bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the literature on staff training strategies that minimize trainer involvement
Authors: Marano Kathleen E. , Vladescu Jason C. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Sidener Tina M. , Cox David J.
Published: July 2020

Asynchronous training procedures, which do not require the simultaneous presence of a trainer and trainee, may offer benefits over synchronous training because they may be more efficient, cost‐effective, and easier to disseminate. Additionally, asynchronous training may address low trainer to staff ratios. The purpose of this literature review was to identify studies that used asynchronous training procedures to teach any skill related to job performance. A total of 54 articles (containing 58 experiments) were identified for inclusion. The asynchronous staff training techniques identified included video models, computer‐based instruction, non‐computer based self‐instruction, and self‐instructional packages. The articles were coded according to participant characteristics, settings, training methodology, and outcomes. Results demonstrated that asynchronous training techniques resulted in mastery‐level performance for a variety of skills, although non‐computer‐based self‐instruction had the least consistent outcomes. Future researchers should directly compare asynchronous training strategies, evaluate individual training components, and assess asynchronous training techniques with a wider range of skills.
Multiple‐stimulus‐without‐replacement preference assessment tool
Authors: Curiel Hugo , Curiel Emily S. L. , Adame Antonio , Li Anita
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the present article is to disseminate a free, interactive web‐based multiple‐stimulus‐without‐replacement preference assessment (MSWO) program. The MSWO Preference Assessment Tool allows practitioners and researchers to assess video preferences using thumbnails and their corresponding videos. The program allows users to upload videos, select assessment parameters, conduct assessments, and download results. The program's functions and user instructions are described.
Effect of dilution on sedimentational separation of bacteria from blood
Authors: Anderson Clifton M. , Pitt William G.
Published: July 2020

Bacteria must be separated from septic whole blood in preparation for rapid antibiotic susceptibility tests. This work improves upon past work isolating bacteria from whole blood by exploring an important experimental factor: Whole blood dilution. Herein, we use the continuity equation to model red blood cell sedimentation and show that overall spinning time decreases as the blood is diluted. We found that the bacteria can also be captured more efficiently from diluted blood, up to approximately 68 ± 8% recovery (95% confidence interval). However, diluting blood both requires and creates extra fluid that end users must handle; an optimal dilution, which maximizes bacteria recovery and minimizes waste, was found to scale with the square root of the whole blood hematocrit. This work also explores a hypothesis that plasma backflow, which occurs as red cells move radially outward, causes bacterial enrichment in the supernatant plasma with an impact proportional to the plasma backflow velocity. Bacteria experiments carried out with diluted blood demonstrate such bacterial enrichment, but not in the hypothesized manner as enrichment occurred only in undiluted blood samples at physiological hematocrit.
Interleukin‐38 inhibits adipogenesis and inflammatory cytokine production in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Sisi , Sun Jun , Yu Yang , Li Mingcai
Published: July 2020

Interleukin‐38 (IL‐38) is a novel member of the IL‐1 cytokine family with anti‐inflammatory activity. However, its effect on adipogenesis and inflammatory cytokines secretion of adipocytes in vitro has not been reported. To address whether IL‐38 inhibits adipogenesis and inflammation in vitro, adipose precursor 3T3‐L1 cells were cultured with or without IL‐38. The morphology and size of lipid droplets in 3T3‐L1 cells were measured by Oil red O staining. The mRNA expression levels of GATA‐binding protein‐3 (GATA‐3), glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), peroxisome proliferator‐associated receptor γ2, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in 3T3‐L1 cells were detected by real‐time PCR, The contents of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and MCP‐1 in 3T3‐L1 cell medium supernatants were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. IL‐38 significantly decreased the number of lipid droplets in 3T3‐L1 cells. IL‐38 also increased GATA‐3 and GLUT4 mRNA expression and inhibited IL‐1β, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 secretion by 3T3‐L1 cells. It is concluded that IL‐38 can inhibit the differentiation of human adipocytes and inflammatory cytokine production by 3T3‐L1 cells.
Comparison of impulsivity, aggression and suicidality between prisoners in Nigeria who have committed homicide and those who have not
Authors: Armiya'u Aishatu Yusha'u , Ogunwale Adegboyega , Bamidele Lubuola Issa , Adole Oloche , Umar Musa Usman
Published: July 2020

