bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Site‐Specific Integration Reporter System That Enables Rapid Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Genome Editing Strategies in CHO Cells
Authors: Hamaker Nathaniel K. , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: June 2020

Targeted gene knockout and site‐specific integration (SSI) are powerful genome editing techniques to improve the development of industrially relevant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. However, past efforts to perform SSI in CHO cells are characterized by low efficiencies. Moreover, numerous strategies proposed to boost SSI efficiency in mammalian cell types have yet to be evaluated head to head or in combination to appreciably boost efficiencies in CHO. To enable systematic and rapid optimization of genome editing methods, the SSIGNAL (site‐specific integration and genome alteration) reporter system is developed. This tool can analyze CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR‐associated protein 9)‐mediated disruption activity alone or in conjunction with SSI efficiency. The reporter system uses green and red dual‐fluorescence signals to indicate genotype states within four days following transfection, facilitating rapid data acquisition via standard flow cytometry instrumentation. In addition to describing the design and development of the system, two of its applications are demonstrated by first comparing transfection conditions to maximize CRISPR/Cas9 activity and subsequently assessing the efficiency of several promising SSI strategies. Due to its sensitivity and versatility, the SSIGNAL reporter system may serve as a tool to advance genome editing technology.
Hypoxic preconditioning enhances the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into mature oligodendrocytes via the mTOR/HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yuan Xiaoyu , Luo Qianqian , Shen Lihua , Chen Jin , Gan Deqiang , Sun Yechao , Ding Lingzhi , Wang Guohua
Published: May 2020

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results not only in gray matter damage, but also in severe white matter injury (WMI). Previous findings support hypoxic preconditioning (HP) could augment the efficacy of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation in a TBI mouse model. However, whether HP‐treated BMSCs (H‐BMSCs) could overcome remyelination failure after WMI is unclear, and the molecular mechanisms remain to be explored. Here, we focused on the therapeutic benefits of H‐BMSC transplantation for treating WMI, as well as its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

In vitro, BMSCs were incubated at passage 4 in the hypoxic preconditioning (1.0% oxygen) for 8 hr. In vivo, a TBI mouse model was established, and DMEM cell culture medium (control), normal cultured BMSCs (N‐BMSCs), or H‐BMSCs were transplanted to mice 24 hr afterward. Neurobehavioral function, histopathological changes, and oligodendrogenesis were assessed for up to 35 days post‐TBI.

Results

Compared with the control group, improvement of cognitive functions and smaller lesion volumes was observed in the two BMSC‐transplanted groups, especially the H‐BMSC group. H‐BMSC transplantation resulted in a greater number of neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)–positive and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)–positive cells than N‐BMSC transplantation in both the corpus callosum and the striatum. In addition, we observed that the expression levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1a (HIF‐1α), phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were all increased in H‐BMSC–transplanted mice. Furthermore, the mTOR pathway inhibitor rapamycin attenuated the impact of HP both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

The results provided mechanistic evidences suggesting that HP‐treated BMSCs promoted remyelination partly by modulating the pro‐survival mTOR/HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
Bioremediation of water contaminated with uranium using Penicillium piscarium
Authors: Coelho Ednei , Reis Tatiana Alves , Cotrim Marycel , Rizzutto Marcia , Corrêa Benedito
Published: May 2020

Penicillium piscarium can be indicated as promising in the treatment of sites contaminated with uranium. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the P. piscarium dead biomass in uranium biosorption. This fungus was previously isolated from a highly contaminated uranium mine located in Brazil. Biosorption tests were carried out at pH 3.5 and 5.5 in solutions contaminated with concentrations of 1 to 100 mg/L of uranium nitrate. Our results showed that the dead biomass of P. piscarium was able to remove between 93.2 and 97.5% uranium from solutions at pH 3.5, at the end of the experiment, the pH of the solution increased to values above 5.6. Regarding the experiments carried out in solutions with pH 5.5, the dead biomass of the fungus was also able to remove between 38 and 92% uranium from the solution, at the end of the experiment, the pH of the solution increased to levels above 6.5. The analysis of electron microscopy, Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray fluorescence demonstrated the high concentration of uranium precipitated on the surface of the fungal biomass. These results were impressive and demonstrate that the dead biomass of P. piscarium can be an important alternative to conventional processes for treating water contaminated with heavy metals, and we hope that these ecofriendly, inexpensive, and effective technologies be encouraged for the safe discharge of water from industrial activities.
MiR‐302b‐5p enhances the neuroprotective effect of IGF‐1 in methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐induced Parkinson's disease by regulating inducible nitric‐oxide synthase
Authors: Cui Xiaorui , Li Mingpeng , He Zhengchu , Hu Lin , Liu Jianping , Yan Jianhui , Hua Liming
Published: May 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease which results in damage in neuronal cells. Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 was previously reported to play a role of neuroprotection in some diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) can also regulate neuronal cells. However, the mechanisms underlying IGF‐1 and NO in PD still need to be elucidated. In present study, we explored the interaction between IGF‐1 and inducible Nitric‐Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in PD progression. We firstly constructed PD models by methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or MPP+ treatment. Then RT‐qPCR revealed that IGF‐1 expression was downregulated while iNOS expression was upregulated in MPTP model. Moreover, IGF‐1 elevation or iNOS depletion enhanced cell viability and blocked cell apoptosis. Rescue assay disclosed iNOS overexpression reversed the effect on viability and apoptosis mediated by IGF‐1 upregulation. Furthermore, IGF‐1 was identified to positively regulate miR‐302b‐5p which could target iNOS. MiR‐302b‐5p could abolish the inhibitory function IGF‐1 exerted on cell apoptosis and iNOS could counteract miR‐302b‐5p upregulation‐triggered inhibition on cell apoptosis as well. Besides, we observed the deficiency of miR‐302b‐5p improved the lesioned neurobehavior of MPTP‐treated mice. To sum up, present study proved that miR‐302b‐5p enhanced the neuroprotective effect of IGF‐1 in MPTP‐induced PD by regulating iNOS, recommending a novel therapeutic target for PD treatment.

