bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
StandardizedEmblica officinalisfruit extract inhibited the activities ofα‐amylase,α‐glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 and displayed antioxidant potential
Authors: Majeed Muhammed , Majeed Shaheen , Mundkur Lakshmi , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Arumugam Sivakumar , Beede Kirankumar , Ali Furqan
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Emblica officinalis, known as amla in Ayurveda, has been used as a folk medicine to treat numerous pathological conditions, including diabetes. However, the novel extract ofE. officinalisfruit extract (amla fruit extract, AFE, Saberry®) containing 100 g kg−1β‐glucogallin along with hydrolyzable tannins has not yet been extensively studied for its antidiabetic potential.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of AFE and its stability during gastric stress as well as its thermostability.

METHODS

The effect of AFE on the inhibition of pancreaticα‐amylase and salivaryα‐amylase enzymes was studied using starch and yeastα‐glucosidase enzyme using 4‐nitrophenylα‐d‐glucopyranoside as substrate. Further, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and reactive oxygen species inhibition assay was performed against AFE.

RESULTS

AFE potently inhibited the activities ofα‐amylase andα‐glucosidase in a concentration‐dependent manner with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 135.70 μg mL−1and 106.70 μg mL−1respectively. Furthermore, it also showed inhibition ofα‐glucosidase (IC50562.9 μg mL−1) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4; IC503770 μg mL−1) enzyme activities. AFE is a potent antioxidant showing a free radical scavenging activity (IC502.37 μg mL−1) and protecting against cellular reactive oxygen species (IC501.77 μg mL−1), and the effects elicited could be attributed to its phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSION

AFE showed significant gastric acid resistance and was also found to be thermostable against wet heat. Excellentα‐amylase,α‐glucosidase, and DPP‐4 inhibitory activities of AFE, as well as antioxidant activities, strongly recommend its use for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Nano‐MoO3 for highly selective enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Han Sen , Feng Juanjuan , Ji Xiangping , Li Chunying , Wang Xiuqin , Tian Yu , Sun Min
Published: September 2019

Nano‐molybdenum trioxide was prepared from nano‐molybdenum disulfide by simple firing in muffle furnace. Nano‐molybdenum trioxide was used as the extraction coating on the stainless steel wire. Four wires were filled in a polyetheretherketone tube to get an extraction tube. The tube was connected to the six‐port valve of a high performance liquid chromatograph, and the online analysis system was constructed. Extraction selectivity of the tube for different types of compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, plasticizers, estrogens, anilines and neonicotinoids, was studied. Good enrichment ability for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but the extraction efficiency of others was not satisfactory. Using eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the targets, an analytical method was established after optimizing main factors such as sampling volume, sampling rate, methanol content, and desorption time. The established method exhibited wide linear range to 0.016–20.00 μg/L and low limits of detection to 0.005 μg/L, and the enrichment factors can be up to 2443. The method was applied to the detection of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tap water and river water, and a good recovery was obtained. The tube showed good durability and chemical stability, and it still remained good extraction effect after more than 140 run.
Characteristics and progression of hearing loss in children with turner's syndrome
Authors: Hamberis Alexandra O. , Mehta Charmee H. , Dornhoffer James R. , Meyer Ted Albert
Published: September 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Evaluate patterns of hearing impairment in children with Turner's syndrome (TS) and determine factors influencing severity and progression.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Methods

Demographic, audiological, and medical data for children with TS were extracted from the Audiological and Genetic Database to analyze patterns of hearing loss with comorbidities, demographics, and interventions.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐two children with TS were identified; 213 had audiological data. Of these children, 72.3% (N = 154) had hearing loss in which 84.4% (N = 130) was bilateral. In individual ears, conductive hearing loss was most common (28.7%, n = 73), followed by mixed (22.0%, n = 93) and sensorineural (7.9%, n = 20). Otitis media (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–6.5), eustachian tube dysfunction (OR = 9.5, 95% CI: 3.2–35.2), and aortic valve anomalies were also associated with higher rates of hearing loss (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3–11.5). Of ears with quantifiable severity, 16.3% (n = 40) had moderate or worse hearing loss. Aortic coarctation (36.3 vs. 21.3 dB, P < .001), seizures (40.6 vs. 21.3 dB, P = .006), facial anomalies (32.5 vs. 21.3 dB, P = .029), and hypertension (36.3 vs. 21.3 dB, P = .015) portended more severe loss.

