bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a [Na2Dy4] Complex and Coexistence of Multiple Metal Rings
Authors: Yang Hua , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Sun Lei , Li Da‐Cheng , Zeng Su‐Yuan , Li Yun‐Wu , Yang Yan , Dou Jian‐Min
Published: January 2021

Three rare isostructural heterometallic complexes [Na2{Ln4(μ3‐OH)2(ppt)4(Hppt)2(OAc)2}(DMF)4] ⋅ xH2O (H2ppt=3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐5‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazole, x=2.5, Ln=Dy (1); x=2, Ln=Er (2); x=0, Ln=Yb (3)) have been obtained. The structural analysis displayed that two NaI and four LnIII ions were linked together through N−N groups and O atoms to form a metallmacrocycle with the connectivity pattern [Dy−O−Na−N−N−Dy−O]2. Such cases possess rare hexametallic ring, which further displays one tetrametallic and two trimetallic cyclic units. Magnetic measurements reveal single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior for 1 with the effective energy barrier of 51.6 K and pre‐exponential factor of 6.16×10−6 s deduced from frequency‐dependent magnetic susceptibilities. Ab initio calculations prove that the weak ferromagnetic coupling mainly originats from the dipolar interaction. The transversal magnetic moments in the ground Kramers could suppressed the quantum tunneling of magnetization.
Unusual Synthesis of Triosmium Carbene Clusters by Tandem Activation of Chlorohydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Amines
Authors: Savkov Boris Y. , Virovets Alexander V. , Peresypkina Eugenia V. , Potemkin Vladimir A. , Palko Nadezhda N. , Maksakov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2021

Reactions of the [Os3H2(CO)10] cluster complex (1) with six‐membered heterocyclic amines (morpholine, thiomorpholine, piperidine) and halohydrocarbons (CH2Cl2, ClHC=CHCl, CH2=CCl2) at ∼25 °C have been studied. Two main types of products are formed in all studied reactions. One product is carbene cluster [Os3(μ−H)(μ−Cl){η1−C(CH3)N(CH2CH2)2X}(CO)9] (X=O, S, CH2) (3, 3 a and 3 b). Second product is cluster containing enamine ligand [Os3(μ−H){μ‐CH=CHN(C2CH2)2Х)}2(CO)10] (X=O, S, CH2) (2, 2 a and 2 b). The carbene ligand is assembled on a cluster, from three organic molecules, thus representing the first example of carbene ligands formed in this way. Clusters with carbene ligand exist as two stable isomers (rotamers hindered towards the Os−C bond), as confirmed by NMR studies and conformational analysis. We have found that in reactions of cluster 1 with acyclic amines containing an oxygen atom in γ‐position (likely morpholine in CH2Cl2), only complexes with bridging enamine ligands are formed. Compounds 2 a, 2 b, 3 and 3 b are characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Trimodular Solution‐Phase Protocol for Rapid Large‐Scale Synthesis of Hydrogen Bond Surrogate‐Constrained α‐Helicomimics
Authors: Pal Sunit , Prabhakaran Erode N.
Published: January 2021

Scalability, optimal reagent usage, high yields, easy isolation, and cost‐effectiveness, are key for the applicability of synthetic methodologies in the production of potential therapeutics. Hydrogen bond surrogate (HBS) constrained α‐helical peptides (α‐helicomimics) have shown promise as therapeutics based on their efficiency to interfere with protein‐biomolecular interactions. The propyl HBS‐constrained α‐helicomimics have shown the highest helicities in both single turn and extended, α‐helices (STαH, EαH). Here we present a solution‐phase synthetic (SPS) method, for the rapid, large‐scale, low‐cost synthesis of libraries of STαH and EαH in high yields. The key to efficiency is our trimodular (M1, M2, M3) synthetic protocol where M1 is a library of HBS‐linked peptidomimetic synthons of both STαH and EαH; M2 and M3 are desired oligopeptide libraries. Advantages of the trimodular method over conventional unimodular methods are demonstrated through the synthesis of large‐scale libraries of M1, STαH, and EαH.
Annual forecasting of inflation rate in Iran: Autoregressive integrated moving average modeling approach
Authors: Jafarian‐Namin Samrad , Fatemi Ghomi Seyyed Mohammad Taghi , Shojaie Mohsen , Shavvalpour Saeed
Published: January 2021

Box‐Jenkins methodology is one of the most famous modeling approaches to describe the underlying stochastic structure and forecasting future values of various phenomena. In this methodology, the models are of type ARIMA, that is, autoregressive integrated moving average. Some advantages of those include robustness, easiness to use, and wide applicability in various disciplines ranging from engineering to economics. Inflation has been a highly discussed issue in economics. This research focuses on modeling and forecasting the yearly inflation rate of Iran from 1960 to 2019 using ARIMA. According to various measures, different ARIMA models are investigated to confirm their effectiveness. It is here showed that non‐seasonal ARIMA (1,0,0) is the most appropriate model for this application.
Forecasting US overseas travelling with univariate and multivariate models
Authors: Nicholas Apergis
Published: January 2021