Significance of the study

In this study, we mainly explored that IGF‐1 was decreased while iNOS was boosted in MPTP‐induced PD mice model; IGF‐1 suppressed while iNOS promoted MPP+‐induced toxicity and apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells; miR‐302b‐5p ehanhced the neuroprotective effect of IGF‐1 via targeting Inos; deficiency of miR‐302b‐5p improved the lesioned neurobehavior of MPTP‐treated mice.
Visible Light‐driven Dehydrogenation of Benzylamine under Liberation of H2
Authors: Klarner Mara , Hammon Sebastian , Feulner Sebastian , Kümmel Stephan , Kador Lothar , Kempe Rhett
Published: June 2020

The visible light‐driven transformation of chemical compounds in combination with the liberation of H2 is highly attractive. Herein, we report on a photocatalyst that allows the acceptorless dehydrogenation of benzylamine. Upon light absorption, free charge carriers are generated and used for the concerted imine formation and liberation of H2. Our photocatalyst consists of CdS as a light harvesting semiconductor supported on colloidal metal‐organic framework crystallites. The decoration with co‐catalytic nickel nanoparticles promotes hydrogen evolution and, in addition, stabilizes the CdS component under irradiation.
Adhesive Ion‐Gel as Gate Insulator of Electrolyte‐Gated Transistors
Authors: Jeong Jaehoon , Singaraju Surya Abhishek , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin , Hahn Horst , Breitung Ben
Published: June 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Dr. Horst Hahn from Institute of Nanotechnology (INT) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Campus North). The cover picture shows adhesive ion gels developed for gate insulators of electrolyte‐gated transistors. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/celc.202000305.
Hydrodynamics of a gas‐driven gas‐liquid‐solid spouted bed with a draft tube
Authors: Meng Jia , Pjontek Dominic , Hu Ziyue , Zhu Jesse
Published: May 2020

A cylindrical gas‐liquid‐solid spouted bed, driven exclusively by gas flow, has been developed with a high potential for use in biochemical processes, such as a biological wastewater treatment. A plexiglass column with a 152 mm inner diameter was used in combination with a 53 mm inner diameter plexiglass draft tube. Three particle types were studied with densities ranging from 1044 kg/m3‐1485 kg/m3 and average particle sizes ranging from 0.7‐2.5 mm. Four flow regimes were observed when increasing the gas velocity, including fixed bed, semispouted bed, full spouted bed, and internal circulating fluidized bed. The transition gas velocities between those regimes were experimentally measured and termed as minimum spouting velocity, full spouting velocity, and minimum circulating velocity, respectively. A measurement of the downward particle flux in the annulus was used to identify the minimum spouting velocity, while the particle velocity and dense phase retraction in the annulus were monitored for the full spouting and minimum circulating velocities. All regime transition velocities increased with more dense particles and longer draft tubes. The minimum spouting velocity and full spouting velocity were not affected when varying the nozzle‐tube gap, while the minimum circulating velocity increased with longer nozzle‐tube gaps. Experiments without a draft tube were carried, though the spouting stability was significantly reduced without the draft tube.
Piperazine and methyldiethanolamine interrelationships in CO2 absorption by aqueous amine mixtures. Part II—Saturation rates of mixed reagent solutions
Authors: Costa Camilla , Di Felice Renzo , Moretti Paolo , Oliva Maddalena , Ramezani Rouzbeh
Published: June 2020

