bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dioxide Reduction with Hydrogen on Carbon‐Nanotube‐Supported Catalysts under Supercritical Conditions
Authors: Bogdan Victor I. , Pokusaeva Yana A. , Koklin Alexey E. , Savilov Sergei V. , Chernyak Sergei A. , Lunin Valery V. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: June 2019

Reduction of CO2 with hydrogen into CH4 is studied for the first time on carbon‐nanotube‐supported Co and Ni catalysts under supercritical conditions. The extremely high selectivity toward methanation close to 100% is found with a quite good stability of the catalytic activity.
A physical model of the high‐frequency seismic signal generated by debris flows
Authors: Farin Maxime , Tsai Victor C. , Lamb Michael P. , Allstadt Kate E.
Published: June 2019

We propose a physical model for the high‐frequency (>1 Hz) spectral distribution of seismic power generated by debris flows. The modeled debris flow is assumed to have four regions where the impact rate and impulses are controlled by different mechanisms: the flow body, a coarser‐grained snout, a snout lip where particles fall from the snout on the bed, and a dilute front composed of saltating particles. We calculate the seismic power produced by this impact model in two end‐member scenarios, a thin‐flow and thick‐flow limit, which assume that the ratio of grain sizes to flow thicknesses are either near unity or much less than unity. The thin‐flow limit is more appropriate for boulder‐rich flows that are most likely to generate large seismic signals. As a flow passes a seismic station, the rise phase of the seismic amplitude is generated primarily by the snout while the decay phase is generated first by the snout and then the main flow body. The lip and saltating front generate a negligible seismic signal. When ground properties are known, seismic power depends most strongly on both particle diameter and average flow speed cubed, and also depends on length and width of the flow. The effective particle diameter for producing seismic power is substantially higher than the median grain size and close to the 73rd percentile for a realistic grain size distribution. We discuss how the model can be used to estimate effective particle diameter and average flow speed from an integrated measure of seismic power. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2019 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Island of opportunity: can New Guinea protect amphibians from a globally emerging pathogen?
Authors: Bower Deborah S , Lips Karen R , Amepou Yolarnie , Richards Stephen , Dahl Chris , Nagombi Elizah , Supuma Miriam , Dabek Lisa , Alford Ross A , Schwarzkopf Lin , Ziembicki Mark , Noro Jeffrey N , Hamidy Amir , Gillespie Graeme R , Berger Lee , Eisemberg Carla , Li Yiming , Liu Xuan , Jennings Charlotte K , Tjaturadi Burhan , Peters Andrew , Krockenberger Andrew K , Nason Dillian , Kusrini Mirza D , Webb Rebecca J , Skerratt Lee F , Banks Chris , Mack Andrew L , Georges Arthur , Clulow Simon
Published: June 2019

The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid) has caused the most widespread, disease‐induced declines and extinctions in vertebrates recorded to date. The largest climatically suitable landmass that may still be free of this fungus is New Guinea. The island is home to a sizeable proportion of the world's known frog species (an estimated 6%), as well as many additional, yet‐to‐be‐described species. Two decades of research on the chytrid fungus have provided a foundation for improved management of amphibian populations. We call for urgent, unified, international, multidisciplinary action to prepare for the arrival of B dendrobatidis in New Guinea, to prevent or slow its spread within the island after it arrives, and to limit its impact upon the island's frog populations. The apparent absence of the fungus in New Guinea offers an opportunity to build capacity in advance for science, disease surveillance, and diagnosis that will have broad relevance both for non‐human animal health and for public health.
The role of the cerebellum in adaptation: ALE meta‐analyses on sensory feedback error
Authors: Johnson Joseph F. , Belyk Michel , Schwartze Michael , Pinheiro Ana P. , Kotz Sonja A.
Published: June 2019

It is widely accepted that unexpected sensory consequences of self‐action engage the cerebellum. However, we currently lack consensus on where in the cerebellum, we find fine‐grained differentiation to unexpected sensory feedback. This may result from methodological diversity in task‐based human neuroimaging studies that experimentally alter the quality of self‐generated sensory feedback. We gathered existing studies that manipulated sensory feedback using a variety of methodological approaches and performed activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analyses. Only half of these studies reported cerebellar activation with considerable variation in spatial location. Consequently, ALE analyses did not reveal significantly increased likelihood of activation in the cerebellum despite the broad scientific consensus of the cerebellum's involvement. In light of the high degree of methodological variability in published studies, we tested for statistical dependence between methodological factors that varied across the published studies. Experiments that elicited an adaptive response to continuously altered sensory feedback more frequently reported activation in the cerebellum than those experiments that did not induce adaptation. These findings may explain the surprisingly low rate of significant cerebellar activation across brain imaging studies investigating unexpected sensory feedback. Furthermore, limitations of functional magnetic resonance imaging to probe the cerebellum could play a role as climbing fiber activity associated with feedback error processing may not be captured by it. We provide methodological recommendations that may guide future studies.
The hippocampus is necessary for the consolidation of a task that does not require the hippocampus for initial learning
Authors: Schapiro Anna C. , Reid Allison G. , Morgan Alexandra , Manoach Dara S. , Verfaellie Mieke , Stickgold Robert
Published: June 2019

