bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agriculture Development in India: A State Level Analysis
Authors: Singh Surendra
Published: April 2020

Agriculture plays vital role in the process of economic development of less developed countries like, India. Besides providing food for the nation, agriculture absorbs labor, provides saving, contributes to the market of industrial goods and earn overseas exchange. The present study attempted to examine the performance of Indian agriculture during post green revolution period and economic reform period. A semi-log model was used to calculate compound annual growth rate of major food and non-food crops. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the land use pattern change and cropping pattern change. Fertilizer use ratio was calculated to examine the judicious use of chemical fertilizers. Study findings reveal that though, green revolution moved out from the food crisis arisen in the early sixties in some extent, but it also brought regional disparities in the resources use, productivity and cropping pattern.  Promotional price policy for some cash crops leads to scarcity in others. Change in an environmental factors, along with economic and technological factors are increasing degree of the vulnerability in farm profits in particular and the livelihood of farmers in general. The present study suggested following policy implications.  First, there is need of ultramodern technology that provides up-to-date weather information. Second, government should promote home-made bio-fertilizers and organic farm practices. Third, an intensive survey should be carrying out to understand the farm requirement of marginal farmers and based on the feedback mechanism, technology would be develop. Fourth, private investors should be invited to develop a food chain mechanism to procure the food items at the time of harvesting and release in the off-cropping season for price stability. Lastly, India needs land reforms, in which, land consolidation and identification of real farmers should be given first priority.
Polyphenols composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Pinus sylvestris L. shoots extracts depending on different drying methods
Authors: Dziedziński Marcin , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna , Powałowska Daria Szymanowska- , Szablewska Kinga Stuper- , Baranowska Marlena
Published: April 2020

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) shoots have been increasingly commonly used as functional food or its component, the shoots contain various active components, unknown from other raw materials. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of the drying method on the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of pine shoots. It was demonstrated that freeze drying (PSL), vacuum drying (PSP) and natural drying (PSN) have significant impact on the physicochemical properties, content of bioactive compounds and antioxidative activity of the prepared ethanol-water extracts. The content of the studied compounds varied significantly in the tested shoots. In spectrophotometric testing the highest total flavonoid content was demonstrated in the PSP sample, at 5.51 mg quercetin/g dw. On the other hand, the reducing capacity was as follows: PSN>PSP>PSL in the range from 13.4 to 5.73 mg gallic acid/g dw. However in assay conducted using HPLC methods the highest content of polyphenols characterized extract from freeze-dried raw material (9151.15 µg/g), followed by vacuum-dried (8264.57 µg/g), and the lowest content of phenolic compounds was found in convection-dried shoots (7621.76 µg/g). The studied extracts demonstrated antioxidative properties, both in ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) as well as in free radical quenching measurement (DPPH). All of the studied extracts demonstrated antimicrobial and fungicidal properties, and they were particularly efficient in the case of gram-negative bacteria.
Modified atmosphere using propolis in post-harvested ‘Eva’ organic apple
Authors: Mariano-Nasser Flávia Aparecida de Carvalho
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different propolis extracts in post harvesting ‘EVA’ organic apple, in order to prolong storage and fruit quality maintenance. After selection, fruits were sanitized with vinegar (6%) solution, dried in the air and immersed in propolis solution for 1 minute when it has been possible. Treatments were T1: Control without application; T2: 1.5% propolis alcoholic extract (1.5% EEP); T3: 2.5% propolis alcoholic extract (2.5% EEP); T4: 1.5% aqueous propolis extract (1.5% EAqP) and T5: 2.5% aqueous propolis extract (2.5% EAqP). Fruits were packed in rigid plastic boxes and stored in a cold room with temperature of 5 ± 1 °C and 85 ± 1% RH for 80 days. Every 10 days some traits were evaluated as fruit weight loss (%), respiratory activity (mL of CO2 kg of fruit-1 hour-1), luminosity, chroma, Hue angle, pH, soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (g of malic acid 100g-1) and reducing and non-reducing sugars. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme and data were submitted to F test (p <0.05) and significant interactions were deployed via regression analysis. The application of propolis extract (aqueous and alcoholic) in ‘Eva’ organic apple post-harvest does not prolong refrigerated storage (5 ± 1ºC and 85 ± 1% RH) and does not influence in fruit quality conservation.
HSF1 is required for induction of mitochondrial chaperones during the mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Authors: Katiyar Arpit , Fujimoto Mitsuaki , Tan Ke , Kurashima Ai , Srivastava Pratibha , Okada Mariko , Takii Ryosuke , Nakai Akira
Published: April 2020

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is characterized by the transcriptional induction of mitochondrial chaperone and protease genes in response to impaired mitochondrial proteostasis and is regulated by ATF5 and CHOP in mammalian cells. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the UPRmt are currently unclear. Here, we show that HSF1 is required for activation of mitochondrial chaperone genes, including HSP60, HSP10, and mtHSP70, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts during inhibition of matrix chaperone TRAP1, protease Lon, or electron transfer complex 1 activity. HSF1 bound constitutively to mitochondrial chaperone gene promoters, and we observed that its occupancy was remarkably enhanced at different levels during the UPRmt. Furthermore, HSF1 supported the maintenance of mitochondrial function under the same conditions. These results demonstrate that HSF1 is required for induction of mitochondrial chaperones during the UPRmt, and thus, it may be one of the guardians of mitochondrial function under conditions of impaired mitochondrial proteostasis.
ASAM on buprenorphine inductions by telephone
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2020