This work is a companion to a previous article, Part I, published in The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, dealing with CO2 absorption in aqueous solutions containing a single aminic reagent (specifically methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) or piperazine (PZ)). In this second part, different PZ/MDEA mixtures are experimentally studied and their performances are compared with that of the single reagents. It is indeed well known that small quantities of PZ added to MDEA aqueous solutions are sufficient to obtain a significant improvement in the kinetics of the process. PZ is considered an activator or promoter for MDEA, but the mechanism of this synergy has still not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study is an attempt to understand how PZ and MDEA can interact by experimentally analyzing this beneficial mutual effect and by explaining it with the help of a suitable yet not complex model. We believe that the involved chemistry is not more complex than that reported in Part I for the single reagents. According to our findings, it is MDEA that enhances the action of PZ, as opposed to what many authors claim. Moreover, our results seem to rule out the existence of any PZ shuttle effect.
Two Detailed Plaque Assay Protocols for the Quantification of Infectious SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Mendoza Emelissa J. , Manguiat Kathy , Wood Heidi , Drebot Michael
Published: May 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been identified as the causal agent of COronaVIrus Disease‐19 (COVID‐19), an atypical pneumonia‐like syndrome that emerged in December 2019. While SARS‐CoV‐2 titers can be measured by detection of viral nucleic acid, this method is unable to quantitate infectious virions. Measurement of infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 can be achieved by tissue culture infectious dose−50 (TCID50), which detects the presence or absence of cytopathic effect in cells infected with serial dilutions of a virus specimen. However, this method only provides a qualitative infectious virus titer. Plaque assays are a quantitative method of measuring infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 by quantifying the plaques formed in cell culture upon infection with serial dilutions of a virus specimen. As such, plaque assays remain the gold standard in quantifying concentrations of replication‐competent lytic virions. Here, we describe two detailed plaque assay protocols to quantify infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 using different overlay and staining methods. Both methods have several advantages and disadvantages, which can be considered when choosing the procedure best suited for each laboratory. These assays can be used for several research purposes, including titration of virus stocks produced from infected cell supernatant and, with further optimization, quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 in specimens collected from infected animals. © 2019 The Authors.

Basic Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 plaque assay using a solid double overlay method

Alternate Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 plaque assay using a liquid overlay and fixation‐staining method
“I don't think I took her fears seriously”: Exploring the experiences of family members of individuals at‐risk of developing psychosis over 12 months
Authors: Izon Emma , Berry Katherine , Law Heather , Shiers David , French Paul
Published: May 2020

Individuals with an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) of psychosis experience high levels of distress, anxiety, low mood, and suicidal ideation. Families of ARMS individuals provide significant support but are often neglected by services. This study is the first of its kind to use a novel longitudinal qualitative methodology to directly compare family/carers' earlier experiences supporting ARMS individuals to 12 months later. This provides a more ecologically valid insight into how perceptions change over time and how family/carers adapt. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 family/carers at two points within a 12‐month period. This study was embedded within a randomized control trial, the Individual and Family Cognitive Behavioural Therapy trial. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, with a focus on how experiences and reactions for family/carers changed over time. Over 12 months, four factors were important for family/carers to facilitate their caring role. These were summarized in the thematic map (LACE model): Looking after your own well‐being; Accessing additional support from family intervention; Communicating openly with the individual; and Engaging with services for the individual. All four aspects of the model were important in improving family communication, meeting family/carers' unmet needs, and helping them to feel more confident and less isolated in their carer role. Novel implications suggest that when feasible, services should involve family/carers of ARMS individuals in sessions and explore family/carer support strategies in managing their own distress. The most significant insight was the need to develop family/carer resources to educate, normalize, and validate their own experiences.
Throughput enhancement of cognitive M2M networks based on NOMA for 5G communication systems
Authors: EL‐Mokadem Eslam Samy , El‐Kassas Ahmed Mahmoud , Elgarf Talaat A. , El‐Hennawy Hadia
Published: May 2020

One of the promising technologies for 5G cellular networks is machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communications. We propose a cognitive radio network (CR) that includes a primary cellular system and a secondary cognitive system. The primary cellular system has a primary client (PC) and the secondary cognitive system has M2M clients which are called secondary clients (SCs). In a conventional system of CR network based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (CR‐OFDMA), when the primary client (PC) is absent, only one SC can obtain the idle spectrum. But, the SC must leave the spectrum when detecting the existence of the PC. So, the spectrum usage of this system is very low. This paper proposes a cooperative CR network based on nonorthogonal multiple access (CCR‐NOMA) for spectrum sensing using energy detection (ED) to allow multiple SCs to share the same frequency at the same time, but are differentiated according to the power domain or code domain, to improve spectrum efficiency of 5G communications and the transmission performance of CR network at the absence and presence of the PC. To evaluate the channel sensing performance of the ED technique in CCR‐NOMA, we derived a closed‐form expression between the achievable throughput and sensing time for the CCR‐NOMA system. The same analysis for the case of CR‐OFDMA is reproduced for the sake of comparison. The analysis showed that the CR‐NOMA system for M2M communication outperforms the CR‐OFDMA system for M2M communication for the same noncooperative and cooperative spectrum sensing and physical layer parameters.
Characterization of a novel polymeric prodrug of an antibacterial agent synthesized by mechanochemical solid‐state polymerization
Authors: Yamauchi Yukinori , Doi Naoki , Kondo Shin‐ichi , Sasai Yasushi , Kuzuya Masayuki
Published: June 2020

