bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant population and row spacing effects on corn: Phenotypic traits of positive yield‐responsive hybrids
Authors: Bernhard Brad J. , Below Frederick E.
Published: March 2020

Corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids differ in their yield response to plant population and/or row spacing changes. The objective of this study was to identify the hybrid phenotypic traits underlying intensive plant population and row spacing yield responses to help breeders select for hybrids to be placed in these possible management systems. In 2017 and 2018, six commercial hybrids were planted at 94,000, 109,000, 124,000, and 139,000 plants ha−1 in a 76‐cm or 51‐cm row spacing at two locations in Illinois. In general, the more recently released hybrids and full‐season hybrids tended to have greater yields in response to both higher planting population and narrower row spacing. Of the 46 measured phenotypic traits, those related to shoot biomass had more plasticity than many of the leaf traits (i.e. total leaves, leaf length, leaf angle, etc.) in response to plant spatial arrangement, but root traits had even greater plasticity. While the hybrids had inherently distinct phenotypic traits, there was no difference between hybrids in the plasticity extent of their shoot or root traits in response to plant population and/or row spacing alterations. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to identify the key phenotypic traits (predictors) of hybrids with increased yield in response to greater planting populations and narrower row spacing. These key traits for increased yields were related to capturing more sunlight (leaf angle, width, length, and area per plant), plant size (stover biomass per hectare, shoot biomass per hectare, and plant width), and root weight per plant.
Morpho‐physiological traits, antioxidant capacity, and nitrogen metabolism in ramie under nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Rehman Muzammal , Yang Mei , Fahad Shah , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Liu Lijun , Liu Feihu , Deng Gang
Published: March 2020

Optimum fertilization is one of the challenges to agricultural sustainability. Understanding the physiological and biochemical response of plants to available nutrients is important for optimization of crop management practices. Present study investigated the effects of different levels of N fertilizer (N0 = 0 kg ha−1[Control], N1 = 140 kg ha−1[Low], N2 = 280 kg ha−1[Medium], and N3 = 420 kg ha−1[High]) on growth, gaseous exchange, antioxidant capacity, and N metabolism in ramie (Boehmeria niveaL.) under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Nitrogen application improved the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant activity of ramie; the maximum shoot fresh biomass (91 g), shoot dry biomass (13.7 g), number of leaves (46.5), and number of stems (6.4) were recorded at medium N rate. However, the growth was reduced under high N rate. Except for intercellular CO2concentration, all the other gas exchange parameters were significantly affected by the N levels. Increasing N level improved the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and enhanced the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents in ramie leaves. Thus, N fertilizer at medium rate is relatively more effective in the growth of ramie and biomass production.
Reproductive ecology and postpollination development in the hydrophilous monocot Ruppia maritima
Authors: Taylor Mackenzie L. , Giffei Bridget L. , Dang Christie L. , Wilden Ana E. , Altrichter Kristine M. , Baker Emma C. , Nguyen Richard , Oki Dayton S.
Published: March 2020

Premise

Water‐pollination (hydrophily) is a rare but important pollination mechanism that has allowed angiosperms to colonize marine and aquatic habitats. Hydrophilous plants face unique reproductive challenges, and many have evolved characteristic pollen traits and pollination strategies that may have downstream consequences for pollen performance. However, little is known about reproductive development in the life history stage between pollination and fertilization (the progamic phase) in hydrophilous plants. The purpose of this study was to characterize reproductive ecology and postpollination development in water‐pollinated Ruppia maritima L.

Methods

Naturally pollinated inflorescences of R. maritima were collected from the field. Experimental pollinations using both putatively outcross and self pollen were conducted in the greenhouse and inflorescences were collected at appropriate intervals after pollination. Pollen reception, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and carpel morphology were characterized.

Results

Ruppia maritima exhibits incomplete protogyny, allowing for delayed selfing. Pollen germinated within 15 min after pollination. The average shortest possible pollen tube pathway was 425 μm and pollen tubes first reached the ovule at 45 min after pollination. The mean adjusted pollen tube growth rate was 551 μm/h.