Most studies of prisoners, the nature of their offending and any related characteristics have been conducted in rich Western countries. In Nigeria, prison conditions differ in many important respects, key among them that prisoners share large communal spaces much of the time—up to 50 men sleeping in the same space as well as spending the day together. Our aim was to compare levels of impulsivity, aggression and suicide‐related behaviours between prisoners in one prison in Nigeria who had committed a homicide and those who had not, allowing for socio‐demographic factors. A case–control study design was employed with 102 homicide and an equal number of non‐homicide offenders. Each participant was interviewed using the Abbreviated Barratt Impulsiveness Scale for impulsivity, the Modified Overt Aggression Scale for aggression, the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Module C) for suicide‐related behaviours, and a questionnaire for ascertaining socio‐demographic characteristics. On bivariate analysis, motor impulsivity was higher among homicide offenders (p = .014) while non‐planning was higher among non‐homicide offenders (p = .006), but this relationship was affected by demographic variables. Physical aggression levels did not distinguish the two groups, but homicide offenders were less likely to record property‐directed and auto‐aggressive behaviours (p < .05). By contrast, on average, scores for suicide‐related behaviours were lower among the homicide offenders (p = .001), with non‐homicide offenders showing a mean score in the high‐risk category (13.25; SD, 1.25). As motor impulsivity significantly differentiated the groups, this may be an important measure to add to any risk assessment battery when there are concerns about homicidal behaviours. In this sample, history of interpersonal aggression did not distinguish the groups. People with indications of self‐harm or suicide‐related behaviours may be at less risk of violence to others, but care should be taken in interpreting this finding as it is not entirely consistent with other findings.
Diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional coronary angiographic‐derived fractional flow reserve—Preliminary results
Authors: Babakhani Hamid , Sadeghipour Parham , Tashakori Beheshti Ahmad , Ghasemi Massoud , Moosavi Jamal , Sadeghian Mohamad , Salesi Mahmood , Zahedmehr Ali , Shafe Omid , Shakerian Farshad , Mohebbi Bahram , Alemzadeh‐Ansari Mohammad Javad , Firouzi Ata , Geraiely Babak , Abdi Seifollah
Published: July 2020

Aim

Noninvasive fractional flow reserve (NiFFR) is an emerging method for evaluating the functional significance of a coronary lesion during diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG). The method relies on the computational flow dynamics and the three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the vessel extracted from CAG. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance and applicability of 2D‐based NiFFR.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we evaluated 2D‐based NiFFR in 279 candidates for invasive CAG and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). NiFFR was calculated via two methods: variable NiFFR, in which the contrast transport time was extracted from the angiographic view, and fixed NiFFR, in which a prespecified frame count was applied.

Results

The final analysis was performed on 245 patients (250 lesions). Variable NiFFR had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 81.5%, an accuracy of 80.0%, a sensitivity of 82.2%, a specificity of 82.2%, a negative predictive value of 91.4%, and a positive predictive value of 63.6%. The mean difference between FFR and NiFFR was −0.0244 ±.0616 (p ≤.0001). A pressure wire‐free hybrid strategy was possible in 68.8% of our population with variable NiFFR.

Conclusions

Our 2D‐based NiFFR yielded results comparable to those derived from 3D‐based software. Our findings should; however, be confirmed in larger trials.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Specific Iodine‐125‐Labeled TRPC5 Radioligand
Authors: Yu Yanbo , Liang Qianwa , Du Lixia , Jiang Hao , Gu Jiwei , Hu Hongzhen , Tu Zhude
Published: July 2020

The nonselective Ca2+‐permeable transient receptor potential channel subfamily member 5 (TRPC5) belongs to the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) superfamily and is widely expressed in the brain. Compelling evidence reveals that TRPC5 plays crucial roles in depression and other psychiatric disorders. To develop a TRPC5 radioligand, following up on our previous effort, we synthesized the iodine compound TZ66127 and its iodine‐125‐labeled counterpart [125I]TZ66127. The synthesis of TZ66127 was achieved by replacing chloride with iodide in the structure of HC608, and the [125I]TZ66127 was radiosynthesized using its corresponding tributylstannylated precursor. We established a stable human TRPC5‐overexpressed HEK293‐hTRPC5 cell line and performed Ca2+ imaging and a cell‐binding assay study of TZ66127; these indicated that TZ66127 had good inhibition activity for TRPC5, and the inhibitory efficiency of TZ66127 toward TRPC5 presented in a dose‐dependent manner. An in vitro autoradiography and immunohistochemistry study of rat brain sections suggested that [125I]TZ66127 had binding specificity toward TRPC5. Altogether, [125I]TZ66127 has high potential to serve as a radioligand for screening the binding activity of other new compounds toward TRPC5. The availability of [125I]TZ66127 might facilitate the development of therapeutic drugs and PET imaging agents that target TRPC5.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pyrazoline and Pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione Hybrids as Potential Antitumor Agents
Authors: Tilekar Kalpana , Upadhyay Neha , Meyer‐Almes Franz‐Josef , Loiodice Fulvio , Anisimova Natalia Y. , Spirina Tatiana S. , Sokolova Darina V. , Smirnova Galina B. , Choe Jun‐yong , Pokrovsky Vadim S. , Lavecchia Antonio , S Ramaa C
Published: July 2020