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is providing some assistance in how to conduct telephone inductions of buprenorphine, in which new patients talk to a doctor on the phone and get a prescription for the Schedule III opioid use disorder (OUD) medication.
Many Exciplex Systems Exhibit Organic Long‐Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Nishimura Naohiro , Lin Zesen , Jinnai Kazuya , Kabe Ryota , Adachi Chihaya
Published: April 2020

Organic long‐persistent luminescence (OLPL) is a long‐lasting luminescence from a photogenerated intermediated state, such as a charge separated state. Here, it is shown that many exciplex systems exhibit OLPL and that emission pathways of OLPL can be controlled by the relationship among local excited states and charge‐transfer excited states of materials.
Site‐Specific Synthesis of Silica Nanostructures on DNA Origami Templates
Authors: Shang Yingxu , Li Na , Liu Shengbo , Wang Ling , Wang Zhen‐Gang , Zhang Zhong , Ding Baoquan
Published: April 2020

DNA origami has been widely investigated as a template for the organization of various functional elements, leading to potential applications in many fields such as biosensing, nanoelectronics, and nanophotonics. However, the synthesis of inorganic nonmetallic nanomaterials with predesigned patterns using DNA origami templates has seldom been explored. Here, a novel method is reported to site‐specifically synthesize silica nanostructures with designed patterns on DNA origami templates. The molecular dynamic simulation confirms that the positively charged silica precursors have a stronger electrostatic affinity to protruding double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) than DNA origami surfaces. The work describes a novel strategy to fabricate silica nanostructures with nanoscale precision. Moreover, the site‐specific silicification of DNA nanoarchitectures expands the scope of customized synthesis of inorganic nonmetallic nanomaterials.
Heat Capacity and Thermal Damping Properties of Spin‐Crossover Molecules: A New Look at an Old Topic
Authors: Ridier Karl , Zhang Yuteng , Piedrahita‐Bello Mario , Quintero Carlos M. , Salmon Lionel , Molnár Gábor , Bergaud Christian , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: April 2020

The thermally induced spin‐crossover (SCO) phenomenon in transition metal complexes is an entropy‐driven process, which has been extensively studied through calorimetric methods. Yet, the excess heat capacity associated with the molecular spin‐state switching has never been explored for practical applications. Herein, the thermal damping effect of an SCO film is experimentally assessed by monitoring the transient heating response of SCO‐coated metallic microwires, Joule‐heated by current pulses. A damping of the wire temperature, up to 10%, is evidenced on a time scale of tens of microseconds due to the spin‐state switching of the molecular film. Fast heat‐charging dynamics and negligible fatigability are demonstrated, which, together with the solid‐solid nature of the spin transition, appear as promising features for achieving thermal energy management applications in functional devices.
AIE‐Based Theranostic Probe for Sequential Imaging and Killing of Bacteria and Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Huang Letao , Jia Yongguang , Hu Rong , Gao Meng , Ren Li , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2020

Cancer initiation and progression is closely related to bacterial infection, which usually requires the simultaneous use of anticancer drugs and antibiotics in the clinic. However, the multiple use of chemodrugs significantly increases potential adverse effects. To tackle this challenge, theranostic agents with image‐guided dual therapy functions are highly desirable to treat both cancer and bacterial infection. Here, it is found that the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐Mito‐triphenylphosphonium (TPP) probe with AIE characteristics quickly kills Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative E. coli by increasing bacterial membrane permeability, and it subsequently kills cancer cells by disrupting mitochondrial functions. The sequential killing of bacteria and cancer cells can be monitored in situ using the turn‐on fluorescence of the AIE‐Mito‐TPP probe with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Therefore, the AIE‐Mito‐TPP probe is promising for imaging‐guided precise treatment of bacterial infection and related cancers.
Negative Thermal Quenching and Size‐Dependent Optical Characteristics of Highly Luminescent Phosphorene Nanocrystals
Authors: Jana Subhajit , Mukherjee Subhrajit , Ghorai Arup , Bhaktha Shivakiran B. N. , Ray Samit Kumar
Published: April 2020

Highly luminescent and direct band gap black phosphorus (BP) nanocrystals (NCs) synthesized using a cost‐effective sonochemical exfoliation route are reported. Microscopic studies have confirmed the exfoliation of few‐layer nanoflakes and BP NCs with variable average size between ≈2 and ≈8 nm. Structural and vibrational characteristics reveal the superior crystalline quality by retaining the phase and crystalline symmetry in NCs. Size‐dependent absorption characteristics are observed by controlling the nanoparticle size and show a progressive blue shift near band edge absorption on reducing the size, useful for selective multicolor photodetection. Temperature‐dependent photoluminescence measurements from room temperature (300 K) down to 10 K are performed. Most interestingly, BP NCs with the lowest diameter exhibit a novel negative thermal quenching behavior as compared to positive thermal quenching observed usually in bulk semiconductors and BP NCs with larger diameter. Metal–semiconductor–metal type (Au/BP‐NCs/Au) photodetectors are fabricated to study their photoresponse properties, which reveal the potential application of BP NCs as optical modulators.
Facile and Green Route to Fabricate Bacterial Cellulose Membrane with Superwettability for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Sai Huazheng , Jin Zhiqiang , Wang Yutong , Fu Rui , Wang Yaxiong , Ma Litong
Published: April 2020

