bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trait–environment interactions affect plant establishment success during restoration
Authors: Zirbel Chad R. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: January 2020

Establishment and persistence are central to community assembly and are determined by how traits interact with the environment to determine performance (trait–environment interactions). Community assembly studies have rarely considered such trait–environment interactions, however, which can lead to incorrect inferences about how traits affect assembly. We evaluated how functional traits, environmental conditions, and trait–environment interactions structure plant establishment, as a measure of performance. Within 12 prairie restorations created by sowing 70 species, we quantified environmental conditions and counted individuals of each seeded species to quantify first‐year establishment. Three trait–environment interactions structured establishment. Leaf nitrogen interacted with herbivore pressure, as low leaf nitrogen species established relatively better under higher herbivory than species with high leaf nitrogen. Soil moisture interacted with root mass fraction (RMF), with low‐RMF species establishing better with low soil moisture and higher‐RMF species better on wetter soils. Specific leaf area (SLA) interacted with light availability, as low‐SLA species established better under high light conditions and high‐SLA species under low light conditions. Our work illustrates how community assembly can be better described by trait–environment interactions than correlating traits or environment with performance. This knowledge can assist species selection to maximize restoration success.
Reversible Addition of Cyanide to Triphenylamine Attached Difluoroboron β‐Diketonate Facilitated Selective Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Cyanide Ion
Authors: Tamilarasan Duraiyarasu , Suhasini Ramalingam , Thiagarajan Viruthachalam , Balamurugan Rengarajan
Published: January 2020

Nucleophilic addition of cyanide on a new triphenylamine attached difluoroboron β‐diketonate {4‐[4‐(diphenylamino) phenyl]‐2,2‐difluoro‐6‐methyl‐2H‐1,3,2‐dioxaborinin‐1‐ium‐2‐uide (C4)} breaks the conjugation readily and thereby offers efficient and selective detection of cyanide. A rational mechanism based on UV/Vis, fluorescence, NMR (1H, 11B, and 19F) and HRMS analysis and DFT calculations has been proposed. The detection limit was found to be 0.36 µM. A test strip assay using the title compound has also been applied to detect CN– in aqueous solution for real‐time applications.
Feasibility of a Nano‐Carbon Black Paste Electrode for Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Antioxidants in Food Samples and Biodiesel in the Presence of Surfactant
Authors: Nunes Angelis Pedro , de Cássia Mendonça Jhessica , Rianne da Rocha Luana , Boareto Capelari Tainara , Carolyne Prete Maiyara , Gava Segatelli Mariana , Borsato Dionisio , Ricardo Teixeira Tarley César
Published: January 2020

In this work, a simple and low‐cost method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the antioxidants tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in the presence of the cationic surfactant CPB by square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique using a carbon black paste electrode (CBPE). The performance of the method was investigated by varying parameters such as pH, electrolyte, and type and concentration of surfactant. Under the optimum conditions of 0.2 mol L−1 phosphate buffer (pH 7.0), 600.0 μmol L−1 of cetylpyridinium bromide surfactant and SWV operating parameters optimized through the Doehlert matrix, the method presented low limits of quantification for TBHQ and BHA (0.23 and 0.26 μmol L−1, respectively) and high precision in successive measurements. The proposed method was applied in mayonnaise, margarine and biodiesel and the accuracy of method was checked by the HPLC technique.
Single bubble rising behaviors in Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids with validation of empirical correlations: A computational fluid dynamics study
Authors: Islam Md. Tariqul , Ganesan Poo Balan , Cheng Ji , Uddin Mohammad Salah
Published: January 2020

The bubble rising (BR) dynamic is a common phenomenon in numerous processes of industries. Here, a single air BR behavior is studied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in a Newtonian fluid (NF) and non‐Newtonian fluid (nNF). The volume of fluid formulation with the continuum surface force equation is used to track the air bubble in a NF, while the viscosity of the nNF fluid is estimated by using the power‐law equation. The bubble terminal velocity and its shape deformation, as well as the influence of different dimensionless numbers on BR characterization are investigated. The bubble rise in NF, the bubble terminal velocity increases with decreasing Morton number, and bubble moves up in a zigzag way with shape oscillation for the case of low Morton number of the NF. The bubble rise in nNF, the bubble terminal velocity increases with the increases in the rheological index, and bubble size as well as its shape transforms from an ellipsoidal to ellipsoidal cap types. It is found that the drag coefficient is high in a low rheological index compared with the high rheological index. The CFD results are compared with experimental results and empirical correlations reported in the literature. Good agreements are found between the CFD and the literature data for both fluids.
Effect of cyclic heat treatment process on the pitting corrosion resistance of EN‐1.4405 martensitic, EN‐1.4404 austenitic, and EN‐1.4539 austenitic stainless steels in chloride‐sulfate solution
Authors: Loto Roland Tolulope
Published: January 2020