In search of novel and effective antitumor agents, pyrazoline‐substituted pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated in silico, in vitro and in vivo for anticancer efficacy. All the compounds exhibited remarkable cytotoxic effects in MCF7 and HT29 cells. The excellent antiproliferative activity toward MCF7 (IC50=0.78±0.01 μM), HT29 (IC50=0.92±0.15 μM) and K562 (IC50=47.25±1.24 μM) cell lines, prompted us to further investigate the antitumor effects of the best compound S2 (1‐(2‐(3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐(p‐tolyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐oxoethyl)pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione). In cell‐cycle analysis, S2 was found to disrupt the growth phases with increased cell population in G1/G0 phase and decreased cell population in G2/M phase. The excellent in vitro effects were also supported by inhibition of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. In vivo tumor regression studies of S2 in HT29 xenograft nude mice, exhibited equivalent and promising tumor regression with maximum TGI, 66 % (i. p. route) and 60 % (oral route) at 50 mg kg−1 dose by both the routes, indicating oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy. These findings advocate that hybridization of pyrazoline and pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dioes holds promise for the development of more potent and less toxic anticancer agents.
Scouting around 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydrochromeno[3,2‐c]pyridin‐10‐ones for Single‐ and Multitarget Ligands Directed towards Relevant Alzheimer's Targets
Authors: Purgatorio Rosa , Kulikova Larisa N. , Pisani Leonardo , Catto Marco , de Candia Modesto , Carrieri Antonio , Cellamare Saverio , De Palma Annalisa , Beloglazkin Andrey A. , Reza Raesi Ghulam , Voskressensky Leonid G. , Altomare Cosimo D.
Published: July 2020

A number of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydrochromeno[3,2‐c]pyridin‐10‐one derivatives have been synthesized and screened against different targets involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BChE), monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO A and B), aggregation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Derivatives 1 c, 3 b, 4 and 5 a showed multifaceted profiles of promising anti‐AD features and returned well‐balanced multitargeting inhibitory activities. Moreover, compound 1 f, a potent and selective human MAO B inhibitor (IC50=0.89 μM), proved to be a safe neuroprotectant in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH‐SY5Y) by improving viability impaired by Aβ1–42 and pro‐oxidant insult. Furthermore, structure–activity relationships (SARs) and docking models were derived in order to assist further hit‐to‐lead optimization stage.
Lignin Fractionation in Segmented Continuous Flow
Authors: Majdar Reza Ebrahimi , Crestini Claudia , Lange Heiko
Published: July 2020

Lignins were fractionated in a segmented continuous flow fractionation (SCFF) approach using isocratic or gradient elution profiles of different solvent systems at various flow rates and temperatures against adjustable pressure regimes. Superior control of parameters such as temperature and pressure in combination with the possibility of freely combinable solvent gradients allowed facile fractionation and generation of industrially interesting fractions differing in molecular weight properties and/or in physicochemical properties in a process that could be fully remotely controlled for automation and performance. Scale‐up of the process was possible in linear and parallel mode. Analyses of the realised fractions by standardised gel permeation chromatography and 31P NMR spectroscopy protocols showed that the SCFF of lignins delivered fractions that could be similar to conventional batch fractions, as well as novel/altered fractions available by applying overheated solvents in pressurised systems.
A novel 12‐pulse full‐wave rectifier with simple circuit configuration
Authors: Wang Jingfang , Yao Xuliang , Guan Qi , Yang Shiyan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a novel full‐wave 12‐pulse rectifier with simple circuit configuration is proposed. The proposed full‐wave 12‐pulse rectifier consists of a conventional six‐pulse full‐wave rectifier and an auxiliary single‐phase full‐bridge rectifier (ASFR). The ASFR extracts a rectangular current from the DC side of the rectifier to increase the output states of two three‐phase half‐wave rectifiers, then the conventional six‐pulse full‐wave rectifier is upgraded to a 12‐pulse full‐wave rectifier in accordance with the current relationship between AC and DC sides and the relationship between DC‐side voltages. Since only a low‐capacity ASFR (6.3% Pd) is needed, the proposed 12‐pulse rectifier has the least number of components count, making it robust and simple to implement. The average output current of ASFR is only 6.7% of the load current, which makes it more suitable for low‐voltage and high‐current applications. A prototype with a power of 1 kW is built to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Shifting the sampled input signal in successive approximation register analog‐to‐digital converters to reduce the digital‐to‐analog converter switching energy and area
Authors: Momeni Mahdi , Yavari Mohammad
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a switching scheme is presented to reduce the capacitive digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) switching energy, area, and the number of switches in successive approximation register (SAR) analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs). In the proposed DAC switching method, after a few most significant bits (MSBs) decision, the sampled differential input signal is shifted into two special regions where the required DAC switching energy and area is less than the other regions. This technique can be utilized in most of the previously reported DAC switching schemes to further reduce the capacitive DAC switching energy and area. The conventional and two recently presented DAC switching techniques are utilized in the proposed SAR ADC to evaluate its usefulness.
Dynamic and location‐based power allocation mechanism for inter‐cell interference mitigation in 5G heterogeneous cellular network
Authors: Borah Janmoni , Bora Joyatri
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a dynamic and location‐based power allocation mechanism is proposed which could be adopted at both macrocell (MC) and overlaid fixed/mobile small cells (SCs) to mitigate inter‐cell interference (ICI) effects in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetCNs). The proposed Dynamic Power Allocation based on User Location (DPAUL) mechanism allows both MCs and deployed fixed/mobile SCs to dynamically allocate transmit power to its serving base stations (BSs) based on the location of a user in the cell. The paper illustrates the mitigation of dynamic downlink interferences occurring due to the mobility of SCs and users. The mobility of cell and its users is analyzed by introducing the Cell‐User mobility (CUM) model in the network. The proposed DPAUL mechanism is compared with the authors' other ICI mitigation techniques: Dynamic Fixed Region Cooperation (DFRC) and Dynamic Power Allocation Mechanism (DPAM). The network metrics Sumrate, User throughput, Energy‐efficiency, and Outage probability are investigated with allocation of sub 6 GHz and mmWave spectrums at MCs and fSCs/mSCs, respectively.
Curcumol improves cisplatin sensitivity of human gastric cancer cells through inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Huang Xiaofei , Qian Jun , Li Lingchang , Zhang Xiaozhen , Wei Guoli , Lv Jian , Qin Fengxia , Yu Jialin , Xiao Ya , Gong Zhen , Huo Jiege
Published: July 2020