The separation of oil–water mixtures by membranes with hydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity is an effective method. However, the fabrication of these oil–water separation membranes usually needs a complex chemical treatment process. In this study, a facile and green method to fabricate bacterial cellulose membranes (BCMs) with superwettability through one‐step filtration process without any further tedious and costly chemical modification for efficient oil–water separation is proposed. Owing to the ultrafine (20–80 nm in diameter) nanofiber structure and intrinsic hydrophilicity of bacterial cellulose (BC), BCMs with a 3D web‐like structure show superhydrophilicity in air (water contact angles about 0°) and underwater superoleophobicity (oils contact angles >150°). During the oil–water separation process, water permeates through BCMs quickly while oils remain at the BCMs' upper side. Furthermore, all separation processes present high separation efficiency (>99.7%) and high fluxes. In addition, two different models are proposed to describe the formation and microstructure of BCMs and how it affect the separation process. Thus, this work provides a facile and environment benign route for obtaining excellent separation membranes for oil‐polluted‐water treatment.
Multifunctional Highly Oleophobic and Superhydrophilic Fabric Coatings Prepared by Facile Photopolymerization
Authors: Chi Huanjie , Xu Zhiguang , Ma Yiping , Tang Tingting , Zhang Tao , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2020

In this work, a facile approach through UV polymerization is developed for the preparation of highly oleophobic and superhydrophilic coating on polyester fabric by using short‐fluorochain acrylate (1H,1H,2H,2H‐tridecafluoro‐n‐octyl acrylate) together with hydrophilic monomer and crosslinker. The coated fabric has an oil contact angle of ≈146° for hexadecane and >150° for many other oils including cooking oil and engine oil. A water drop can completely spread on the fabric within 68 ms. As a result, oil drops on the fabric surface can be easily lifted off by immersion in water. Because of its selective wettability to water, the coated fabric can also be used for oil–water filtration or water absorption from bulk oil. It is further demonstrated that the coated fabric has good hygroscopic and antistatic properties. Fabrics with these functions may find applications including oil–water separation and especially functional clothing for which the oil repellency and easy oil removal are essential while the water repellency is less important. Antistatic properties as shown by this material, are also demanded, in areas such as work clothing for auto repair and oil industries.
Tailoring Selectivity of Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Generation by Tunable Pyrrolic‐Nitrogen‐Carbon
Authors: Li Laiquan , Tang Cheng , Zheng Yao , Xia Bingquan , Zhou Xianlong , Xu Haolan , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: April 2020

The electrochemical reduction of O2 via a two‐electron reaction pathway to H2O2 provides a possibility for replacing the current anthraquinone process, enabling sustainable and decentralized H2O2 production. Here, a nitrogen‐rich few‐layered graphene (N‐FLG) with a tunable nitrogen configuration is developed for electrochemical H2O2 generation. A positive correlation between the content of pyrrolic‐N and the H2O2 selectivity is experimentally observed. The critical role of pyrrolic‐N is elucidated by the variable intermediate adsorption profiles as well as the dependent negative shifts of the pyrrolic‐N peak on X‐ray adsorption near edge structure spectra. By virtue of the optimized N doping configuration and the unique porous structure, the as‐fabricated N‐FLG electrocatalyst exhibits high selectivity toward electrochemical H2O2 synthesis as well as superior long‐term stability. To achieve high‐value products on both the anode and cathode with optimized energy efficiency, a practical device coupling electrochemical H2O2 generation and furfural oxidation is assembled, simultaneously enabling a high yield rate of H2O2 at the cathode (9.66 mol h−1 gcat−1) and 2‐furoic acid at the anode (2.076 mol m−2 h−1) under a small cell voltage of 1.8 V.
Smell dysfunction: a biomarker for COVID‐19
Authors: Moein Shima T. , Hashemian Seyed MohammadReza , Mansourafshar Babak , Khorram‐Tousi Ali , Tabarsi Payam , Doty Richard L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is responsible for the largest pandemic since the 1918 influenza A virus subtype H1N1 influenza outbreak. The symptoms presently recognized by the World Health Organization are cough, fever, tiredness, and difficulty breathing. Patient‐reported smell and taste loss has been associated with COVID‐19 infection, yet no empirical olfactory testing on a cohort of COVID‐19 patients has been performed.

Methods

The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a well‐validated 40‐odorant test, was administered to 60 confirmed COVID‐19 inpatients and 60 age‐ and sex‐matched controls to assess the magnitude and frequency of their olfactory dysfunction. A mixed effects analysis of variance determined whether meaningful differences in test scores existed between the 2 groups and if the test scores were differentially influenced by sex.

