bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of point transect distance and traditional acoustic point‐count sampling of hoolock gibbons in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar
Authors: Brockelman Warren Y. , Tun Aung Ye , Pan Su , Naing Hla , Htun Saw
Published: September 2020

Effective conservation demands more accurate and reliable methods of survey and monitoring of populations. Surveys of gibbon populations have relied mostly on mapping of groups in “listening areas” using acoustical point‐count data. Traditional methods of estimating density in have usually used counts of gibbon groups within fixed‐radius areas or areas bounded by terrain barriers to sound transmission, and have not accounted for possible decline in detectability with distance. In this study we sampled the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leucogenys) population in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary (WS), Myanmar, using two methods: the traditional point‐count method with fixed‐radius listening areas, and a newer method using point‐transect Distance analysis from a sample point established in the center of each listening point array. The basic data were obtained by triangulating on singing groups from four LPs for 4 days, in 10 randomly selected sample areas within the sanctuary. The point transect method gave an average density of 3.13 groups km−2, higher than the estimates of group density within fixed‐radius areas without correction for detectability. A new method of analysis of singing probability per day (p[1]) gave an estimate of 0.547. Htamanthi WS is an important conservation area containing an estimated 7000 (95% confidence interval: 5000–10,000) hoolock groups. Surveys at Htamanthi WS and locations in the Hukaung Valley suggest that the extensive evergreen forests in northern Myanmar have the capacity to support 2–4 (average about 3) groups of hoolock gibbons per km2, but most forests in its range have yet to be surveyed.
Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,6′‐Bisboryl‐anti‐1,2‐oxaborinan‐3‐enes: An Entry to Enantioenriched Homoallylic Alcohols with A Stereodefined Trisubstituted Alkene
Authors: Chen Jichao , Miliordos Evangelos , Chen Ming
Published: September 2020

A Cu‐catalyzed regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective carboboration of 1,1‐bisboryl‐1,3‐butadiene is developed to generate enantioenriched 3,6′‐bisboryl‐anti‐1,2‐oxaborinan‐3‐enes. DFT calculations indicate that the initial diene 1,2‐borocupration forms a 3η‐allylic copper as the most stable intermediate. Subsequent aldehyde addition, however, operates under Curtin–Hammett control via a more reactive α,α‐bisboryl tertiary allylcopper species to furnish products with high enantioselectivities. The three boryl groups in the products are properly differentiated and can undergo a variety of chemoselective transformations to produce enantioenriched homoallylic alcohols with a stereodefined trisubstituted alkene.
Hin zur Kontrolle lumineszenter, optisch‐aktiver 3D‐Architekturen
Authors: Hindenberg Philip , Rominger Frank , Romero‐Nieto Carlos
Published: September 2020

π‐Erweiterte Systeme sind Schlüsselkomponenten für die Entwicklung zukünftiger organisch‐elektronischer Technologien. Während die Konzeption neuer Moleküle mit verbesserten Eigenschaften fundamental für die Evolution der Materialwissenschaft ist, stellt die Kontrolle über deren Anordnung im dreidimensionalen Raum eine stetig wachsende Herausforderung dar. Hier beschreiben wir nun eine synthetische Methode, die in π‐Systemen eingebundenen Kohlenstoffatome durch dissymmetrische Phosphoratome zu ersetzen; im Speziellen ermöglichte uns diese Methode, neuartige kondensierte Phosphapyren‐Derivate mit verbesserten Eigenschaften zu erhalten. Das Vorhandensein dissymmetrischer Phosphoratome verhinderte die Bildung von Excimeren. Die Kristallstrukturanalyse zeigte zudem, dass im Festkörper starke intermolekulare Wechselwirkungen vorherrschen. Die Phosphapyrene photolumineszieren mit hohen Quantenausbeuten im sichtbaren Bereich und sind zudem CD‐aktiv. Darüber hinaus ermöglichte die einzigartige nicht‐planare Geometrie der Phosphoratome die Kontrolle über die 3D‐Anordnung der Moleküle, wodurch lemniskatenartige Strukturen entstanden. Basierend auf unseren Erkenntnissen, streben wir die Konstruktion höher‐geordneter, chiraler 3D‐Architekturen aus größeren phosphorhaltigen π‐Systemen an.
A Gold Nanoparticle Nanonuclease Relying on a Zn(II) Mononuclear Complex
Authors: Czescik Joanna , Zamolo Susanna , Darbre Tamis , Rigo. Riccardo , Sissi Claudia , Pecina Adam , Riccardi Laura , De Vivo Marco , Mancin Fabrizio , Scrimin Paolo
Published: September 2020