Conclusions

Children with TS have high rates of hearing loss. High rates of sensorineural loss were unexpected. Nonotologic comorbidities, including seizures, hypertension, and anomalies of the kidney and aorta were associated with greater prevalence, severity, and progression of loss. Children with TS, particularly with the above comorbidities, are at risk for poor hearing outcomes, and should be offered audiological intervention to efficiently direct patient care.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1540–1546, 2020
Tunable, Functional Diblock Copolypeptide Hydrogels Based on Methionine Homologs
Authors: Negri Graciela E. , Gharakhanian Eric G. , Deming Timothy J.
Published: September 2019

The preparation of new diblock copolypeptide hydrogels derived from homologs of l‐methionine, that is, l‐homomethionine and l‐6‐(methylthio)‐l‐norleucine is described. Compared to l‐methionine residues, use of l‐methionine homologs allow improved copolymerization with l‐leucine residues to give well‐defined block copolypeptides. These copolypeptides are subsequently modified using robust thioether alkylation reactions employing a variety of functional epoxides, which yield samples capable of forming transparent, self‐healing hydrogels in water. The facile variation of different functional epoxides for postpolymerization modification is found to allow predictable functionalization and tuning of hydrogel properties by the modification of simple precursors.
Terminal Group Effect of Conjugated Microporous Polymers for Photocatalytic Water‐Splitting Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Ding Kang , Zhang Qiujing , Li Qingyin , Ren Shijie
Published: September 2019

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have attracted more and more attention as active materials for photocatalytic water‐splitting hydrogen evolution, however, the correlation between terminal group and hydrogen evolution performance of CMPs is rarely studied. Herein, three triazine‐based CMPs (Ta‐CMPs) with the same polymer backbone and different terminal groups (Ta‐CMP, Ta‐CMP‐N, and Ta‐CMP‐CN) are synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction using different end‐capping agents. Although the Ta‐CMPs show similar porous structure and comparable band gaps, Ta‐CMP‐CN with electron‐withdrawing terminal group exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 698 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible light, while Ta‐CMP‐N with electron‐donating terminal group exhibits the lowest HER of 99 µmol g−1 h−1. It is found that the addition of electron‐withdrawing terminal group can facilitate photoinduced charge separation, thus improving photocatalytic HER performance of the CMPs.
Synthesis of Thermo‐, Oxidation‐, pH‐, and CO2‐Responsive Polymers via the Combination of Aza‐Michael and Thiol‐Michael Reactions in One Pot
Authors: Qin Herong , Chen Xu , Luo Dong , Wang Biyun , Tan Qinglan , Liang Hui , Lu Jiang , Huang Jianbing
Published: September 2019

The combination of efficient and harmonious aza‐Michael and thiol‐Michael reactions in one pot is first reported for the convenient synthesis of thermo‐, oxidation‐, pH‐, and CO2‐responsive polymers. The simultaneous two‐type Michael reactions are proved to proceed smoothly without additional catalyst. The dithiol and diamine are involved in the copolymerization competitively and thus in a random distribution. A wide range of commercially available starting materials are utilized for the simultaneous two‐type Michael reactions in one pot to obtain various responsive polymers with different structures. The cloud point of the thermo‐responsive polymers is easily tuned by adjusting the copolymerization ratio of monomers or using monomers with different structures. Besides, the oxidation‐ and pH‐/CO2‐ responsiveness are also demonstrated.
Blowup of classical solutions to the pressureless Euler/isentropic Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Dong Jianwei , Lou Guangpu , Yang Yong
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we will show the blowup of classical solutions to the Cauchy problem for the pressureless Euler/isentropic Navier‐Stokes equations in arbitrary dimensions under some restrictions on the initial data. Compared with the degenerate viscosities appeared in the recent work, we consider the constant viscosities, but we can remove the condition that the adiabatic exponent has a upper bound, which was a key constraint in the proof of the blow‐up result is based on the construction of some new differential inequalities.
Numerical modeling of the pressure coefficient of the circular cylinder
Authors: Kološ Ivan , Michalcová Vladimíra , Lausová Lenka
Published: September 2019

The article examines the possibilities of numerical solution of chimney load from the effect of wind. The shear‐stress transport (SST)k‐ωturbulence model in ANSYS Fluent software is used to evaluate the task of the flow around the circumference of the rough cylinder. Calculations are performed on two different meshes that lead to the solution using wall function and near wall modeling. These two solution approaches in terms of defining wall roughness are presented in the paper by evaluating of the time dependence of the mean pressure coefficient distribution at the circumference, drag coefficient, and lift coefficient. The accuracy of the calculations is verified with parameters determined according to valid standards.
Mannan Oligosaccharide Suppresses Lipid Accumulation and Appetite in Western‐Diet‐Induced Obese Mice Via Reshaping Gut Microbiome and Enhancing Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Production
Authors: Yan Shikai , Shi Renjie , Li Ling , Ma Shaobo , Zhang Hongbo , Ye Jin , Wang Jiamin , Pan Junru , Wang Qianxu , Jin Xiang , Liu Xuebo , Liu Zhigang
Published: September 2019

Scope

Obesity is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis. Mannose oligosaccharide (MOS) has been reported to be a potential prebiotic. The present study is aimed to determine the effects of MOS on western‐diet‐induced obesity and to uncover the mediating roles of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites.

Methods and results

Three‐month‐old male ICR mice are fed with a high‐fat and high‐fructose diet for 8 weeks. The diet‐induced obese mice are then orally administrated with MOS (100 and 200 mg kg–1 d–1) for 4 weeks. MOS significantly reduces bodyweight gain, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and inflammatory responses in obese mice. MOS also stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis in the adipose tissues. Moreover, MOS restructures the gut microbiome by enhancing the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in obese mice. The microbial metabolite SCFAs are also increased in the feces and serum. Correlation analysis indicates that the appetite suppression and lipid‐lowering effects of MOS are highly correlated with the butyrate levels.