Background

Curcumol was presented to unleash antitumor effects in a variety of cancers, including gastric cancer. However, the relevance between curcumol and cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer still remains unclear. Therefore, the current research was performed to survey the role of curcumol in cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer.

Methods

First, BGC‐823 and BGC‐823/DDP cells were incubated with cisplatin for 48 hr and 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis was applied to determine the inhibition rate of cell proliferation and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin. In addition, BGC‐823 and BGC‐823/DDP cells were treated with curcumol for 48 hr followed with detection of cell viability and apoptosis using MTT and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Moreover, MTT analysis was applied to test the effects of curcumol on cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. Lastly, Western blot assay and qRT‐PCR analysis were utilized to check the functions of curcumol on PI3K/AKT pathway‐related markers.

Results

We found that BGC‐823/DDP cells exhibited stronger resistance to cisplatin compared with BGC‐823 cells. Furthermore, curcumol evidently reduced cell proliferation and facilitated cell apoptosis in BGC‐823/DDP and BGC‐823 cells. Moreover, results from MTT assay demonstrated that curcumol notably promoted the suppression effect of cisplatin and decreased the IC50 of cisplatin in BGC‐823/DDP and BGC‐823 cells. It was also presented that curcumol suppressed the PI3K/AKT pathway dose‐dependently in BGC‐823/DDP and BGC‐823 cells.

Conclusion

The findings in the current research demonstrated that curcumol could promote the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to cisplatin‐based chemotherapies via inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Protein Kinase B (AKT) pathway.
Grand theft hydro? Stemflow interception and redirection by neighbouring Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. (spiderwort) plants
Authors: Rivera Daliza N. , Van Stan John T.
Published: July 2020

When it rains over vegetation, plants have an opportunity to get a limited supply of freshwater. A portion of rain drains directly to the soil down a plant stem in a hydrologic flux called “stemflow.” For short plants with shallow roots, which provide ground cover for most vegetated ecosystems around the globe (including forest understories), stemflow has rarely been examined although it may be ecologically important. This study investigates how much rainwater is funnelled into stemflow for a perennial herb that can densely populate urban environments, Tradescantia ohiensis Raf., spiderwort), in Savannah, Georgia (USA). Given the stem density of spiderworts (19–31 stems m−2), experiments were conducted to assess whether and how much stemflow can be passively intercepted and diverted by leaves in contact with neighbouring plant stems. Spiderworts' stemflow represented a significant portion (20%–60%) of rain and neighbouring plants intercepted and diverted ~50% of another plants' stemflow. This is the first documentation of stemflow interception and redirection by neighbouring plants, to the authors' knowledge. Because physical contact between plants occurs in various vegetated ecosystems (like lianas in forests), future research on this topic may be merited.
Agricultural lands offer seasonal habitats to tigers in a human‐dominated and fragmented landscape in India
Authors: Warrier Rekha , Noon Barry R. , Bailey Larissa
Published: July 2020

