the role. Efforts to improve the diversity of VCEs are encouraged to better match the diversity of learners.
Distinct and convergent consequences of splice factor mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Madan Vikas , Li Jia , Zhou Siqin , Teoh Weoi Woon , Han Lin , Meggendorfer Manja , Malcovati Luca , Cazzola Mario , Ogawa Seishi , Haferlach Torsten , Yang Henry , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: November 2019

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by recurrent somatic alterations often affecting components of RNA splicing machinery. Mutations of splice factors SF3B1, SRSF2, ZRSR2 and U2AF1 occur in >50% of MDS. To assess the impact of spliceosome mutations on splicing and to identify common pathways/genes affected by distinct mutations, we performed RNA‐sequencing of MDS bone marrow samples harboring spliceosome mutations (including hotspot alterations of SF3B1, SRSF2 and U2AF1; small deletions of SRSF2 and truncating mutations of ZRSR2), and devoid of other common co‐occurring mutations. We uncover the landscape of splicing alterations in each splice factor mutant MDS and demonstrate that small deletions in SRSF2 cause highest number of splicing alterations compared with other spliceosome mutations. Although the mis‐spliced events observed in different splice factor mutations were largely non‐overlapping, a subset of genes, including EZH2, were aberrantly spliced in multiple mutant groups. We also verified aberrant splicing of key genes USP9X, USP24 (deubiquitinating enzymes), LUC7L2 (splice factor) and EED (PRC2 component) in MDS harboring small deletions of SRSF2. Pathway analysis revealed that mis‐spliced genes in different mutant groups were enriched in RNA splicing and transport as well as several signaling cascades, suggesting converging biological consequences downstream of distinct spliceosome mutations. Our study reveals splicing signatures of each splice factor mutation and identifies shared and distinct sets of mis‐spliced genes and affected biological processes in different spliceosome mutant MDS.
Divergent Synthesis of Bicyclic Iminosugars: Preparation of (−)‐Swainsonine‐Based Alkaloids and Their Inhibition Study towards α‐Human Mannosidases
Authors: Chen Wei‐An , Sayyad Ashik , Chen Chiao‐Wen , Chen Yu‐Hsin , Cheng Ting‐Jen R. , Cheng Wei‐Chieh
Published: November 2019

A divergent and concise route to synthesize bicyclic iminosugars, especially polyhydroxylated pyrrolizidine and indolizidine‐based molecules, was described. Six natural product‐like bicyclic alkaloids including (−‐Swainsonine were conveniently prepared through this straightforward method. The key steps are diastereoselective allylation, ring size manipulation through hydroboration‐oxidation strategy and systematic installation of the amino functionality at the C8 position using nitrone chemistry. These Swainsonine analogues were applied for inhibition study against both α‐hLM and α‐hGMII. Interestingly, the C8 hydroxyl group with proper orientation plays a crucial role for inhibitory activities. The compounds possessing the C8 amino group drastically decrease their inhibitory activities.
Newly designed bioanode for glucose/O2 biofuel cells to generate renewable energy
Authors: Korkut Seyda , Kiliç Muhammet Samet , Hazer Baki
Published: November 2019

A copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐vinylferrocene) was synthesized and used for the first time in a biofuel cell design. Bioanaode enzyme glucose oxidase and biocathode enzyme bilirubin oxidase were physically immobilized onto the copolymer‐modified electrodes. Characterization studies were conducted by scanning electron microscopy, carbon‐13, fourier transform infrared and hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance, and cyclic voltammograms. The designed biofuel cell was operated with linear sweep voltammetry. The maximum current was at 45°C with 120 μg of polymer amount. An improved power density of 323 μW cm−2 that is higher than other ferrocene‐based fuel cells was obtained with 10‐mM glucose at 0.4 V with the designed bioanode.
Multi‐agent consensus for distributed power dispatch with load balancing
Authors: Hanada Kenta , Wada Takayuki , Masubuchi Izumi , Asai Toru , Fujisaki Yasumasa
Published: November 2019