The effect of high temperature variation on the corrosion resistance of EN‐1.4405, EN‐1.4404, and EN‐1.4539 stainless steels in 2 M H2SO4/3.5% NaCl solution was studied. Untreated EN 1.4405 exhibited the highest corrosion rate at 4.775 mm/year compared to untreated EN 1.4539 with the lowest corrosion rate (1.043 mm/year). Repetitive heat treatment significantly decreased the corrosion rate of the steels by 54.61%, 27.83%, and 50.28% to 2.167, 1.396, and 0.519 mm/year. EN‐1.4539 steel exhibited the shortest metastable pitting activity among the untreated steels due to higher resistance to transient pit formation while heat treated EN‐1.4404 and EN‐1.4539 steels exhibited double metastable pitting activity. Heat treated EN‐1.4405 was unable to passivate after anodic polarization signifying weak corrosion resistance. Pitting current of heat‐treated steels was generally higher than the untreated counterparts. Heat treatment extended the passivation range value of EN‐1.4405 and EN‐1.4539 steels compared to those of the untreated steels. The corrosion potential of heat‐treated steels significantly shifted to electronegative values. The optical image of untreated and heat treated EN‐1.4404 and EN‐1.4539 steels were generally similar while the images for EN‐1.4405 significantly contrast each other.
The Energy Transition in New York: A Greenhouse Gas, Net Energy, and Life‐Cycle Energy Analysis
Authors: Murphy David J. , Raugei Marco
Published: January 2020

New York state is at the forefront in the United States and also high on the list globally in setting ambitious targets for the transition to renewable electricity, with 70% of generation mandated to be renewable by 2030. The consequences of the associated drastic shift from conventional steam generators to a mix of wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric (supplemented by pumped hydro storage to ensure dispatchability) are analyzed herein from the joint points of view of life‐cycle assessment (LCA) and net energy analysis (NEA). Results indicate that not only is the target effective at drastically reducing the grid mix's carbon emissions and halving its cumulative demand for imported nonrenewable primary energy, but—contrary to often voiced concerns—it is also compatible with sustaining the current level of net energy delivery (after accounting for the energy investments required to deploy and operate all generators).
Boundary condition control of fluvial obstacle mark formation – framework from a geoscientific perspective
Authors: Schlömer Oliver , Herget Jürgen , Euler Thomas
Published: January 2020

Obstacle marks are sedimentary bedforms, typically composed of an upstream local scour hole and a downstream sediment accumulation in the vicinity of an obstruction that is exposed to a current. However, specific morphologies are variable in fluvial, coastal and submarine environments. Although obstacle marks and the phenomenon of local scouring are subject to different scientific disciplines, the objectives of investigations are rather incoherent and no systematic framework for analysing and evaluating boundary condition control exists yet, especially concerning limited knowledge of the cause and effect relationship of obstacle mark formation at instream boulders or vegetation elements in variable environmental conditions. Thus, a parameter framework is developed which identifies a spectrum of extrinsic and intrinsic boundary conditions that control the major process dynamics of obstacle mark formation. The framework is composed of dimensionless control parameters that are separated by a hierarchical order regarding their significance for obstacle mark formation. Primary control parameters determine the geometrical scale of flow field at the obstacle, and therefore control the potential maximum size of the obstacle. Secondary control parameters affect the dynamics of the flow field in geometrical scale and limit the potential maximum size of the emerging sedimentary structure if thresholds are crossed. The framework is supposed to be a foundation for subsequent quantification and determination of thresholds by systematic laboratory studies. To elucidate this, flume‐based research is presented, evaluating the influence of different flow levels at boulder‐like obstacles of different shapes. The results show that obstacle mark dimensions were maximized at shallow flow depths compared to obstacle dimensions, while deep flows at submerged boulder‐like obstructions caused considerably smaller obstacle marks. In interdependency with a rounded and more streamlined obstacle shape, deep flows even cause a deviation of morphology if the flow depth above an obstacle exceeds 1.6 times the obstacle's dimensions. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Data poisoning attacks on neighborhood‐based recommender systems
Authors: Chen Liang , Xu Yangjun , Xie Fenfang , Huang Min , Zheng Zibin
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, collaborative filtering recommender systems have been widely deployed in many commercial companies to make profit. Neighborhood‐based collaborative filtering (CF) is common and effective. To date, despite its effectiveness, there has been little effort to explore their robustness and the impact of data poisoning attacks on their performance. Can the neighborhood‐based recommender systems be easily fooled? To this end, we shed light on the robustness of neighborhood‐based recommender systems and propose a novel data poisoning attack framework, encoding the purpose of attack and constraint against them. We first illustrate how to calculate the optimal data poisoning attack, namely, UNAttack. We inject a few well‐designed fake users into the recommender systems such that target items will be recommended to as many normal users as possible. Extensive experiments are conducted on three real‐world datasets to validate the effectiveness and the transferability of our proposed method. In addition, some interesting phenomena can be found. For example, (i) neighborhood‐based recommender systems with Euclidean distance‐based similarity have strong robustness and (ii) the fake users can be transferred to attack the state‐of‐the‐art CF recommender systems such as neural CF and Bayesian personalized ranking matrix factorization.
Basic taste characteristics of flavor material from cultured Takifugu obscurus by‐products
Authors: Liao Ya , Wang Wenli , Chen Gaole , Zhang Ninglong , Liu Yuan
Published: January 2020