Conclusions

Ruppia pollen is adapted for rapid pollen germination, which is likely advantageous in an aquatic habitat. Small effective pollen loads suggest that pollen competition intensity is low. Selection for traits such as a long period of stigma receptivity, fast pollen germination, and carpel morphology likely played a larger role in shaping postpollination reproductive development in Ruppia than evolution in pollen tube growth rates.
Bortezomib consolidation or maintenance following immunochemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma: CALGB/Alliance 50403
Authors: Kaplan Lawrence D. , Maurer Matthew J. , Stock Wendy , Bartlett Nancy L. , Fulton Noreen , Pettinger Adam , Byrd John C. , Blum Kristie A. , LaCasce Ann S. , Hsi Eric D. , Liu Yi Tian , Scott David W. , Hurd David , Ruppert Amy S. , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri Francisco , Leonard John P. , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: March 2020

Immunochemotherapy followed by autologous transplant (ASCT) in CALGB/Alliance 59909 achieved a median progression‐free survival (PFS) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) of 5 years, but late recurrences occurred. We evaluated tolerability and efficacy of adding post‐transplant bortezomib consolidation (BC) or maintenance (BM) to this regimen in CALGB/Alliance 50403, a randomized phase II trial. Following augmented‐dose R‐CHOP/ methotrexate, high‐dose cytarabine‐based stem cell mobilization, cyclophosphamide/carmustine/etoposide (CBV) autotransplant, and rituximab, patients were randomized to BC (1.3 mg/m2 IV days 1, 4, 8, 11 of a 3‐week cycle for four cycles) or BM (1.6 mg/m2 IV once weekly × 4 every 8 weeks for 18 months) beginning day 90. The primary endpoint was PFS, measured from randomization for each arm. Proliferation signature, Ki67, and postinduction minimal residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow were assessed. Of 151 patients enrolled; 118 (80%) underwent ASCT, and 102 (68%) were randomized. Both arms met the primary endpoint, with median PFS significantly greater than 4 years (P < .001). The 8‐year PFS estimates in the BC and BM arms were 54.1% (95% CI 40.9%‐71.5%) and 64.4% (95% 51.8%‐79.0%), respectively. Progression‐free survival was significantly longer for transplanted patients on 50403 compared with those on 59909. Both the PFS and OS were significantly better for those who were MRD‐negative post‐induction. The high risk proliferation signature was associated with adverse outcome. Both BM and BC were efficacious and tolerable, although toxicity was significant. The comparison between studies 50403 and 59909 with long‐term follow up suggests a PFS benefit from the addition of BC or BM post‐ transplant.
An ACVRL1 gene mutation presenting as vein of Galen malformation at prenatal diagnosis
Authors: De Luca Caterina , Bevilacqua Elisa , Badr Dominique A. , Cannie Mieke M. , Sanchez Teresa C. , Segers Valérie , Keymolen Kathelijn , Jani Jacques C.
Published: March 2020

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare autosomal dominant disease. The diagnostic criteria of HHT, or Curaçao criteria, include the following: recurrent epistaxis or nighttime nose bleeding, mucocutaneous telangiectases, visceral arteriovenous malformation, or an appropriate family history. The diagnosis is classified as definite if three criteria are present, possible if two criteria are present, and unlikely if only one is present. Nowadays, the confirmation of HHT diagnosis is based on molecular genetic studies. It has been showed that only mutations of genes encoding proteins within the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway were responsible for the manifestation of the disease. The vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) as a presenting sign of HHT is rare. The prenatal diagnosis of HHT is even rarer. Herein, we present a case of prenatally diagnosed case of HHT based on the presence of VOGM in the fetus. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the gene mutation discovered in this case manifested as VOGM in the fetal life.
Human sex chromosome aneuploidies: The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis
Authors: Rogol Alan D.
Published: March 2020

Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are relatively common as a group, perhaps 1 per 500 births, but much more common at conception. Many syndromes have been noted in those with these conditions, but not so many data are available concerning the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. The physiology of the HPG axis is first reviewed at four epochs in time: fetal, birth and mini‐puberty, childhood, and adolescence (puberty). Those sections are followed by detailed analysis of the functioning of the HPG axis in individuals with specific SCA with chromosomal numbers ranging from 45 to 49. Robust data are available for the chromosomal complements 47,XXY and 47,XXX with fewer data available for many of the others.
Chemoselective and Site‐Selective Lysine‐Directed Lysine Modification Enables Single‐Site Labeling of Native Proteins
Authors: Adusumalli Srinivasa Rao , Rawale Dattatraya Gautam , Thakur Kalyani , Purushottam Landa , Reddy Neelesh C. , Kalra Neetu , Shukla Sanjeev , Rai Vishal
Published: March 2020

The necessity for precision labeling of proteins emerged during the efforts to understand and regulate their structure and function. It demands selective attachment of tags such as affinity probes, fluorophores, and potent cytotoxins. Here, we report a method that enables single‐site labeling of a high‐frequency Lys residue in the native proteins. At first, the enabling reagent forms stabilized imines with multiple solvent‐accessible Lys residues chemoselectively. These linchpins create the opportunity to regulate the position of a second Lys‐selective electrophile connected by a spacer. Consequently, it enables the irreversible single‐site labeling of a Lys residue independent of its place in the reactivity order. The user‐friendly protocol involves a series of steps to deconvolute and address chemoselectivity, site‐selectivity, and modularity. Also, it delivers ordered immobilization and analytically pure probe‐tagged proteins. Besides, the methodology provides access to antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC), which exhibits highly selective anti‐proliferative activity towards HER‐2 expressing SKBR‐3 breast cancer cells.
Synthesis, Structure, and Bonding of d3 Molybdenum–Oxo Complexes
Authors: Vibbert Hunter B. , Filatov Alexander S. , Hopkins Michael D.
Published: March 2020

Reduction of d2 metal–oxo ions of the form [MO(PP)2Cl]+ (M=Mo, W; PP=chelating diphosphine) produces d3 MO(PP)2Cl complexes, which include the first isolated examples in group 6. The stability and reactivity of the MO(PP)2Cl compounds are found to depend upon the steric bulk of the phosphine ligands: derivatives with bulky phosphines that shield the oxo ligand are stable enough to be isolated, whereas those with phosphines that leave the oxo ligand exposed are more reactive and observed transiently. Magnetic measurements and DFT calculations on MoO(dppe)2Cl indicate the d3 compounds are low spin with a 2[(dxy)2(π*(MoO))1] configuration. X‐ray crystallographic and vibrational‐spectroscopic studies on d2 and d3 [MoO(dppe)2Cl]0/+ establish that the d3 compound possesses a reduced M−O bond order and significantly longer Mo−O bond, accounting for its greater reactivity. These results indicate that the oxo‐centered reactivity of d3 complexes may be controlled through ligand variation.
Nanoarchitectonics beyond Self‐Assembly: Challenges to Create Bio‐Like Hierarchic Organization
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Jia Xiaofang , Song Jingwen , Hill Jonathan P. , Leong David Tai , Jia Yi , Li Junbai
Published: March 2020

Incorporation of non‐equilibrium actions in the sequence of self‐assembly processes would be an effective means to establish bio‐like high functionality hierarchical assemblies. As a novel methodology beyond self‐assembly, nanoarchitectonics, which has as its aim the fabrication of functional materials systems from nanoscopic units through the methodological fusion of nanotechnology with other scientific disciplines including organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, microfabrication, and bio‐process, has been applied to this strategy. The application of non‐equilibrium factors to conventional self‐assembly processes is discussed on the basis of examples of directed assembly, Langmuir–Blodgett assembly, and layer‐by‐layer assembly. In particular, examples of the fabrication of hierarchical functional structures using bio‐active components such as proteins or by the combination of bio‐components and two‐dimensional nanomaterials, are described. Methodologies described in this review article highlight possible approaches using the nanoarchitectonics concept beyond self‐assembly for creation of bio‐like higher functionalities and hierarchical structural organization.
Lignocellulosic derivative and chitosan bioadsorbent: Synthesis, characterization, and performance in chromium adsorption
Authors: de Andrade Neto José Carlos , Pereira Gilberto José , de Araújo Morandim‐Giannetti Andreia
Published: March 2020