A weighted averaging consensus algorithm over a noisy network is considered for a distributed power dispatch with load balancing. The availability of the communication among dispatching agents is represented as a network that is assumed to be a directed, balanced, and a weakly connected graph with no self loop. A simple representation of the consensus algorithm is given by using its graph Laplacian. The convergence analysis of the algorithm reveals an explicit relation between the number of iterations and the closeness of the agreement in terms of the characteristic values of the graph Laplacian, which gives a stopping rule for the consensus algorithms.
Recent Advances of Using Ionic Liquids for Biopolymer Extraction and Processing
Authors: Mahmood Hamayoun , Moniruzzaman Muhammad
Published: November 2019

The evolution of petroleum‐derived polymers is one of the crowning accomplishments of the past century. Although the significant economic gains from this industrial model of resource utilization are achieved, the environmental impacts are fatal. One of the principles of sustainable development is to replace such polymers with potential alternatives derived from renewable materials. Biopolymers derived from natural resources afford a new, versatile, environmentally benign feedstock that could exhibit closed‐loop life cycles as part of a future material's industrial ecology. However, the solubility and processability of biopolymer materials provoke a serious bottleneck owing to their dense networks of inter ‐ and intramolecular bondings and structural heterogeneity. Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising green solvents and acquired augmented appreciation for their peerless power of biopolymer processing. Among the fourteen principle of green chemistry, the two key elements encourage the exploitation of renewable raw materials by using environmentally benign solvents that cover in dissolution of biopolymers using ILs. This mini review represents a brief overview of the comprehensive ILs assisted extraction and processing of various biopolymeric materials for value‐added applications.
Enhanced functional recombinant factor IX production by human embryonic kidney cells engineered to overexpress VKORC1
Authors: Pakdaman Seyyedeh Fatemeh , Vatandoost Jafar , Bos Mettine H. A.
Published: November 2019

Replacement therapy with recombinant drugs is the main therapeutic strategy for hemophilia B patients. To reduce the production costs of recombinant coagulation factors, improvement of their expression and activity by enhancement of γ‐carboxylation might be of interest. The expression and functional activity of vitamin K‐dependent (VKD) coagulation proteins rely, in part, on the VKD process of γ‐carboxylation that is mediated by the enzymes γ‐carboxylase and vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR). Since the recombinant production of VKD proteins is hampered by the inefficiency of this enzymatic process, we specifically have examined the stable expression of functional blood coagulation factor IX (FIX) in HEK293 cells following transient overexpression of VKORC1 as an important part of VKOR component. Recombinant hFIX‐producing human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells were transfected to overexpress VKORC1. Following reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, expression efficiency of the active hFIX was analyzed by performing enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and coagulation test. In addition, to quantify γ‐carboxylated recombinant FIX, the barium citrate method was used. Overexpression of VKORC1 in FIX‐producing HEK cells, resulting in a 3.2‐fold higher expression of functional FIX, which displayed a 1.4‐fold enhanced specific activity. Moreover, a 3.9‐fold enhanced recovery of fully γ‐carboxylated FIX following barium citrate adsorption was achieved. Collectively, these findings indicate that the overexpression of VKORC1 results in the production of higher levels of functional hFIX in HEK293 cells. The increase of the VKORC1 as a supplier of γ‐carboxylase seems to play a significant role in increasing the amount and efficiency of recombinant FIX production, thereby reducing the production costs.
Difficult to change? The differences between successful and not‐so‐successful participation in anger management groups
Authors: Shepherd Gary , Cant Matthew
Published: November 2019

Background

Although much is known about the importance of anger management programmes, little has been written on the self‐reported differences in experience between people who feel they have been successful and those who feel less successful in their change efforts.

Research aim

This research aimed to explore the reported differences in experiences between men who had reduced their angry behaviours and men who had been less able to reduce their anger.