Conserving wide‐ranging large carnivores in human‐dominated landscapes is contingent on acknowledging the conservation value of human‐modified lands. This is particularly true for tigers (Panthera tigris), now largely dependent on small and fragmented habitats, embedded within densely populated agroecosystems in India. Devising a comprehensive conservation strategy for the species requires an understanding of the temporal patterns of space use by tiger within these human‐modified areas. These areas are often characterized by altered prey communities, novel risks resulting from high human densities and seasonally dynamic vegetative cover. Understanding space use within these areas is vital to devising human‐tiger conflict prevention measures and for conserving landscape elements critical to maintain functional connectivity between populations. We documented seasonal space‐use patterns of tigers in agricultural lands surrounding protected areas in the Central Terai Landscape (CTL) in northern India. We estimated the probability of space use and its drivers by applying dynamic occupancy models that correct for false‐positive and false‐negative errors to tiger detection\non‐detection data within agricultural areas. These data were generated by conducting local interviews, sign surveys, and camera trapping within 94 randomly selected 2.5‐km2 grid cells. We found that agricultural areas were used with high probability in the winter (0.64; standard error [SE] 0.08), a period of high vegetative cover availability. The use of agricultural lands was lower in the summer (0.56; SE 0.09) and was lowest in the monsoon season (0.21; SE 0.07), tracking a decline in vegetative cover and available habitat across the landscape. Availability of vegetative cover and drainage features positively influenced space use, whereas use declined with increasing distance to protected areas and the extent of human settlements. These findings highlight the role of agricultural areas in providing seasonal habitats for tigers and offer a basis for understanding where tigers and humans co‐occur in these landscapes. These findings help expand our current understanding of what constitutes large carnivore habitats to include human‐dominated agricultural areas. They underscore the need for greater integration of land‐sharing and land‐sparing initiatives to conserve large carnivores within human‐dominated agroecosystems.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of the Ternary Oxofluoride Fe3Sb4O6F6
Authors: Ali Sk Imran , Kremer Reinhard K. , Skogby Henrik , Johnsson Mats
Published: July 2020

The new compound Fe3Sb4O6F6 was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and its crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The synthesis was made under slightly basic conditions to prevent oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+. The compound crystallizes in the cubic space group I‐43m with separate crystallographic sites for Fe2+ and Sb3+. Fe3Sb4O6F6 is isostructural with M3Sb4O6F6 (M = Co, Ni, Zn). The crystal structure is comprising distorted [FeO2F4] octahedra connected via corner sharing at F‐atoms and [SbO3] trigonal pyramids that form [Sb4O6] units that connect via O‐atoms to the Fe‐atoms. Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements on the hydrothermal synthesis products prove the majority phase contains Fe in the oxidation state +2. Powder X‐ray diffraction suggests that an additional phase of the Mössbauer sample containing Fe3+ can be attributed to FeSbO2F2 as secondary phase. Fe3Sb4O6F6 exhibits antiferromagnetic order below ca. 72 K succeeded by a second magnetic phase transition at ca. 30 K. Strong antiferromagnetic spin‐exchange interaction is attributed to 180° Fe–F–Fe superexchange pathways identified in the crystal structure.
Temperate biocrusts: mesic counterparts to their better‐known dryland cousins
Authors: Corbin Jeffrey D , Thiet Rachel K
Published: July 2020

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are known to serve crucial functions in many arid and semiarid habitats, but less is understood about biocrusts in temperate biomes, where they are often widespread and can play important roles in aboveground and belowground processes. Because the distinctive conditions that support biocrusts in temperate biomes – sandy, acidic, and/or nutrient‐poor soils or exposed bedrock – frequently also support rare plant and animal communities, such sites can have considerable conservation value. We detail the distribution of biocrusts in temperate habitats, including many in the northeastern US, where they have not previously been described. Besides adding another layer of biodiversity to the sites in which they occur, biocrusts may also play a critical role in site‐level ecology and functioning. As such, integrating temperate biocrust composition, distribution, and functions into ecosystem management may contribute to the stability and resilience of the ecosystems in which they are found in the face of global climate change and other disturbances.
First order derivative spectra to determine caffeine and chlorogenic acids in defective and nondefective coffee beans
Authors: Habtamu Daniel , Belay Abebe
Published: July 2020

In this research, the application of the first order derivative spectra was employed to determine the levels of caffeine (CAF) and chlorogenic acids (CGA) in defective (immature, black, and sour) and nondefective coffee beans without using extraction or background correction techniques. The extreme points of first order derivate spectra of these compounds were at the wavelength of 260 and 292 nm enable to quantify the contents of CAF and CGA, respectively. The level of CAF and CGA in coffee beans determined by this method is ranged from 1.2 ± 0.12–1.46 ± 0.47% and 4.04 ± 0.44–4.43 ± 0.43%, respectively. The study results also indicated total contents of CAF and CGA levels discriminate the defective and nondefective coffee beans with higher CAF and CGA contents being observed in defective coffee beans. As the method is extremely rapid, easy, and inexpensive and also requires minimal sample preparation for the quantification of CAF and CGA contents in coffee, it could be a valuable quality control technique.
Asymmetric tumor‐related alterations of network‐specific intrinsic functional connectivity in glioma patients
Authors: Jütten Kerstin , Mainz Verena , Delev Daniel , Gauggel Siegfried , Binkofski Ferdinand , Wiesmann Martin , Clusmann Hans , Na Chuh‐Hyoun
Published: July 2020

Resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) allows mapping temporally coherent brain networks, and intra‐ and inter‐network alterations have been described in different diseases. This prospective study investigated hemispheric resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) differences in the default‐mode network (DMN) and fronto‐parietal network (FPN) between patients with left‐ and right‐hemispheric gliomas (LH PAT, RH PAT), addressing asymmetry effects the tumor might have on network‐specific intrinsic functional connectivity under consideration of the prognostically relevant isocitrate‐dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status. Twenty‐seven patients (16 LH PAT, 12 IDH‐wildtype) and 27 healthy controls underwent anatomical and rs‐fMRI as well as neuropsychological assessment. Independent component analyses were performed to identify the DMN and FPN. Hemispheric DMN‐ and FPN‐RSFC were computed, compared across groups, and correlated with cognitive performance. Patient groups did not differ in tumor volume, grade or location. RH PAT showed higher contra‐tumoral DMN‐RSFC than controls and LH PAT. With regard to the FPN, contra‐tumoral RSFC was increased in both patient groups as compared to controls. Higher contra‐tumoral RSFC was associated with worse cognitive performance in patients, which, however, seemed to apply mainly to IDH‐wildtype patients. The benefit of RSFC alterations for cognitive performance varied depending on the affected hemisphere, cognitive demand, and seemed to be altered by IDH‐mutation status. At the time of study initiation, a clinical trial registration was not mandatory at our faculty, but it can be applied for if requested.
Targeted Inhibition of Purine Metabolism Is Effective in Suppressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Chong Yong Chun , Toh Tan Boon , Chan Zhiling , Lin Quy Xiao Xuan , Thng Dexter Kai Hao , Hooi Lissa , Ding Zhaobing , Shuen Timothy , Toh Han Chong , Dan Yock Young , Bonney Glenn Kunnath , Zhou Lei , Chow Pierce , Wang Yulan , Benoukraf Touati , Chow Edward Kai‐Hua , Han Weiping
Published: July 2020

Tumor‐specific metabolic rewiring, acquired to confer a proliferative and survival advantage over nontransformed cells, represents a renewed focus in cancer therapy development. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy that has hitherto been resistant to compounds targeting oncogenic signaling pathways, represents a candidate cancer to investigate the efficacy of selectively antagonizing such adaptive metabolic reprogramming. To this end, we sought to characterize metabolic changes in HCC necessary for tumorigenesis. We analyzed gene expression profiles in three independent large‐scale patient cohorts who had HCC. We identified a commonly deregulated purine metabolic signature in tumors with the extent of purine biosynthetic enzyme up‐regulation correlated with tumor grade and a predictor of clinical outcome. The functional significance of enhanced purine metabolism as a hallmark in human HCC was then validated using a combination of HCC cell lines, patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) organoids, and mouse models. Targeted ablation of purine biosynthesis by knockdown of the rate‐limiting enzyme inosine‐5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) or using the drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduced HCC proliferation in vitro and decreased the tumor burden in vivo. In comparing the sensitivities of PDX tumor organoids to MMF therapy, we found that HCC tumors defined by high levels of IMPDH and guanosine nucleosides were most susceptible to treatment. Mechanistically, a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) axis coordinated purine biosynthetic enzyme expression, deregulation of which altered the activity of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/RAS signaling. Simultaneously abolishing PI3K signaling and IMPDH activity with clinically approved inhibitors resulted in greatest efficacy in reducing tumor growth in a PDX mouse model. Conclusion: Enhanced purine metabolic activity regulated by PI3K pathway‐dependent activation of E2F1 promotes HCC carcinogenesis, suggesting the potential for targeting purine metabolic reprogramming as a precision therapeutic strategy for patients with HCC.
Monetary policy uncertainty, investor sentiment, and US stock market performance: New evidence from nonlinear cointegration analysis
Authors: Ugurlu‐Yildirim Ecenur , Kocaarslan Baris , Ordu‐Akkaya Beyza M.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this paper is to examine non‐linear and cointegrating relationships between monetary policy uncertainty, investor sentiment, and stock market for the US economy, via controlling for potential macroeconomic risk factors. We mainly utilize non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach and findings support an existing cointegration between the aforementioned variables. Our results also suggest that there is a bidirectional and negative relationship between US stock market performance and monetary policy uncertainty in the short‐run. Furthermore, the effect of monetary policy uncertainty on investor sentiment is significantly negative and not strongly asymmetric in the long‐run. On the other hand, in the short‐run, increasing investor sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks strongly increases monetary policy uncertainty, while reducing sensitivity does not have a significant impact on the monetary policy uncertainty. Finally, we find a positive and bi‐directional relationship between stock prices and investor sentiment both in the short‐ and long‐run. In the long‐run, decreasing investor sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations (becoming more optimistic) has a greater positive influence on stock prices than a negative influence on stock prices, since investors are becoming more pessimistic. Implications from our analysis are important to policy makers and investors for determining effective economic policy decisions and proper investment strategies.
The response of precious metal futures markets to unconventional monetary surprises in the presence of uncertainty
Authors: Chebbi Tarek
Published: July 2020