This study makes use of specific econometric modelling methodologies to forecast US outbound travelling flows to certain destinations: Europe, Caribbean, Asia, Central America, South America, Middle East, Oceania and Africa, spanning the period 2000–2019 on a monthly basis. Both univariate (jointly with business conditions) and multivariate models are employed, whereas out‐of‐sample forecasts are generated, and the results are compared based on popular forecasting performance criteria. These criteria show that in the case of univariate models, the largest forecasting gains are obtained when the modelling process follows the kitchen sink autoregressive of order one (KS‐AR[1]) model with the business cycles being measured as the coincident indicator. In the case of multivariate models, the largest forecasting gains occur with the standard vector autoregressive (VAR) model for very short forecasting horizons and with the Bayesian VAR for longer horizons. The results are robust to both total and individual destinations. The findings allow interested stakeholders to gain insights into near‐future US outbound tourism to popular diversified international destinations, as well as to better understand its positive and negative impacts for strategic planning and destination adaptation purposes.
Application of Google Trends‐based sentiment index in exchange rate prediction
Authors: Ito Takumi , Masuda Motoki , Naito Ayaka , Takeda Fumiko
Published: January 2021

This study explores the possibilities of applying Google Trends to exchange rate forecasting. Specifically, we construct a sentiment index by using Google Trends to capture market sentiment in Japan and the United States. We forecast the USD/JPY rates using three structural models and two autoregressive models and examine whether our sentiment index can improve the predictive power of these models. We also check the robustness of the main results using the Taylor rule‐based model and rolling regression methodology. The data we use run from January 2004 to August 2018, treating January 2004 to February 2011 as the training sample and March 2011 to August 2018 as the forecast sample. We find that the addition of the sentiment index into these models decreases the mean squared prediction error. We also test the sentiment indices of different word numbers and find that the 25‐ and 30‐word indices perform best; in particular, the 30‐word index improves all the models tested in this study.
Nutritional characterization and food value addition properties of dehydrated spinach powder
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Akhtar Saeed , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Mirani Asif A. , Ali Zulfiqar , Ismail Tariq , Ahmad Nazir , Karrar Emad
Published: January 2021

This study aimed at investigating the physicochemical and bread‐making features of dehydrated spinach. Physicochemical composition of spinach powder was compared with wheat flour and the effect of spinach powder supplementation on the nutritional composition, dough rheology, and quality attributes of chapatti were assessed. The results suggested spinach powder to be holding 8.2% crude fiber, 19.2% protein, 1,304 mg/100g calcium, and 40.4 mg/100g iron. Spinach powder indicated significantly increased values for hygroscopicity, swelling power, and water solubility index values, that is, 6.4%, 7.1 g/g, and 4.2%, respectively, when compared with wheat flour. Supplementation of spinach powder in wheat flour at 20% substitution level significantly reduced dough development properties including water absorption, dough stability, and peak dough development time. Color measurements of baked chapatti indicated a significant reduction in L*, a*, and chroma values with increasing the level of spinach powder supplementation; however, sensory profiling confirmed that supplementation of spinach powder at 7.5% had an optimum effect on the overall acceptability of the baked product. The results further suggested that replacing wheat flour with spinach powder (5%–7.5%, w/w) in baked products could be a viable dietary approach to enhance the optimum supply of micronutrients and to combat micronutrient deficiencies among various population segments.
The utility of the Laplace effect size prior distribution in Bayesian fine‐mapping studies
Authors: Walters Kevin , Cox Angela , Yaacob Hannuun
Published: January 2021

The Gaussian distribution is usually the default causal single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effect size prior in Bayesian population‐based fine‐mapping association studies, but a recent study showed that the heavier‐tailed Laplace prior distribution provided a better fit to breast cancer top hits identified in genome‐wide association studies. We investigate the utility of the Laplace prior as an effect size prior in univariate fine‐mapping studies. We consider ranking SNPs using Bayes factors and other summaries of the effect size posterior distribution, the effect of prior choice on credible set size based on the posterior probability of causality, and on the noteworthiness of SNPs in univariate analyses. Across a wide range of fine‐mapping scenarios the Laplace prior generally leads to larger 90% credible sets than the Gaussian prior. These larger credible sets for the Laplace prior are due to relatively high prior mass around zero which can yield many noncausal SNPs with relatively large Bayes factors. If using conventional credible sets, the Gaussian prior generally yields a better trade off between including the causal SNP with high probability and keeping the set size reasonable. Interestingly when using the less well utilised measure of noteworthiness, the Laplace prior performs well, leading to causal SNPs being declared noteworthy with high probability, whilst generally declaring fewer than 5% of noncausal SNPs as being noteworthy. In contrast, the Gaussian prior leads to the causal SNP being declared noteworthy with very low probability.
Eradication of Chronic HCV Infection: Improvement of Dysbiosis Only in Patients Without Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Wellhöner Freya , Döscher Nico , Woelfl Franziska , Vital Marius , Plumeier Iris , Kahl Silke , Potthoff Andrej , Manns Michael Peter , Pieper Dietmar Helmut , Cornberg Markus , Wedemeyer Heiner , Heidrich Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

It is well accepted that liver diseases and their outcomes are associated with intestinal microbiota, but causality is difficult to establish. The intestinal microbiota are altered in patients with hepatitis C. As chronic HCV infection can now be cured in almost all patients, it is an ideal model to study the influence of liver disease on the microbiota.