Similarly to enzymes, functionalized gold nanoparticles efficiently catalyze chemical reactions, hence the term nanozymes. Herein, we present our results showing how surface‐passivated gold nanoparticles behave as synthetic nanonucleases, able to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA with the highest efficiency reported so far for catalysts based on a single metal ion mechanism. Experimental and computational data indicate that we have been successful in creating a catalytic site precisely mimicking that suggested for natural metallonucleases relying on a single metal ion for their activity. It comprises one Zn(II) ion to which a phosphate diester of DNA is coordinated. Importantly, as in nucleic acids‐processing enzymes, a positively charged arginine plays a key role by assisting with transition state stabilization and by reducing the pKa of the nucleophilic alcohol of a serine. Our results also show how designing a catalyst for a model substrate (bis‐p‐nitrophenylphosphate) may provide wrong indications as for its efficiency when it is tested against the real target (plasmid DNA).
Thiazoline‐Iridium (III) Complexes and Immobilized Nanomaterials as Selective Catalysts in N‐Alkylation of Amines with Alcohols
Authors: Denizaltı Serpil , Dayan Serkan , Günnaz Salih , Şahin Ertan
Published: September 2020

In this research, a new series of thiazoline‐iridium (III) complexes (4–7) derived from cysteine were prepared and fully characterized by conventional methods. The molecular structure of complex 5 was also determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These complexes were evaluated as catalysts for hydrogen‐borrowing reactions of amines with alcohols. In particular, complex 5 showed the best activity as catalyst. Various amines have been alkylated with alcohols affording moderate to good yield (33–99%). Moreover, the immobilized nanomaterials (M1,2) were fabricated by sonication process from the best catalyst 5 with the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO), respectively, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The M1,2 nanomaterials were also tested as catalysts in model catalytic reaction for N‐alkylation. The M1 nanomaterial showed significantly higher activity than the M2 nanomaterial. The M1 catalyst was recovered by filtration and reused for four catalytic cycles with high conversion (99%, 97%, 96%, and 86%).
The Hair Follicle as an Interdisciplinary Model for Biomedical Research: An Eclectic Literature Synthesis
Authors: Haslam Iain S. , Paus Ralf
Published: September 2020

Skin is a comparatively accessible organ possessing many conserved regulatory and signaling pathways, drawing researchers from varied fields toward its study. Hair follicle (HF) biology in particular has expanded rapidly over the preceding decade, helping to shape and develop scientific knowledge across diverse areas of biomedical research, beyond the skin. The hope in compiling this review is to inspire more researchers to utilize the HF as an instructive biological model, bringing with them fresh perspectives and experience from differing fields of study. The authors also wish to further motivate seasoned hair researchers to explore the further reaches of their understanding and the discoveries yet to be made. For this reason, the authors have endeavored to collate an eclectic mix of some of the most thought‐provoking and scientifically intriguing articles associated with the field of HF research, published in the preceding two years.
Long-term prognosis in breast cancer is associated with residual disease after neoadjuvant systemic therapy but not with initial nodal status
Authors: Zetterlund L , Celebioglu F , Hatschek T , Frisell J , de Boniface J
Published: September 2020

Background

This follow-up analysis of a Swedish prospective multicentre trial had the primary aim to determine invasive disease-free (IDFS), breast cancer-specific (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) rates, and their association with axillary staging results before and after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer.

Methods

Women who underwent neoadjuvant systemic therapy for clinically node-positive (cN+) or -negative (cN0) primary breast cancer between 2010 and 2015 were included. Patients had a sentinel lymph node biopsy before and/or after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, and all underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection. Follow-up was until February 2019. The main outcome measures were IDFS, BCSS and OS. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with survival.

Results

The study included a total of 417 women. Median follow-up was 48 (range 7–114) months. Nodal status after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, but not before, was significantly associated with crude survival: residual nodal disease (ypN+) resulted in a significantly shorter 5-year OS compared with a complete nodal response (ypN0) (83·3 versus 91·0 per cent; P = 0·017). The agreement between breast (ypT) and nodal (ypN) status after neoadjuvant systemic therapy was high, and more so in patients with cN0 tumours (64 of 66, 97 per cent) than those with cN+ disease (49 of 60, 82 per cent) (P = 0·005). In multivariable analysis, ypN0 (hazard ratio 0·41, 95 per cent c.i. 0·22 to 0·74; P = 0·003) and local radiotherapy (hazard ratio 0·23, 0·08 to 0·64; P = 0·005) were associated with improved IDFS, and triple-negative molecular subtype with worse IDFS.

Conclusion

The present findings underline the prognostic significance of nodal status after neoadjuvant systemic therapy. This confirms the clinical value of surgical axillary staging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy.
Teaching reaction kinetics through isomerization cases with the basis of density‐functional calculations
Authors: Rusydi Febdian , Madinah Roichatul , Puspitasari Ira , Mark‐Lee Wun F. , Ahmad Azizan , Rusydi Andrivo
Published: September 2020