Takifugu obscurus (T. obscurus) by‐products (fish heads and bones) account for about 35% of total weight. In order to improve its availability, flavor materials based on T. obscurus by‐product have been developed through enzymatic hydrolysis and Maillard thermal reaction. However, their basic taste characteristics have not been extensively investigated. In this study, the taste intensities of T. obscurus flavor materials (protein hydrolysates and Maillard reaction products) at different concentrations, pH, and temperatures were compared and distinguished by sensory evaluation combined with electronic tongue analysis. Results showed that T. obscurus by‐products protein hydrolysates (TBPH) had the optimal taste intensities (mainly umami taste) at 5.0 g/L, pH 6.5, and Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were at 4.0 g/L, pH 7.0. They both possessed excellent thermal stability, and their recognition thresholds were 0.08 g/100 mL for TBPH and 0.03 g/100 mL for MRPs, respectively. This study would lay a theoretical foundation to understand the basic flavor characteristics of T. obscurus by‐products.
The cross‐sectional study of hepatic lipase SNPs and plasma lipid levels
Authors: Wei Wang , Hu Tian , Luo Huilong , Ye Zhang , Lu Feiteng , Wu Yanqing , Ying Muying
Published: January 2020

By the combination of meta‐analysis, the data of the 1,000 Genomes Project Phase 3, and the promoter sequence of hepatic lipase (LIPC), we performed the cross‐sectional study to explore the associations of four variants (rs1077835; rs1077834; rs1800588 [C‐514T], and rs2070895 [G‐250A]) in LIPC promoter with plasma lipid levels. Our results indicate that the first and the next three of the four SNPs are, respectively, reported to be associated with the decreased and increased HDL‐c level. Meta‐analysis of 87 studies with 101,988 participants indicates that HDL‐c level in rs1800588 (C‐514T) (pooled mean difference = 0.03, 95%CI (0.03, 0.04), p < .001) and rs2070895 (G‐250A) (pooled mean difference = 0.07, 95%CI (0.05, 0.09), p < .001) is higher in allele T or A carriers. Similarly, LDL‐c, TC, TG, and BMI levels are generally increased in T or A alleles carriers. We failed to conduct the meta‐analysis of rs1077835 and rs1077834 due to the limited previous reports. Data from the 1,000 Genomes indicate that the allele frequencies of the four SNPs in total or subpopulations are almost equal to each other. The paired value r2 and D' of the four SNPs are larger than 0.8, which indicate the linkage disequilibrium of the four variants. The analysis of LIPC promoter indicate that C‐514T and G‐250A are, respectively, located in transcriptional factor binding sites of USF1and Pbx1b, which may partly explain the effect of the two SNPs on the decreased LIPC activity in the alleles carriers and the corresponding increased plasma lipids hydrolyzed by LIPC. These results may help us to better understand the different effects of the four SNPs on the plasma lipid levels among subpopulations and offer clues for future clinical treatment of dyslipidemia‐related diseases.
The impact of childhood cancer on parental working status and income in Denmark: Patterns over time and determinants of adverse changes
Authors: Mader Luzius , Hargreave Marie , Bidstrup Pernille E. , Kjær Susanne K. , Nielsen Thomas T. , Krøyer Anja , Winther Jeanette F. , Erdmann Friederike
Published: January 2020

Having a child with cancer may affect the socioeconomic situation of the parents. We aimed to assess the impact of childhood cancer on parental working status and income and to identify determinants of adverse changes after the child's cancer diagnosis by calendar period. We conducted a nationwide cohort study using Danish registry data. Parents of children diagnosed with cancer in 1982–2014 (n = 12,418) were matched with comparison parents of cancer‐free children (n = 125,014). We analysed annual working status (working/not working) and annual disposable income (lowest quintile/not lowest quintile) of case and comparison parents over a period of 10 years after diagnosis by calendar period (1982–1999 vs. 2000–2014). Logistic regression models were used to identify determinants of adverse changes after diagnosis. Mothers of children diagnosed in 1982–1999 were more likely not working or having a low income than comparison mothers up to 10 years after diagnosis. This risk of not working or low income was lower in mothers of children diagnosed in 2000–2014 compared to 1982–1999 in the first years after diagnosis (pinteraction < 0.05). We observed no consistent patterns among fathers. Low parental education, diagnosis of lymphoid leukaemia and younger age of the child at diagnosis were the main determinants of adverse changes in working status or income after diagnosis. Childhood cancer adversely interfered with parents' socioeconomic situation in the earlier calendar period, particularly among mothers. The absence of such an effect in more recent years emphasises the supportive role of a countries’ welfare system alongside the general advances in childhood cancer treatment.
Where we currently stand on obstetric fistula treatment and prevention
Authors: Browning Andrew , Syed Shershah
Published: January 2020

Treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula have seen gains over the last 20 years. There is room to improve surgical cure rates and to prevent them.
Rehabilitation and reintegration programming adjunct to female genital fistula surgery: A systematic scoping review
Authors: El Ayadi Alison M. , Painter Caitlyn E. , Delamou Alexandre , Barr‐Walker Jill , Korn Abner , Obore Susan , Byamugisha Josaphat , Barageine Justus K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Female genital fistula is associated with significant physical, psychological, and economic consequences; however, a knowledge and practice gap exists around services adjunct to fistula surgery.