Conclusion

MOS suppresses the appetite, which results in less lipid deposition. The lower appetite is likely due to an altered gut microbiome and elevated SCFAs production. MOS may be a potential nutraceutical used in body weight management and gut health improvement.
Statistical properties of cerebral CT perfusion imaging systems. Part I. Cerebral blood volume maps generated from nondeconvolution‐based systems
Authors: Li Ke , Strother Charles M. , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The development and clinical employment of a computed tomography (CT) imaging system benefit from a thorough understanding of the statistical properties of the output images; cerebral CT perfusion (CTP) imaging system is no exception. A series of articles will present statistical properties of CTP systems and the dependence of these properties on system parameters. This Part I paper focuses on the signal and noise properties of cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps calculated using a nondeconvolution‐based method.

Methods

The CBV imaging chain was decomposed into a cascade of subimaging stages, which facilitated the derivation of analytical models for the probability density function, mean value, and noise variance of CBV. These models directly take CTP source image acquisition, reconstruction, and postprocessing parameters as inputs. Both numerical simulations and in vivo canine experiments were performed to validate these models.

Results

The noise variance of CBV is linearly related to the noise variance of source images and is strongly influenced by the noise variance of the baseline images. Uniformly partitioning the total radiation dose budget across all time frames was found to be suboptimal, and an optimal dose partition method was derived to minimize CBV noise. Results of the numerical simulation and animal studies validated the derived statistical properties of CBV.

Conclusions

The statistical properties of CBV imaging systems can be accurately modeled by extending the linear CT systems theory. Based on the statistical model, several key signal and noise characteristics of CBV were identified and an optimal dose partition method was developed to improve the image quality of CBV.
Cross‐sectional analysis of the Myasthenia Gravis Patient Registry: Disability and treatment
Authors: Cutter Gary , Xin Haichang , Aban Inmaculada , Burns Ted M. , Allman Phillip H. , Farzaneh‐Far Ramin , Duda Petra W. , Kaminski Henry J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The Myasthenia Gravis Patient Registry (MGR) is a voluntary, patient‐submitted database dedicated to improve understanding of care/burden of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

In this study we present analyses of baseline records through July 2017 (n = 1140) containing data on the MG—Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) and the MG 15‐item Quality of Life (MG‐QOL15) instruments, two validated scales assessing quality of life in MG patients at sign‐up into the MGR.

Results

Most registrants reported moderate to severe impairment of health‐related quality of life, with a median MG‐ADL score of 6 and a median MG‐QOL15 score of 21. Seventy‐one percent of the patients had received pyridostigmine. Corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine were the most common immunomodulators/immunosuppressants, with 85% of participants having ever using one of these agents. Forty‐seven registrants reported receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, and 30% received plasma exchange. Twelve percent reported other treatments, and 40% were unsure whether they received less common therapies. Forty percent had undergone thymectomy.

Discussion

The MGR data correlate well with other MG cohorts. Many MG patients remain negatively impacted despite treatment.
The Partnership for Clean Water Embraces a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Authors: Brewer Todd F.
Published: September 2019

Federer or Nadal? Brady or Manning? James or Jordan? Ronaldo or Messi? Or maybe I should say Edison or Tesla? Leal or Snow? Chick or Watson?
Outcomes after bloodstream infection in hospitalized pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Dandoy Christopher E. , Kelley Tammy , Gaur Aditya H. , Nagarajan Rajaram , Demmel Kathy , Alonso Priscila Badia , Guinipero Terri , Savelli Stephanie , Hakim Hana , Owings Angie , Myers Kasiani , Aquino Victor , Oldridge Carol , Rae Mary Lynn , Schjodt Katharine , Kilcrease Tracie , Scurlock Michelle , Marshburn Ann M. , Hill Margaret , Langevin Mary , Lee Jennifer , Cooksey Raven , Mian Amir , Eckles Shelby , Ferrell Justin , El‐Bietar Javier , Nelson Adam , Turpin Brian , Huang Frederick S. , Lawlor John , Esporas Megan , Lane Adam , Hord Jeffrey , Billett Amy L.
Published: September 2019

Background

Pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) patients receiving therapy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) often require a central line and are at risk for bloodstream infections (BSI). There are limited data describing outcomes of BSI in PHO and HSCT patients.

Methods

This is a multicenter (n = 17) retrospective analysis of outcomes of patients who developed a BSI. Centers involved participated in a quality improvement collaborative referred to as the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder Network within the Children's Hospital Association. The main outcome measures were all‐cause mortality at 3, 10, and 30 days after positive culture date; transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 48 hours of positive culture; and central line removal within seven days of the positive blood culture.

Results

Nine hundred fifty‐seven BSI were included in the analysis. Three hundred fifty‐four BSI (37%) were associated with at least one adverse outcome. All‐cause mortality was 1% (n = 9), 3% (n = 26), and 6% (n = 57) at 3, 10, and 30 days after BSI, respectively. In the 165 BSI (17%) associated with admission to the ICU, the median ICU stay was four days (IQR 2‐10). Twenty‐one percent of all infections (n = 203) were associated with central line removal within seven days of positive blood culture.