The fundamental mechanism of biochemistry lies on the reaction kinetics, which is determined by the reaction pathways. Interestingly, the reaction pathway is a challenging concept for undergraduate students. Experimentally, it is difficult to observe, and theoretically, it requires some degree of physics knowledge, namely statistical and quantum mechanics. However, students can utilize computational methods to study the reaction kinetics without paying too much attention but not wholly neglecting the comprehension of physics. We hereby provided an approach to study the reaction kinetics based on density‐functional calculations. We particularized the study of the isomerization case involving five molecules at three different temperatures and emphasized the importance of the transition state in the study of reaction kinetics. The results we presented were in good agreement with the experiments and provided useful insights to assist students in the application of their knowledge into their research.
Polydimethylsiloxane/ionic liquid sponge used in headspace solid‐phase extraction coupled with GC–MS for rapid analysis of essential oil in lavender
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Ping , Wang Lili , Wang Caijuan , Zhao Mengqi , Fu Jihong
Published: September 2020

A headspace (HS) solid‐phase extraction (SPE) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/ionic liquid (IL) sponge was developed for the extraction of lavender essential oil. The PDMS after loading of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate ([BMIM]FeCl4) with a high surface area and excellent adsorption capacity was successfully applied in the SPE process. Microwave distillation (MD) coupled with HS‐PDMS/[BMIM]FeCl4 extraction after GC–MS was proposed. Various experimental parameters were studied. The optimal conditions were as follows: optimal IL, [BMIM]FeCl4; volume ratio of IL to ethanol, 1:5; extraction solvent, n‐hexane; microwave power, 600 W; and irradiation time, 12 min. The limits of detection and quantification of the analytic compounds were in the ranges 4.00–16.32 and 10.00–40.00 ng, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions were in the ranges 0.37–1.94% and 1.20–2.45%, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, 13 samples of 3 lavender varieties were analyzed, and 40 compounds were identified. Lavender varieties were distinguished using principal component analysis. The results showed that MD‐HS‐PDMS/IL‐GC–MS is a novel, simple, and sensitive method for the determination of essential oil in complex plant samples.
Acute appendicitis: Clinical anatomy of the new palpation sign
Authors: Marek Vitezslav , Záhorec Roman , Durdík Stefan
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Currently, diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is challenging. Here, we aim to propose using the new palpation sign to diagnose AA and establish the effectiveness of clinical examination using a proprietary diagnostic palpation procedure.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 2,883 patients of all ages who were examined for suspected AA, of whom 532 patients required surgical intervention, using the new palpation sign. Patients were divided into three age categories. Based on the correlation between clinical data and histological findings, clinical examination finding was defined as false negative, false positive, and positive. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between patients' sex and age distribution and clinical and histological findings.

Results

There was a strong correlation (r > .95) for distribution of total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by sex and age) versus false‐positive clinical findings, total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by sex and age) versus positive clinical findings, and total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by age) versus histology in phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis. Correlations (r = .94 and .90) were observed for distribution of total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by age) versus negative histological findings and Byron's obliterating appendicopathy. Pearson's chi‐squared test showed no significant difference between expected and observed frequencies of both clinical and histologic findings.

Conclusions

The new palpation sign can be used to diagnose early and later stage appendicitis, especially in children and young women, and is very effective in indicating surgery for AA.
Binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 to Cell Receptors: A Tale of Molecular Evolution
Authors: Gómez Santiago A. , Rojas‐Valencia Natalia , Gómez Sara , Egidi Franco , Cappelli Chiara , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: September 2020

The magnified infectious power of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus compared to its precursor SARS‐CoV is intimately linked to an enhanced ability in the mutated virus to find available hydrogen‐bond sites in the host cells. This characteristic is acquired during virus evolution because of the selective pressure exerted at the molecular level. We pinpoint the specific residue (in the virus) to residue (in the cell) contacts during the initial recognition and binding and show that the virus⋅⋅⋅cell interaction is mainly due to an extensive network of hydrogen bonds and to a large surface of noncovalent interactions. In addition to the formal quantum characterization of bonding interactions, computation of absorption spectra for the specific virus⋅⋅⋅cell interacting residues yields significant shifts of Δλmax=47 and 66 nm in the wavelength for maximum absorption in the complex with respect to the isolated host and virus, respectively.
Convolutional neural network for preprocessing‐free bacterial Spectra identification
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Lee Jiyoon , Ahn Gonie , Santos Inês C. , Schug Kevin A. , Kim Seoung Bum
Published: September 2020

Identifying bacterial species is essential to epidemiological surveillance. However, the determination of bacterial species is a tedious and labor‐intensive process. Various machine learning methods have been used for identifying bacterial species with mass spectral fingerprints. Although machine learning methods achieve real‐time identification without human experts, it still requires data preprocessing. To address this issue, we proposed a unified solution for the identification of bacterial species with a convolutional neural network. The neural network automatically determined species according to their mass spectra without the preprocessing steps. The convolutional and pooling layers in the neural network could replace the binning, baseline correction, and scaling procedures. Moreover, because of the explainable structure, the model could identify important regions of spectra to discriminate each bacterial species. We used spectral samples obtained from the fatty acid methyl esters of 10 samples from 16 bacterial species (a total of 16) to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method by comparing it with existing classification methods preceded by preprocessing. The comparison results confirmed that the proposed method outperformed the alternatives in terms of classification accuracy and robustness. Moreover, the classification results of the proposed method are interpretable.
Noble‐Metal‐Free Doped Carbon Nanomaterial Electrocatalysts
Authors: Sideri Ioanna K. , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: September 2020