During sleep, the hippocampus plays an active role in consolidating memories that depend on it for initial encoding. There are hints in the literature that the hippocampus may have a broader influence, contributing to the consolidation of memories that may not initially require the area. We tested this possibility by evaluating learning and consolidation of the motor sequence task (MST) in hippocampal amnesics and demographically matched control participants. While the groups showed similar initial learning, only controls exhibited evidence of overnight consolidation. These results demonstrate that the hippocampus can be required for normal consolidation of a task without being required for its acquisition, suggesting that the area plays a broader role in coordinating memory consolidation than has previously been assumed.
Neuro‐wavelet based intelligent medical image fusion
Authors: Hassan Mehdi , Murtza Iqbal , Zafar Khan Muhammad Aqdus , Tahir Syed Fahad , Fahad Labiba Gillani
Published: June 2019

Imaging based sensitive clinical diagnosis is critically depending on image quality. In this article, the problem of enhancing fundus images is addressed by a novel fusion technique. The proposed approach utilizes the representation capability of wavelet transform and the learning ability of artificial neural networks. In this approach, input images are decomposed into wavelet transform followed by appropriate feature extraction for training of neural networks to obtain fused image. To ensure homogeneity, it employs consistency verification for minimizing the fusion artifacts. The visual and quantitative performance of the proposed approach is assessed using a number of experiments performed on the standard datasets of DRIVE and DRION‐DB. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fusion technique offers high average structural similarity of “0.99.” The proposed approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art techniques which validates its effectiveness. The developed approach might be applied by the clinical diagnosis system for fundus related diseases.
Opportunities, barriers, and adoption factors of mobile commerce for the informal sector in developing countries in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Pankomera Richard , van Greunen Darelle
Published: June 2019

Mobile commerce (m‐commerce) is extensively being deployed in both formal and informal sectors in Africa. There is evidence that mobile services such as m‐commerce can improve the overall revenue and productivity in various sectors globally. M‐commerce interventions have gained popularity for the last decades owing to their nature of being ubiquitous, convenient, localised, and personalised. However, there is little comprehensive and integrated literature on m‐commerce services on the informal sector in the developing countries in Africa. This article therefore provides results of systematic review from literature on the opportunities, barriers, and adoption factors of m‐commerce services for the informal sector in Africa. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for System Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 459 records that were screened, 20 was the final number of eligible studies after applying the exclusion criteria. This systematic review found that there are technical, social, cultural, and financial factors that hamper the uptake of m‐commerce for the informal sector in Africa. Furthermore, benefits and m‐commerce adoption factors have also been discussed. The study finally provides recommendations for the effective and sustainable utilisation of m‐commerce services for the informal sector in Africa.
Electrode polarization effects on interfacial kinetics of ionic liquid at graphite surface: An extended lagrangian‐based constant potential molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Inagaki Taichi , Nagaoka Masataka
Published: June 2019

Computational models including electrode polarization can be essential to study electrode/electrolyte interfacial phenomena more realistically. We present here a constant‐potential classical molecular dynamics simulation method based on the extended Lagrangian formulation where the fluctuating electrode atomic charges are treated as independent dynamical variables. The method is applied to a graphite/ionic liquid system for the validation and the interfacial kinetics study. While the correct adiabatic dynamics is achieved with a sufficiently small fictitious mass of charge, static properties have been shown to be almost insensitive to the fictitious mass. As for the kinetics study, electrical double layer (EDL) relaxation and ion desorption from the electrode surface are considered. We found that the polarization slows EDL relaxation greatly whereas it has little impact on the ion desorption kinetics. The findings suggest that the polarization is essential to estimate the kinetics in nonequilibrium processes, not in equilibrium. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preoperative course of patients undergoing endoscopic nasobiliary drainage during the management of resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Maeda Takashi , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Mizuno Takashi , Yamaguchi Junpei , Onoe Shunsuke , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Kawashima Hiroki , Nagino Masato
Published: June 2019

Background

Although there are many studies on technical outcomes of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), no authors reported on preoperative course of patients undergoing ENBD. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of patients with ENBD during the waiting period.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) between January 2013 and September 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

During the study period, 191 consecutive patients underwent surgical resection of PHCC after ENBD. Of the study patients, 154 (80.6%) patients were discharged, returned to their home, then re‐admitted for surgery. The remaining 37 patients were continuously hospitalized. The number of cholangitis events during the waiting period was 0 in 120 patients, 1 in 59 patients, 2 ≤ in 12 patients. Endoscopic re‐intervention was needed in 52 patients. The median length between the first admission and surgery was 37 days (range 12–197 days) in the entire cohort; it was longer in patients with portal vein embolization than in those without (43 vs. 27 days, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing resection of PHCC, ENBD is widely tolerable with relatively low incidence of cholangitis and thus recommended for preoperative biliary drainage.
A kinetic assay of total lipase activity for detecting lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL‐D) and the molecular characterization of 18 LAL‐D patients from Russia
Authors: Mayanskiy Nikolay , Brzhozovskaya Ekaterina , Pushkov Alexander , Strokova Tatiana , Vlasov Nikolay , Surkov Andrej , Gundobina Olga , Savostianov Kirill
Published: June 2019