Polycrystalline methacryloyl monomers of the antibacterial drug nalidixic acid with an anhydride bond to the drug carboxyl group were prepared. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized vinyl monomer were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, and polarized light microscopy measurements. Mechanochemical solid‐state polymerization of the resulting monomers was carried out to yield a novel polymeric prodrug. The in vitro hydrolysis behavior of the polymeric prodrug indicated that the release rate of drug from the polymeric prodrug was clearly dependent on the pH value of the hydrolysis solution. Moreover, sustained release of the drug at an almost constant rate for more than 10 hr was shown in both neutral and alkaline solutions. The results suggest that anhydride‐based polymeric prodrugs could be potentially useful in colon targeted drug delivery systems.
Reversible Release and Fixation of Bromine in Vacancy‐Ordered Bromide Perovskites
Authors: Lin Yang‐Peng , Xia Bing , Hu Sanlue , Zhong Yu , Huang Yue‐E , Zhang Zhi‐Zhuan , Wu Ni , Wu Yong‐Wei , Wu Xiao‐Hui , Huang Xiao‐Ying , Xiao Zewen , Du Ke‐Zhao
Published: June 2020

Bromine is an irreplaceable reagent for many important applications including necessary additive for flame retardants and rubber treatment. However, the toxicity, causticity, and vaporability of bromine make the safe usage and transportation of bromine challenging, which can be alleviated by the bromine prefixation. Herein, vacancy‐ordered bromide perovskites such as Cs4Sb2Br12 and Cs2PdBr6 are selected out for the bromine fixation through density‐functional theory calculations and experiments. The redox within the bromide perovskites is designed to provide the driving force for the reversible release and fixation of bromine. Heating and cooling the title bromide perovskites in a necked ampoule make the bromine visible and separable from the solid residue. The composition engineering (i.e., Cs4Sb2Br12 vs Rb4Sb2Br12, and Cs4Sb2Br12 vs Cs2PdBr6) can effectively tune the stability (against water and high temperature) and the bromine storage capacity (from 9.30% to 18.76%). In addition, this work can provide a one‐step preparation method for the liquid bromine without further purification.
Prevalence and prognostic impact of the coexistence of multiple frailty domains in elderly patients with heart failure: the FRAGILE‐HF cohort study
Authors: Matsue Yuya , Kamiya Kentaro , Saito Hiroshi , Saito Kazuya , Ogasahara Yuki , Maekawa Emi , Konishi Masaaki , Kitai Takeshi , Iwata Kentaro , Jujo Kentaro , Wada Hiroshi , Kasai Takatoshi , Nagamatsu Hirofumi , Ozawa Tetsuya , Izawa Katsuya , Yamamoto Shuhei , Aizawa Naoki , Yonezawa Ryusuke , Oka Kazuhiro , Momomura Shin‐ichi , Kagiyama Nobuyuki
Published: June 2020

Aims

To describe the prevalence, overlap, and prognostic implications of physical and social frailties and cognitive dysfunction in hospitalized elderly patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

The FRAGILE‐HF study was a prospective multicentre cohort study enrolling consecutive hospitalized patients with heart failure aged ≥65 years. The study objectives were to examine the prevalence, overlap, and prognostic implications of the coexistence of multiple frailty domains. Physical frailty, social frailty, and cognitive dysfunction were evaluated by the Fried phenotype model, Makizako's 5 items, and Mini‐Cog, respectively. The primary study outcome was the combined endpoint of heart failure rehospitalization and all‐cause death within 1 year. Among 1180 enrolled hospitalized patients (median age, 81 years; 57.4% male), physical frailty, social frailty, and cognitive dysfunction were identified in 56.1%, 66.4%, and 37.1% of the patients, respectively. The number of identified frailty domains was 0, 1, 2, and 3 in 13.5%, 31.4%, 36.9%, and 18.2% of the patients, respectively. During follow‐up, the combined endpoint occurred in 383 patients. Adjusted hazard ratios for 1, 2, and 3 domains, with 0 domains as the reference, were 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–2.13; P = 0.15], 1.60 (95% CI 1.04–2.46; P = 0.034), and 2.04 (95% CI 1.28–3.24; P = 0.003), respectively. Incorporating the number of frailty domains into the pre‐existing risk model yielded a 22.0% (95% CI 0.087–0.352; P = 0.001) net reclassification improvement for the primary outcome.

Conclusions

The coexistence of multiple frailty domains is prevalent in hospitalized elderly patients with heart failure. Holistic assessment of multi‐domain frailty provides additive value to known prognostic factors.
Carbon nanotube dielectrophoresis: Theory and applications
Authors: Rabbani Mohammad Towshif , Sonker Mukul , Ros Alexandra
Published: May 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most extensively studied nanomaterials in the 21st century. Since their discovery in 1991, many studies have been reported advancing our knowledge in terms of their structure, properties, synthesis, and applications. CNTs exhibit unique electrothermal and conductive properties which, combined with their mechanical strength, have led to tremendous attention of CNTs as a nanoscale material in the past two decades. To introduce the various types of CNTs, we first provide basic information on their structure followed by some intriguing properties and a brief overview of synthesis methods. Although impressive advances have been demonstrated with CNTs, critical applications require purification, positioning, and separation to yield desired properties and functional elements. Here, we review a versatile technique to manipulate CNTs based on their dielectric properties, namely dielectrophoresis (DEP). A detailed discussion on the DEP aspects of CNTs including the theory and various technical microfluidic realizations is provided. Various advancements in DEP‐based manipulations of single‐walled and multiwalled CNTs are also discussed with special emphasis on applications involving separation, purification, sensing, and nanofabrication.
Intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide prevents seizure‐induced respiratory arrest in a DBA/1 mouse model of SUDEP
Authors: Adhikari Yadav , Jin Xiaoming
Published: May 2020

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the cause of premature death of 50% patients with chronic refractory epilepsy. Respiratory failure during seizures is regarded as an important mechanism of SUDEP. Previous studies have shown that abnormal serotonergic neurotransmission is involved in the pathogenesis of seizure‐induced respiratory failure, while enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission in the brainstem suppresses it. Because peripheral inflammation is known to enhance serotonergic neuron activation and 5‐HT synthesis and release, we investigated the effect of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation on the S‐IRA susceptibility during audiogenic seizures in DBA/1 mice.