Approach and Results

We aimed to prospectively analyze the changes in the gut microbiome in patients who received direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) and achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Amplicon sequencing of the V1‐V2 region in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was performed in stool samples of patients with chronic hepatitis C. Patients in the treatment group received DAA (n = 65), whereas in the control group, no DAA were given (n = 33). Only patients achieving SVR were included. The alpha diversity increased numerically but not significantly from baseline to SVR at week 24 or 48 (SVR24/48; 2.784 ± 0.248 vs. 2.846 ± 0.224; P = 0.057). When stratifying for the presence of liver cirrhosis, a significant increase in diversity was only seen in patients without cirrhosis. Differences in the microbial community structure induced by the achievement of SVR were only observed in patients without liver cirrhosis. In patients with liver cirrhosis and in the control group, no significant differences were observed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the achievement of SVR24/48 in patients with chronic HCV was associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota. However, these changes were only seen in patients without liver cirrhosis. A major role of liver remodeling on the intestinal microbiota is indicated by the dynamics of the intestinal microbial community structure depending on the stage of fibrosis in patients resolving chronic hepatitis C.
What matters for financial inclusions? Evidence from emerging economy
Authors: Khan Anum , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Naghavi Navaz
Published: January 2021

The major objective of this research is to examine the influence of cybercrimes on financial inclusion in a developing country. Furthermore, the study also tends to examine the role of cybersecurity in controlling the impact of cybercrimes on financial inclusion. Data were collected from the banking sector of Pakistan using a close‐ended questionnaire. Partial least square‐structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) technique was employed to analyse the data. The findings of the study confirm that strong cybersecurity reduces the consequences of cyber threats to financial inclusion. This study suggests that numerous external and internal factors lead to criminals for illegal activities in the banking sector. Therefore, it is obligatory for the banks to enhance their cybersecurity control, to minimize the occurrences of cyber‐attacks. The present study focuses on the banking sector, so its finding cannot be generalized in other sectors. Further in‐depth comparative studies in other sectors with different cultural settings will help to authenticate the research findings.
Thyroid‐stimulating hormone level is negatively associated with fertilization rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Gao Haijie , Lu Xiaohui , Huang Hui , Ji Hong , Zhang Ling , Su Zhiying
Published: January 2021

Objective

In this study, we investigated the effect of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Data pertaining to 60 patients who underwent IVF between May 2017 and May 2018 were included in the study. Thirty‐two patients were diagnosed as PCOS (PCOS group) and 28 patients had tubal infertility (control group). Serum and follicular fluid TSH levels and follicular cyclic AMP (cAMP) level were detected by ELISA. TSH receptor (TSHR) expression level in granulosa cells was quantified by RT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

In the PCOS group, oocyte maturation rate and fertilization rate were significantly lower than in the control group. Serum and follicular fluid TSH levels and ovarian cAMP level were higher in the PCOS group with an upregulation of ovarian TSHR. On multivariate linear regression analysis, fertilization rate showed a negative correlation with TSH levels in serum (B = −0.106, P = 0.005) and follicular fluid (B = −0.107, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In PCOS patients, TSH levels, both in serum and follicular fluid, were negatively correlated with IVF oocyte maturation rate and fertilization rate. The effect of TSH on controlled ovarian hyperstimulated oocyte growth was likely mediated by the TSHR/cAMP signaling pathway.
A comparative analysis of solvent cast 3D printed carbonyl iron powder reinforced polycaprolactone polymeric stents for intravascular applications
Authors: Singh Jasvinder , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Kaur Tejinder , Singh Neetu
Published: January 2021

In the present research, the effectiveness of developed methodology based on solvent cast 3D printing technique was investigated by printing the different geometries of the stents. The carbonyl iron powder (CIP) reinforced polycaprolactone (CIPC) was used to print three pre‐existing stent designs such as ABBOTT BVS1.1, PALMAZ‐SCHATZ, and ART18Z. The physicochemical behavior was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The radial compression test, three‐point bending test and stent deployment test were carried out to analyze the mechanical behavior. The degradation behavior of the stents was investigated in static as well as dynamic environment. To investigate the hemocompatible and cytocompatible behaviors of the stents, platelet adhesion test, hemolysis test, protein adsorption, in vitro cell viability test, and live/dead cell viability assay were performed. The results revealed that stents had the adequate mechanical properties to perform the necessary functions in the human coronary. The degradation studies showed slower degradation rate in the dynamic environment in comparison to static environment. in vitro biological analysis indicated that the stents represented excellent resistance to thrombosis, hemocompatible functions as well as cytocompatible nature. The results concluded that PALMAZ‐SCHATZ stent represented better mechanical properties, cell viability, blood compatibility, and degradation behavior.
Expression profile of circular RNAs in cystic echinococcosis pericystic tissue
Authors: Kalifu Baheti , Maitiseyiti Abulaihaiti , Ge Xiaohu , Chen Xiong , Meng Yuan
Published: January 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pericystic tissue of patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE).