Conclusions

BSI in PHO and HSCT patients are associated with adverse outcomes. These data will assist in defining the impact of BSI in this population and demonstrate the need for quality improvement and research efforts to decrease them.
Succinylome Analysis Reveals the Involvement of Lysine Succinylation in the Extreme Resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Zhou Congli , Dai Jingli , Lu Huizhi , Chen Zijing , Guo Miao , He Yuan , Gao Kaixuan , Ge Tong , Jin Jiayu , Wang Liangyan , Tian Bing , Hua Yuejin , Zhao Ye
Published: September 2019

Increasing evidence shows that the succinylation of lysine residues mainly regulates enzymes involved in the carbon metabolism pathway, in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Deinococcus radiodurans is one of the most radioresistant organisms on earth and is famous for its robust resistance. A major goal in the current study of protein succinylation is to explore its function in D. radiodurans. High‐resolution LC–MS/MS is used for qualitative proteomics to perform a global succinylation analysis of D. radiodurans and 492 succinylation sites in 270 proteins are identified. These proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes and pathways. It is found that the enzymes involved in nucleic acid binding/processing are enriched in D. radiodurans compared with their previously reported levels in other bacteria. The mutagenesis studies confirm that succinylation regulates the enzymatic activities of species‐specific proteins PprI and DdrB, which belong to the radiation–desiccation response regulon. Together, these results provide insight into the role of lysine succinylation in the extreme resistance of D. radiodurans.
Poly‐GeSn Junctionless Thin‐Film Transistors on Insulators Fabricated at Low Temperatures via Pulsed Laser Annealing
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hong Haiyang , Yu Chunyu , Li Cheng , Chen Songyan , Huang Wei , Wang Jianyuan , Wang Hao
Published: September 2019

High‐performance polycrystalline GeSn (poly‐GeSn) junctionless thin‐film transistors (JL‐TFTs) are proposed and fabricated at low process temperatures. Poly‐GeSn thin films with a Sn fraction of 4.8% are prepared using cosputtering and pulsed laser annealing (PLA) techniques. The ultra‐rapid nonequilibrium thermodynamic process with 25 ns PLA renders a good crystal GeSn thin film at a low temperature. The ION/IOFF ratio increases by three orders of magnitude with GeSn channel thickness varying from 60 to 10 nm, suggesting that switch‐off current is dominated by depletion width. A superior effective mobility of 54 cm2 V−1 s−1 is achieved for the JL‐TFT with a 10 nm‐thick GeSn film as a consequence of gate/channel interface passivation by oxygen plasma.
Coexistence of Weyl and Type‐II Triply Degenerate Fermions in a Ternary Topological Semimetal YPtP
Authors: Tan Rui , Li Zehou , Zhou Pan , Ma Zengsheng , Tan Chaogui , Sun Lizhong
Published: September 2019

Based on first‐principles calculations and effective model analysis, the long‐ago synthesized material YPtP is identified as a topological semimetal (TSM) material for studying the interaction between Weyl and triply degenerate fermions. When the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is ignored, a triply degenerate point (TDP) and two types of ring‐shaped gapless nodal lines coexist in YPtP. When SOC is considered, the TDP turns to two type‐II TDPs, and the nodal lines open the bandgap and one of them transforms into 12 pairs of Weyl points. Thus, YPtP is a ternary TSM with the coexistence of type‐II TDPs and Weyl points. The surface states and Fermi arcs in YPtP further verify the topological characteristics of YPtP. The results herein provide a new platform for exploring ternary topological materials and the interaction between the two different fermions.
A rare case of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by use of gadolinium‐based magnetic resonance imaging contrast media
Authors: Lee Yi , Chung Tzu Yi , Liu Hsu‐Chung
Published: September 2019

Gadolinium‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast is generally considered to be stable and safe. Adverse reactions due to MRI contrast agents are classified into allergic‐like reactions and physiological reactions. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by gadolinium‐based MRI contrast is extremely rare. Due to the immediate and severe nature of ARDS, medical practitioners may seek after other aetiologies other than MRI‐contrast‐induced ARDS for patients' clinical manifestations such as acute‐onset difficulty of breathing. It is crucial to keep in mind the possibility of ARDS after gadolinium injection, as missing the diagnosis leads to a high mortality. A clear clinical scenario of ARDS induced by gadobutrol (Gadovist, Bayer Inc., Toronto, Canada) was presented in our patient who did not develop symptoms of anaphylaxis. We successfully managed the patient with methylprednisolone and bilevel positive airway pressure ventilation and the patient was discharged in stable condition on day 6.
An unexpected zoonosis: pulmonary dirofilaria infection mimicking pulmonary neoplasm
Authors: Maxwell Gordon , Sood Jaideep , Allpress Stephen
Published: September 2019