Methods

After DBA/1 mice were primed by exposing to sound stimulation for three consecutive days, they were tested for seizure severity and seizure‐induced respiratory arrest (S‐IRA) induced by sound stimulation under different conditions. We determined the dose and time course of the effects of intraperitoneal administration of LPS on audiogenic seizures and S‐IRA. The effects of blocking TLR4 or RAGE receptors and blocking 5‐HT receptors on the LPS‐induced effect on S‐IRA were investigated. Statistical significance was evaluated using the Kruskal‐Wallis test.

Results

Intraperitoneal injection of LPS significantly had dose‐dependent effects in reducing the incidence of S‐IRA as well as seizure severity in DBA/1 mice. The protective effect of LPS on S‐IRA peaked at 8‐12 hours after LPS injection and was related to both reducing seizure severity and enhancing autoresuscitation. Blocking TLR4 or RAGE receptor with TAK‐242 or FPS‐ZM1, respectively, prior to LPS injection attenuated its effects on S‐IRA and seizure severity. Injection of a nonselective 5‐HT receptor antagonist, cyproheptadine, or a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron, was effective in blocking LPS‐induced effect on S‐IRA. Immunostaining results showed a significant increase in c‐Fos‐positive serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe.

Significance

This is the first study that demonstrates the effect of intraperitoneal LPS injection‐induced inflammation on reducing S‐IRA susceptibility and provides additional evidence supporting the serotonin hypothesis on SUDEP. Our study suggests that inflammation may enhance brainstem 5‐HT neurotransmission to promote autoresuscitation during seizure and prevent SUDEP.
Toward Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for Asia
Authors: Leung Kenneth M.Y. , Yeung Katie W.Y. , You Jing , Choi Kyungho , Zhang Xiaowei , Smith Ross , Zhou Guang-Jie , Yung Mana M.N. , Arias-Barreiro Carlos , An Youn-Joo , Burket S. Rebekah , Dwyer Robert , Goodkin Nathalie , Hii Yii Siang , Hoang Tham , Humphrey Chris , Iwai Chuleemas Boonthai , Jeong Seung-Woo , Juhel Guillaume , Karami Ali , Kyriazi-Huber Katerina , Lee Kuan-Chun , Lin Bin-Le , Lu Ben , Martin Patrick , Nillos Mae Grace , Oginawati Katharina , Rathnayake I.V.N. , Risjani Yenny , Shoeb Mohammad , Tan Chin Hon , Tsuchiya Maria Claret , Ankley Gerald T. , Boxall Alistair B.A. , Rudd Murray A. , Brooks Bryan W.
Published: May 2020

Environmental and human health challenges are pronounced in Asia, an exceptionally diverse and complex region where influences of global megatrends are extensive and numerous stresses to environmental quality exist. Identifying priorities necessary to engage grand challenges can be facilitated through horizon scanning exercises, and to this end we identified and examined 23 priority research questions needed to advance toward more sustainable environmental quality in Asia, as part of the Global Horizon Scanning Project. Advances in environmental toxicology, environmental chemistry, biological monitoring, and risk-assessment methodologies are necessary to address the adverse impacts of environmental stressors on ecosystem services and biodiversity, with Asia being home to numerous biodiversity hotspots. Intersections of the food–energy–water nexus are profound in Asia; innovative and aggressive technologies are necessary to provide clean water, ensure food safety, and stimulate energy efficiency, while improving ecological integrity and addressing legacy and emerging threats to public health and the environment, particularly with increased aquaculture production. Asia is the largest chemical-producing continent globally. Accordingly, sustainable and green chemistry and engineering present decided opportunities to stimulate innovation and realize a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Engaging the priority research questions identified herein will require transdisciplinary coordination through existing and nontraditional partnerships within and among countries and sectors. Answering these questions will not be easy but is necessary to achieve more sustainable environmental quality in Asia. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1485–1505. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Multilabel classification of remote sensed satellite imagery
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Singh Amit , Nerurkar Pranav , Chandane Madhav , Bhirud Sunil , Patel Dhiren , Busnel Yann
Published: May 2020