Electrocatalytic processes, such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), play key roles in various sustainable energy storage and production devices and their optimization in an ecological manner is of paramount importance for mankind. In this inclusive Review, we aspire to set the scene on doped carbon‐based nanomaterials and their hybrids as precious‐metal alternative electrocatalysts for these critical reactions in order for the research community not only to stay up‐to‐date, but also to get inspired and keep pushing forward towards their practical application in energy conversion.
Human herpesvirus‐8–positive primary effusion lymphoma in HIV‐negative patients: Single institution case series with a multidisciplinary characterization
Authors: Rossi Giovanni , Cozzi Ilaria , Della Starza Irene , De Novi Lucia Anna , De Propris Maria Stefania , Gaeta Aurelia , Petrucci Luigi , Pulsoni Alessandro , Pulvirenti Federica , Ascoli Valeria
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a very rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma caused by human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV8) that grows in liquid phase within body cavities. The diagnosis of PEL is based on cytology but requires confirmatory ancillary tests. PEL occurs mainly in association with HIV infection. This study describes 9 cases of PEL in HIV‐negative patients and compares their characteristics with 10 HIV‐associated cases of PEL diagnosed at a single institution in Italy between 1995 and 2019.

METHODS

Clinical records were reviewed for demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory abnormalities, and outcome. PEL samples were evaluated for cytomorphology, immunophenotype, immunoglobulin (IG)/T cell receptor (TR) rearrangements, and HHV8 and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) viral loads in effusion supernatants.

RESULTS

HIV‐unrelated PEL occurred in 8 elderly patients (7 men, 1 woman) and 1 young adult with primary antibody deficiency. Cytology revealed HHV8‐positive lymphoma cells lacking B/T cell antigens and exhibiting 2 cell patterns (polymorphous or monotonous). IG was clonally rearranged in all cases; aberrant TRG occurred in 2 cases. Effusion supernatants had more than 106 HHV8 DNA copies per mL and variable loads of EBV DNA. Compared with HIV‐associated PEL, the HIV‐negative cohort was characterized by older age, less frequent association with Kaposi sarcoma and/or multicentric Castleman disease, comparable but less abnormal laboratory parameters, and a nonsignificant survival benefit. PEL cases with low apoptosis were associated with better prognosis.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, our case series of HIV‐unrelated PEL is the largest thus far, expands the spectrum of cytological findings, and supports the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic workup.
Quantum Corrections to the Pekar Asymptotics of a Strongly Coupled Polaron
Authors: Frank Rupert L. , Seiringer Robert
Published: September 2020

We consider the Fröhlich polaron model in the strong coupling limit. It is well‐known that to leading order the ground state energy is given by the (classical) Pekar energy. In this work, we establish the subleading correction, describing quantum fluctuation about the classical limit. Our proof applies to a model of a confined polaron, where both the electron and the polarization field are restricted to a set of finite volume, with linear size determined by the natural length scale of the Pekar problem. © 2020 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network Building with the Cytoscape BioGateway App Explained in Five Use Cases
Authors: Puig Rafael Riudavets , Holmås Stian , Mironov Vladimir , Kuiper Martin
Published: September 2020

The BioGateway App is a plugin for the Cytoscape network editor, allowing users to interactively build biological networks by querying the Biogateway Resource Description Framework (RDF) triple store. BioGateway contains information from several curated resources including UniProtKB, IntAct, Gene Ontology Annotations, various datasets containing transcription‐factor regulatory relations to specific target genes, and more. The BioGateway App facilitates the step‐by‐step creation of complex SPARQL queries through an intuitive Graphical User Interface, allowing users to build and explore biological interaction networks to assess, among other things, gene regulatory relationships, gene ontology annotations, and protein‐protein interactions. As the BioGateway information content is most abundant for human proteins and genes, this article describes the utility of the tool through a series of use cases on these human data, starting from the most basic levels and then detailing applications that address some of the rich complexity of the integrated data. Network refinement and display can be further optimized via the selection and filtering possibilities that the Cytoscape framework provides. The use cases also provide examples to explore network information in other species, as they become supported by BioGateway. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Introducing a node from the canvas

Basic Protocol 2: Introducing a node from the query builder

Basic Protocol 3: Exploring molecular relationships between diseases

Basic Protocol 4: Find proteins with protein kinase activity involved in a disease and explore the context around them

Basic Protocol 5: Exploring the potential downstream effects after targeted inhibition of proteins

Support Protocol: Installation of the BioGateway plugin through the Cytoscape App Manager and from source
Methods for Investigating Corneal Cell Interactions and Extracellular Vesicles In Vitro
Authors: McKay Tina B. , Guo Xiaoqing , Hutcheon Audrey E. K. , Karamichos Dimitrios , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: September 2020