Pulmonary dirofilaria infection is a rare condition in Australasia. We describe a case with radiographic findings concerning for pulmonary malignancy, with the unexpected pathological diagnosis of dirofilarial infection.
Long-Term Results of Cultured Limbal Stem Cell Versus Limbal Tissue Transplantation in Stage III Limbal Deficiency
Authors: Borderie Vincent M. , Ghoubay Djida , Georgeon Cristina , Borderie Marie , Sousa Céline , Legendre Anne , Rouard Hélène
Published: September 2019

We aimed to evaluate efficiency and safety of transplantation of limbal stem cells (LSC) cultured on human amniotic membrane with no feeders and to compare cultured LSC with limbal tissue transplantation. Thirty eyes with stage III LSC deficiency were treated with autologous (autoLSC) or allogeneic (alloLSC) cultured LSC transplantation (prospective phase II clinical trial; average follow-up time, 72 months) or autologous (autoLT) or allogeneic (alloLT) limbal tissue transplantation (retrospective control group; average follow-up time, 132 months) between 1993 and 2014. The 5-year graft survival defined by absence of recurrence of the clinical signs of limbal deficiency was 71% for autoLSC, 0% for alloLSC, 75% for autoLT, and 33% for alloLT. Visual acuity improved by 9.2 lines for autoLSC and 3.3 lines for autoLT. It decreased by 0.7 lines for alloLSC and 1.9 lines for alloLT. Adverse events were recorded in 1/7 autoLSC, 7/7 alloLSC, 6/8 autoLT, and 8/8 alloLT patients. Corneal epithelial defect was the only adverse event recorded after autoLSC, whereas severe sight-threatening adverse events were recorded in the remaining three groups. Compared with failed grafts, successful grafts featured greater decrease in fluorescein staining, greater superficial vascularization-free corneal area, lower variability of the corneal epithelial thickness, and higher corneal epithelial basal cell density. Autologous cultured LSC transplantation was associated with high long-term survival and dramatic improvement in vision and was very safe. Autologous limbal tissue transplantation resulted in similar efficiency but was less safe. Cadaver allogeneic grafts resulted in low long-term success rate and high prevalence of serious adverse events. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:1230&1241
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Some New Pyrazolothiazoles via a Multicomponent Approach
Authors: Mamidala Srikanth , Aravilli R Kowshik , Vaarla Krishnaiah , Vedula Rajeswar Rao
Published: September 2019

A series of new pyrazolothiazole hybrids were designed and synthesized by the microwave‐assisted multicomponent reaction of thiosemicarbazide, 3‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one and 1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one with substituted 2‐bromoacetophenones. Structures of all the synthesized compounds were in good agreement with their spectral (FTIR, 1H & 13C NMR, Mass) and analytical data (CHN analysis). The target compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity by testing against human adenocarcinoma (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), human neuroblastoma (SK−N‐SH) and human prostate cancer (DU‐145) cell lines. From the in vitro results, it was found that the compound derived from p‐ NO2 phenyl (4 h) has potent activity against HeLa cell line with IC50 value 9.97 ± 0.05 μM. Also, the compounds having p‐OCH3 phenyl (4 c), phenyl (4 i), and p‐Cl phenyl (4 j) substitutions exhibited significant activity against HeLa cell line with IC50 values 19.78 ± 0.03 μM, 18.47 ± 0.01 μM and 15.61 ± 0.06 μM respectively.
Modified Chitosan as a “Multi‐subtype” Macromolecular Emulsifier for Preparing Asphalt Emulsion
Authors: Hou Runhan , Wang Xiaoxi , Zhang Qian , Han Yuxuan , Zhang Tong , Wang Yuexin
Published: September 2019

The “Multi‐subtype” macromolecular cationic asphalt emulsifier was synthesized based on chitosan (abbreviated as MCTS) via the ring‐opening reaction and quaternization. Then the structure of the emulsifier was characterized by FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectra. Moreover, the surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the MCTS were determined from 298 to 313 K. The CMC and γcmc were 0.064 g L−1 and 38.85 mN m−1 at 298 K, respectively, and the lowest surface tension of the solution reached to 26.09 mN m−1 at 313 K. The tested Hydrophile‐Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of MCTS was 10, which can meet the requirement of asphalt emulsifier. Through emulsification experiments, the emulsifying ability of the MCTS was measured, and the results indicated that the emulsifier exhibited excellent application for asphalt. It may be caused by that the MCTS containing polar bundle groups could enhance the interaction between polar asphaltene and the emulsifier solution. Moreover, the prepared asphalt emulsion was more stable compared to the emulsion prepared by Gemini emulsifier. The demulsification experiments were also correspondingly done for emulsified asphalt. All the results showed that the MCTS has potential applications in the preparation of asphalt emulsion.
Hirshfeld Surface, Molecular Docking Study, Spectroscopic Characterization and NLO Profile of 2‐Methoxy‐4,6‐Diphenylnicotinonitrile
Authors: Gökce Halil , Sert Yusuf , Alpaslan Gökhan , El‐Azab Adel S. , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Al‐Agamy Mohamed H.M. , Abdel‐Aziz Alaa A.‐M.
Published: September 2019