Objectives

To examine rehabilitation and reintegration services provided adjunct to genital fistula surgery, map existing programming and outcomes, and identify areas for additional research.

Search strategy

We searched the published and grey literature from January 2000 to June 2019. Two reviewers screened articles and extracted data using standardized methods.

Selection criteria

Research and programmatic articles describing service provision in addition to female genital fistula surgery were included.

Data collection and analysis

Of 3047 published articles and 2623 unpublished documents identified, 26 and 55, respectively, were analyzed.

Main results

Programming identified included combinations of health education, physical therapy, social support, psychosocial counseling, and economic empowerment, largely in sub‐Saharan Africa. Improvements were noted in physical and psychosocial health.

Conclusions

Existing literature supports holistic fistula care through adjunct reintegration programming. Improving the evidence base requires implementing robust study designs, increasing reporting detail, and standardizing outcomes across studies. Increased financing for holistic fistula care is critical for developing and supporting programming to ensure positive outcomes.
Formation of a calcium oxalate urethral stone in a 3‐year‐old boy due to hypocitraturia
Authors: Kita Nobuhisa , Nagao Yoshiro , Nabeshima Yoshiyuki , Yamane Ichiro , Hirata Masaaki , Hatakeyama Kuniya
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Urolithiasis in children is often due to metabolic abnormalities (e.g. hypocitraturia) and hence recurs frequently.

Case presentation

A 3‐year‐old boy presented with gross hematuria. Computed tomography detected a urethral calculus. The calculus was removed surgically. The stone was composed of calcium oxalate. Although oxalate and uric acid levels in the urine were within normal ranges, urine calcium was moderately elevated and urine citrate was substantially low. Urinalyses of the parents revealed that the father had acidic hypocitraturic urine, containing oxalate crystals, and the mother had hypercalciuria. Administration of oral citrate acid normalized urine citrate levels and eliminated the oxalate crystals, from the boy and his father.

Conclusion

Although preventing urolithiasis using oral citrate is common in the adult population, this preventive measure is not well recognized in children, thus warranting further study.
Platelet‐rich fibrin prevents postoperative intestinal adhesion
Authors: Wang Jia , Le Kai , Guo Xu , Yan Fengcai , Guo Yifan , Zhang Tao , Ren Yu , Zhang Jianlu , Zhu Bin
Published: January 2020

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) was prepared from the blood of BALB/C inbred mice to explore potential effects on postoperative intestinal adhesion. A murine model of intestinal adhesion characterized by abdominal wall defect/and cecum damage was established by scraping caecum serosa and cutting peritoneum and muscles in the abdominal wall. The wound was covered with PRF (group A), sodium hyaluronate (group B), or left alone (blank control; group C). All animals were monitored for 28 days. The incidence of adhesion was 35.0, 66.7, and 73.7% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The incidence of adhesion in group A was significantly lower than that in group C (p < .05). Histopathologically, severity of fibrosis and the number of fibroblasts or inflammatory cells in group A were lower than those in groups B and C (p < .05), whereas the number of mesothelial cells was higher (p = .001). Furthermore, the severity of fibrosis and number of fibroblasts or inflammatory cells were lower in low grade than those in high grade of adhesion (p < .05), whereas the number of mesothelial cells was higher (p < .05). Collectively, PRF applied to abdominal surgery may reduce the incidence of intestinal adhesion by promoting proliferation of mesothelial cells whereas inhibiting proliferation of fibroblasts and infiltration of inflammatory cells.
EGCG regulates CTR1 expression through its pro‐oxidative property in non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Chen Aochang , Jiang Pan , Zeb Falak , Wu Xiaoyue , Xu Chuyue , Chen Lijun , Feng Qing
Published: January 2020

Copper transporter 1 (CTR1) plays an important role in increasing cisplatin intake. Our previous studies showed that CTR1 expression was upregulated by (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, therefore enhanced cisplatin sensitivity in ovary cancer and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In the current study in the non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells, we uncovered a potential mechanism of EGCG‐induced CTR1 through its pro‐oxidative property. We found that EGCG increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, while in the presence of ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC), ROS production was eliminated. Changes of CTR1 expression were consistent with the ROS level. Simultaneously, EGCG downregulated ERK1/2 while upregulated lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) through ROS to induce CTR1 expression. Besides, in a nude mouse xenografts model, EGCG treatment raised ROS level, expression of CTR1 and NEAT1 in tumor tissue. Also, ERK1/2 and p‐ERK1/2 were suppressed as well. Taken together, these results suggested a novel mechanism that EGCG mediated ROS to regulate CTR1 expression through the ERK1/2/NEAT1 signaling pathway, which provided more possibilities for EGCG as a natural agent in adjuvant therapy of lung cancer.
Combining field phosphorus runoff risk assessments with whole‐farm phosphorus balances to guide manure management decisions
Authors: Ros Mart B.H. , Czymmek Karl J. , Ketterings Quirine M.
Published: January 2020

Phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural fields contributes to water quality degradation. A phosphorus index (PI) is a tool that scores fields based on P loss potential. Recently, a new transport × best or beneficial management practice (BMP) approach was proposed for the New York PI (NY‐PI), which first scores fields using landscape‐based transport factors (raw scores) and then offers various BMPs to reduce the score (i.e., risk of P transport). The final score is assigned a management implication (N needs based, P removal based, or zero P application), taking into account field‐specific soil‐test P (STP) and the farm's whole‐farm P balance. With farmer and nutrient management planner input and data on field‐specific transport factors and whole‐farm P balances of 18 New York dairy farms, we set coefficients for transport factors, BMPs related to P application, and STP limits and determined the impact of implementation of the new NY‐PI on manure management options. Based on raw scores, the proposed NY‐PI initially limited manure application to 51% of the total cropland area of the participating farms (28% N‐based, 23% P‐based). Implementation of BMPs (i.e., changing the method and ground cover or timing of P application) allowed 43–98% of the land area to receive manure at N‐based rates. For farms with whole‐farm P balances within the feasible limits set for New York, an additional 0–50% of the land base was classified as N‐based management, depending on BMP selection. These results show the ability of the new NY‐PI to limit P applications on fields with high transport risk while incentivizing adoption of BMPs and improvements in whole‐farm P management.
A novel catalyst‐free mechanochemical protocol for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐perimidines
Authors: Harry Nissy Ann , Radhika Sankaran , Neetha Mohan , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: January 2020

A rapid, efficient, and green grinding assisted method for the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐perimidines has been developed. 1,8‐Diaminonaphthalene and aldehydes were ground using mortar and pestle for 5 minutes affording the product in moderate to excellent yields. The methodology minimises the use of conventional workup and column chromatographic techniques.
MRI vs. CT for the Detection of Liver Metastases in Patients With Pancreatic Carcinoma: A Comparative Diagnostic Test Accuracy Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Alabousi Mostafa , McInnes Matthew DF , Salameh Jean‐Paul , Satkunasingham Janakan , Kagoma Yoan K. , Ruo Leyo , Meyers Brandon M. , Aziz Tariq , van der Pol Christian B.
Published: January 2020

Background

The detection of liver metastases is important for pancreatic cancer curative treatment eligibility. The data suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer liver metastases. However, MRI is not currently recommended in multiple published guidelines.

Purpose

To perform a comparative diagnostic test accuracy systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing CT and MRI for pancreatic cancer liver metastases detection.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and multiple radiology society meeting archives were searched until November 2018. Comparative design studies reporting on liver CT and MRI accuracy for detection of pancreatic cancer liver metastases in the same cohort were included.

Field Strength

1.5T or 3.0T.

Assessment

Demographic, methodologic, and diagnostic test accuracy data were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)‐2 tool.

Statistical Tests

Accuracy metrics were obtained using bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis. The impact of different covariates on accuracy estimates was assessed using a meta‐regression model. Covariates included modality, study design, tumor characteristics, risk of bias, and imaging protocols.

Results

Fourteen studies including 987 patients with pancreatic cancer (205 with liver metastases) were included. Sensitivity for CT and MRI was 45% (confidence intervals [95% CI] 21–71%) and 83% (95% CI 74–88%), respectively. Specificity for CT and MRI was 94% (95% CI 84–98%) and 96% (95% CI 93–97%), respectively. The greater observed sensitivity of MRI was preserved in the meta‐regression model (P = 0.01), while no difference in specificity was detected (P = 0.16). CT sensitivity was highest for triphasic and quadriphasic examinations compared to single phase or biphasic protocols (P = 0.03). Most studies were at high risk of bias.

Data Conclusion

MRI is more sensitive than CT for pancreatic cancer liver metastases detection, accounting for confounding variables. Consideration of this finding in clinical practice guidelines is recommended.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Influence of anionic, neutral, and cationic polysaccharides on the in vitro digestibility of raw and gelatinized potato starch
Authors: Sasaki Tomoko
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Polysaccharides have been expected to have a suppressive effect on starch digestibility by blending. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of anionic (xanthan gum), neutral (guar gum), and cationic (chitosan) polysaccharides on the in vitro digestibility of raw and gelatinized starch using six potato cultivars differing in phosphorus content.