Science and medicine have become increasingly “human‐centric” over the years. A growing shift away from the use of animals in basic research has led to the development of sophisticated in vitro models of various tissues utilizing human‐derived cells to study physiology and disease. The human cornea has likewise been modeled in vitro using primary cells derived from corneas obtained from cadavers or post‐transplantation. By utilizing a cell's intrinsic ability to maintain its tissue phenotype in a pre‐designed microenvironment containing the required growth factors, physiological temperature, and humidity, tissue‐engineered corneas can be grown and maintained in culture for relatively long periods of time on the scale of weeks to months. Due to its transparency and avascularity, the cornea is an optimal tissue for studies of extracellular matrix and cell‐cell interactions, toxicology and permeability of drugs, and underlying mechanisms of scarring and tissue regeneration. This paper describes methods for the cultivation of corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells for in vitro applications. We also provide detailed, step‐by‐step protocols for assembling and culturing 3D constructs of the corneal stroma, epithelial‐ and endothelial‐stromal co‐cultures and isolation of extracellular vesicles. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolating and culturing human corneal keratocytes and fibroblasts

Basic Protocol 2: Isolating and culturing human corneal epithelial cells

Basic Protocol 3: Isolating and culturing human corneal endothelial cells

Basic Protocol 4: 3D corneal stromal construct assembly

Basic Protocol 5: 3D corneal epithelial‐stromal construct assembly

Basic Protocol 6: 3D corneal endothelial‐stromal construct assembly

Basic Protocol 7: Isolating extracellular vesicles from corneal cell conditioned medium

Support Protocol: Cryopreserving human corneal fibroblasts, corneal epithelial cells, and corneal endothelial cells
Detection of Copper(II) in Water by Methylene Blue Derivatives
Authors: Ciarrocchi Carlo , Tumino Adriana , Sacchi Donatella , Orbelli Biroli Alessio , Licchelli Maurizio
Published: September 2020

Two novel phenothiazin‐5‐ium derivatives bearing cyclam moieties (3 a+ and 3 b+) were synthesized and investigated as Cu2+ sensors. Both ligands show intense spectral changes in the presence of Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. The high molar extinction coefficient of the chromophore allows both naked eye detection and spectrophotometric quantitative determination of the cation at a micromolar‐concentration scale. 3 a+ was found to outperform 3 b+, showing negligible spectral changes in the presence of excesses of other metal cations.
Genetic and Environmental Effect on Volatile Composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: Serrano Alicia , de la Rosa Raúl , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , León Lorenzo
Published: September 2020

Several factors affect the volatile fraction of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In this work, three advanced breeding selections and “Picual” cultivar are evaluated in comparative fields under different climatic conditions, to test and quantify the effect of genetic (G) and environmental (E) factors and their interaction (GxE). Significant differences between genotypes and environments are found for EVOO's volatile composition, except for C5/linoleic (LA) and terpenes. Genetic factor influences the volatile profile, mainly C6/linolenic (LnA) and C5/LnA compounds for which genotype represents up to 46% and 45.2% of the total variation, respectively. The environmental factor represents the 62% of the variation in total volatile content. On the contrary, significant GxE interaction is only found for C6/LA and esters. In qualitative terms, EVOOs from “Picual” and “IFAPA111‐2” differentiate from those of “IFAPA117‐117” and “IFAPA117‐120” genotypes due to their volatile profiles. In quantitative terms, EVOO from “IFAPA111‐2” genotype show the highest total volatile content.

Practical Applications: The results reveal a qualitative and quantitative differentiation among olive genotypes regarding their EVOOs’ volatile fractions, demonstrating that breeding selections can be a suitable alternative for cultivar diversification in olive orchards and extend the commercial offer of EVOOs regarding to aroma characteristics.
Electrochemical Aptasensors for Biological and Chemical Analyte Detection
Authors: Nur Topkaya Seda , Cetin Arif E.
Published: September 2020

Aptamers are short length, single‐stranded DNA or RNA affinity molecules which interact with any desired targets such as biomarkers, cells, biological molecules, drugs or chemicals with high sensitivity. They have been extensively employed for medical applications due to having more advantages than the antibodies such as easier preparation and modification, higher stability, lower batch‐to‐batch variability and cost. Moreover, aptamers can be easily integrated efficiently with sensors, biosensors, actuators and other devices. In this review article, different applications of aptamers for biological and chemical molecules detection within the scope of electrochemical methods were presented with recent studies. In addition, the present status and future perspectives for highly‐effective aptasensors for specific and selective analyte detection were discussed. As in stated throughout the review, combining of extraordinary properties of aptamers with the electrochemical‐based biosensors could have improved the sensitivity of the assay and reduced limit of detection.
Regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex related to lactate switch in CHO cells
Authors: Möller Johannes , Bhat Krathika , Guhl Lotta , Pörtner Ralf , Jandt Uwe , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: September 2020