Multilabel scene classification has emerged as a critical research area in the domain of remote sensing. Contemporary classification models primarily emphasis on a single object or multiobject scene classification of satellite remote sensed images. These classification models rely on feature engineering from images, deep learning, or transfer learning. Comparatively, multilabel scene classification of very high resolution (V.H.R.) images is a fairly unexplored domain of research. Models trained for single label scene classification are unsuitable for the application of recognizing multiple objects in a single remotely sensed V.H.R. satellite image. To overcome this research gap, the current inquiry proposes to fine‐tune the state of the art convolutional neural network (C.N.N.) architectures for multilabel scene classification. The proposed approach pre trains C.N.N on the ImageNet dataset and further fine‐tunes them to the task of detecting multiple objects in V.H.R. images. To understand the efficacy of this approach, the final models are applied on a V.H.R. dataset: the U.C.M.E.R.C.E.D. image dataset containing 21 different terrestrial land use categories with a submeter resolution. The performance of the final models is compared with graph convolutional network‐based model by Khan et al. From the results on performance metrics, it was observed that proposed models achieve comparable results in significantly fewer epochs.
Efficacy of an iron‐fortified infant cereal to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia in young children in East Cameroon
Authors: Ekoe Tetanye , Bianpambe Ousmaila I. , Nguefack Felicitee , Pondi Daniel M. , Kana‐Sop Marie M. , Hays Nicholas P. , Medoua Gabriel , Koki Paul N.
Published: June 2020

Complementary foods in Africa are often poor sources of bioavailable iron. We assessed the efficacy of iron‐fortified wheat‐based infant cereal (IC) to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia in children aged 18–59 months in Cameroon. A 6‐month double‐blind, cluster‐randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2017 among anemic (hemoglobin 7–11 g/dl) but otherwise healthy children. In conjunction with usual diet, children received two 50 g servings/day of a standard, micronutrient‐fortified IC (providing 3.75 mg iron/serving; n = 106) or the same IC without iron fortification (n = 99). Anthropometric measurements, blood sampling, and systematic deworming were performed in all children at baseline (pre‐intervention), 3, and 6 months. Mean hemoglobin, ferritin adjusted for C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum iron, transferrin saturation, prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia as well as anthropometrics were compared between the groups at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Compared to the control group, children consuming the iron‐fortified IC had significantly higher baseline‐adjusted mean hemoglobin (10.0 ± 1.8 vs. 9.7 ± 1.4 g/dl, respectively; p = .023), ferritin adjusted for CRP (16.1 ± 8.3 vs. 9.5 ± 7.5 μg/L, p < .001), serum iron (14.5 ± 3.9 vs. 11.2 ± 4.4 μg/dl; p < .001), and transferrin saturation (19.0 ± 17.4 vs. 10.7 ± 12.5%; p ˂ .001) at 6 months. The prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia at 6 months decreased by a larger extent in the iron‐fortified group versus controls (all p < .01). In addition, at 6 months, children in the iron‐fortified group demonstrated higher weight‐for‐age z‐scores (p = .016) compared to the control group. Wheat‐based IC fortified with 7.5 mg ferrous fumarate administered daily for 6 months improved iron and nutritional status and decreased the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children aged 18–59 months in Salapoumbé, Cameroon.
Effects of drying conditions in low‐temperature microwave‐assisted drying on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of dehydrated bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.)
Authors: Nguyen Thi‐Van‐Linh , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy , Nguyen Phuoc‐Bao‐Duy , Tran Bich‐Lam , Huynh Phong T.
Published: June 2020

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is a fruit that brings health benefits to consumers because the fruit is rich in bioactive compounds. In this work, a combination of low‐temperature convective drying and microwave radiation was used to dehydrate sliced bitter melon. One‐factor‐at‐a‐time design was performed to evaluate the influence of microwave power density (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 W/g), drying temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C), and air velocity (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 m/s) on the change of moisture content, nutrient levels (vitamin C and total phenolics), and the antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP assays) of the bitter melon. The obtained results showed that all investigated factors affected the rate of moisture removal. Microwave power density output and air‐drying temperature strongly participated in the retention of nutrients. In this study, the drying process was driven by both heat and mass transfer processes, so the increase of air velocity prolonged the drying time causing more loss of nutrient levels and antioxidant activities. It was found that DPPH free radical scavenging ability directly correlated with total phenolic content, but the ferric‐reducing antioxidant power was related to the presence of reductants including phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and other phytochemicals in bitter melons. This work determined that microwave power density and the air‐drying temperature are the main two factors that should be used for further investigations.
Dark control: The default mode network as a reinforcement learning agent
Authors: Dohmatob Elvis , Dumas Guillaume , Bzdok Danilo
Published: June 2020

The default mode network (DMN) is believed to subserve the baseline mental activity in humans. Its higher energy consumption compared to other brain networks and its intimate coupling with conscious awareness are both pointing to an unknown overarching function. Many research streams speak in favor of an evolutionarily adaptive role in envisioning experience to anticipate the future. In the present work, we propose aprocess modelthat tries to explainhowthe DMN may implement continuous evaluation and prediction of the environment to guide behavior. The main purpose of DMN activity, we argue, may be described by Markov decision processes that optimize action policies via value estimates through vicarious trial and error. Our formal perspective on DMN function naturally accommodates as special cases previous interpretations based on (a) predictive coding, (b) semantic associations, and (c) a sentinel role. Moreover, this process model for the neural optimization of complex behavior in the DMN offers parsimonious explanations for recent experimental findings in animals and humans.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Metabolome Is Functionally Depressed in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Alcohol‐Related Liver Disease
Authors: Parker Richard , Schmidt Mark S. , Cain Owen , Gunson Bridget , Brenner Charles
Published: May 2020