Environmental pollution with heavy metals, especially with hexavalent chromium, is a serious problem worldwide. Therefore, in this study, the synthesis, characterization, and application of a heavy metal bioadsorbent, CMCCHDIC, were carried out. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was synthesized from corn stover and reacted with chitosan (CH) usingN,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) as a coupling reagent to obtain CMCCHDIC. CMC and CMCCHDIC were characterized by granulometric distribution of microparticles, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The ideal conditions for CMCCHDIC adsorption were determined, and 180 min of contact time, pH 2.5, and 293 K were observed to yield the best adsorption capacity. An increase in the adsorption capacity of CMCQDIC (qe= 115.78 ± 0.17 mg∙g−1) to 81.5% relative to that of pure CH (qe= 63.78 ± 0.48 mg∙g−1) was observed, and the reduction of solubility in acidic media comparing with CH, which favors the application of the bioadsorbent synthetized.
Improved mechanical properties of natural rubber composites reinforced by novel SiO2@HCNFs nanofillers at a low filler loading
Authors: Jin Yongzhong , Zheng Xinglong , Wang Lu , Chen Jian , Wang Cheng , Li Binghong
Published: March 2020

In order to improve high reinforcement properties of natural rubber (NR), SiO2@HCNFs as novel double‐phase nanofillers at low content have been loaded in NR by using mechanical mixing method. The morphologies and structures of SiO2@HCNFs and NR composites were characterized, and the performances of NR composites were measured. The results show that compared with pure N330/NR, the modulus at 300% strain, tensile strength, elongation at break of NR composites increase by 10.7, 17.9, and 9.0%, respectively, at only 2.5 phr SiO2@HCNFs content. Meanwhile, the volume abrasion of NR composites is also dramatically reduced at 2.5 phr SiO2@HCNFs content, about 53.4% less than that of N330/NR, though the shore hardness increases by only 3.7%. It is also found that NR composites reinforced by SiO2@HCNFs at 2.5 phr content have much higher hardness and abrasion performance than HCNFs/NR. The DMA results show that high wet skid resistance and low rolling resistance of NR composites were also achieved by loading 6.5 phr SiO2@HCNFs. The unique structure of SiO2@HCNFs double‐phase nanofillers plays a crucial role in properties of NR composites, in virtue of the significant synergetic reinforcing effect of both HCNFs and silica.
One‐step building of molecularly imprinted polymer microcapsules with multicore structure by Pickering emulsion polymerization
Authors: Yan Ruiye , Wang Zehu , Qiu Teng , Li Xiaoyu
Published: March 2020

Novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) microcapsules with multicore structure were prepared through one step Pickering emulsion polymerization combined with the polymerization driven phase separation. Bisphenol A (BPA) is found to play the part of heterogeneous nuclei besides template molecule, which offers opportunity for the building of the multicore structure inside of MIP microcapsules. The internal structure of MIP microcapsules could be regulated by choosing different kinds of template molecules. Rebinding experiments showed that the MIP with multicore structure possessed excellent binding properties toward BPA. The imprinting factor of MIP toward BPA is 1.96. The binding could reach equilibrium within 30 min. The fast rebinding kinetics was attributed to the unique multicore structure which reduced largely the mass transfer resistance of BPA in the MIP.
Air filter media functionalized with β‐Cyclodextrin for efficient adsorption of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Kadam Vinod , Kyratzis Ilias L. , Truong Yen B. , Wang Lijing , Padhye Rajiv
Published: March 2020

Respiratory air filter media invariably comprise a nonwoven textile fabric. The limitation of the existing fibrous air filter medium is negligible protection against hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, the filter media was cross‐linked with β‐Cyclodextrin for the surface functionalization. The VOC adsorption performance of the functional fabric was explored for styrene, benzene, and formaldehyde and also compared with a commercial nonwoven face mask. The functionalized fabric performed much better than commercial masks with adsorption capabilities of 18.80 μg mg−1 (for xylene), 14.75 μg mg−1 (for benzene), and 0.06 μg mg−1 (for formaldehyde). Further, the cross‐linking did not affect the air permeability (204 cm3 cm−2 s−1) thus showing no resistance to breathing. β‐Cyclodextrin functionalized textiles can be promising respiratory air filter media having the potential to capture a variety of VOCs yet remain breathable.
Global health crises are also information crises: A call to action
Authors: Xie Bo , He Daqing , Mercer Tim , Wang Youfa , Wu Dan , Fleischmann Kenneth R. , Zhang Yan , Yoder Linda H. , Stephens Keri K. , Mackert Michael , Lee Min Kyung
Published: March 2020