The metabolism of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines is typically characterized by high rates of aerobic glycolysis with increased lactate formation, known as the ”Warburg” effect. Although this metabolic state can switch to lactate consumption, the involved regulations of the central metabolism have only been partially studied so far. An important reaction transferring the lactate precursor, pyruvate, into the tricarboxylic acid cycle is the decarboxylation reaction catalyzed by the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex (PDC). Among other mechanisms, PDC is mainly regulated by phosphorylation–dephosphorylation at the three sites Ser232, Ser293, and Ser300. In this work, the PDC phosphorylation in antibody‐producing CHO DP‐12 cell culture is investigated during the lactate switch. Batch cultivations were carried out with frequent sampling (every 6 h) during the transition from lactate formation to lactate uptake, and the PDC phosphorylation levels were quantified using a novel indirect flow cytometry protocol. Contrary to the expected activation of PDC (i.e., reduced PDC phosphorylation) during lactate consumption, Ser293 and Ser300 phosphorylation levels were 33% higher compared to the phase of glucose excess. At the same time, the relative phosphorylation level of Ser232 increased steadily throughout the cultivation (66% increase overall). The intracellular pyruvate was found to accumulate only during the period of high lactate production, while acetyl‐CoA showed nearly no accumulation. These results indicate a deactivation of PDC and reduced oxidative metabolism during lactate switch even though the cells undergo a metabolic transition to lactate‐based cell growth and metabolism. Overall, this study provides a unique view on the regulation of PDC during the lactate switch, which contributes to an improved understanding of PDC and its interaction with the bioprocess.
Child neurology services for children with epilepsy in Finland
Authors: Sillanpää Matti , Saarinen Maiju M. , Lähdesmäki Tuire
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to describe healthcare organization, training of and needs for child neurologists, patient accessibility to services, and treatment paths of children with epilepsy in Finland.

Methods

Data were collected from all geographic healthcare areas over Finland on training capacity in child neurology, number and density of child neurologists, and availability and accessibility of child neurological services. Data sources included the National Physician Register, Central Register of Healthcare Professionals of National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, and phone and email inquiries to the heads of public healthcare units.

Results

The overall density of child neurologists in Finland was 11.9/100 000 children aged 0‐15 years or 8402 children per child neurologist (in 2018). There is a remarkable geographic variation, from 7.1 in northern Finland to 15.6 in the metropolitan area. However, waiting times for the treatment are virtually the same all over the country. According to the Finnish current practice recommendation from the year 2013 and again 2020, children with any first nonfebrile or complicated febrile epileptic seizure are invariably admitted to hospital for evaluation. Children with simple febrile seizures are recommended to be treated as outpatients by general practitioners or by experienced pediatricians.

Significance

Child neurology services are today well provided and organized in Finland. While there is geographic variation in the number of child neurologists, the accessibility is virtually the same all over the country. A gap between the numbers of specialists at near‐to‐retire age and those in training is a challenge.
RNAi technology for management of banana bunchy top disease
Authors: Jekayinoluwa Temitope , Tripathi Leena , Tripathi Jaindra Nath , Ntui Valentine Otang , Obiero George , Muge Edward , Dale James
Published: September 2020

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) is one of the world's most destructive viral diseases of banana and plantain, causing up to 100% yield loss in severe cases. The disease is vectored by banana aphids (Pentalonia nigronervosa) and carried long distances through the movement of infected plant materials. The banana aphids harboringbanana bunchy top virus(BBTV) present in banana producing regions are the sole vector and the most efficient method of transmitting the virus to the healthy plants. Controlling the spread of BBTD has been very challenging since no known banana germplasm is immune to BBTV. The disease can be managed with the use of virus‐free planting material and roguing. However, once BBTD is established in the field, it is very difficult to eradicate or manage it. Therefore, a more sustainable way of controlling the disease is developing host plant resistance against the virus and the vector. Biotechnological strategies via RNA interference (RNAi) could be used to target the banana aphid as well as BBTV to reduce virus‐associated yield losses of banana and plantain, which feed over 500 million people around the world. This review discusses the status of BBTD and perspectives on effective RNAi technologies for controlling BBTV and the vector, banana aphid, transmitting the virus as sustainable management of the disease.
Characterization of volatile compounds in Ylang‐Ylang essential oils from Comoros and Madagascar by gas chromatography and principal component analysis
Authors: Ng Felicia , Basri Nurhidayah , Wu Wenqin , Thong Aaron , Thong Germaine , Chew Wee , Dharmawan Jorry
Published: September 2020

Chemical composition of ylang‐ylang essential oil is affected by the geographical origins of flowers used for extraction. This study aimed to determine the compositional difference between the extra, first and third grades of ylang‐ylang essential oil from Comoro Islands and Madagascar. The oils were characterized by both gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA). A total of 124 volatile compounds were identified and quantified by GC‐MS and GC‐FID. Twenty‐two compounds that made up 85% to 90% of the oils were shortlisted to compare across grades and geographical origins. The PCA showed that the ylang‐ylang essential oils are clustered according to grade and origin based on their compositions. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the statistical significance of the differences between each compound across extra, first and third grades of ylang‐ylang essential oil from Madagascar and Comoros. The oils of Madagascar are dominating in geranyl acetate, cis‐α‐farnesene, benzyl benzoate, humulene and caryophyllene, while in those of Comoros, cinnamyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, trans‐farnesyl acetate and α‐farnesene are found to be higher. It is possible to verify the origin and grade of an unspecified source of ylang‐ylang essential oil from the biplot of the 22 compounds.
Consumers' attention on identification, nutritional compounds, and safety in heavy metals of Canadian sea cucumber in Chinese food market
Authors: Song Zhuoyue , Li Hailun , Wen Jing , Zeng Yeda , Ye Xianying , Zhao Weibo , Xu Tingting , Xu Nenggui , Zhang Danyan
Published: September 2020