Patients and methods

CircRNA expression profiles were obtained by circRNA microarray of four matched pairs of pericystic tissues affected by CE and adjacent normal liver tissues. qRT‐PCR was used to validate the differential expression of some circRNAs identified by the microarray analysis. The potential functions of the differentially expressed circRNAs in the CE pericystic tissues were predicted by bioinformatic analysis.

Results

Compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues, 177 circRNAs were upregulated and 166 circRNAs were downregulated in CE pericystic tissues based on a ≥2.0‐fold change. The top 10 upregulated circRNAs were hsa_circRNA_001654,hsa_circRNA_103361,hsa_circRNA_001490,hsa_circRNA_104310,hsa_circRNA_100395,hsa_circRNA_102485,hsa_circRNA_001459,hsa_circRNA_104193,hsa_circRNA_400043, and hsa_circRNA_006773; The top 10 downregulated circRNAs were hsa_circRNA_400633,hsa_circRNA_404974,hsa_circRNA_068482 ,hsa_circRNA_100974,hsa_circRNA_049637,hsa_circRNA_404798,hsa_circRNA_400064,hsa_circRNA_004045,hsa_circRNA_101379, and hsa_circRNA_016771;The circRNA‐seq results for 15 selected differentially expressed circRNAs were validated by qRT‐PCR. The qRT‐PCR analysis showed that hsa_circRNA_006773, hsa_circRNA_049637, hsa_circRNA_104349, and hsa_circRNA_406281 were differentially expressed in CE pericystic tissues when compared with their expression in the adjacent normal liver tissues. Interestingly, 319 miRNAs and 52 mRNAs were predicted to be adsorbed by these four differentially expressed circRNAs. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these circRNAs may be involved in the response to organic cyclic compounds and endogenous stimuli and in cellular organismal processes.

Conclusion

Differential expression of circRNAs may be associated with the development and progression of CE, and these circRNAs might be useful as biomarkers for prognosis prediction and as treatment targets.
Mitigating nitrogen pollution with under‐sown legume–grass cover crop mixtures in winter cereals
Authors: Morris Andrew H. , Isbell Sarah A. , Saha Debasish , Kaye Jason P.
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen (N) pollution from N inputs to agricultural soils contributes to widespread eutrophication and global climate change. One period susceptible to N losses is between winter grain harvest in summer and corn planting in spring in a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]–winter grain rotation. Cover crops used to immobilize N during this period often depend on tillage, which can exacerbate N losses. Therefore, we evaluated whether reduced‐till cover crops could decrease nitrate (NO3–) leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during this period. We tested this strategy in a cropping systems experiment on a 4‐ha plot in central Pennsylvania over 2 yr. This experiment compared a clover (Trifolium pratense L.)–timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cover crop no‐till underseeded into a standing spelt crop with a vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)–triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) cover crop established with tillage after spelt harvest. These systems were compared based on fortnightly N2O emissions using static chambers (n = 4 per six sample dates) and potential NO3– leaching using anion resin bags (n = 4 per system per year). Reduced‐till cover crops minimized peak N2O emissions during the fall compared with tilled cover crops. However, reduced‐till cover crops did not decrease potentially leachable NO3– relative to tilled cover crops despite decreases in soil inorganic N. Cover crop N isotopes revealed that clover N may have mineralized and leached over the winter. Our results suggest that reduced‐till cover crops can decrease N2O emissions to mitigate the climate impact of agriculture but that winter‐hardy cover crops should be chosen to mitigate leaching.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing nutrients from dairy manure using chemical coagulation
Authors: Ellison Rylie J. , Horwath William R.
Published: January 2021

Two primary concerns of dairies that store manure wastewater in anaerobic ponds are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and unpredictable nutrient availability after applying it to forage crops. Solid–liquid separation of dairy manure wastewater with chemical coagulants significantly reduces the fraction of organic matter stored in anaerobic conditions. However, the effects of coagulants on methane emissions from ponds and nutrient availability following field application are not well understood. In this experiment, several metal salts and organic polymers were used to coagulate dairy manure wastewater for separation into solid (floc) and liquid (effluent) fractions. The coagulants tested were ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, polyaluminum chloride, Superfloc C‐569, and chitosan. An anaerobic incubation of manure effluent to simulate liquid manure storage and an aerobic incubation of manure floc‐amended soil to simulate field application were conducted with analysis of GHGs and carbon and nitrogen transformations. The treatment of chemically separating organic matter from manure wastewater effectively eliminated methane emissions under anaerobic conditions in the laboratory. In the solid manure fraction, organic carbon was stabilized in the chemically separated flocs, and, apart from flocs produced with ferric iron, nitrogen mineralization was reduced as well. Carbon dioxide emissions were also reduced from the flocs applied to soil compared with untreated manure solids.
Storm sampling to assess inclement weather impacts on water quality in a karst watershed: Sinking Creek, Watauga watershed, East Tennessee
Authors: McCurdy Porcha , Luffman Ingrid , Joyner T. Andrew , Maier Kurt
Published: January 2021