In this opinion paper, we argue that global health crises are also information crises. Using as an example the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, we (a) examine challenges associated with what we term “global information crises”; (b) recommend changes needed for the field of information science to play a leading role in such crises; and (c) propose actionable items for short‐ and long‐term research, education, and practice in information science.
Combined evolutionary engineering and genetic manipulation improve low pH tolerance and butanol production in a synthetic microbial Clostridium community
Authors: Wen Zhiqiang , Ledesma‐Amaro Rodrigo , Lu Minrui , Jiang Yu , Gao Shuliang , Jin Mingjie , Yang Sheng
Published: March 2020

Synthetic microbial communities have become a focus of biotechnological research since they can overcome several of the limitations of single‐specie cultures. A paradigmatic example is Clostridium cellulovorans DSM 743B, which can decompose lignocellulose but cannot produce butanol. Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 however, is unable to use lignocellulose but can produce high amounts of butanol from simple sugars. In our previous studies, both organisms were cocultured to produce butanol by consolidated bioprocessing. However, such consolidated bioprocessing implementation strongly depends on pH regulation. Since low pH (pH 4.5–5.5) is required for butanol fermentation, C. cellulovorans cannot grow well and saccharify sufficient lignocellulose to feed both strains at a pH below 6.4. To overcome this bottleneck, this study engineered C. cellulovorans by adaptive laboratory evolution, inactivating cell wall lyases genes (Clocel_0798 and Clocel_2169), and overexpressing agmatine deiminase genes (augA, encoded by Cbei_1922) from C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. The generated strain WZQ36: 743B*6.0*3△lyt0798△lyt2169‐(pXY1‐Pthl‐augA) can tolerate a pH of 5.5. Finally, the alcohol aldehyde dehydrogenase gene adhE1 from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was introduced into the strain to enable butanol production at low pH, in coordination with solvent fermentation of C. beijerinckii in consortium. The engineered consortium produced 3.94 g/L butanol without pH control within 83 hr, which is more than 5‐fold of the level achieved by wild consortia under the same conditions. This exploration represents a proof of concept on how to combine metabolic and evolutionary engineering to coordinate coculture of a synthetic microbial community.
Analysis of chemical constituents and six compounds in Qu‐feng‐sheng‐shi Granules via HPLC–ESI–Q/TOF–MSn and HPLC–UV technique
Authors: Yang Pengshuo , Gao Ruilin , Liu Ziyao , Qu Qingsong , Yang Chang , Shi Xinyuan , Lian Zenglin
Published: March 2020