Results

Fifty‐nine (98%) of the 60 patients exhibited some smell dysfunction (mean [95% CI] UPSIT score: 20.98 [19.47, 22.48]; controls: 34.10 [33.31, 34.88]; p < 0.0001). Thirty‐five of the 60 patients (58%) were either anosmic (15/60; 25%) or severely microsmic (20/60; 33%); 16 exhibited moderate microsmia (16/60; 27%), 8 mild microsmia (8/60; 13%), and 1 normosmia (1/60; 2%). Deficits were evident for all 40 UPSIT odorants. No meaningful relationships between the test scores and sex, disease severity, or comorbidities were found.

Conclusion

Quantitative smell testing demonstrates that decreased smell function, but not always anosmia, is a major marker for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and suggests the possibility that smell testing may help, in some cases, to identify COVID‐19 patients in need of early treatment or quarantine.
Assessing neuraxial microstructural changes in a transgenic mouse model of early stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by ultra‐high field MRI and diffusion tensor metrics
Authors: Gatto Rodolfo G. , Weissmann Carina , Amin Manish , Finkielsztein Ariel , Sumagin Ronen , Mareci Thomas H. , Uchitel Osvaldo D. , Magin Richard L.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Cell structural changes are one of the main features observed during the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this work, we propose the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics to assess specific ultrastructural changes in the central nervous system during the early neurodegenerative stages of ALS.

Methods

Ultra‐high field MRI and DTI data at 17.6T were obtained from fixed, excised mouse brains, and spinal cords from ALS (G93A‐SOD1) mice.

Results

Changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) and linear, planar, and spherical anisotropy ratios (CL, CP, and CS, respectively) of the diffusion eigenvalues were measured in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) areas associated with early axonal degenerative processes (in both the brain and the spinal cord). Specifically, in WM structures (corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, and spinal cord funiculi) as the disease progressed, FA, CL, and CP values decreased, whereas CS values increased. In GM structures (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and central spinal cord) FA and CP decreased, whereas the CL and CS values were unchanged or slightly smaller. Histological studies of a fluorescent mice model (YFP, G93A‐SOD1 mouse) corroborated the early alterations in neuronal morphology and axonal connectivity measured by DTI.

Conclusions

Changes in diffusion tensor shape were observed in this animal model at the early, nonsymptomatic stages of ALS. Further studies of CL, CP, and CS as imaging biomarkers should be undertaken to refine this neuroimaging tool for future clinical use in the detection of the early stages of ALS.
Effect of Ligand Field Strength on the Spin Crossover Behaviour in 5‐X‐SalEen (X=Me, Br and OMe) Based Fe(III) Complexes
Authors: Dey Bijoy , Mondal Arpan , Konar Sanjit
Published: April 2020

The reaction of Fe(NCS)3 prepared in situ in MeOH with 5‐X‐SalEen ligands (5‐X‐SalEen=condensation product of 5‐substituted salicylaldehyde and N‐ethylethylenediamine) provided three Fe(III) complexes, [Fe(5‐X‐SalEen)2]NCS; X=Me (1), X=Br (2), X=OMe (3). All the complexes reveal similar structural features but a very different magnetic profile. Complex 1 shows a gradual spin crossover while complexes 2 and 3 show a sharp spin transition. The T1/2 for complex 2 is 237 K while for complex 3 it is much higher with a value of 361 K. The spin transition temperature is shifted towards higher temperature with increasing electron‐donation ability of the ligand substituents. This experimental observation has been rationalized with DFT calculations. UV‐Vis and cyclic voltammetry studies support the fact that the electron density on the ligand increases from Me to Br to OMe substituents. To understand the change in spin states, temperature‐dependent EPR spectra have been recorded. The spin state equilibrium in the liquid state has been probed with Evans NMR spectroscopic method, and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated for all complexes.
Carbon Transition‐metal Oxide Electrodes: Understanding the Role of Surface Engineering for High Energy Density Supercapacitors
Authors: Tomboc Gracita M. , Tesfaye Gadisa Bekelcha , Jun Minki , Chaudhari Nitin K. , Kim Hern , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: April 2020

Supercapacitors store electrical energy by ion adsorption at the interface of the electrode‐electrolyte (electric double layer capacitance, EDLC) or through faradaic process involving direct transfer of electrons via oxidation/reduction reactions at one electrode to the other (pseudocapacitance). The present minireview describes the recent developments and progress of carbon‐transition metal oxides (C‐TMO) hybrid materials that show great promise as an efficient electrode towards supercapacitors among various material types. The review describes the synthetic methods and electrode preparation techniques along with the changes in the physical and chemical properties of each component in the hybrid materials. The critical factors in deriving both EDLC and pseudocapacitance storage mechanisms are also identified in the hope of pointing to the successful hybrid design principles. For example, a robust carbon‐metal oxide interaction was identified as most important in facilitating the charge transfer process and activating high energy storage mechanism, and thus methodologies to establish a strong carbon‐metal oxide contact are discussed. Finally, this article concludes with suggestions for the future development of the fabrication of high‐performance C‐TMO hybrid supercapacitor electrodes.
Dialkenylgermanes as Precursors of Silsesquioxane‐based Macromolecular Structures
Authors: Grzelak Magdalena , Frąckowiak Dawid , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: April 2020