The compound 2‐methoxy‐4,6‐diphenylnicotinonitrile was characterized by using experimental FT‐IR, Laser‐Raman,1H and13C NMR spectra and UV‐Vis. spectroscopic analysis methods. To support experimental structural, vibrational, chemical shift and electronic records, the theoretical analyses were performed at the DFT/B3LYP method with the 6–311++G(2d,2p) basis set. The π⋅⋅⋅π, N⋅⋅⋅π, N⋅⋅⋅H, C⋅⋅⋅H and O⋅⋅⋅H interactions within crystal packing of the compound, which aren't taken into account within the experimental single crystal X‐Ray diffraction study, were investigated in detail with Hirshfeld surface analyses and their related 2D fingerprint plots. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and their associated parameters were used to explain intra‐molecular charge transfer and global reactivity properties of the compound with the computational level of theory. Non‐linear optical (NLO) profile of the title compound including π electron systems such as aromatic and cyano groups was determined by considering the static polarizability (α) and the static first‐order hyperpolarizability (β) values. Molecular docking analysis was performed to determine intermolecular interactions between a Mps1/TTK protein kinase inhibitor with the title compound.
Probabilistic studies on mechanics‐based shear capacity models for reinforced concrete beams with stirrups
Authors: Nagavedu Jayakumar Yogalakshmi , Kanchi Balaji Rao
Published: September 2019

The efficiency of shear capacity models of reinforced concrete beams with stirrups depends on the assumed mechanism and in few cases depends also on critical shear crack angle prediction. In the present study, three mechanics‐based shear capacity models (the limit analysis‐based models presented by Nielsen and Hoang, and the Mari et al. model) are considered covering the range space of shear span to effective depth ratios greater than 2.5. The statistics of modeling error associated with these models are determined using the database created in this study. The database contains limited results of experimental investigations, available in literature, on shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams with stirrups. The randomness in shear capacity is quantified by performing probabilistic analysis of one set of nominally similar beams taken from the database. Based on the shear capacity distribution obtained, characteristic design equations of reinforced concrete beams are proposed. The results of reliability analyses show that the reliability of a beam, for a given mean live to dead load ratio, varies when different shear capacity models are used in the analysis. Thus, calibration studies need to be performed for selecting a model for design.
Are catchments leaky?
Authors: Fan Ying
Published: September 2019

Catchments, generally understood as the drainage areas of low‐order streams, are often regarded as closed hydrologic entities; that is, precipitation (P) minus evapotranspiration (ET) over a catchment equates stream outflow (Q
r). Here, we review evidence that catchments can be leaky due to groundwater outflow or inflow across topographic divides, based on catchment mass balance across a continent and several site‐based studies across the globe. It appears that a catchment is more likely to be leaky with the combination of the following factors: small catchment size, positioned at either the high or low end of a steep regional topographic and climatic gradient, underlain by deep permeable substrates that extend beyond the study catchment, and in drier climate or dry seasons and droughts. Catchment leakage has hydrological, geochemical, and ecological implications. Thus, catchments are best framed as semiclosed hydrologic units perched on top of a larger, regional hydrogeological system with no real boundaries regarding the movement of water and solutes.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Private lands conservation: A vision for the future
Authors: Burger L. Wes , Evans Kristine O. , McConnell Mark D. , Burger Leslie M.
Published: September 2019

Agricultural production, including croplands, pasture, and timber, dominates private‐land use and land cover across much of the contiguous lower 48 states. These private lands are essential to achieving the goals of national conservation initiatives such as the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (bobwhite [Colinus virginianus]), Sage Grouse Initiative, and North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Effective conservation delivery in managed landscapes requires 1) an understanding of landowner priorities and ownership objectives, 2) knowledge of the economic and environmental costs and benefits of conservation, and 3) natural resource professionals who understand the business of agriculture and forestry as well as principles of habitat management and wildlife conservation. We make the case for a new vision of multifunctional working landscapes that include designed components of natural and seminatural noncrop perennial plant communities (wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas, field margins, pine [Pinus spp.] grasslands, savannas, etc.) embedded in a matrix of row‐crop, pasture, rangeland, and forested working lands that produce sustainable food, fiber, and fuel. Producing sustainable, multifunctional landscapes will require effective conservation delivery that is intentional, objective‐driven, targeted, science‐based, and landscape scale. We contend that it will also require a new kind of natural resource professional. We consider the specific and novel skill sets that will be required among natural resource professionals to deliver conservation to private owners–producers of working lands. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Delivery of habitat conservation programs on private land
Authors: Riley Terry Z. , Marymor Noe , Riley Nancy D. , White Bill
Published: September 2019