Method

Phenomenological research was carried out using data from the weekly ‘check‐in’ process of six male participants enrolled on one of two 10‐week mindfulness‐based anger management programmes. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Key Findings

Men who reported successfully lowering their anger developed an improved bodily awareness, the ability to calm other people down in tense situations and possessed a determination to continue the course ‘homework’ exercises. Men who reported less success seemed to be in ‘emotionally stuck’ states, found it difficult to change their perceptions of threatening situations and had problems continuing their homework practice.

Conclusion

Men who struggle to manage their anger may have deeper developmental issues preventing them from changing their angry responses. The authors recommend that in order to help such men, new anger theory and practice be developed, informed by the notion of narcissism.
Assessing gluten strength with a new small‐scale LASRC method useful for soft wheat breeding programs
Authors: Karaduman Yaşar
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

The gluten strength of soft wheat breeding materials can be categorized according to various quality tests. While weak gluten in flours is typically required for the production of soft‐dough biscuits, extensible dough with medium gluten strength is required from flours suitable for the production of other types of biscuits. Genotypes that have high gluten strength are ordinarily eliminated from soft wheat breeding programs. Therefore, small‐scale quality test methods that can predict the gluten strength of genotypes, especially in the early stages of breeding, are highly desirable. In the present study, the effectiveness and efficiency of a small‐scale lactic acid solvent retention capacity (LASRC) test, as a potential simplified means to evaluate gluten strength for soft wheat breeding programs, were investigated.

Findings

Soft wheat genotypes grown in different locations were categorized by the LASRC values of their flours. GlutoPeak, Mixolab, farinograph, mixograph, Zeleny sedimentation, and glutenin swelling index test results were also used for comparison, in order to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of LASRC. LASRC test results successfully discriminated between soft‐/weak‐ and hard‐/strong‐dough groups, but were sometimes less successful in discriminating between hard‐/strong‐ and medium‐strong‐dough groups. Mixograph development time and area, farinograph stability and degree of softening, Mixolab stability, GlutoPeak AM value, and Zeleny sedimentation parameters all showed strong correlations with LASRC.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that new a small‐scale LASRC has potential as a simplified, rapid, and effective small‐sample test.

Significance and novelty

This LASRC small‐sample flour test can be recommended for predicting gluten strength, especially for early‐generation selection of soft wheat breeding materials.
Modeling of cancer photothermal therapy using near‐infrared radiation and functionalized graphene nanosheets
Authors: Wang Yijuan , Leng Sha , Huang Jigang , Shu Mingyang , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: November 2019

Photothermal therapy using near‐infrared radiation and local heating agents can induce selective tumor ablation with limited harm to the surrounding normal tissue. Graphene sheets are promising local heating agents because of their strong absorbance of near‐infrared radiation. Experimental studies have been conducted to study the heating effect of graphene in photothermal therapy, yet few efforts have been devoted to the quantitative understanding of energy conversion and transport in such systems. Herein, a computational study of cancer photothermal therapy using near‐infrared radiation and graphene is presented using a Monte Carlo approach. A three‐dimensional model was built with a cancer cell inside a cube of healthy tissue. Functionalized graphene nanosheets were randomly distributed on the surface of the cancer cell. The effects of the concentration and morphology of the graphene nanosheets on the thermal behavior of the system were quantitatively investigated. The interfacial thermal resistance around the graphene sheets, which affects the transfer of heat in the nanoscale, was also varied to probe its effect on the temperature increase of the cancer cell and the healthy tissue. The results of this study could guide researchers to optimize photothermal therapy with graphene, while the modeling approach has the potential to be applied for investigating alternative treatment plans.
Vedolizumab for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Two‐Year Results of the Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC) Registry, A Nationwide Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Biemans Vince B.C. , van der Woude C. Janneke , Dijkstra Gerard , van der Meulen‐de Jong Andrea E. , Oldenburg Bas , de Boer Nanne K. , Löwenberg Mark , Srivastava Nidhi , Bodelier Alexander G.L. , West Rachel L. , Jansen Jeroen M. , de Vries Annemarie C. , Haans Jeoffrey J.L. , de Jong Dirk J. , Pierik Marie J. , Hoentjen Frank
Published: November 2019