Herein we report a study of highly efficient platinum‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of dialkenylgermanes with silsesquioxanes and spherosilicates. The use of divinyl‐ and diallylgermanes allowed the synthesis of new classes of compounds, i. e., dumbbell‐type systems, silsesquioxanes with alkenyl pendant group, and oligomeric derivatives. The results are supported by detailed data from in situ FT‐IR and NMR measurements, enabling precise monitoring of the reaction progress and determination of regioselectivity of the formed products.
Novel HPTLC densitometric methods for determination of tamsulosin HCl and tadalafil in their newly formulated dosage form: Comparative study and green profile assessment
Authors: Tantawy Mahmoud A. , Weshahy Soheir A. , Wadie Mina , Rezk Mamdouh R.
Published: April 2020

A promising combination of tamsulosin HCl and tadalafil has recently been introduced for treating two prevalent and associated urological disorders: benign prostate hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction. Novel HPTLC methods were designed and validated for assaying the cited drugs in their challenging combined formulation. Separation was achieved using HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 plates as a stationary phase with a densitometric measurement at 280 nm. The proposed methods with two different chromatographic systems were successfully applied: a conventional mixture (method I) of ethyl acetate–toluene–methanol–ammonia (5:3:2:0.5, by volume) and a greener one (method II) with ethyl acetate–ethanol–ammonia (8:2:0.1, by volume). The two methods were evaluated through a comparative study in terms of selectivity, tailing factor, developing time and concentration ranges. The greenness profile for each method was then appraised with several green guides, namely GlaxoSmithKline solvent sustainability guide, Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) tool, National Environmental Method Index (NEMI) and Eco‐scale. Moreover, method specificity and peak homogeneity were evaluated by peak purity assessment using the winCATS® software spectral correlation tool. The methods have potential for being simple, fast, economic and selective, and the greener one could be a good option for sustainable analysis of the drugs.
Rapid screening and evaluation of XOD inhibitors and O2•− scavenger from total flavonoids of Ginkgo biloba leaves by LC–MS and multimode microplate reader
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Yong , Zhou Meiqi , Zheng Meizhu , Cui Jing , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Chunming , Liu Shu
Published: April 2020

Superoxide anion radical scavenger and xanthine oxidase inhibitor play an important role in the treatment of several relevant human diseases. In the present study, ultrafiltration liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry coupled to microplate reader was applied to screen and identify superoxide anion radical scavengers and xanthine oxidase inhibitors from total flavonoids of Ginkgo biloba leaves. As a result, four compounds (quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) were screened as xanthine oxidase inhibitors by ultrafiltration LC–MS, and the 50% scavenging concentration values of the screened flavonoids were lower than those for allopurinol. Lineweaver–Burk plot results indicated that kaempferol was a competitive xanthine oxidase inhibitor; the other flavonoids were all anticompetitive inhibitors. Four flavonoids—rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin—were screened as superoxide anion radical scavengers by LC–MS. The results demonstrate that the method for screening and evaluation of superoxide anion radical scavenger and xanthine oxidase inhibitor from a complex mixture system is feasible and efficient.
Development of a precise quantitative method for monitoring sirolimus in whole blood using LC/ESI–MS/MS
Authors: Shigeta Kensuke , Kikuchi Masafumi , Tanaka Masaki , Takasaki Shinya , Oishi Hisashi , Sado Tetsu , Matsuda Yasushi , Noda Masafumi , Okada Yoshinori , Mano Nariyasu , Yamaguchi Hiroaki
Published: April 2020

Sirolimus is used on patients after solid organ transplantation and on lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) patients, and therapeutic drug monitoring is required in clinical practice. We have previously reported an accurate method for quantitative determination of sirolimus, but its sample preparation step was complicated. In this study, we developed a modified liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI–MS/MS) method for sirolimus quantification. A supported liquid extraction cartridge was used to purify sirolimus from whole blood and ion suppression was mostly prevented. The validation results met the acceptance criteria. This method was compared with the antigen conjugated magnetic immunoassay (ACMIA) and our previously reported method, using whole blood samples from LAM patients. Comparison of the Bland–Altman plots of the currently developed method and the previous method revealed no significant difference between the two methods (mean bias, −2.02%; 95% CI, −7.81–3.78). The values obtained using ACMIA were significantly higher than those obtained using the current method by 13.87% (95% CI, 6.49–21.25) owing to cross‐reactivity. The degrees of cross reactivities in LAM patients and in organ transplant patients were similar, and our LC/ESI–MS/MS method precisely measured the blood concentrations of sirolimus.
Anxiolytic‐Like Action of Selected 4‐(Alkylamino)‐3‐nitrocoumarin Derivatives in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Randjelović Pavle J. , Radulović Niko S. , Stojanović Nikola M. , Dekić Vidoslav S. , Dekić Biljana R. , Stojiljković Nenad I. , Ilić Sonja M.
Published: April 2020