Laboratory diagnostics of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL‐D), a rare disorder associated with LIPA alterations, are based on the evaluation of LAL activity. In dry blood spots (DBS) submitted for LAL‐D diagnostics (the screening cohort) over a two‐year period or obtained from a cohort of retrospective LAL‐D patients, we measured: (1) LAL activity using a two‐reaction assay with 4‐methylumbelliferone palmitate (4‐MU‐Palm) and Lalistat‐2, a specific LAL inactivator; (2) total lipase (TL) activity by a 1‐hour kinetic 4‐MU‐Palm cleavage reaction (no Lalistat‐2). The TL activity was expressed as the area under the kinetic curve after 1 hour (TL‐AUC1h) of the reaction and presented as the median (min‐max). LAL activity was reduced in 30/537 individuals from the screening cohort, among which LIPA sequencing revealed six patients and one carrier. Overall, 16 (89%) individuals among six novel and 12 retrospective LAL‐D patients carried at least one c.894G>A mutation (six were homozygous). The TL‐AUC1h in nonLAL‐D specimens with normal LAL activity (n = 90) was unambiguously higher (9471 [4015‐23 585] RFU*h/punch) compared to LAL‐D patients, including six new and nine retrospective patients (1810 [357‐2608] RFU*h/punch). Importantly, in 13/15 examined nonLAL‐D specimens with reduced LAL activity the TL‐AUC1h was above a threshold of 2652 RFU*h/punch. Applying this threshold, the TL‐AUC1h index discriminated all LAL‐D patients (100% sensitivity) and 103/105 nonLAL‐D specimens (98% specificity). Given that there is no need for Lalistat‐2 and two parallel enzymatic reactions in conjunction with high sensitivity and specificity, the kinetic assay seems to be practical for LAL‐D screening.

Synopsis

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency responsible for Wolman disease and cholesterol ester storage disease could be reliably detected using a kinetic assay of total lipase activity with a fluorogenic substrate.
A Japanese case of mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase deficiency who presented with severe metabolic acidosis and fatty liver without hypoglycemia
Authors: Lee Tomoko , Takami Yuichi , Yamada Kenji , Kobayashi Hironori , Hasegawa Yuki , Sasai Hideo , Otsuka Hiroki , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Fukao Toshiyuki
Published: June 2019

Mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase deficiency (mHS deficiency) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of ketogenesis caused by a mutation in the HMGCS2 gene, which is characterized by non‐(hypo)‐ketotic hypoglycemia, lethargy, and hepatomegaly during acute infection and/or prolonged fasting. Clinical presentations are similar to fatty acid oxidation defects; however, diagnosis of mHS deficiency is difficult because of poor biochemical markers. We report the case of a 12‐month‐old Japanese boy with mHS deficiency who presented with a coma, and hepatomegaly, but no hypoglycemia after a febrile episode and poor oral intake. Metabolic acidosis and severe fatty liver were observed. Serum acylcarnitine analysis revealed a slightly decreased free carnitine (C0) level and an increased acetylcarnitine (C2) level. Urinary organic acid analysis revealed hypoketotic dicarboxylic aciduria, and increased excretions of glutarate, and, retrospectively, 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone. Although the patient did not present with hypoglycemia, the severe fatty liver and elevated free fatty acids to total ketone bodies ratio strongly suggested an inborn error of ketogenesis. In the analysis of the HMGCS2 gene, compound heterozygous mutations of c.130_131ins C (L44PfsX29) and c.1156_1157insC (L386PfsX73) were identified, which led to the diagnosis of mHS deficiency. He had recovered without any complication by the therapy, including intravenous glucose infusion. Unlike the previously reported cases of mHS deficiency, our case did not present with hypoglycemia and the fatty liver lasted over several months. mHS deficiency should be taken into consideration when a patient has severe metabolic acidosis and fatty liver with no or subtle ketosis, even without hypoglycemia.
A quarter century of wine pigment discovery
Authors: Waterhouse Andrew L , Zhu Jian
Published: June 2019