RESULTS

By comparing the starch digestibility between potato cultivars, a significant difference was observed for the raw starches, and ‘Benimaru’, which is a potato cultivar containing a higher proportion of short‐chain amylopectin and the lowest phosphorus content in starch, showed a distinctly faster rate of starch hydrolysis. The added polysaccharides decreased the extent of digestion of both raw and gelatinized starches. No significant correlation between phosphorus content and the extent of starch digestion was observed in mixed systems, whereas significant correlations were noted between the extent of starch digestion and Rapid Visco Analyser parameters. The extent of raw and gelatinized starch digestion negatively correlated with pasting temperature, initial viscosity before heating, and peak viscosity (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The added polysaccharides were observed to decrease the starch digestibility, and their suppressive effects were mainly dependent on the increase of viscosity rather than chemical interactions. A combination of potato cultivar and type of polysaccharide was proved to be important for nutritional value of potato starch. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enrichment of food blends with bambara groundnut flour: Past, present, and future trends
Authors: Nwadi Oluchukwu M.M. , Uchegbu Nneka , Oyeyinka Samson A.
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper was to review the literature (1993 to 2019) on the protein content and use of bambara groundnut in processed foods to improve nutritional value. Bambara groundnut is a legume, which is rich in protein. The protein content of bambara groundnut may vary with cultivar, growing conditions, and location as well as processing method. Complementary foods have been formulated with bambara groundnut as an ingredient. Bambara groundnut has also been used in many other food formulations and this has improved the protein content of such foods. Most of the food products containing high quantity of bambara groundnut despite the high protein content are not acceptable based on sensory evaluation especially taste and flavour. Some researchers have attempted to improve on the sensory properties of products containing bambara groundnut through some processing methods such as roasting, germination, and extrusion. Future studies may include improving the sensory properties of products enriched with bambara groundnut as well as investigating the digestibility of the products using in vivo and in vitro methods.
Development of a M9‐based urea medium (M9U) for sensitive and real‐time monitoring of ureolytic activity of bacteria and cell‐free urease
Authors: Sigurdarson Jens Jakob , Svane Simon , Karring Henrik
Published: January 2020

The enzyme urease is widespread in nature and catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to form ammonia and carbonic acid. The high proficiency of the enzyme is associated with a wide range of societal challenges. In agriculture, bacterial urease activity leads to loss of fertilizer through NH3 emission, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health. Urease is also an essential virulence factor for several pathogenic bacteria. To screen for potential urease inhibitors, efficient, sensitive, and accurate urease activity assays are needed. However, most urease activity assays are labor‐intensive and become time‐consuming when used to screen multiple samples. Based on systematic optimization, we have developed a urea‐containing growth medium and method for continuous real‐time monitoring and screening of urease activity from both bacterial cells and pure urease in a plate reader setup. The defined M9‐based urea (M9U) medium was found to be more sensitive and suitable for a plate reader setup than both Christensen's urea broth (CUB) and Stuart's urea broth (SUB), which are established and well‐known complex urea media that formed the principle foundation of M9U. Furthermore, we show that urease activity measurements using the M9U medium in our plate reader‐based method allow reliable high‐throughput screening of urease inhibitors.
Contrasting features of hydroclimatic teleconnections and the predictability of seasonal rainfall over east and west Japan
Authors: Maity Rajib , Chanda Kironmala , Dutta Riya , Ratnam J. V. , Nonaka Masami , Behera Swadhin
Published: January 2020

Hydroclimatic teleconnections between global sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly fields and monthly rainfall over east and west Japan (divided along 138° E longitude) are identified for summer (June–August) and winter (December–February) using the concept of global climate pattern (GCP). The analysis indicates that the hydroclimatic teleconnections over both regions vary at both intra‐ and inter‐seasonal time scales. In addition, the teleconnections over the two regions have differing origins. The teleconnection features associated with rainfall anomalies over west Japan have origins in the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans, whereas those over east Japan are associated with high‐latitude SST anomalies. The early summer (winter) rainfall over west Japan is linked to the El Niño Modoki (La Niña Modoki) phenomena, whereas the early summer and winter rainfall anomalies over east Japan are associated with the SST anomaly over the eastern subtropical Pacific and South Pacific oceans, respectively. Having identified the teleconnections, prediction model approaches—a machine‐learning approach, namely support vector regression (SVR), and a hybrid graphical modelling/C‐Vine copula (GM‐Copula)—were developed to forecast the rainfall over both east and west Japan. The predictors were derived from the monthly SST anomalies at different lags (1–6 months), and whereas the hidden, nonlinear relationship was well captured by the SVR approach, the complex association was decidedly better captured by the GM‐Copula approach. Hence, it is recommended for forecasting the rainfall over east and west Japan.
Efficient numerical algorithm for solving the gravimetry problem of finding a lateral density in a layer: Parallel implementation
Authors: Akimova Elena N. , Misilov Vladimir E.
Published: January 2020

The paper is devoted to developing the new time‐ and memory‐efficient algorithm BiCGSTABmem for solving the inverse gravimetry problem of determination of a variable density in a layer using the gravitational data. The problem is in solving the linear Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. After discretization of the domain and approximation of the integral operator, this problem is reduced to solving a large system of linear algebraic equations.

It is shown that the matrix of coefficients is the Toeplitz‐block‐Toeplitz one in the case of the horizontal layer. For calculating and storing the elements of this matrix, we construct an efficient method, which significantly reduces the required memory and time. For the case of the curvilinear layer, we construct a method for approximating the parts of the matrix by a Toeplitz‐block‐Toeplitz one. This allows us to exploit the same efficient method for storing and processing the coefficient matrix in the case of a curvilinear layer. To solve the system of linear equations, we constructed the parallel algorithm on the basis of the stabilized biconjugated gradient method with using the Toeplitz‐block‐Toeplitz structure of the matrix.