Qu‐feng‐sheng‐shi Granules (QFSSG), a common prescription for the treatment of chronic inflammation and allergic rhinitis, is widely used in the clinic as a traditional Chinese medicine. Chemical analysis and quality control studies of this formulation are relatively limited compared with pharmacological studies. In this study, a high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–Q/TOF–MSn) was used to identify the components in this prescription. Next, to quantify six major compounds, an HPLC–UV method was developed and validated. The results showed that 53 compounds were identified based on the MSn data, retention time and previous reports, including 17 coumarins, 14 lignans, 10 chromones, nine phenylethanoid glycosides and three other compounds, were identified or tentatively assigned. Contents of six major bioactive compounds (4′‐O‐β‐glucopyranosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol, Prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, forsythin, magnolin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin) could be determined by HPLC simultaneously. In addition, the potential anti‐inflammatory activity of six major compounds was determined too, and we found that four compounds (4′‐O‐β‐glucopyranosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol, Prim‐O‐glucosylcimifugin, forsythin, imperatorin) have a potent nitric oxide inhibitory effect. In conclusion, this work provided comprehensive information on the quality control of QFSSG and evaluated the potential biological activity of the main components in QFSSG, which can contribute to understanding and using it more scientifically.
Neurodegeneration in type 2 diabetes: Alzheimer's as a case study
Authors: Madhusudhanan Jalaja , Suresh Gowthaman , Devanathan Vasudharani
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Rigorous research in the last few years has shown that in addition to the classical mechanism of neurodegeneration, certain unconventional mechanisms may also lead to neurodegenerative disease. One of them is a widely studied metabolic disorder: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We now have a clear understanding of glucose‐mediated neurodegeneration, mostly from studies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models. AD is recognized to be significantly associated with hyperglycemia, even earning the term “type 3 diabetes.” Here, we review first the pathophysiology of AD, both from the perspective of classical protein accumulation, as well as the newer T2DM‐dependent mechanisms supported by findings from patients with T2DM. Secondly, we review the different pathways through which neurodegeneration is aggravated in hyperglycemic conditions taking AD as a case study. Finally, some of the current advances in AD management as a result of recent research developments in metabolic disorders‐driven neurodegeneration are also discussed.

Methods

Relevant literatures found from PubMed search were reviewed.

Results

Apart from the known causes of AD, type 2 diabetes opens a new window to the AD pathology in several ways. It is a bidirectional interaction, of which, the molecular and signaling mechanisms are recently studied. This is our attempt to connect all of them to draw a complete mechanistic explanation for the neurodegeneration in T2DM. Refer to Figure 3.

Conclusion

The perspective of AD as a classical neurodegenerative disease is changing, and it is now being looked at from a zoomed‐out perspective. The correlation between T2DM and AD is something observed and studied extensively. It is promising to know that there are certain advances in AD management following these studies.
Synthesis of 6‐[4‐(4‐Propoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]‐9H‐purine Derivatives as Antimycobacterial and Antifungal Agents: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Study
Authors: Nadaf Afra Quasar A. , Najare Mahesh S. , Garbhagudi Manjunatha , Mantur Shivaraj , Sunagar Manjunath G. , Gaonkar Supreet , Joshi Shrinivas , Khazi Imtiyaz Ahmed M.
Published: March 2020

A series of novel alkyl substituted purines were synthesized. 6‐[4‐(4‐Propoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]‐9H‐purine was used as the key starting material, which was synthesized via a multistep protocol and finally subjected for N‐alkylation with various alkyl halides with an aim to get prospective antimicrobial agents. The structures of the novel compounds were established by substantiating them through spectral techniques like 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR and EI‐MS. They were explored for antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV. Furthermore, they were checked for their antimicrobial activity concerning bacterial and fungal strains. The title compounds exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity without any significant toxicity. In silico studies depicted their good binding profile against Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl reductase (InhA; PDB ID: 4TZK) and Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase (PDB ID: 1AI9). The title compounds obeyed Lipinski's parameters and have exhibited good drug‐like properties.
A global registry of fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided management during routine care: Study design, baseline characteristics and outcomes of invasive management
Authors: Schampaert Erick , Kumar Gautam , Achenbach Stephan , Galli Stefano , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Teraphongphom Tarn , Ginn Greg , Zhang Zhen , Somi Samer , Amoroso Giovanni , Brueren Guus , Krasnow Joshua , Knaapen Paul , Berry Colin ,   the PRESSUREwire Investigators
Published: March 2020

Background

The use and clinical outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided revascularization in patients presenting with either stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in daily clinical practice are uncertain.

Objective

To prospectively characterize the frequency of the change in treatment plan when FFR is performed compared to the initial decision based on angiography alone and procedure‐related outcomes.

Methods

We undertook a prospective, multicenter, multinational, open‐label, observational study of coronary physiologic measurements during clinically indicated coronary angiography. The treatment plan, including medical therapy, PCI or CABG, was prospectively recorded before and after performing FFR. Adverse events were pre‐defined and prospectively recorded per local investigators (PRESSUREwire; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02935088).