Background

Based on the consumers’ attention issues of sea cucumbers, we aimed to complete comprehensive information of commercial Canadian sea cucumbers (CCSC), which sprang up extensively in Chinese food market.

Results

CCSC were identified as Cucumaria frondosa and characterized based on the characteristics, nutritional compositions, and heavy metals. The abdomen and five internal tendons of Cucumaria frondosa were special orange. The average of soaking degree and water content, which consumers paid great attention to, was 2.8 ± 0.3 and 0.46 ± 0.09%, respectively. Proteins (56.4 ± 9.1%) and polysaccharides (12.2 ± 14.7%) were the principal nutrient component. In addition, there was a variety of free amino acids, in which arginine (70.1 ± 50.0 mg/100 g), glutamate (42.6 ± 23.9 mg/100 g), and alanine (32.2 ± 21.0 mg/100 g) were the main components. Phosphorus (P, 0.26 ± 0.05%), magnesium (Mg, 0.19 ± 0.07%), and kalium (K, 0.17 ± 0.08%) were the major mineral elements. Amount of heavy metal was within the safety limitation (5.5 ± 1.4 mg/kg). Furthermore, the active ingredients were positively correlated with size.

Conclusion

The overall findings enriched the information of Cucumaria frondosa for consumers and suggested that the quality of Cucumaria frondosa was varied following commercial classification and size.
Fabrication of Hierarchical Indium Vanadate Materials for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Subramanian Balachandran , Veerappan Manimuthu , Rajan Karthikeyan , Chen Zheming , Hu Chengzhi , Wang Fei , Wang Feng , Yang Mingshu
Published: September 2020

Transition metal orthovanadates are emerging 2D materials for promising electrochemical energy storage applications. Facile hydrothermal method for nanocrystalline indium vanadate (InVO4) semiconducting materials’ fabrication is economical because of its direct chemical synthesis. X‐ray diffraction studies, field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoelectron X‐ray spectrum are used to describe the semiconductor materials as synthesized. InVO4 microspheres have attracted a lot of attention in the energy and environmental sector. These microsphere‐derived semiconductor materials are recognized to offer the advantages of their large surface area, tunable pore sizes, enhanced light absorption, efficient carrier (electron–hole) separation, superior electronic and optical behavior, and high durability. From the results of SEM and TEM, InVO4 shows a microsphere construction with a mixture of nanosized particles. Diffuse reflectance UV–visible measurements are used to determine the bandgap, and it is found to be 2.1 eV for InVO4. The electrochemical analysis reveals a superior performance of the pseudocapacitor with hydrothermally derived microspheres of InVO4. Alongside an improved pseudocapacity, developed after 4000 cycles, it has excellent cycling stability with a retention of ≈94% of its original specific capacitance efficiency.
Enhancement in the Detection Ability of Metal Oxide Sensors Using Defect‐Rich Polycrystalline Nanofiber Devices
Authors: Lai Chun‐Yen , Lin Yu‐Ting , Hsu Hung‐Kun , Wang Ding‐Yeong , Wu Wen‐Wei , Yeh Ping‐Hung
Published: September 2020

The development of SnO2 and TiO2 polycrystalline nanofiber devices (PNFDs) has been widely researched as a method of protecting humans from household air pollution. PNFDs have three significant advantages. The nanofibers before the annealing process are polymer‐rich materials, which can be used as particulate material (PM) filters. The multiporous nanofibers fabricated by the annealing process have numerous defects that can serve as generation‐recombination centers for electron–hole pairs, enabling the PNFDs to serve as multiple‐wavelength light (from 365 to 940 nm) detectors. Lastly, the numerous surface/interface defects can drastically enhance the toxic gas detection ability. The toxic gas detection range of PNFDs for CO(g) and NO(g) is from 400 to 50 ppm and 400 to 50 ppb, respectively. Quick response times and recovery properties are key parameters for commercial applications. The recovery time of NO(g) detection can be improved from 1 ks to 40 s and the PNFD operating temperature lowered to 50 °C. These results indicate that SnO2 and TiO2 PNFDs have good potential for commercialization and use as toxic gas and photon sensors in daily lives.
Health benefits of social insurance
Authors: Noghanibehambari Hamid , Salari Mahmoud
Published: September 2020