State Wildlife Action Plans serve as blueprints for conserving our nation's fish and wildlife and preventing endangered species listings. These plans guide conservation of >12,000 species in greatest conservation need. Recovering these species will require a dramatic increase in funding. The majority of these habitat‐restoration efforts will have to be located on private land, particularly in the eastern two‐thirds of the United States. A wide variety of state and federal habitat conservation programs and associated funding sources already exist, but current funding mechanisms appear to be inadequate to meet conservation needs, and delivery mechanisms are duplicative. Coordination is difficult for state and federal natural resource agencies, which can lead to inefficiency and redundancy among programs. Successful conservation depends on the collaboration of many individuals, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. Conservation program efficiency can be improved by expanding, strengthening, and simplifying partnerships. We believe federal natural‐resource agencies should transfer funds to states through block grants and technical‐service provider agreements to manage and protect habitats for threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and other federal‐trust species primarily through conservation delivery on private lands. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Stringy (Galilei) Newton-Hooke Chern-Simons gravities
Authors: Avilés Luis , Gomis Joaquim , Hidalgo Diego
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We construct Chern-Simons gravities in (2 + 1)-dimensional space-time considering the Stringy Galilei algebra both with and without non-central extensions. In the first case, there is an invariant and non-degenerate bilinear form, however the field equations do not allow to express the spin connections in terms of the dreibeins. In the second case there is no invariant non-degenerate bilinear form. Therefore, in both cases we do not have an ordinary gravity theory. Instead, if we consider the stringy Newton-Hooke algebra with extensions as gauge group we have an invariant non-degenerate metric and from the field equations we express the spin connections in terms of the geometric fields.
Holographic bulk reconstruction and cosmological singularities
Authors: Barbón José L. F. , Sasieta Martin
Published: September 2019

Abstract

We study the structure of entanglement wedges in the Kasner-AdS geometry, which provides an example of AdS/CFT engineered cosmological singularity. We investigate the specific limitations of causal reconstruction methods, imposed by the presence of the cosmological singularities, and we show the supremacy of modular reconstruction. This model provides an example where modular reconstruction based on a proper operator subalgebra is more powerful than the strongest possible causal reconstruction, based on the complete operator algebra.
Arthroscopic primary repair of proximal anterior cruciate ligament tears seems safe but higher level of evidence is needed: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent literature
Authors: van der List Jelle P. , Vermeijden Harmen D. , Sierevelt Inger N. , DiFelice Gregory S. , van Noort Arthur , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To assess the outcomes of the various techniques of primary repair of proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the recent literature using a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. All studies reporting outcomes of arthroscopic primary repair of proximal ACL tears using primary repair, repair with static (suture) augmentation and dynamic augmentation between January 2014 and July 2019 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were identified and included. Primary outcomes were failure rates and reoperation rates, and secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome scores.

Results

A total of 13 studies and 1,101 patients (mean age 31 years, mean follow-up 2.1 years, 60% male) were included. Nearly all studies were retrospective studies without a control group and only one randomized study was identified. Grade of recommendation for primary repair was weak. There were 9 out of 74 failures following primary repair (10%), 6 out of 69 following repair with static augmentation (7%) and 106 out of 958 following dynamic augmentation (11%). Repair with dynamic augmentation had more reoperations (99; 10%), and more hardware removal (255; 29%) compared to the other procedures. All functional outcome scores were > 85% of maximum scores.

Conclusions

This systematic review with meta-analysis found that the different techniques of primary repair are safe with failure rates of 7–11%, no complications and functional outcome scores of > 85% of maximum scores. There was a high risk of bias and follow-up was short with 2.1 years. Prospective studies comparing the outcomes to ACL reconstruction with sufficient follow-up are needed prior to widespread implementation.

Level of evidence

IV.
Glider automorphisms and a finitary Ryan’s theorem for transitive subshifts of finite type
Authors: Kopra Johan
Published: September 2019

For any mixing SFT X we construct a reversible shift-commuting continuous map (automorphism) which breaks any given finite point of the subshift into a finite collection of gliders traveling into opposing directions. As an application we prove a finitary Ryan’s theorem: the automorphism group $${{\,\mathrm{Aut}\,}}(X)$$

Aut

(
X
)

contains a two-element subset S whose centralizer consists only of shift maps. We also give an example which shows that a stronger finitary variant of Ryan’s theorem does not hold even for the binary full shift.
An improvement in MATSim computing time for large-scale travel behaviour microsimulation
Authors: Zhuge Chengxiang , Bithell Mike , Shao Chunfu , Li Xia , Gao Jian
Published: September 2019

Coupling activity-based models with dynamic traffic assignment appears to form a promising approach to investigating travel demand. However, such an integrated framework is generally time-consuming, especially for large-scale scenarios. This paper attempts to improve the performance of these kinds of integrated frameworks through some simple adjustments using MATSim as an example. We focus on two specific areas of the model—replanning and time stepping. In the first case we adjust the scoring system for agents to use in assessing their travel plans to include only agents with low plan scores, rather than selecting agents at random, as is the case in the current model. Secondly, we vary the model time step to account for network loading in the execution module of MATSim. The city of Baoding, China is used as a case study. The performance of the proposed methods was assessed through comparison between the improved and original MATSim, calibrated using Cadyts. The results suggest that the first solution can significantly decrease the computing time at the cost of slight increase of model error, but the second solution makes the improved MATSim outperform the original one, both in terms of computing time and model accuracy; Integrating all new proposed methods takes still less computing time and obtains relatively accurate outcomes, compared with those only incorporating one new method.
Inter-organizational collaboration for energy efficiency in the maritime sector: the case of a database project
Authors: Borg Josefin , von Knorring Hannes
Published: September 2019