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and related coenzymes play critical roles in liver function. Although hepatic alcohol metabolism depresses NAD+, current understanding of the NAD+ metabolome in alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) is based on animal models. We used human liver samples to quantify the NAD+ metabolome in ArLD with samples obtained at the time of liver transplantation or resection at University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust. The severity of steatohepatitis in liver from patients with ArLD was assessed with standard liver function tests and histology. NAD‐targeted quantitative metabolomic analysis of liver tissue was performed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Seventy‐two human liver specimens were analyzed, including 43 with ArLD. The NAD+ metabolome differed significantly between different types of liver disease (two‐way analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = 0.001). ArLD liver tissue showed markedly depressed concentrations of NAD+ (432 μM vs. 616 μM in normal liver) and precursor molecules nicotinic acid and nicotinamide riboside. There was a significant overall difference in the NAD+ metabolome between ArLD samples with and without steatohepatitis (two‐way ANOVA, P = 0.018). After correcting for multiple comparisons, a significant difference for individual components of the metabolome was observed for the concentration of NAD+ (mean, 462 μM vs. 322 μM; P < 0.01 in nonsevere vs. severe alcoholic steatohepatitis, respectively). NAD+ concentration was inversely related to serum bilirubin concentration (r
2 = −0.127; P = 0.04) and positively correlated with myeloperoxidase activity (r
2 = 0.31; P = 0.003). The concentration of NAD+ and its precursor molecules are significantly reduced in ArLD and are associated with disease activity. Conclusion: Liver samples from people with ArLD show depressed NAD+ and precursor levels as well as depressed myeloperoxidase activity.
Women's attitudes and understanding of cervical cancer and the new National Cervical Screening Program
Authors: Nagendiram Archana , Bidgood Rachel , Banks Jennifer , Heal Clare
Published: May 2020

Issues addressed

The new National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) has recently been implemented. Little research is available on women's attitudes towards the program. This study aims to quantitatively assess Australian women's understanding and attitudes towards the new guidelines and their barriers to screening.

Method

Authors designed a cross‐sectional survey which was piloted and distributed as a waiting room survey to eligible women who attended a private general practice in North Queensland.

Results

Of the respondents, 53.8% had accurate knowledge of the new NCSP. Most participants (75.8%) believed they were not provided sufficient information about the NCSP and 60.2% wished to receive this information from their general practitioner. The screening test itself remains an issue, with embarrassment and discomfort listed as the most common barriers to screening.

Conclusion

Many women do not have accurate knowledge of the new NCSP. Further health promotion in this area is warranted, where the general practitioner may play a key role.

So what?

While the new NCSP will lead to further reduction in cervical cancer mortality, it appears from the data that women did not fully understand cervical cancer and its screening. This suggests the need for further health education to women about updated screening guidelines.
Examining mentors as buffers of burnout for employees high in neuroticism
Authors: Varghese Lebena S. , Rogers Arielle P. , Finkelstein Lisa , Barber Larissa K.
Published: June 2020

Human resource development (HRD) practitioners often implement mentoring programs for the purpose of fostering employee career growth and satisfaction. This study examines a less widely researched function of mentoring—to mitigate employee burnout. Specifically, this study examines mentoring as a buffer of relations between employee neuroticism and burnout symptoms. We also examined the differential effect of mentoring functions (i.e., psychosocial support and career‐related support) on relations between neuroticism and burnout dimensions (i.e., emotional exhaustion and cognitive weariness). Survey data were collected from 325 employees from a diverse set of occupations. Self‐report measures assessed trait neuroticism, burnout, the presence of mentoring (formal or informal), and the nature of support received from mentors (i.e., psychosocial and career‐related support). Psychosocial support and career‐related support were negatively associated with burnout. Moderation analyses found weaker relationships between neuroticism and burnout for individuals who received mentoring. Furthermore, psychosocial and career‐related support delivered by mentors differentially mitigated emotional exhaustion and cognitive weariness, respectively. Exploratory analyses found that among individuals who had a formal mentor, self‐reported levels of neuroticism no longer predicted burnout. Overall, findings suggest that both psychosocial and career‐related support provided by mentors may help decrease levels of burnout. Furthermore, HRD practitioners may implement mentoring programs not only as a career‐enhancing tool but also as an intervention to improve employee well‐being and help employees who might be particularly prone to burnout (i.e., those high in neuroticism).
Isotope‐aided modelling of ecohydrologic fluxes and water ages under mixed land use in Central Europe: The 2018 drought and its recovery
Authors: Smith Aaron , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Kleine Lukas , Maneta Marco P. , Soulsby Chris
Published: May 2020