Sinking Creek (HUC 06010103046), in the Watauga watershed of northeast Tennessee, is impaired due to Escherichia coli. To assess how E. coli and other water quality parameters fluctuated during storm events, water samples were collected with automated samplers during eight storms at two locations: Sinking Creek and a feeder spring. Turbidity and electrical conductivity data loggers were deployed in the creek, and dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured in situ. The presence of optical brighteners, used in detergents and an indicator of residential wastewater, was assessed using cotton fabric deployed at both sites and analyzed by an external laboratory. The Colilert Quanti‐Tray method was used to process water samples for E. coli. Relationships between water quality parameters and lagged precipitation were assessed using cross‐correlation. At the creek, E. coli and turbidity increased within 2 h of precipitation, exceeding the single sample water quality standard of 941 cfu 100 ml−1 during the storm. At the spring, E. coli became elevated more quickly than at the stream, within 30 min of precipitation, and decreased below the standard during the event. Electrical conductivity decreased within 1.5 h of the storm at the creek, and DO levels were higher at the creek than at the spring. Optical brightener analysis indicated possible presence of residential wastewater during one of two sampled storms. Targeted sampling and dye tracing are recommended to validate this hypothesis. These results may be used to inform field methods in similar storm sampling studies and will be useful in watershed restoration efforts in Sinking Creek.
Perfect matchings and derangements on graphs
Authors: Bucic Matija , Devlin Pat , Hendon Mo , Horne Dru , Lund Ben
Published: January 2021

We show that each perfect matching in a bipartite graph intersects at least half of the perfect matchings in . This result has equivalent formulations in terms of the permanent of the adjacency matrix of a graph, and in terms of derangements and permutations on graphs. We give several related results and open questions.
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloid analysis using high‐resolution Orbitrap LC‐MSn
Authors: Menéndez‐Perdomo Ivette M. , Hagel Jillian M. , Facchini Peter J.
Published: January 2021

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) have profound implications on human health owing to their potent pharmacological properties. Notable naturally occurring BIAs are the narcotic analgesics morphine, the cough suppressant codeine, the potential anticancer drug noscapine, the muscle relaxant papaverine, and the antimicrobial sanguinarine, all of which are produced in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Thebaine, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of codeine and morphine, is used in the manufacture of semisynthetic opiates, including oxycodone and naloxone. As the only commercial source of pharmaceutical opiates, opium poppy has been the focus of considerable research to understand BIA metabolism in the plant. The elucidation of several BIA biosynthetic pathways has enabled the development of synthetic biology platforms aimed at the alternative commercial production of valuable phytochemicals in microorganisms. The detection and identification of BIA pathway products and intermediates in complex extracts is essential for the continuing advancement of research in plant specialized metabolism and microbial synthetic biology. Herein, we report the use of liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole and high‐resolution Orbitrap multistage mass spectrometry to characterize 44 authentic BIAs using collision‐induced dissociation (CID), higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD), and pulsed Q collision‐induced dissociation (PQD) MS2 fragmentation, with MS2 CID followed by MS3 and MS4 fragmentation. Our deep library of diagnostic spectral data constitutes a valuable resource for BIAs identification. In addition, we identified 22 BIAs in opium poppy latex and roots extracts.
Chemical profiling and separation of bioactive secondary metabolites in Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) by normal and reverse phase thin layer chromatography coupled to desorption electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Perez Consuelo J. , Conceição Rodrigo S. , Ifa Demian R.
Published: January 2021

Maca is a Peruvian tuberous root of the Brassicaceae family grown in the central Andes between altitudes of 4000 and 4500 m. The medicinal plant is a nutraceutical with important biological activities and health effects. In this study, we report a rapid high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)‐(−)desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)‐mass spectrometry (MS) method to profile and separate intact glucosinolates without prior biochemical modifications from the hydromethanolic extracts of two phenotypes, red and black Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) seeds. In the first stage of the plant's life cycle, aromatic glucosinolates were the main chemical constituents whereby six aromatic, three indole, and one aliphatic glucosinolate were tentatively identified. At the seedling stage, glucolepigramin/Glucosinalbin was the most predominant precursor, rather than Glucotropaeolin, which is mainly found in hypocotyls and roots. These findings lead us to suggest that glucolepigramin/glucosinalbin play a major role as active precursors in the biosynthetic pathways of other secondary metabolites in the early stages of plant development. Between red and black Maca seeds, only minor differences in the relative abundances of glucosinolates were observed rather than different plant metabolites. For the first time, we report six potential plant antibiotics, phytoanticipins: glycosylated ascorbigens and dihydroascorbigens from Maca seeds. We also investigated a targeted reverse phase C18 functionalized TLC‐DESI‐MS method with high sensitivity and specificity for Brassicaceae fatty acids in Maca seeds and health supplements such as black Maca root lyophilized powder and tinctures. The investigation of secondary metabolites by normal and reverse phase TLC‐DESI‐MS methods, described in this study, can aid in their identification as they begin to emerge in later stages of development in plant tissues such as leaves, hypocotyls, and roots.
A main event and multiple introductions of SARS‐CoV‐2 initiated the COVID‐19 epidemic in Greece
Authors: Spanakis Nikolaos , Kassela Katerina , Dovrolis Nikolas , Bampali Maria , Gatzidou Elisavet , Kafasi Athanasia , Froukala Elisavet , Stavropoulou Anastasia , Lilakos Konstantinos , Veletza Stavroula , Tsiodras Sotirios , Tsakris Athanasios , Karakasiliotis Ioannis
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Chains of infections starting from various countries worldwide seeded the outbreak of COVID‐19 in Athens, capital city of Greece. A full‐genome analysis of isolates from Athens' hospitals and other healthcare providers revealed the variety of SARS‐CoV‐2 that initiated the pandemic before lockdown and passenger flight restrictions. A dominant variant, encompassing the G614D amino acid substitution, spread through a major virus dispersal event, and sporadic introductions of rare variants characterized the local initiation of the epidemic. Mutations within the genome highlighted the genetic drift of the virus as rare variants emerged. An important variant contained a premature stop codon in orf7a leading to the truncation of a possibly important for viral pathogenesis domain. This study may serve as a reference for resolving future lines of infection in the area, especially after resumption of passenger flight connections to Athens and Greece during summer of 2020.
Neutralizing antibody PR8‐23 targets the footprint of the sialoglycan receptor binding site of H1N1 hemagglutinin
Authors: Yan Liting , Sun Lijun , Guo Chunyan , Li Lanlan , Sun Jingying , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhao Penghua , Xie Xin , Hu Jun
Published: January 2021