In this work, we explored the possible polypharmacological potential of the already established antimicrobials against gastrointestinal pathogens, 4‐(alkylamino)‐3‐nitrocoumarins, as antianxiety agents, using a battery of in vivo experiments. Three chosen coumarin derivatives, differing in the substituent (sec‐butylamino, hexadecylamino, or benzylamino) at position 4, at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg kg–1, were evaluated in light/dark, open‐field, horizontal wire and diazepam‐induced sleep models using male BALB/c mice. Depending on the applied dose, all three tested coumarins displayed a noteworthy anxiolytic‐like effect. 4‐(sec‐Butylamino)‐3‐nitro‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one and 4‐(hexadecylamino)‐3‐nitro‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one could be recognized as true anxiolytics in the lowest applied dose, based on three tests, without exerting any sedative effects. Thus, the 3‐nitrocoumarin core deserves further chemical diversity exploration in the ‘antianxiety’ direction.
Frustrated Lewis Pair Catalyzed Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Using Hydroboranes: New DFT Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Qu Zheng‐Wang , Zhu Hui , Grimme Stefan
Published: April 2020

Catalytic CO2 reduction is attractive for the sustainable production of value‐added fuels and chemicals. Prevented by an unclear mechanistic picture, only a few frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) catalysts are known for the efficient CO2 reduction under mild conditions using hydroboranes as reductant. For the first time, based on extensive DFT calculations, very efficient mechanisms for all steps of the FLP‐catalyzed reduction of CO2 to various products of boryl formate, H2CO, bis(boryl) acetal and methoxyl borane are revealed. Zwitterionic B/P FLP‐H2CO adducts are confirmed as active catalyst via the Lewis‐basic CH2O “oxide” center. Strong O and N Lewis‐bases are very active in promoting hydride transfer from hydroboranes to CO2 and strongly bound to the boryl group of reduced species. This can be modulated by Lewis acids in FLP catalysts for well‐balanced catalytic activity, which is crucial for further design of novel catalytic process.
A General Approach to Enzyme‐Responsive Liposomes
Authors: Lou Jinchao , Best Michael D.
Published: April 2020

Liposomes are effective nanocarriers due to their ability to deliver encapsulated drugs to diseased cells. Nevertheless, liposome delivery would be improved by enhancing the ability to control the release of contents at the target site. While various stimuli have been explored for triggering liposome release, enzymes provide excellent targets due to their common overexpression in diseased cells. We present a general approach to enzyme‐responsive liposomes exploiting targets that are commonly aberrant in disease, including esterases, phosphatases, and β‐galactosidases. Responsive lipids correlating with each enzyme family were designed and synthesized bearing an enzyme substrate moiety attached via a self‐immolating linker to a non‐bilayer lipid scaffold, such that enzymatic hydrolysis triggers lipid decomposition to disrupt membrane integrity and release contents. Liposome dye leakage assays demonstrated that each enzyme‐responsive liposome yielded significant content release upon enzymatic treatment compared to minimal release in controls. Results also showed that fine‐tuning liposome composition was critical for controlling release. DLS analysis showed particle size increases in the cases of esterase‐ and β‐galactosidase‐responsive lipids, supporting alterations to membrane properties. These results showcase an effective modular strategy that can be tailored to target different enzymes, providing a promising new avenue for advancing liposomal drug delivery.
Response to Inhibition of Receptor‐Interacting Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) in Active Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Weisel Kathleen , Berger Scott , Papp Kim , Maari Catherine , Krueger James G. , Scott Nicola , Tompson Debra , Wang Susanne , Simeoni Monica , Bertin John , Peter Tak Paul
Published: April 2020

Receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a regulator of inflammation and cell death, is a potential therapeutic target in immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The objective of this phase IIa multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate safety, tolerability pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy of GSK2982772, a RIPK1 inhibitor, in plaque‐type psoriasis. Psoriasis patients (N = 65) were randomized to 60 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) or three times daily (t.i.d.), or placebo for 84 days. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild with no severe drug‐related AEs reported. Plaque Lesion Severity Sum improved with b.i.d. treatment compared with placebo; interpretation of t.i.d. treatment results was complicated by a high placebo response. Reductions in epidermal thickness and infiltration by CD3+ T cells in the epidermis and dermis were observed compared with placebo. Results support the rationale for additional studies on RIPK1 inhibition in IMIDs.
Evaluation of hybrid wheat yield in Nebraska
Authors: Easterly Amanda C. , Garst Nicholas , Belamkar Vikas , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Rudd Jackie C. , Sarazin Jean‐Benoit , Baenziger P. Stephen
Published: April 2020

For hybrid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to be successful in the Great Plains, good‐quality hybrid seed production must be reliable, and hybrid yield must exceed best commercial inbred cultivars (commercial heterosis). This research evaluates hybrid wheat cultivars developed from a full diallel of 26 parents that were planted in an augmented design at three locations in Nebraska in each of two years. The effects of using chemical hybridization were evaluated by testing the parents against hybrids that were created as full‐sib crosses and showed no detrimental effects of the chemical hybridization method on the hybrid performance. Maternal effects were tested by comparing the reciprocals for each combination of parents, where it was shown that reciprocal effects were of minor importance. General and specific combining abilities and narrow‐sense heritability were obtained and are being used to select parents for future hybrid combinations.
Recycle, Recover and Repurpose Strategy of Spent Li‐ion Batteries and Catalysts: Current Status and Future Opportunities
Authors: Garole Dipak J. , Hossain Rumana , Garole Vaman J. , Sahajwalla Veena , Nerkar Jawahar , Dubal Deepak P.
Published: April 2020