The red grape berry pigments, anthocyanins, were characterized in the early 20th century, but investigations of wine pigments were stymied during that era. The question of their identity was a major challenge for wine chemists. A number of techniques showed that the pigments were polymeric in nature. Some structures were postulated by mid‐century based on reactions between anthocyanins and condensed tannin, and later postulated wine pigments were observed in model reactions. Some related compounds were then observed in wine. By the end of the 20th century, the ionization of non‐volatiles for mass spectrometry opened the door to these compounds. In addition, a new class of compounds was observed, the pyranoanthocyanins, a product of fermentation and aging metabolites with anthocyanins. These compounds possess the pigment stability to SO2 and pH change that is characteristic of aged red wine. Aging experiments show a dynamic situation with shifts in the population of pigment classes over time. The very large number of diverse pigments explains why it has been so difficult to answer the century‐old question of the structure of wine pigments. Our current understanding is founded on the use of mass spectral analysis using electrospray and related ionization techniques over the last 25 years. Future progress will rely on more sophisticated analysis of this very complex mixture of substances. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal decomposition of model compound of algal biomass
Authors: Jabeen Sidra , Zeng Zhe , Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Gao Xiangpeng , Saeed Anam , Dlugogorski Bogdan Z.
Published: June 2019

This contribution investigates thermal decomposition of leucine, as a representative model compound for amino acids in algal biomass. We map out potential energy surface for a wide array of unimolecular and self‐condensation reactions operating in the decomposition of leucine. Decarboxylation and dehydration of leucine ensues by eliminating CO2 and –OH, respectively, from the –COOH group attached to the α‐carbon. The molecular channel for deamination involves cleavage of NH2 from α‐carbon of leucine. The activation energies for direct elimination of CO2, NH3, and H2O from a leucine molecule lie within 20.7 kJ/mol of each other. Activation energies for these decomposition pathways reside below the bond dissociation enthalpy of H–C(α) of 323.1 kJ/mol. The decarboxylation, deamination, and dehydration pathways, via radical‐prompted pathways, systematically require lower energy barriers, in reference to closed‐shell reaction corridors. Detailed computations at the CBS‐QB3 level provide the Arrhenius rate parameters for the unimolecular and bimolecular reactions, and standard enthalpies of formation, standard entropies, and heat capacities for all the products and intermediates. A kinetic analysis of gas‐phase reactions, within the context of a plug‐flow reactor model, accounts qualitatively for the formation of major products observed experimentally in the thermal degradation of the condensed‐phase leucine. Among notable N‐containing species, the model predicts the prevailing of NH3 over HCN and HNCO, in addition to corresponding appreciable concentrations of amines, imines, and nitriles. Our detailed kinetic investigation illustrates a negligible contribution of the self‐condensation reactions of leucine in the gas phase.
A study of the fractional‐order mathematical model of diabetes and its resulting complications
Authors: Srivastava Hari M. , Shanker Dubey Ravi , Jain Monika
Published: June 2019

Diabetes is a worldwide problem that affects one of every 11 persons nowadays. The IDF Diabetes Atlas (Eighth edition, 2017) states that approximately 415 million people in the world are living with the disease and that this number will rise to 629 million by the year 2045. It is a very serious problem of the world. A major part of the world population is affected by this disease and its resulting complications. In this paper, we propose to investigate a fractional‐order model of diabetes and its resulting complications. The mathematical model's parameters define the population of diabetic patients and those who are diabetic with complications at a given time t. We have also discussed the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the fractional‐order model, which we consider here. We make use of the homotopy decomposition method (HDM) in order to solve the problem.
Phase‐sampled detection of hybrid modulation impaired by gamma‐gamma turbulence
Authors: Sahoo Pritam K. , Yadav Ajay K. , Prajapati Yogendra K. , Tripathi Rajeev
Published: June 2019

This article presents an alternative, though not innovative detection technique for a hybrid modulation technique based on binary pulse position modulation (PPM). Authors have numerically derived the error performance results of a hybrid modulation called pulse position modulation‐minimum shift keying using phase‐sampled detection technique and aperture averaging (AA). Furthermore, the said hybrid modulation is judged against binary phase shift keying and PPM techniques under weak to strong free space optical environment turbulence channels. For both weak and strong atmospheric turbulence, the error performance is studied using log‐normal channel model and the gamma‐gamma channel model. Furthermore, atmospheric fading probabilities in the form of outage probabilities of all modulation techniques are evaluated for log‐normal turbulence model.
Exploring biomarkers in the overactive bladder: Alterations in miRNA levels of a panel of genes in patients with OAB
Authors: Fırat Elif , Aybek Zafer , Akgün Şakir , Küçüker Kürşat , Akça Hakan , Aybek Hülya
Published: June 2019

Aims

It has been demonstrated that there are abundant stable microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma, which is potentially disease‐specific. Adrenergic and muscarinic pathways play an important role in voiding physiology. Alterations in the levels of miRNAs are thought to influence the regulation of these pathways at the molecular level. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of miRNAs with overactive bladder pathogenesis and to provide a new perspective to treatment approaches.

Methods

This study included patients with an overactive bladder (OAB) diagnosis and a healthy control group. All patients completed a validated OAB‐V8 questionnaire. The relative expression levels of 12 miRNAs were examined in plasma by PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the diagnostic qualification of miRNAs.