Influenza virus cause seasonal influenza epidemic and seriously sporadic influenza pandemic outbreaks. Hemagglutinin (HA) is an important target in the therapeutic treatment and diagnostic detection of the influenza virus. Variation in the sialic acid receptor binding site leads to strain‐specific binding and results in different binding modes to the host receptors. Here, we evaluated the neutralizing activity and hemagglutination inhibition activity of a prepared murine anti‐H1N1 monoclonal antibody PR8‐23. Then we identified the epitope peptide of antibody PR8‐23 by phage display technique from phage display peptide libraries. The identified epitope, 63‐IAPLQLGKCNIA‐74, containing two α‐helix and two β‐fold located at the footprint of the sialoglycan receptor on the RBS in the globular head domain of HA. It broads the growing arsenal of motifs for the amino acids on the globular head domain of HA in sialic acid receptor binding site and neutralizing antibody production.
Importance of the length of the myocardial sleeve in the superior vena cava in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nyuta Eiji , Takemoto Masao , Sakai Togo , Mito Takahiro , Masumoto Akihiro , Todoroki Wataru , Yagyu Keishiro , Ueno Jiro , Antoku Yoshibumi , Koga Tokushi , Ueno Takafumi , Tsuchihashi Takuya
Published: January 2021

Background

Pulmonary vein (PV) antrum isolation (PVAI) has proven to be a useful strategy for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) worldwide. However, non‐PV foci, especially from the superior vena cava (SVC), play an important role in initiating and maintaining AF.

Methods

In all, 427 consecutive patients with non‐valvular AF who were admitted to our hospitals to undergo RFCA of AF using an EnSite™ system were evaluated. The length from the top of the sinus node to the top of the myocardial sleeve of SVC (L‐SVC), longer and shorter diameter of SVC of 1 cm above of junction of right atrium and SVC, and local activation time (LAT) of SVC were measured. Then, the SVC firing was evaluated by an intravenous administration of isoproterenol and adenosine triphosphate.

Results

L‐SVC, longer and shorter diameter of SVC, and LAT of SVC were significantly longer in the SVC firing group than non‐SVC firing group (P < .05). Moreover, in accordance with the L‐SVC, the frequency of the SVC firing significantly increased (P < .001). A univariate analysis and multivariate statistical analysis revealed that L‐SVC longer than 37.0 mm (odds ratio 6.39) and longer diameter of SVC (odds ratio 6.78) were independent risk factors for SVC firing in patients with AF who underwent RFCA of AF.

Conclusions

In view of these findings, L‐SVC longer than 37.0 mm longer diameter SVC longer than 17.0 mm may be one of the important predictors of SVC firing in patients with AF.
Inventory diagnosis for flow improvement—A design science approach
Authors: Land Martin J. , Thürer Matthias , Stevenson Mark , Fredendall Lawrence D. , Scholten Kirstin
Published: January 2021

Improving flow is a core Operations Management theme that is set to become even more important following contemporary developments in manufacturing, such as smart products and digital encapsulation that enable new control concepts such as multi‐agent holonic control. But, companies often struggle to realize flow improvements in practice, both with and without new technologies. While the literature agrees on the importance of flow, a structured and independent process that supports managers in identifying the root causes of why flow items wait in inventories instead of being processed is missing. Managers often use a single production management concept, such as lean production or the theory of constraints, when they seek to understand the reasons for a flow problem, which may lead to misdirected and unsuccessful interventions. In response, we use design science to develop a comprehensive approach to diagnosing flow problems that is independent from any production management concept. This diagnosis process results from successive iterations with five companies and supports the selection of appropriate analytical models and flow improvement solutions. It enables an organization to widen the focus of its flow improvement actions beyond the scope of a singular production management concept and complements the application of recent advances in technology, allowing smart products to quickly interpret what is happening in a location without first simulating and analyzing the whole system. Furthermore, the study expands buffer theories by showing that buffers have an internal hierarchy and can be absorbed by other buffers, while enhancing other theories related to coordination, material flow control, and lean improvement.
Carbon accumulation in kernels of low‐nitrogen maize is not limited by carbon availability but by an imbalance of carbon and nitrogen assimilates
Authors: Ning Peng , Maw Michael J. W. , Yang Lu , Fritschi Felix B.
Published: January 2021

Background: Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) assimilate availability and their ratios are crucial for maize grain production and N‐use efficiency.