This article examines the relationship between the unconventional monetary policies and precious metal futures markets by employing an asymmetric conditional volatility specification. The results suggest that the Fed announcements that likely induced lower long‐term yields on average led to significant increases in the returns, while the effect of the ECB's unconventional monetary announcements is much weaker. Also, monetary policy surprises from both Fed and ECB have larger effects on gold return volatility. Moreover, while there are no asymmetric return responses to positive and negative surprises embedded in the monetary policy from the Euro zone, the return reactions of price returns to surprises in Fed's announcements exhibit asymmetry. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the volatility reactions are limited to negative surprises. Finally, we find evidence that the response of gold price changes to monetary announcements by the Fed becomes weaker in the presence of monetary policy uncertainty. We show also that the response of precious metal returns hinges on the sign of the unexpected component of Fed announcements.
Behavior analytic contributions to public health and telehealth
Authors: LeBlanc Linda A. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Normand Matthew P.
Published: July 2020

The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis is launching a special series on the topics of public health and telehealth. The special series begins with the articles in this issue and will continue for the next 2 to 3 issues with an open submission window until September 1, 2020. Behavior analysis has much to offer with respect to public health and much to gain from continued and expanded use of telehealth. This paper outlines the importance of these topics in the current crisis and in our ongoing evolution as a field. The historical literature in behavior analysis is reviewed for each topic along with suggestions for future research. The articles from the special series will be combined with historical contributions from JABA into a virtual issue. We encourage continued submissions on these topics even after the special series is completed as future papers will also be incorporated into the special issue.
Relationship Between Obesity and Risk of Major Osteoporotic Fracture in Postmenopausal Women: Taking Frailty Into Consideration
Authors: Li Guowei , Compston Juliet E , Leslie William D , Thabane Lehana , Papaioannou Alexandra , Lau Arthur , Wang Xiaojie , Qin Chenghe , Chen Bo , Chen Maoshui , Adachi Jonathan D
Published: July 2020

The role of obesity in fracture risk remains uncertain and inconclusive in postmenopausal women. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between obesity and risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; ie, a clinical fracture of upper arm or shoulder, hip, spine, or wrist) in postmenopausal women, after taking frailty into consideration. We used the data from the Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW) 5-year Hamilton cohort for this study. Frailty was measured by a frailty index (FI) of deficit accumulation at baseline. We incorporated an interaction term (obesity × FI) in the Cox proportional hazards regression model. We included 3985 women (mean age 69.4 years) for analyses, among which 29% were obese (n = 1118). There were 200 (5.02%) MOF events documented during follow-up: 48 (4.29%) in obese women and 152 (5.65%) in the nonobese group. Significant relationships between obesity, frailty, and MOF risk were found: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.78) for those with an FI of zero regarding MOF risk among obese women, and HR = 1.34 (95% CI 1.11–1.62) per SD increase in the FI among nonobese women. The interaction term was also significant: HR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.34) per SD increase in the FI among obese women. Increased HRs were found with higher FIs regarding the relationship between obesity and MOF risk, indicating increasing frailty attenuated the protective effect of obesity. For example, although the HR for obesity and MOF risk among those who were not frail (FI = 0) was 0.72 (95% CI 0.67–0.78), among those who were very frail (FI = 0.70), the HR was 0.91 (95% CI 0.85–0.98). To conclude, after taking frailty into consideration, obesity was significantly associated with decreased risk of MOF in postmenopausal women among those who were not frail; however, increasing frailty attenuated this protective effect of obesity. Evaluating frailty status may aid in understanding of the complex relationship between obesity and fracture risk. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The epidemiology and clinical feature of selective immunoglobulin a deficiency of Zhejiang Province in China
Authors: Zhang Junwu , Kong Wanzhong , Ni Jinyao , Guo Zhen , Yang Xunjun , Cao Qun , Wang Sheliang , Feng Yijun , Zhou Ying , Weng Wei , Liang Shanyan , Li Shuang , Chen Yanxia , Liu Jinlin
Published: July 2020

Background

Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) is the most common primary antibody deficiency disease and frequently reported in the Western countries. However, large‐scale epidemiologic studies on SIgAD in China are still lacking.

Methods

The clinical information of 555 180 subjects (age >4 years) including the outpatient, inpatient, and healthy subjects who had ordered serum immunoglobulin A, G, M in 9 hospitals of Zhejiang Province in China was collected. The SIgAD individuals were defined as IgA level <0.07 g/L with normal levels of serum IgG and IgM, whose age should be over 4 years, and any other secondary diseases causing SIgAD were also excluded. Then, the geographical and prevalence distribution of SIgAD individuals in Zhejiang Province and patients' clinical characteristics at the time of diagnosis were also reviewed.

Result

Among these 555 180 subjects who had ordered the immunoglobulin evaluation, the prevalence of SIgAD was 109/555180 (0.02%). The ratio of male to female of these SIgAD individuals was 1:1.37, which also included 87 adults (≥18 years) and 22 children (18 > age >4 years). For adults, the common clinical features were infections (43/87, 49.43%), autoimmune disorders (31/87, 35.63%), allergic cases (5/87, 5.75%), and tumor cases (4/87, 4.60%). Additionally, infectious diseases (20/22, 90.91%), autoimmune disorders (4/22, 18.18%), and allergic cases (1/22, 4.55%) were found in 22 children.