Results

The relative expression levels of let‐7b‐5p, miR‐92a‐3p, miR‐98‐5p, miR‐142‐3p, and miR‐200c‐3p were significantly upregulated and miR‐139‐5p was significantly downregulated in patients with OAB and no correlation was determined between the levels of miRNAs with OAB symptom score. Among the miRNAs, miR‐98‐5p provided the highest diagnostic accuracy alone (area under curve [AUC] = 0.79) in ROC analysis. The combination of miR‐98‐5p + miR‐139‐5p was seen to be a good indicator (AUC = 0.839).

Conclusions

These results suggest that alteration of the miRNA levels can be used as auxiliary parameters to explain the pathophysiology of OAB syndrome and could shed light on new treatment options.
Antimicrobial peptides under clinical investigation
Authors: Koo Hye Been , Seo Jiwon
Published: June 2019

Overuse of conventional antibiotics as well as the slow pace of new antibiotic drug development leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Because infections with multi‐drug resistant (MDR) pathogens have become a public health issue, the need for a novel class of antibiotics is urgent. Recently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising platform to fight against MDR bacteria ensuring broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and relatively low resistance emergence. Currently, a number of AMPs are undergoing clinical and preclinical trials against various infectious diseases. This review lists the 36 AMPs (27 clinical and 9 preclinical) with brief information about their origin, structure, mechanism, and development status. From the examples of AMPs under clinical investigation, we categorized several improvement strategies and highlighted directions for the future design of AMPs.
Detection of a ryanodine receptor target‐site mutation in diamide insecticide resistant fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Boaventura Debora , Bolzan Anderson , Padovez Fernando EO , Okuma Daniela M , Omoto Celso , Nauen Ralf
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), a major lepidopteran pest in Latin and North America, has very recently invaded the continents of Africa and Asia. FAW has evolved resistance to different insecticides and transgenic corn expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Here, we investigated the extent and mechanisms of resistance to diamide insecticides in a Brazilian field‐collected FAW strain selected using chlorantraniliprole.

RESULTS

Continuous laboratory selection of a field‐collected FAW strain with chlorantraniliprole resulted in resistance ratios of 225‐fold and > 5400‐fold against chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide, respectively, when compared with a susceptible strain. Pre‐exposure to different synergists known to inhibit detoxification enzymes did not result in significantly increased larval toxicity, suggesting a minor role for metabolic resistance. Sequencing of the FAW ryanodine receptor (RyR) C‐terminal domains II to VI revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism, resulting in a I4734M mutation recently said to confer target‐site resistance to diamides in lepidopteran pests. Genotyping by pyrosequencing of field‐collected FAW larvae sampled in the 2018 crop season suggests a low resistance allele frequency. Furthermore, we developed a fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based allelic discrimination assay for rapid genotyping of field‐collected FAW samples, because diamides are increasingly used in Bt−/non‐Bt corn.

CONCLUSIONS

Recently, the identified RyR mutation has been shown to confer field resistance in other lepidopteran pests such as diamondback moth, tomato leafminer and striped rice stem borer. The developed PCR‐based allelic discrimination assay will help to monitor the frequency and future spread of diamide resistance allele in FAW field populations and help to implement appropriate resistance management measures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Kaempferitrin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and ameliorates inflammation in human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Qing
Published: June 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with the aberrant activation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS). Kaempferitrin is a natural flavonoid glycoside that possesses anti‐inflammatory bioactivity. However, the effect of kaempferitrin on RA has not yet been revealed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of kaempferitrin on human RA‐FLS MH7A cell line. We found that kaempferitrin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of MH7A cells. Kaempferitrin decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and MMP‐3 in MH7A cells. Moreover, kaempferitrin blocked the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Furthermore, treatment with kaempferitrin decreased paw thickness and arthritis scores, and reduced the serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in a collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model. In conclusion, kaempferitrin inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and ameliorated inflammation of RA‐FLS by suppressing the NF‐κB and Akt/mTOR pathways.
Quercetin reduced the formation of N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinoneimine, a toxic metabolite of paracetamol in rats and isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Pingili Ravindrababu , Pawar A. Krishnamanjari , Challa Siva Reddy
Published: June 2019

N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI) is toxic metabolite of paracetamol formed primarily by cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) metabolic pathway when administered at therapeutic doses or overdose. The influence of quercetin (flavonoid) on the bioactivation of paracetamol to NAPQI was investigated using rat liver microsomes and rats in vivo. Paracetamol (80 mg/kg) was administered orally without or with silymarin (100 mg/kg), a known inhibitor of CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and quercetin (10 and 20 mg/kg) to rats for 15 consecutive days. Area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0‐∞) and the peakplasma concentration (Cmax) of paracetamol were dose‐dependently increased with quercetin (10 and 20 mg/kg) compared to paracetamol control group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the AUC0‐∞ and Cmax of NAPQI were decreased significantly with quercetin. The same results were observed with silymarin also. The elevated liver and kidney functional enzymes/compounds were significantly reduced by quercetin and silymarin compared to paracetamol control group. The formation of NAPQI was reduced in the incubation samples in presence of quercetin in experiment using isolated rat hepatocytes. The presentstudy results revealed that quercetin might be inhibited the CYP2E1‐mediated metabolism of paracetamol; thereby decreased the formation of NAPQI and protected the liver and kidney.
Anthocyanins ameliorate palmitate‐induced inflammation and insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Muscarà Claudia , Molonia Maria Sofia , Speciale Antonio , Bashllari Romina , Cimino Francesco , Occhiuto Cristina , Saija Antonella , Cristani Mariateresa
Published: June 2019