The disposal of hazardous waste of any form has become a great concern for the industrial sector due to increased environmental awareness. The increase in usage of hydroprocessing catalysts by petrochemical industries and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles will soon generate a large amount of scrap and create significant environmental problems. Like general electronic wastes, spent catalysts and LIBs are currently discarded in municipal solid waste and disposed of in landfills in the absence of policy and feasible technology to drive alternatives. Such inactive catalyst materials and spent LIBs not only contain not only hazardous heavy metals but also toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Besides polluting the environment, these systems (spent catalysts and LIBs) contain valuable metals such as Ni, Mo, Co, Li, Mn, Rh, Pt, and Pd. Therefore, the extraction and recovery of these valuable metals has significant importance. In this Review, we have summarized the strategies used to recover valuable (expensive) as well as cheap metals from secondary resources—especially spent catalysts and LIBs. The first section contains the background and sources of LIBs and catalyst scraps with their current recycling status, followed by a brief explanation of metal recovery methods such as pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and biometallurgy. The recent advances achieved in these methods are critically summarized. Thus, the Review provides a guide for the selection of adequate methods for metal recovery and future opportunities for the repurposing of recovered materials.
Reactive oxygen species signaling in primordial germ cell development in Drosophila embryos
Authors: Syal Sapna , Ng Chris , Kim Yunah , Janbieh Javier , Govind Shubha , Deshpande Girish
Published: April 2020

REDOX mechanisms that induce biosynthesis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) have attracted considerable attention due to both the deleterious and beneficial responses elicited by the reactive radical. In several organisms including Drosophila melanogaster, modulation of ROS activity is thought to be crucial for the maintenance of cell fates in developmental contexts. Interestingly, REDOX mechanisms have been shown to be involved in maintaining progenitor fate of stem cells as well as their proliferation and differentiation. Here, we have explored the possible functions of ROS during proper specification and developmental progression of embryonic primordial germ cells (PGCs). Indicating its potential involvement in these processes, ROS can be detected in the embryonic PGCs and the surrounding somatic cells from very early stages of embryogenesis. Using both “loss” and “gain” of function mutations in two different components of the REDOX pathway, we show that ROS levels are likely to be critical in maintaining germ cell behavior, including their directed migration. Altering the activity of a putative regulator of ROS also adversely influences the ability of PGCs to adhere to one another in cellular blastoderm embryos, suggesting potential involvement of this pathway in orchestrating different phases of germ cell migration.
Singing streams: Describing freshwater soundscapes with the help of acoustic indices
Authors: Decker Emilia , Parker Brett , Linke Simon , Capon Samantha , Sheldon Fran
Published: April 2020

Understanding soundscapes, that is, the totality of sounds within a location, helps to assess nature in a more holistic way, providing a novel approach to investigating ecosystems. To date, very few studies have investigated freshwater soundscapes in their entirety and none across a broad spatial scale.

In this study, we recorded 12 freshwater streams in South East Queensland continuously for three days and calculated three acoustic indices for each minute in each stream. We then used principal component analysis of summary statistics for all three acoustic indices to investigate acoustic properties of each stream and spatial variation in their soundscapes.

All streams had a unique soundscape with most exhibiting diurnal variation in acoustic patterns. Across these sites, we identified five distinct groups with similar acoustic characteristics. We found that we could use summary statistics of AIs to describe daytimes across streams as well. Most difference in stream soundscapes was observed during the daytime with significant variation in soundscapes both between hours and among sites.

Synthesis and Application. We demonstrate how to characterize stream soundscapes by using simple summary statistics of complex acoustic indices. This technique allows simple and rapid investigation of streams with similar acoustic properties and the capacity to characterize them in a holistic and universal way. While we developed this technique for freshwater streams, it is also applicable to terrestrial and marine soundscapes.
Diet specialization and brood parasitism in cuckoo species
Authors: Morelli Federico , Benedetti Yanina , Pape Møller Anders
Published: April 2020

Brood parasitism is a breeding strategy adopted by many species of cuckoos across the world. This breeding strategy influences the evolution of life histories of brood parasite species.

In this study, we tested whether the degree on diet specialization is related to the breeding strategy in cuckoo species, by comparing brood parasite and nonparasite species. We measured the gradient of diet specialization of cuckoos, by calculating the Gini coefficient, an index of inequality, on the multiple traits describing the diet of species. The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion on a scale between 0 and 1, reflecting a gradient from low to high specialization, respectively. First, we tested the strength of the phylogenetic signal of diet specialization index among cuckoo species worldwide. Then, we ran phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models to compare diet specialization, distribution range, and body mass of parasitic and nonparasitic cuckoo species, considering the phylogenetic signal of data.

After adjusting for the phylogenetic signal of the data and considering both, species distribution range and species body mass, brood parasitic cuckoos were characterized by higher diet specialization than nonbrood parasitic species. Brood parasitic species were also characterized by a larger breeding distribution range than nonparasitic species.