Understanding the interactions of vegetation and soil water under varying hydrological conditions is crucial to aid quantitative assessment of land‐use sustainability for maintaining water supply for humans and plants. Isolating and estimating the volume and ages of water stored within different compartments of the critical zone, and the associated fluxes of evaporation, transpiration, and groundwater recharge, facilitates quantification of these soil–plant‐water interactions and the response of ecohydrological fluxes to wet and dry periods. We used the tracer‐aided ecohydrological model EcH2O‐iso to examine the response of water ages of soil water storage, groundwater recharge, evaporation, and root‐uptake at a mixed land use site, in northeastern Germany during the drought of 2018 and in the following winter months. The approach applied uses a dynamic vegetation routine which constrains water use by ecological mechanisms. Two sites with regionally typical land‐use types were investigated: a forested site with sandy soils and a deep rooting zone and a grassland site, with loamier soils and shallower rooting zone. This results in much younger water ages (<1 year) through the soil profile in the forest compared to the grass, coupled with younger groundwater recharge. The higher water use in the forest resulted in a more pronounced annual cycle of water ages compared to the more consistent water age in the loamier soil of the grasslands. The deeper rooting zone of the forested site also resulted in older root‐uptake water usage relative to soil evaporation, while the grassland site root‐uptake was similar to that of soil evaporation. Besides more dynamic water ages in the forest, replenishment of younger soil waters to soil storage was within 6 months following the drought (cf. >8 months in the grassland). The temporal evaluation of the responsiveness of soil and vegetation interactions in hydrologic extremes such as 2018 is essential to understand changes in hydrological processes and the resilience of the landscape to the longer and more severe summer droughts predicted under future climate change.
Molecular and pathological basis of HPV‐negative cervical adenocarcinoma seen in a global study
Authors: Jenkins David , Molijn Anco , Kazem Siamaque , Pirog Edyta C , Alemany Laia , de Sanjosé Silvia , Dinjens Winand , Quint Wim
Published: May 2020

International surveys find HPV‐negativity in up to 30% of cervical adenocarcinomas. We investigated the pathological diagnosis by expert consensus with immunohistochemistry and the presence of somatic mutations in recognised tumour genes in HPV‐positive and negative cervical adenocarcinomas (CADC). A sample was selected of 45 paraffin‐embedded cervical blocks diagnosed locally as usual cervical adenocarcinoma from a global study. These represented different diagnoses made at previous diagnostic review and HPV status. All were suitable for analysis for somatic tumour associated gene mutations. Three pathologists examined H/E slides and immunohistochemistry for p16, progesterone receptor and p53 and classified the cases. L1 genes from high‐risk HPVs and low‐risk HPVs were analysed by SPF10 PCR‐DEIA‐LiPA25 version 1 in whole tissue sections and microdissected tumour and retested by PCR for E6/E7 genes of hrHPVs if negative. Cases were analysed for microsatellite instability and next‐generation sequencing mutation analysis. From the 45 cases, 20 cases of usual CADC were confirmed of which 17 (85%) were HPV‐positive in tumour cells. The other 25 cases were reclassified as endometrial, serous, clear‐cell and gastric‐type adenocarcinomas and all were HPV‐negative in tumour cells. Careful retesting for HPV DNA and IHC leads to more accurate identification of HPV‐positive usual cervical adenocarcinomas. Endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas, other uterine adenocarcinoma with multiple somatic mutations were important in misclassification of HPV‐negative cases locally managed as cervical adenocarcinoma, as was gastric‐type adenocarcinoma with germline STK11 mutation in East Asia. Few consensuses confirmed HPV‐negative usual cervical adenocarcinomas showed somatic tumorigenic mutations also seen in some HPV‐positive usual CADC.
Treating destructive behavior reinforced by increased caregiver compliance with the participant's mands
Authors: Owen Todd M. , Fisher Wayne W. , Akers Jessica S. , Sullivan William E. , Falcomata Terry S. , Greer Brian D. , Roane Henry S. , Zangrillo Amanda N.
Published: June 2020

Functional analyses sometimes do not identify momentary fluctuations in the function of destructive behavior (Bowman, Fisher, Thompson, & Piazza, 1997). In such cases, individuals may mand for the reinforcer that is currently most preferred and display destructive behavior if that mand goes unreinforced. In this study, we conducted a mand analysis to test whether destructive behavior functioned as a precurrent response that increased reinforcement for the participant's mands. We then evaluated a treatment that matched this function of destructive behavior by providing differential or time‐based reinforcement of participant mands in accordance with multiple or chained schedules with reinforcement‐schedule thinning. Decreases in destructive behavior averaged 97.4% across cases. We discuss these results relative to the importance of matching treatments for destructive behavior to operant functions for both traditional and idiosyncratic functions of destructive behavior.
Increased number of responses may account for reduced resurgence following serial training
Authors: Diaz‐Salvat Claudia C. , St. Peter Claire C. , Shuler Natalie J.
Published: June 2020

Abrupt discontinuation of functional communication training can cause resurgence of challenging behavior. Teaching multiple alternative responses in sequence (serial training) may reduce resurgence, relative to teaching a single alternative. However, previous evaluations of serial training included a different number of response options across comparison conditions. In Experiment 1, we varied both training type (single and serial) and number of response options, and replicated previous findings showing that more resurgence occurred following single training relative to serial training. In Experiment 2, we varied the training type while holding the number of alternative responses constant and obtained no consistent differences in resurgence. In Experiment 3, we varied the number of alternative responses while holding training type constant (i.e., single). More resurgence occurred in the condition with fewer response options, suggesting that the number of available alternative responses, and not explicit serial training of alternatives, was critical to outcomes.