Prospective data of vedolizumab treatment for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) beyond 1 year of treatment is scarce but needed for clinical decision making. We prospectively enrolled 310 patients with IBD (191 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 119 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC)) with a follow‐up period of 104 weeks (interquartile range: 103–104) in a nationwide registry. The corticosteroid‐free clinical remission rate (Harvey Bradshaw Index ≤ 4, Short Clinical Colitis Activity index ≤ 2) at weeks 52 and 104 were 28% and 19% for CD and 27% and 28% for UC, respectively. Fifty‐nine percent maintained corticosteroid‐free clinical remission between weeks 52 and 104. Vedolizumab with concomitant immunosuppression showed comparable effectiveness outcomes compared with vedolizumab monotherapy (week 104: 21% vs. 23%; P = 0.77), whereas 8 of 13 severe infections occurred in patients treated with concomitant immunosuppression. To conclude, the clinical effect was 19% for CD and 28% for UC after 2 years of follow‐up regardless of concomitant immunosuppression.
Bayesian mechanistic modeling characterizes Gulf of Mexico hypoxia: 1968–2016 and future scenarios
Authors: Del Giudice Dario , Matli V. R. R. , Obenour Daniel R.
Published: November 2019

The hypoxic zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico is among the most dramatic examples of impairments to aquatic ecosystems. Despite having attracted substantial attention, management of this environmental crisis remains challenging, partially due to limited monitoring to support model development and long‐term assessments. Here, we leverage new geostatistical estimates of hypoxia derived from nearly 150 monitoring cruises and a process‐based model to improve characterization of controlling mechanisms, historic trends, and future responses of hypoxia while rigorously quantifying uncertainty in a Bayesian framework. We find that November–March nitrogen loads are important controls of sediment oxygen demand, which appears to be the major oxygen sink. In comparison, only ~23% of oxygen in the near‐bottom region appears to be consumed by net water column respiration, which is driven by spring and summer loads. Hypoxia typically exceeds 15,600 km2 in June, peaks in July, and declines below 10,000 km2 in September. In contrast to some previous Gulf hindcasting studies, our simulations demonstrate that hypoxia was both severe and worsening prior to 1985, and has remained relatively stable since that time. Scenario analysis shows that halving nutrient loadings will reduce hypoxia by 37% with respect to 13,900 km2 (1985–2016 median), while a +2°C change in water temperature will cause a 26% hypoxic area increase due to enhanced sediment respiration and reduced oxygen solubility. These new results highlight the challenges of achieving hypoxia reduction targets, particularly under warming conditions, and should be considered in ecosystem management.
Regional context and dispersal mode drive the impact of landscape structure on seed dispersal
Authors: San‐José Miriam , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Meave Jorge A.
Published: November 2019