Aim: Our aim was to give a mechanistic understanding of yield formation regulated by assimilate C:N balance during both early ear development and rapid grain filling.

Methods: Maize was grown under field conditions with 0, 200, and 300 kg N ha−1 (referred to as N0, N200, and N300, respectively). Ear growth, grain yield, and dynamics of total C and N accumulation in ear leaves, cobs, and developing kernels (apical and basal proportions separated from the longitudinally middle of ear) were investigated, as well as the non‐structural carbohydrates and free amino acids.

Results: Compared to N‐sufficient plants, low‐N plants contained 16% to 70% less N and 8% to 50% less C in the developing kernels, causing 43% to 52% yield losses, which indicated that low‐N kernels received less amino acid per unit sugar from the maternal plants. This was supported by lower concentrations of the main N transport molecules (glutamine and asparagine) in ear leaves at silking and 21 days after silking (DAS) coupled with the larger amounts of C accumulated as starch under N deficient compared to adequate N supply. Nitrogen treatment did not influence the concentrations of total free amino acids and soluble protein in the cob, neither at silking nor 21 DAS, but it did influence cob free amino acid composition. Compared to the adequate N supply, low‐N plants contained 75% and 57% less glutamine and asparagine in apical kernels at silking, as well as 36% and 31% less in basal kernels. Free amino acid concentrations in both cob and kernels were less responsive to N treatments at 21 DAS than at silking, especially in the basal ear halves.

Conclusion: Maize grain production under low‐N environment can be more attributed to the balance in assimilate composition, particularly the amino acid profile, than the C‐assimilate availability for ear growth and development.
Differential physiological behavior of sugarcane genotypes in response to sparingly soluble phosphorus‐sources
Authors: Zhou Wenling , Chen Diwen , Zeng Qiaoying , Tahir Mukkram Ali , Wu Qihua , Huang Ying , Jiang Yong , Li Qiwei , Ao Junhua , Huang Zhenrui
Published: January 2021

Aims: This study was initiated to evaluate different responses of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) genotypes to sparingly soluble phosphorus (P) treatments and to identify useful plant traits contributing to P efficiency for the selection of efficient and responsive genotypes.

Methods: Plant growth, root morphological parameters, photosynthetic parameters, and P efficiency were evaluated under soluble P [KH2PO4 (K‐P)] and sparingly soluble P [Ca3(PO4)2 (Ca‐P), AlPO4 (Al‐P), FePO4 · 4 H2O (Fe‐P), and sodium phytate C6H6O24P6Na12 (Org‐P)] treatments using sand cultures.

Results: Sugarcane growth was inhibited under sparingly soluble P or low P treatments, by an average of 22.9% or 71.3% reduction in shoot and root biomass, respectively. Al‐P and Org‐P had higher bioavailability than Fe‐P and Ca‐P for the tested sugarcane genotypes, which showed lower rate decreases for biomass, root morphological and photosynthetic parameters under Al‐P and Org‐P treatment than those under Fe‐P and Ca‐P. In addition, the P content in shoot decreased by an average of 29.2% and 39.2% under Al‐P and Org‐P treatment, respectively, while 55.7% and 62.9% reduction was detected under Fe‐P and Ca‐P treatment, respectively, compared with K‐P treatment. BC2‐32 (hybrid progeny of sugarcane and E. arundinaceus) exhibiting greater P absorption efficiency than other two genotypes under P‐starvation treatments; and the root length, root surface areas, root volume, P accumulation, net photosynthetic rate, and shoot and root dry matter of BC2‐32 were greater than those of other genotypes under sparingly soluble P forms. Significantly correlations were found between root morphological parameters, photosynthetic parameters and P efficiency under sparingly soluble P and low‐P treatment, indicating that stronger root system and less sensitivity of photosynthesis may contribute greatly to activate and take up more P from sparingly soluble P sources.

Conclusions: Therefore, BC2‐32 would be the ideal material for breeding good varieties and exhibited better growth behavior to P‐deficient soils, and root morphological parameters and photosynthetic rate would be the useful plant traits in combination to screen these sugarcane varieties.
Radiological Society of North America/Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance Shear Wave Speed Bias Quantification in Elastic and Viscoelastic Phantoms
Authors: Palmeri Mark L. , Milkowski Andy , Barr Richard , Carson Paul , Couade Mathieu , Chen Jun , Chen Shigao , Dhyani Manish , Ehman Richard , Garra Brian , Gee Albert , Guenette Gilles , Hah Zaegyoo , Lynch Ted , Macdonald Michael , Managuli Ravi , Miette Veronique , Nightingale Kathryn R. , Obuchowski Nancy , Rouze Ned C. , Morris D. Cody , Fielding Shana , Deng Yufeng , Chan Derek , Choudhury Kingshuk , Yang Siyun , Samir Anthony E. , Shamdasani Vijay , Urban Matthew , Wear Keith , Xie Hua , Ozturk Arinc , Qiang Bo , Song Pengfei , McAleavey Stephen , Rosenzweig Stephen , Wang Michael , Okamura Yoko , McLaughlin Glen , Chen Yuling , Napolitano David , Carlson Lindsey , Erpelding Todd , Hall Timothy J.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To quantify the bias of shear wave speed (SWS) measurements between different commercial ultrasonic shear elasticity systems and a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) system in elastic and viscoelastic phantoms.