The findings of this study provide an additional understanding of the cuckoos’ ecology, relating diet and breeding strategies, information that could be important in conservation ecology.
A graphical causal model for resolving species identity effects and biodiversity–ecosystem function correlations
Authors: Schoolmaster Donald R. , Zirbel Chad R. , Cronin James Patrick
Published: April 2020

Identifying and clearly communicating the drivers of ecosystem function is a crucially important goal for both basic and applied ecology. This has proven difficult because the putative causes (e.g., environment, species identity, biodiversity, and functional traits) are numerous and correlated. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of a formal framework for unambiguously relating theoretical language to precise, quantitative expressions of that language. Using a formal framework for the graphical expression of complex causal hypotheses, we developed a causal diagram of the concepts required to comprehensively test whether hypothesized sets of functional traits mediate the relationship between community structure and ecosystem function. We then used causal analysis, simulations, and field data to develop and test analytical strategies for understanding how community structure influences ecosystem functions via functional traits. Formal causal analysis showed that biodiversity–ecosystem function correlations are noncausal associations. Using simulations, we showed how biodiversity correlations and species identity effects can arise from misspecification or incomplete mediation by functional trait composites. We also found that different types of model misspecification result in different patterns of residuals, which may be used to diagnose gaps in functional trait hypotheses. Treating the model misspecifications eliminated associations between species identity or biodiversity and ecosystem function. Finally, we provide an example of the analysis of field data to demonstrate how to use these insights to conduct a research program that has the goal of understanding the mechanistic trait relationships that link community structure to ecosystem function.
A multi‐center international study of acupuncture for lateral elbow pain ‐ Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gadau Marcus , Zhang Shi Ping , Wang Fu Chun , Liguori Stefano , Li Wei Hong , Liu Wei Hong , Bangrazi Sergio , Berle Christine , Razavy Shohreh , Bian Zhao Xiang , Filomena Petti , Hao Yang , Jiang Hai Lin , Lei Li , Li Tie , Zaslawski Christopher , Liguori Aldo , Liu Yan Song , Lu Ai Ping , Tan Yuan Sheng , Yim Wendy Wansze , Xie Chuan Long
Published: April 2020

Background

Lateral elbow pain (LEP) due to tendinosis is one of the most common musculoskeletal pains of the upper limbs, yet there is no satisfactory treatment. This study was an international, prospective, multi‐centre, randomized, controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture compared to sham laser in the treatment of LEP.

Methods

The study used a parallel and stratified design (1:1 allocation using a computer‐generated sequence) and was participant‐, outcome assessor‐ and statistician‐blinded. Subjects from 18 to 80 years with unilateral chronic LEP (minimum three months) were recruited at four centres in Australia, China, Hong Kong and Italy. The treatment group received manual acupuncture at acupoints LI 10 and LI 11 on the affected side whereas the control group received sham laser acupuncture at the same acupoints. The primary endpoint was disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire score at the three‐week post‐treatment follow‐up visit. Three VAS scales (pain at rest, pain on motion and pain during exertion) were secondary outcomes measures. Ninety‐six subjects were allocated to either the treatment group (n = 47) or control group (n = 49) and were all included in the analysis.

Results

At the follow‐up visit, we found significant differences in DASH score between the two groups (p = .015). The median change to baseline for the treatment group was −11.7 (interval: −50.83 to 23.33), and for the control group −7.50 (interval: −36.67 to 29.10). The estimated effect size was 0.47, indicating a medium effect. Significant differences were also found for secondary outcome measures for VAS of pain. There were no severe adverse events. Our findings suggest that acupuncture has a moderate efficacy in the treatment of LEP.

Conclusions

Acupuncture was shown to be efficacious in improving the function of the arm associated with lateral elbow tendinosis. Both the DASH score and the pain VAS on two occasions (at rest and during motion) showed a significant change over time indicating acupuncture as a potential treatment for LEP due to tendinosis.
Quality evaluation of living and postmortem Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Wang Yahui , Zhu Yaozhou , Shi Wenzheng , Wang Xichang
Published: April 2020

Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), biogenic amine, total viable count (TVC), volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation were conducted to assess the quality of Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) at living, zero, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 24 hr postmortem. The sensory evaluation found a noticeable odor of spoilage becoming evident 10 hr postmortem. The TVBN value increased and then decreased as time increased, reaching 23.67 mg N/100 g at 24 hr postmortem. Although biogenic amines were detected at 5 hr postmortem, by 24 hr postmortem these had not reached dangerous levels of toxicity. The initial TVC (6.06 Log CFU/g) of the living crab samples was relatively high and climbed further postmortem, reaching 10.00 Log CFU/g 24 hr postmortem. Trimethylamine was detected in the living sample in belly meat and 2 hr postmortem in crab roe and reached 8.33 µg/g in the roe 24 hr postmortem. Indole was detected at 0 hr (belly meat) and 10 hr (crab roe) postmortem, but did not change significantly during the observation period. Sulfur‐containing compounds were detected 5 hr after death and gradually increased over the observation period. Most indicators showed major changes at 5 hr and 10 hr postmortem. By 10 hr postmortem, the crab had entered the putrefaction stage and was thus no longer safe for consumption.