This article explores the complexities of establishing knowledge-sharing practices between organizations through a case study of the creation of a database for energy efficiency measures relevant to the shipping sector. As researchers and policy-makers tend to point towards knowledge sharing and collaboration as means towards a more energy-efficient society, there is a need to better understand the knowledge sharing practices in such initiatives. The study is based upon extensive fieldwork where the first author was recruited to a collaborative network on energy efficiency in the shipping sector, to aid in the development of the collaboration while carrying out participatory-observational research in an ethnographic tradition. The study highlights the need to maintain realistic expectations for new knowledge-sharing collaborations, and the necessity to allow such arrangements to develop over time.
Electroweak symmetric dark matter balls
Authors: Pontón Eduardo , Bai Yang , Jain Bithika
Published: September 2019

Abstract

In the simple Higgs-portal dark matter model with a conserved dark matter number, we show that there exists a non-topological soliton state of dark matter. This state has smaller energy per dark matter number than a free particle state and has its interior in the electroweak symmetric vacuum. It could be produced in the early universe from first-order electroweak phase transition and contribute most of dark matter. This electroweak symmetric dark matter ball is a novel macroscopic dark matter candidate with an energy density of the electroweak scale and a mass of 1 gram or above. Because of its electroweak-symmetric interior, the dark matter ball has a large geometric scattering cross section off a nucleon or a nucleus. Dark matter and neutrino experiments with a large-size detector like Xenon1T, BOREXINO and JUNO have great potential to discover electroweak symmetric dark matter balls. We also discuss the formation of bound states of a dark matter ball and ordinary matter.
Sets of coregulated serum lipids are associated with Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology
Authors: Barupal Dinesh Kumar , Baillie Rebecca , Fan Sili , Saykin Andrew J. , Meikle Peter J. , Arnold Matthias , Nho Kwangsik , Fiehn Oliver , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Alzheimer Disease Metabolomics Consortium
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Comorbidity with metabolic diseases indicates that lipid metabolism plays a role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Comprehensive lipidomic analysis can provide new insights into the altered lipid metabolism in AD.

Method

In this study, a total 349 serum lipids were measured in 806 participants enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Phase 1 cohort and analyzed using lipid‐set enrichment statistics, a data mining method to find coregulated lipid sets.

Results

We found that sets of blood lipids were associated with current AD biomarkers and with AD clinical symptoms. AD diagnosis was associated with 7 of 28 lipid sets of which four also correlated with cognitive decline, including polyunsaturated fatty acids. Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta (Aβ1‐42) correlated with glucosylceramides, lysophosphatidylcholines and unsaturated triacylglycerides; cerebrospinal fluid total tau and brain atrophy correlated with monounsaturated sphingomyelins and ceramides, in addition to EPA‐containing lipids.

Discussion

AD‐associated lipid sets indicated that lipid desaturation, elongation, and acyl chain remodeling processes are disturbed in AD subjects. Monounsaturated lipid metabolism was important in early stages of AD, whereas the polyunsaturated lipid metabolism was associated with later stages of AD. Our study provides several new hypotheses for studying the role of lipid metabolism in AD.
Diversified Application of Barcoded PLATO (PLATO-BC) Platform for Identification of Protein Interactions
Authors: Kong Weili , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Fiches Guillaume , Xu Qikai , Li Mamie Z. , Que Jianwen , Liu Shuai , Zhang Wei , Qi Jun , Santoso Netty , Elledge Stephen J. , Zhu Jian
Published: September 2019

Proteins usually associate with other molecules physically to execute their functions. Identifying these interactions is important for the functional analysis of proteins. Previously, we reported the parallel analysis of translated ORFs (PLATO) to couple ribosome display of full-length ORFs with affinity enrichment of mRNA/protein/ribosome complexes for the “bait” molecules, followed by the deep sequencing analysis of mRNA. However, the sample processing, from extraction of precipitated mRNA to generation of DNA libraries, includes numerous steps, which is tedious and may cause the loss of materials. Barcoded PLATO (PLATO-BC), an improved platform was further developed to test its application for protein interaction discovery. In this report, we tested the antisera-antigen interaction using serum samples from patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM). Tripartite motif containing 21 (TRIM21) was identified as a potentially new IBM autoantigen. We also expanded the application of PLATO-BC to identify protein interactions for JQ1, single ubiquitin peptide, and NS5 protein of Zika virus. From PLATO-BC analyses, we identified new protein interactions for these “bait” molecules. We demonstrate that Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) binds to JQ1 and their interactions may interrupt the EWSR1 association with acetylated histone H4. RIO kinase 3 (RIOK3), a newly identified ubiquitin-binding protein, is preferentially associated with K63-ubiquitin chain. We also find that Zika NS5 protein interacts with two previously unreported host proteins, par-3 family cell polarity regulator (PARD3) and chromosome 19 open reading frame 53 (C19orf53), whose attenuated expression benefits the replication of Zika virus. These results further demonstrate that PLATO-BC is capable of identifying novel protein interactions for various types of “bait” molecules.