Increased adiposity has been associated with adipose tissue low‐grade inflammation leading to insulin resistance. Adipocyte differentiation inhibitors are expected to be effective in preventing obesity and related diseases. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are associated to enhanced adipocyte function and protection from metabolic stress. Herein, we evaluated the in vitro protective effects of an ACN rich extract against palmitic acid (PA)‐induced hypertrophy, inflammation, and insulin resistance in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. ACN extract pretreatment reduces lipid accumulation and peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐γ protein levels induced by PA. In addition, PA induces inflammation with activation of NF‐κB pathway, whereas ACN extract pretreatment dose‐dependently inhibited this pathway. Furthermore, adipocyte dysfunction associated with hypertrophy induces insulin resistance by affecting phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐protein kinase B/Akt axis, GLUT‐1, and adiponectin mRNA levels. ACN extract pretreatment reverts these effects induced by PA and moreover was able to induce insulin pathway with levels higher than insulin control cells, supporting an insulin sensitizer role for ACNs. This study demonstrates a prevention potential of ACNs against obesity comorbidities, due to their protective effects against inflammation/insulin resistance in adipocytes. In addition, these results contribute to the knowledge and strategies on the evaluation of the mechanism of action of ACNs from a food source under basal and insulin resistance conditions related to obesity.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies of 1,2,4‐Triazole and 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Derivatives as Antiherpetic Agents
Authors: Goma'a Hebat‐Allah M. , Ghaly Mariam A. , Abou‐zeid Laila A. , Badria Farid A. , Shehata Ihsan A. , El‐Kerdawy Mohamed M.
Published: June 2019

Two isosteric series of 1,2,4‐triazole and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized in this work to be evaluated for their antiviral activity. Compounds 2–9 and 11–19 were synthesized and their antiviral activity was tested against herpes simplex virus type 1, HSV‐1, using acyclovir, ACV, as a reference drug. In addition, molecular docking into the active site of HSV‐1 thymidine kinase was performed to interpret the data obtained from biological testing, and all compounds were subjected to an in silico screening of their physicochemical properties to estimate their drug‐likeness and safety. The results revealed that compound 7 was able to reduce the viral plaques by 50% at a dose of 80 μM, but interestingly, retained high selectivity compared to ACV (>200 μM vs. 80 μM). The best effective and safe compound in this study, 7, was further tested for its combined effects with ACV on the anti‐HSV‐1 activity in the plaque reduction assay. Compound 7 proved to improve the selectivity of ACV and reduce its effective dose that produced 100% inhibition of viral plaques. The triazolopyrimidine 7 is suggested to be a promising candidate for further development as an antiherpetic agent. Molecular docking into the active site of HSV‐1 thymidine kinase emphasized the superior interaction of compound 7.
Rapid in Situ Self‐Assembly of Carbon Fibers/ZIF‐8 Composite for Efficient Adsorption Enhancement of Congo Red
Authors: Xiong Su‐Qin , Li Jia‐Le , Wang Yu , Gao Yu‐Hang , Jin Chun‐Xin , Dong Wei‐Wei , Zhao Jinhua , He Miao , Li Donghao , Shang Hai‐Bo
Published: June 2019

Although carbon fibers (CFs) are born with special physicochemical properties, the common CFs show the poor adsorption performance owing to the lack of adsorption sites and porosity with low specific surface area. As emerging functional materials, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention due to excellent properties, which has the ability of remedying drawbacks of other materials. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) was rapidly coated on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) (CF/ZIF‐8) via in‐situ self‐assembly approach in 10 min. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show ZIF‐8 film on CF is dense and homogeneous due to the low reactivity of zinc acetate and the coordination interaction between Zn2+ and carboxyl of CF treated by nitric acid (CF‐COOH). The Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area of CF/ZIF‐8 composite is about 30 times larger than that of pristine CF. The adsorption selectivity of CFs was increased after the modification of ZIF‐8 demonstrating by adsorbing different dyes. The CF/ZIF‐8 composites were applied to remove congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions with the adsorption capacity 40 times more than that of pristine CF and CF‐COOH, because of the increasing specific surface, electrostatic interaction and π‐π interaction between ZIF‐8 and CR molecule. The MOFs/CFs composites we fabricated also have great promise applications in micro‐preconcentration and electrochemistry.
Plastome phylogenomics of sugarcane and relatives confirms the segregation of the genus Tripidium (Poaceae: Andropogoneae)
Authors: Welker Cassiano A.D. , McKain Michael R. , Vorontsova Maria S. , Peichoto Myriam C. , Kellogg Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2019