Land‐use change modifies the spatial structure of tropical landscapes, shaping global biodiversity patterns. Yet, it remains unknown how key ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, can be affected by changes in landscape patterns, and whether such effects differ among regions with different climate and disturbance intensity. We assessed the effect of five landscape metrics (forest cover, matrix openness, forest edge density, forest fragmentation, and interpatch distance) on the seed rain recorded in two Mexican fragmented regions (20 forest sites per region): the more deforested, defaunated, and windy Los Tuxtlas rainforest (LTX), and the better‐preserved Lacandona rainforest (LAC). We quantified the proportions of dispersed tree species and their seeds, separately evaluating wind‐ and animal‐dispersed species. Our findings support the hypothesis that forest loss is more important than fragmentation per se, negatively impacting the seed rain in both regions. As expected, landscape patterns were comparatively more important for wind‐dispersed seeds in LTX, probably because of stronger wind events in this region. Specifically, proportions of wind‐dispersed seeds and species decreased with increasing edge density, suggesting that forest edges prevent dispersal of wind‐dispersed species, which may occur if edges create physical barriers that limit wind flow. This pattern can also be caused by source limitation in landscapes with more forest edges, as tree mortality rates usually increase at forest edges. The wind‐dispersed seed rain was also positively related to matrix openness, especially in LTX, where wind flow can be favored by the dominance of treeless anthropogenic matrices. Surprisingly, the proportion of animal‐dispersed seeds in LTX was positively related to matrix openness and patch isolation, suggesting that seed dispersers in more deforested regions may be forced to concentrate in isolated patches and use the available habitat more intensively. Yet, as expected, patch isolation limited wind‐dispersed seeds in LAC. Therefore, dispersal (and potentially regeneration) of wind‐dispersed trees is favored in regions exposed to stronger wind events, especially in landscapes dominated by regularly shaped patches surrounded by open areas. Conversely, animal‐dispersed seeds are primarily favored by increasing forest cover. Preventing forest loss is therefore critical to promote animal seed dispersal and forest recovery in human‐modified rainforests.
Effects of invasive plants on fire regimes and postfire vegetation diversity in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Underwood Emma C. , Klinger Robert C. , Brooks Matthew L.
Published: November 2019

We assessed the impacts of co‐occurring invasive plant species on fire regimes and postfire native communities in the Mojave Desert, western USA. We analyzed the distribution and co‐occurrence patterns of three invasive annual grasses (Bromus rubens, Bromus tectorum, and Schismus spp.) known to alter fuel conditions and community structure, and an invasive forb (Erodium cicutarium) which dominates postfire sites. We developed species distribution models (SDMs) for each of the four taxa and analyzed field plot data to assess the relationship between invasives and fire frequency, years postfire, and the impacts on postfire native herbaceous diversity. Most of the Mojave Desert is highly suitable for at least one of the four invasive species, and 76% of the ecoregion is predicted to have high or very high suitability for the joint occurrence of B. rubens and B. tectorum and 42% high or very high suitability for the joint occurrence of the two Bromus species and E. cicutarium. Analysis of cover from plot data indicated two or more of the species occurred in 77% of the plots, with their cover doubling with each additional species. We found invasive cover in burned plots increased for the first 20 years postfire and recorded two to five times more cover in burned than unburned plots. Analysis also indicated that native species diversity and evenness as negatively associated with higher levels of relative cover of the four invasive taxa. Our findings revealed overlapping distributions of the four invasives; a strong relationship between the invasives and fire frequency; and significant negative impacts of invasives on native herbaceous diversity in the Mojave. This suggests predicting the distributions of co‐occurring invasive species, especially transformer species, will provide a better understanding of where native‐dominated communities are most vulnerable to transformations following fire or other disturbances.
Novel tri‐isotope ellipsoid approach reveals dietary variation in sympatric predators
Authors: Skinner Christina , Mill Aileen C. , Newman Steven P. , Newton Jason , Cobain Matthew R. D. , Polunin Nicholas V. C.
Published: November 2019

Sympatric species may partition resources to reduce competition and facilitate co‐existence. While spatial variation and specialization in feeding strategies may be prevalent among large marine predators, studies have focussed on sharks, birds, and marine mammals. We consider for the first time the isotopic niche partitioning of co‐occurring, teleost reef predators spanning multiple families. Using a novel tri‐isotope ellipsoid approach, we investigate the feeding strategies of seven of these species across an atoll seascape in the Maldives. We demonstrate substantial spatial variation in resource use of all predator populations. Furthermore, within each area, there was evidence of intraspecific variation in feeding behaviors that could not wholly be attributed to individual body size. Assessing species at the population level will mask these intraspecific differences in resource use. Knowledge of resource use is important for predicting how species will respond to environmental change and spatial variation should be considered when investigating trophic diversity.