Methods

Two elastic phantoms, representing healthy through fibrotic liver, were measured with 5 different ultrasound platforms, and 3 viscoelastic phantoms, representing healthy through fibrotic liver tissue, were measured with 12 different ultrasound platforms. Measurements were performed with different systems at different sites, at 3 focal depths, and with different appraisers. The SWS bias across the systems was quantified as a function of the system, site, focal depth, and appraiser. A single MRE research system was also used to characterize these phantoms using discrete frequencies from 60 to 500 Hz.

Results

The SWS from different systems had mean difference 95% confidence intervals of ±0.145 m/s (±9.6%) across both elastic phantoms and ± 0.340 m/s (±15.3%) across the viscoelastic phantoms. The focal depth and appraiser were less significant sources of SWS variability than the system and site. Magnetic resonance elastography best matched the ultrasonic SWS in the viscoelastic phantoms using a 140 Hz source but had a − 0.27 ± 0.027‐m/s (−12.2% ± 1.2%) bias when using the clinically implemented 60‐Hz vibration source.

Conclusions

Shear wave speed reconstruction across different manufacturer systems is more consistent in elastic than viscoelastic phantoms, with a mean difference bias of < ±10% in all cases. Magnetic resonance elastographic measurements in the elastic and viscoelastic phantoms best match the ultrasound systems with a 140‐Hz excitation but have a significant negative bias operating at 60 Hz. This study establishes a foundation for meaningful comparison of SWS measurements made with different platforms.
Addressing the sins of consumer psychology via the evolutionary lens
Authors: Saad Gad
Published: January 2021

As is true of any scientific discipline, consumer psychology faces some challenges, many of which can be ameliorated via the use of evolutionary psychology. This includes broadening the scope of the research questions tackled as well as their interestingness; increasing the epistemological and theoretical scope of the discipline; reducing the likelihood of succumbing to the WEIRD sampling bias; decreasing methodological fixation; increasing interdisciplinarity; and augmenting the ethos of replications as well as the field's consilience via the building of consilient nomological networks of cumulative evidence. Modern‐day consumers exhibit preferences and behaviors that are vestiges of evolutionary forces that occurred long ago in deep evolutionary time. Marketing academics and practitioners alike, seeking to unlock the mysteries of what makes consumers tick, can only be enriched in recognizing that Homo consumericus is a product of the same evolutionary processes that have shaped all life forms. To deny this reality ensures that marketing knowledge will remain largely decoupled from biology, and in doing so engender at best an incomplete understanding of consumer behavior.
Advances in pathogenesis and precision medicine for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Qian‐Ying , Zhao Ge‐Xin , Li Yan , Talakatta Girish , Mai Hai‐Qiang , Le Quynh‐Thu , Young Lawrence S. , Zeng Mu‐Sheng
Published: January 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous carcinoma with apparent geographical and racial distribution, mostly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia, particularly concentrated in southern China. The epidemiological trend over the past decades has suggested a substantial reduction in the incidence rate and mortality rate due to NPC. These results may reflect changes in lifestyle and environment, and more importantly, a deeper comprehension of the pathogenic mechanism of NPC, leading to much progress in the preventing, screening, and treating for this cancer. Herein, we present the recent advances on the key signal pathways involved in pathogenesis of NPC, the mechanism of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) entry into the cell, and the progress of EBV vaccine and screening biomarkers. We will also discuss in depth the development of various therapeutic approaches including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These research advancements have led to a new era of precision medicine in NPC.
Parcellation of human periaqueductal gray at 7‐T fMRI in full and empty bladder state: The foundation to study dynamic connectivity changes related to lower urinary tract functioning
Authors: de Rijk Mathijs M. , van den Hurk Job , Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , van Koeveringe Gommert A.
Published: January 2021

Aims

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a brain stem area involved in processing signals related to urine storage and voiding. The PAG is proposed to be responsible for projecting afferent information from the bladder to cortical and subcortical brain areas and acts as a relay station projecting efferent information from cortical and subcortical areas to the pons and spinal cord. Here, we use 7‐Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging to parcellate the PAG into functionally distinct clusters during a bladder filling protocol.

Methods

We assess the similarity between parcellation results in empty and full bladder states and show how these parcellations can be used to create dynamic response profiles of connectivity changes between clusters as a function of bladder sensations.

Results

For each of our six healthy female participants, we found that the agreement between at least one of the clusters in both states resulting from the parcellation procedure was higher than could be expected based on chance (p ≤ .05), and observed that these clusters are significantly organized in a symmetrical lateralized fashion (p ≤ .05). Correlations between clusters change significantly as a function of experienced sensations during bladder filling (p ≤ .05).

Conclusions

This opens new possibilities to investigate the effects of treatments of lower urinary tract symptoms on signal processing in the PAG, as well as the investigation of disease‐specific bladder filling related dynamic signal processing in this small brain structure.