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is one of the most important crops in the world and a major source of sugar for human consumption. Despite this immense value, the circumscription of the genus Saccharum is complex, contentious, and largely unresolved. Saccharum is accepted in a broad sense by some authors or split into various genera such as Erianthus and Tripidium by others. A plastome phylogenomic analysis of sugarcane and relatives was performed in order to investigate generic delimitation, with emphasis on Tripidium (= Erianthus sect. Ripidium). Our plastome analysis demonstrates that Saccharum s.l. is polyphyletic and Tripidium (distributed in the Old World) belongs to a distinct lineage from Saccharum s.str. (Old World) and Erianthus s.str. (= Erianthus sect. Erianthus, New World). Therefore, this study confirms the recognition of Tripidium as a genus distinct from Saccharum and Erianthus, which is also supported by morphology and nuclear markers. The circumscription of Erianthus s.str. remains unclear since our results are consistent with either considering it as a distinct genus or including it in Saccharum. Better understanding of the evolutionary relationships of sugarcane and relatives may be useful for the selection of potential taxa for interspecific and intergeneric crosses in the genetic improvement of sugarcane. A taxonomic treatment of the six species of Tripidium is also presented, including descriptions, illustrations, data on geographical distribution, and three new nomenclatural combinations.
Leadership education for physicians—how it fits in their culture
Authors: Pangaro Louis N.
Published: June 2019

None
The role of school race/ethnic composition in mental health outcomes: A systematic literature review
Authors: DuPont‐Reyes Melissa J. , Villatoro Alice P.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

This systematic literature review provides evidence concerning the association of school race/ethnic composition in mental health outcomes among adolescents (ages 11–17 years). A range of mental health outcomes were assessed (e.g., internalizing behaviors, psychotic symptoms) in order to broadly capture the relationship between school context on mental health and psychological wellbeing. Methods: A search across six databases from 1990 to 2018 resulted in 13 articles from three countries (United States, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands) that met inclusion criteria following a two step review of titles/abstracts and full‐text. Results: The existing research on school race/ethnic composition and mental health point to two distinct measures of school composition: density—the proportion of one race/ethnic group enrolled in a school, and diversity—an index capturing the range and size of all race/ethnic groups enrolled in a school. Overall, higher same race/ethnic peer density was associated with better mental health for all adolescents. In contrast, there was no overall strong evidence of mental health advantage in schools with increased diversity. Conclusions: Theoretical and methodological considerations for future research towards strengthening causal inference, and implications for policies and practices concerning the mental health of adolescent‐aged students are discussed.
Tumour sidedness and clinicopathological features of resected colon cancer in rural population of Northern Pakistan: single institutional analysis
Authors: Khan Shah Zeb , Fatima Ismat
Published: June 2019

Objectives Different clinicopathological and molecular features have been demonstrated between right and left sided colon cancers. We aimed to characterize colon cancer and sidedness among a North-Pakistani rural population diagnosed with colon cancer in our institution.

Methods Seventy patients were included in the study that received adjuvant chemotherapy at Bannu Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy) Bannu, Pakistan from January 2014 to December 2017. Chi-square test was used for significance of categorical variables. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results Mean age at diagnosis for right side colon cancer patients was 43.94 years and for left side colon cancer, it was 49.83 with no significant difference. Male patients were presented more with right (77% vs. 54%, p = 0.044) and females with predominantly left sided tumours i.e. (46% vs. 23%, p = 0.044). Right sided cancer tended to be more poorly differentiated (20% vs. 0%, p = 0.020). Mucinous adenocarcinoma was seen mostly in right sided colon cancer (37% vs. 3%, p ≤ 0.001). There were more locally advanced presentation of right side colon cancer with more node positive (83% vs. 60%, p = 0.025) and lymphovascular invasion (51% vs. 37%, p = 0.016). Sigmoid colon was the most common tumour subsite involved.

Conclusion Our study is the first report of colon cancer in a rural population in North-Pakistan. An earlier onset of tumours (44–50 years) was observed in comparison with global data.
How post-imperial democracies die: A comparison of Weimar Germany and post-Soviet Russia
Authors: Kailitz Steffen , Umland Andreas
Published: June 2019

While socioeconomic crisis — like in Germany after World War I and in Russia after the Cold War — is a necessary precondition for democratic erosion resulting in a breakdown of democracy, it is not a sufficient condition. We identify, in the cases of Weimar Germany and post-Soviet Russia, a post-imperial syndrome that includes nationalist irredentism and an ambition to return to the status quo ante of a “great power” as a main reason why democratization faces specific and enormous challenges for former “great powers.” A slide back to authoritarianism in post-imperial democracies takes a high toll. It is facilitated by international political conflicts, including annexation and wars, with new neighbouring states that harbor territories perceived as external national homelands like the Sudetenland or Crimea.
Hypothesis Testing Reconsidered
Authors: Francis Gregory
Published: June 2019