This paper studies the potential positive externality of unemployment insurance (UI) on infant birth outcomes. Taking advantage of variations of UI benefits across states and over time, we find that UI improves birth outcomes, including mean birth weight, full‐term birth weight, low birth weight, fetal growth, and preterm birth. If all states apply the UI schedule of the most generous state (Massachusetts), the average birth weight increases by roughly 19 g.
Cultural differences in infant spontaneous behaviour: Evidence from a small‐scale, rural island society
Authors: Aime Hilary , Rochat Philippe , Broesch Tanya
Published: September 2020

We examined infant activity level and attention in 45 eight‐month‐old infants (mean age 8.8, SD = 2.07) living in two diverse socio‐cultural contexts: rural island societies in the South Pacific and urban Western societies in North America. Infants and mothers were observed for 10 minutes in a face‐to‐face interaction and later coded for the frequency of infants' motor movements and gaze shifts. Results indicate that infants in urban North American societies produced more frequent motor movements and gaze shifts compared to infants in rural, island societies in Oceania. We interpret these discrepancies as reflecting differences in social experience, ecological niches as well as physiological experiences. These findings highlight the complex interplay of development and experience early in life.
Establishment of PDX‐derived salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell lines using organoid culture method
Authors: Takada Kentaro , Aizawa Yoshihiro , Sano Daisuke , Okuda Ryo , Sekine Keisuke , Ueno Yasuharu , Yamanaka Shoji , Aoyama Jun , Sato Kaname , Kuwahara Tatsu , Hatano Takashi , Takahashi Hideaki , Arai Yasuhiro , Nishimura Goshi , Taniguchi Hideki , Oridate Nobuhiko
Published: September 2020

To generate a reliable preclinical model system exhibiting the molecular features of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) whose biology is still unclear due to the paucity of stable cell cultures. To develop new in vitro and in vivo models of ACC, the techniques of organoid culture and patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDX), which have attracted attention in other malignancies in recent years, were applied. Tumor specimens from surgically resected salivary ACC were proceeded for the preparation of PDX and organoid culture. The orthotopic transplantation of patient‐derived or PDX‐derived organoids was demonstrated into submandibular glands of NSG mice and those histology was evaluated. PDX‐derived organoid cells were evaluated for the presence of MYB‐mediated fusion genes and proceeded for in vitro drug sensitivity assay. Human ACC‐derived organoids were successfully generated in three‐dimensional culture and confirmed the ability of these cells to form tumors by orthotopic injection. Short‐term organoid cell cultures from two individual ACC PDX tumors were also established that maintain the characteristic MYBL1 translocation and histological features of the original parent and PDX tumors. Finally, the establishment of drug sensitivity tests on these short‐term cultured cells was confirmed using three different agents. This is the first to report an approach for the generation of human ACC‐derived organoids as in vitro and in vivo cancer models, providing insights into understanding of the ACC biology and creating personalized therapy design for patients with ACC.
Polaprezinc for prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A multi‐institutional randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kitagawa Junichi , Kobayashi Ryo , Nagata Yasuyuki , Kasahara Senji , Ono Takaaki , Sawada Michio , Ohata Koichi , Kato‐Hayashi Hiroko , Hayashi Hideki , Shimizu Masahito , Itoh Yoshinori , Tsurumi Hisashi , Suzuki Akio
Published: September 2020

Oral mucositis is a common and distressing complication in patients receiving high‐dose chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We reported previously in a single‐center retrospective analysis that zinc‐L‐carnosine (polaprezinc [PZ]) reduced the incidence of oral mucositis associated with HSCT. To verify the accuracy of the prophylactic effect of PZ against oral mucositis, we carried out a multi‐institutional prospective randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to either the prevention group, in which PZ lozenge treatment was started before chemotherapy, or the control group, in which administration of PZ lozenges was initiated immediately after the onset of Grade 2 oral mucositis. Oral mucositis was evaluated daily from the start of chemotherapy to 35 days after transplantation. A total of 91 patients were enrolled, and 88 patients (47 in the control group and 41 in the prevention group) were eligible for data analysis. The incidence of Grade ≥2 but not Grade ≥3 oral mucositis was significantly reduced in the prevention group compared to the control group (44.7% in control group vs 22.0% in the prevention group, P = .025). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of other adverse events or the rate of engraftment (95.6% vs 97.2%, P = .693) between the two groups. These findings suggest that PZ lozenge is effective for prophylaxis against Grade ≥2 oral mucositis associated with chemotherapy in patients undergoing HSCT without any influence on the HSCT outcome.
Controlled Irrigation for Paddy Rice in China*
Authors: Dong Bin , Mao Zhi , Cui Yuanlai , Luo Yufeng , Li Yuanhua
Published: September 2020

China, as the world's largest rice producer, is committed to efficient water use in rice production. After nearly 40 years of continuous research and development, studies and investigations, China has developed a series of controlled irrigation technologies and models adapted to local conditions, showing promising results for efficient water use in paddy rice. At the same time, the spread of controlled irrigation technologies at a large scale has achieved the effect of saving water, increasing yield and improving water productivity. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.