We implemented the BiCGSTAB and BiCGSTABmem algorithms for the Uran cluster supercomputer using the hybrid MPI + OpenMP technology. A model problem with synthetic data was solved for a large grid. It was shown that the new BiCGSTABmem algorithm reduces the computation time in comparison with the BiCGSTAB. Scalability of the parallel algorithm was studied.
Comparison of health‐promoting behaviours, eating behaviour patterns and perceived social support in normal‐weight and overweight pregnant women: An unmatched case–control study
Authors: Hajian Sepideh , Fathnezhad‐Kazemi Azita
Published: January 2020

Aim

The interventions based on adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy have conflicting results. This study aimed to compare health‐promoting, dietary patterns and social support in normal and overweight pregnant women.

Design

An unmatched case–control design was used.

Methods

A total of 360 pregnant women were selected using multistage cluster sampling and divided into two groups of normal and overweight cases. Data were collected using demographic and obstetrics characteristics, health‐promoting lifestyle, perceived social support and eating behaviour questionnaires.

Results

The evaluation of the health‐promoting behaviours and dietary patterns demonstrated a significant difference between the mean of total scores and their subdomains including self‐actualization, nutrition, consumption of healthy and low‐fat foods, fast food and sweets, as well as emotional eating and accidental planning. There was no significant difference between the two groups about social support.
Determinants of Seasonal Migration of Jharkhand: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Sucharita Sanhita , Rout Lisma
Published: January 2020

In Jharkhand, migration from rural to urban areas accounted for more than half of seasonal migration flows. In terms of spatial movements, rural–urban migration dominates migration for economic reasons. In Jharkhand seasonal migration is high and it is very high among the socio‐economically deprived and marginal groups. This paper examines the association between seasonal migration and its determining factors, particularly socio‐economic status; it observes that there is a significant negative association between economic status and temporary migration. Socio‐economically deprived and marginal groups such as ST, SC, Muslim, household from lower Monthly Per Capita Expenditure quintile and household having lower land holding have a greater propensity to migrate seasonally, which also reflects its distress‐driven nature. The study has found no significant effects of educational attainment on the propensity to migrate. Our results have numerous potential policy implications, including the design of typical social; security schemes for Jharkhand.
Negative regulation of dendritic cell activation in psoriasis mediated via CD100–plexin‐B2
Authors: Xiao Chunying , Luo Yang , Zhang Chen , Zhu Zhenlai , Yang Luting , Qiao Hongjiang , Fu Meng , Wang Gang , Yao Xu , Li Wei
Published: January 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role by inducing Th1/Th17 immune responses; however, the regulation of DC activation in psoriasis remains largely unknown. Previously we found that the level of soluble CD100 was increased in sera of psoriasis patients, and CD100 promoted the activation of inflammasome in keratinocytes. In the present study, CD100 knockout mice were utilized for generation of imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriatic dermatitis, with the result that skin inflammation in the early, but not late, phase of the psoriatic dermatitis was significantly exacerbated compared to that in wild‐type controls. This was attributed mainly to the deficiency of CD100 in hematopoietic cells. Bone marrow‐derived DCs, but not T cells or keratinocytes, from CD100 knockout mice produced significantly increased levels of IL‐1β, IL‐36, and IL‐23 upon stimulation with IMQ in a plexin‐B2‐dependent manner. Moreover, the surface level of plexin‐B2 on DCs of psoriasis patients was lower than that of healthy individuals, and CD100 attenuated IMQ‐induced production of IL‐1β and IL‐36 from monocyte‐derived DCs of psoriasis patients. Our results uncovered a negative regulatory mechanism for DCs activation in psoriasis, which was mediated via CD100–plexin‐B2 in a cell type‐ and receptor‐specific manner. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of extraction technique and GC/FID method for the analysis of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L. spp. santicha (hemp)
Authors: Baranauskaite Juste , Marksa Mindaugas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Vitkevicius Konradas , Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Skyrius Vaidas , Baranauskas Algirdas
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Nowadays, the interest in industrial Cannabis sativa L. herb has been increasing in the world. As a result, it is becoming one of the most studied plants due to its multifunctional benefits.

Objectives

To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted so far to determine the impact of extraction methods and conditions on the extraction yields of CBD and CBG from the Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Santhica. Therefore, we aimed to investigate a simple and sensitive GC‐FID method to determine CBD and CBG in hemp extract.

Methods

As regards sample preparation, three extraction techniques were compared, including maceration (ME), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and reflux‐heat extraction (RHE), in order to obtain a high recovery of the CBD of interest from the plant material. The GC‐FID method developed in this study represents a powerful tool for the extraction and analysis of non‐psychoactive cannabinoids from hemp varieties to be used for the preparations of extracts with a high content of bioactive compounds for both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Results

A simple extraction procedure for CBD and CBG from hemp was also optimized in this work, by using ultrasound assisted extraction method with 96% ethanol, material/solvent ratio 1:10 and extraction time 10 min at room temperature.