Hypothesis testing is a common statistical analysis for empirical data generated by studies of perception, but its properties and limitations are widely misunderstood. This Element describes several properties of hypothesis testing, with special emphasis on analyses common to studies of perception. The author also describes the challenges and difficulties with using hypothesis testing to interpret empirical data. Many common applications of hypothesis testing inflate the intended Type I error rate. Other aspects of hypothesis tests have important implications for experimental design. Solutions are available for some of these difficulties, but many issues are difficult to deal with.
Hypersonic flow over spherically blunted cone capsules for atmospheric entry. Part 1. The sharp cone and the sphere
Authors: Hornung H. G. , Martinez Schramm Jan , Hannemann Klaus
Published: June 2019

Depending on the cone half-angle and the inverse normal-shock density ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}$, hypersonic flow over a spherically blunted cone exhibits two regimes separated by an almost discontinuous jump of the body end of the sonic line from a point on the spherical nose to the shoulder of the cone, here called sphere behaviour and cone behaviour. The inflection point of the shock wave in sphere behaviour is explained. In Part 1 we explore the two elements of the capsule shape, the sphere and the sharp cone with detached shock, theoretically and computationally, in order to put the treatment of the full capsule shape on a sound basis. Starting from the analytical expression for the shock detachment angle of a cone given by Hayes & Probstein (Hypersonic Flow Theory, 1959, Academic Press) we make a hypothesis for the sharp cone, about the functional form of the dependence of dimensionless quantities on $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}$ and a cone angle parameter, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$. In the critical part of atmospheric entry the shock shape and drag of the capsule are insensitive to viscous effects, so that much can be learned from inviscid studies. Accordingly, the hypothesis is tested by making a large number of Euler computations to cover the parameter space: Mach number, specific heat ratio and cone angle. The results confirm the hypothesis in the case of the dimensionless shock stand-off distance as well as for the drag coefficient, yielding accurate analytical functions for both. This reduces the number of independent parameters of the problem from three to two. A functional form of the shock stand-off distance is found for the transition from the $90^{\circ }$ cone to the sphere. Although the analysis assumes a calorically perfect gas, the results may be carried over to the high-enthalpy real-gas situation if the normal-shock density ratio is replaced by the density ratio based on the average density along the stagnation streamline (see e.g. Stulov, Izv. AN SSSR Mech. Zhidk. Gaza, vol. 4, 1969, pp. 142–146; Hornung, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 53, 1972, pp. 149–176; Wen & Hornung, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 299, 1995, pp. 389–405).
Enamel hypoplasia and dental wear of North American late Pleistocene horses and bison: an assessment of nutritionally based extinction models
Authors: Barrón-Ortiz Christina I. , Jass Christopher N. , Barrón-Corvera Raúl , Austen Jennifer , Theodor Jessica M.
Published: June 2019

Approximately 50,000–11,000 years ago many species around the world became extinct or were extirpated at a continental scale. The causes of the late Pleistocene extinctions have been extensively debated and continue to be poorly understood. Several extinction models have been proposed, including two nutritionally based extinction models: the coevolutionary disequilibrium and mosaic-nutrient models. These models draw upon the individualistic response of plant species to climate change to present a plausible scenario in which nutritional stress is considered one of the primary causes for the late Pleistocene extinctions.

In this study, we tested predictions of the coevolutionary disequilibrium and mosaic-nutrient extinction models through the study of dental wear and enamel hypoplasia ofEquusandBisonfrom various North American localities. The analysis of the dental wear (microwear and mesowear) of the samples yielded results that are consistent with predictions established for the coevolutionary disequilibrium model, but not for the mosaic-nutrient model. These ungulate species show statistically different dental wear patterns (suggesting dietary resource partitioning) during preglacial and full-glacial time intervals, but not during the postglacial in accordance with predictions of the coevolutionary disequilibrium model. In addition to changes in diet, these ungulates, specifically the equid species, show increased levels of enamel hypoplasia during the postglacial, indicating higher levels of systemic stress, a result that is consistent with the models tested and with other climate-based extinction models. The extent to which the increase in systemic stress was detrimental to equid populations remains to be further investigated, but suggests that environmental changes during the late Pleistocene significantly impacted North American equids.
Visual Scoring of Starch in Coffea Arabica L. II. Starch in Bearing and Non-Bearing Branches
Authors: Wormer T. M. , Ebagole H. E.
Published: June 2019

The amount of starch in branches of Coffea arabica L. was studied by means of a method of visual scoring. In cropping branches, the variation in starch level was greatly, but not completely, determined by the growth of the crop. More knowledge of the formation and distribution of the products of photosynthesis is needed before a satisfactory explanation can be offered. Starch levels in non-cropping branches were higher than those in the cropping branches, but followed the same pattern of fluctuation. In general, translocation of starch occurred rapidly throughout the tree but some exceptions to this rule were found.