Conclusion

We first describe a large cohort of SIgAD individuals of Zhejiang Province in China. The incidence was 0.020%. The common clinical features were infection, autoimmune disorders, tumor, and allergy, and the infection rate was higher in children than the adults.
Garcinia cambogia suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells by inhibiting p90RSK and Stat3 activation during mitotic clonal expansion
Authors: Han Joo‐Hui , Jang Keun‐Woo , Park Min‐Ho , Myung Chang‐Seon
Published: July 2020

Obesity is associated with an increase in adipose tissue, which is mediated by hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Therefore, inhibiting cell proliferation during mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) is one of the major strategies for preventing obesity. The antagonistic effects of Garcinia cambogia (G. cambogia) on obesity have been studied in animal experimental models. However, the effects of G. cambogia extract on MCE, and the underlying molecular mechanisms, are poorly understood. In this study, 3T3‐L1 cells were used to investigate whether G. cambogia extract affected cell proliferation during MCE and to identify target molecules for any anti‐adipogenic activity. G. cambogia extract suppressed isobutylmethylxanthine and dexamethasone‐and‐insulin (MDI)‐induced adipogenesis at an early stage by attenuating MCE. In G. cambogia extract‐treated preadipocytes, MDI‐induced cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were inhibited by G0/G1 arrest due to an increase in p21 and p27 expression, and inhibition of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2, cyclin E1 expression, and retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation. In addition, the MDI‐induced phosphorylation and subsequent translocation into the nucleus of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3 were suppressed. Specific inhibitors of p90RSK (FMK) and Stat3 (stattic) regulated cell proliferation and adipogenesis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that G. cambogia extract inhibited MCE by regulating p90RSK, Stat3, and cell cycle proteins, leading to G0/G1 arrest. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism by which G. cambogia suppresses adipocyte differentiation and show that p90RSK is critical for adipogenesis as a new molecular target.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzimidazole pendant cyanopyrimidine derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Haoran Wang , Akhtar Wasim , Nainwal Lalit Mohan , Kaushik Sumit Kumar , Akhter Mymoona , Shaquiquzzaman Mohammad , Alam Mohammad Mumtaz
Published: July 2020

Thirteen new benzimidazole pendant cyanopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized. The compounds were synthesized through multistep reaction protocol. The structures of synthesized derivatives were studied by EI‐MS, 1H NMR, FT‐IR and elemental analysis. All the compounds were studied for their anticancer activity at National Cancer Institute. Except compound 7j, all the compounds unveiled cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The most active compound 7a had shown highest value of growth inhibition of 88.44% and 84.19% against HOP‐92 and T‐47D cancer cell lines.
Side lobe level reduction of thinned concentric elliptical array antenna in vertical and horizontal plane for a desired peak directivity
Authors: Misra Bitan , Mahanti Gautam Kumar
Published: July 2020

This study, describes the design problem of a thinned multiple concentric elliptical arrays of uniformly excited isotropic antennas using meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms; Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO), Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) and Moth Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm. Two simulations are performed here. In simulation 1, the synthesis of the thinned array structure is presented in the vertical plane at a scanning angle 30° and in simulation 2, the synthesis is performed in the horizontal plane. In both cases, our objective is to minimize side lobe level (SLL) to the extent possible and at the same time maximize the peak directivity to a level higher than the desired value. Here, all the optimization algorithms are applied to obtain the optimum number of switched on and off elements in every concentric ellipse that will meet the above objective. A comparative analysis of all three algorithms is performed using peak directivity, SLL and first null beam width (FNBW) as well as statistical parameters such as mean, SD, best cost function value and run time. To assess the enhanced outcome of the proposed optimization design comparison is also made with the results of a fully populated concentric elliptical array antenna (CEAA) for both the cases separately. This paper shows a measure of effectiveness and potential of all the algorithms mentioned above, for designing a thinned concentric elliptical array.
Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Wang Yueying , Wang Zhaojia , Tse Gary , Zhang Lin , Wan Elaine Y. , Guo Yutao , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Li Guangping , Lu Zhibing , Liu Tong
Published: July 2020

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has become a major global public health concern. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 causes primarily respiratory problems, concurrent cardiac injury cannot be ignored since it may be an independent predictor for adverse outcomes. Cardiac arrhythmias are often observed in patients with COVID‐19, especially in severe cases, and more likely contribute to the high risk of adverse outcomes. Arrhythmias should be regarded as one of the main complications of COVID‐19. Mechanistically, a number of ion channels can be adversely affected in COVID‐19, leading to alterations in cardiac conduction and/or repolarization properties, as well as calcium handling, which can predispose to cardiac arrhythmogenesis. In addition, several antimicrobials that are currently used as potential therapeutic agents for COVID‐19, such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, have uncertain benefit, and yet may induce electrocardiographic QT prolongation with potential ventricular pro‐arrhythmic effects. Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring, accurate and prompt recognition of arrhythmias are important. The present review focuses on cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID‐19, its underlying mechanisms, and proposed preventive and therapeutic strategies.