Conclusion

The overall analytical method was fully validated in agreement with international guidelines. Therefore, proving a powerful and reliable tool for both the selection of hemp varieties with a high content of bioactive compounds and the quality control of its derivatives.
Acetophenone and thiophene side‐arm polyaryleneethynylene conjugated polymers for enrichment of electronic applications
Authors: Arun Kumar Gunasekaran , Chandramohan Ayyavu , Gomathi Priya Ponnaiah , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: January 2020

In the present work, a new type of semiconducting acetophenone and thiophene side‐arm based polyaryleneethynylene (PAE) conjugated polymers (CPs) were synthesized using the Heck–Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction. The new type of monomers and APAEC8, APAEC12, APAEF8, TPAEC8, TPAEC12, and TPAEF8(PAE CPs) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform IR, NMR and high resolution mass spectrometry studies. The average molecular weight of the CPs was determined using gel permeation chromatography. The data obtained from optical properties in the UV–visible and photoluminescence spectral studies were used to calculate the values of the Stokes shift. Among the six CPs studied, TPAEC8was found to possess a lower optical band gap (Eg= 2.112 eV) than those of the other CPs. The data obtained from different studies, it was found that TPAEC8exhibits better properties than the other CPs and can be used in the field of organic based photonic, electronic and other sensor applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of intramolecular crosslinker properties on the mechanochemical fragmentation of covalently folded polymers
Authors: Levy Avishai , Goldstein Hadar , Brenman Dolev , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: January 2020

The mechanochemical stability of polymers in solution is enhanced if the chains are covalently folded. Under shear forces, the additional bonds absorb mechanical energy and inhibit unfolding, and as a result, slow down fragmentation. However, not all crosslinkers are equal in terms of their properties (length, strength, etc.). In order to understand the role of these added bonds in the polymers' stability under mechanical stress, a thorough study compares the rate of mechanochemistry on single‐chain polymer nanoparticles which have been folded with crosslinkers with different lengths, strengths, positioning, and valencies. The usage of bonds with different mechanical strengths in the crosslinkers was found to be the most powerful way to change the mechanochemical fragmentation rate. In addition, positioning and valency also play significant role in the mechanical stabilization mechanism. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2020 © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2020, 58, 692–703
New insight into organosilicon plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition layers and their crosslinking behavior by calculating the degree of Si‐networking
Authors: Brenner Thorben , Vissing Klaus
Published: January 2020

An investigation into strongly organosilicon plasma‐polymeric coatings has been performed with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between the physical properties and the chemical structure. The overall elemental composition has been analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and micro elemental analysis. Additional XPS peak fitting and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis have been undertaken and physical properties such as Young's modulus and mass density have been determined. The chemical structure of the coatings is discussed taking into account conventional Si–O crosslinking and also an independent second bridge‐building mechanism. Based on this suggestion, a least‐squares algorithm has been used to calculate the network structure including a new index for the degree of crosslinking. This enables very similar plasma‐polymeric coatings to be distinguished.
The strengths and limitations of using biolayer interferometry to monitor equilibrium titrations of biomolecules
Authors: Weeramange Chamitha J. , Fairlamb Max S. , Singh Dipika , Fenton Aron W. , Swint‐Kruse Liskin
Published: January 2020

Every method used to quantify biomolecular interactions has its own strengths and limitations. To quantify protein‐DNA binding affinities, nitrocellulose filter binding assays with 32P‐labeled DNA quantify Kd values from 10−12 to 10−8 M but have several technical limitations. Here, we considered the suitability of biolayer interferometry (BLI), which monitors association and dissociation of a soluble macromolecule to an immobilized species; the ratio koff/kon determines Kd. However, for lactose repressor protein (LacI) and an engineered repressor protein (“LLhF”) binding immobilized DNA, complicated kinetic curves precluded this analysis. Thus, we determined whether the amplitude of the BLI signal at equilibrium related linearly to the fraction of protein bound to DNA. A key question was the effective concentration of immobilized DNA. Equilibrium titration experiments with DNA concentrations below Kd (equilibrium binding regime) must be analyzed differently than those with DNA near or above Kd (stoichiometric binding regime). For ForteBio streptavidin tips, the most frequent effective DNA concentration was ~2 × 10−9 M. Although variation occurred among different lots of sensor tips, binding events with Kd ≥ 10−8 M should reliably be in the equilibrium binding regime. We also observed effects from multi‐valent interactions: Tetrameric LacI bound two immobilized DNAs whereas dimeric LLhF did not. We next used BLI to quantify the amount of inducer sugars required to allosterically diminish protein‐DNA binding and to assess the affinity of fructose‐1‐kinase for the DNA‐LLhF complex. Overall, when experimental design corresponded with appropriate data interpretation, BLI was convenient and reliable for monitoring equilibrium titrations and thereby quantifying a variety of binding interactions.