Results

Two thousand two hundred and seventeen subjects were enrolled in 70 hospitals across 15 countries between October 2016–February 2018. The mean FFR (all measurements) was 0.84. The treatment plan based on angiography‐alone changed in 763/2196 subjects (34.7%) and 872/2931 lesions (29.8%) post‐FFR. In the per‐patient analysis, the initial treatment plan based on angiography versus the final treatment plan post‐FFR were medical management 1,350 (61.5%) versus 1,470 (66.9%) (p = .0017); PCI 717 (32.7%) versus 604 (27.5%) (p = .0004); CABG 119 (5.4%) versus 121 (5.5%) (p = .8951). The frequency of intended revascularization changed from 38.1 to 33.0% per patient (p = .0005) and from 35.5 to 29.6% per lesion (p < .0001) following FFR.

Conclusions

On an individual patient basis, use of FFR in everyday practice changes the treatment plan compared to angiography in more than one third of all‐comers selected for physiology‐guided managements. FFR measurement is safe, providing incremental information to guide revascularization decisions.
A case of Ewing's sarcoma identified via noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Miyagami Keiko , Matsuoka Ryu , Tokunaka Mayumi , Shirato Nahoko , Izumi Mikiko , Hirose Tatsuko , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: March 2020

Although noninvasive prenatal testing is not intended to identify maternal genomic information, it can provide other information that may lead to the incidental discovery of coexisting conditions including maternal malignancy.
Synthesis and Properties ofCF3(OCF3)CH‐SubstitutedArenes and Alkenes†
Authors: Xu Wen‐Qi , Xu Xiu‐Hua , Qing Feng‐Ling
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A silver‐mediated oxidative trifluoromethylation of easily accessible α‐trifluoromethyl alcohols with TMSCF3was developed to access novel CF3(OCF3)CH‐containing compounds. Deprotonation of CF3(OCF3)CH‐substituted arenes afforded synthetically useful CF3O‐substitutedgem‐difluoroalkenes. Furthermore, evaluation of the lipophilicities (logP) indicated that CH(OCF3)CF3is more lipophilic than the common fluorinated motifs such as CF3, OCF3, and SCF3, thus rendering the CH(OCF3)CF3motif appealing in drug discovery.
Analysis of Stock Market Development and CO2 Emissions on OECD Countries via an Empirical Model
Authors: Li Zhigang , Chen Wei‐Ting , Chang I‐Chia , Lee Joe‐Ming
Published: March 2020

Accompanying economic growth, CO2 emissions have polluted the natural environment worldwide. This study highlights the special problems with stock market development and CO2 emissions in 25 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries during 1971–2007 to trace the trend of CO2 emissions while countries grow their economies. A panel‐data model is applied to analyze the relationships between stock market (SM) development, energy consumption, gross domestic product (GDP), and CO2 emissions in 25 OECD countries. Low‐GDP countries show different results from high‐GDP countries in the trends of SM development and CO2 emissions, and dynamic effects occur in SM development and CO2 emissions under various GDP conditions. There is a negative relationship between SM development and CO2 emissions if countries enjoy high economic growth, which means that these countries avoid CO2 emissions through SM development. However, a positive relationship is found between SM development and CO2 emissions if countries experience low economic growth, which means that SM development does not show the boycott‐effect relationship with CO2 emissions when countries experience low levels of economic development. This study shows a correlation between SM development and CO2 emissions among OECD countries.
Molecular investigations into the unfoldase action of severing enzymes on microtubules
Authors: Varikoti Rohith A. , Macke Amanda C. , Speck Virginia , Ross Jennifer L. , Dima Ruxandra I.
Published: March 2020

Microtubule (MT)‐associated proteins regulate the dynamic behavior of MTs during cellular processes. MT severing enzymes are the associated proteins which destabilize MTs by removing subunits from the lattice. One model for how severing enzymes remove tubulin dimers from the MT lattice is by unfolding its subunits through pulling on the carboxy‐terminal tails of tubulin dimers. This model stems from the fact that severing enzymes are AAA+ unfoldases. To test this mechanism, we apply pulling forces on the carboxy‐terminal regions of MT subunits using coarse grained molecular simulations. In our simulations, we used different MT lattices and concentrations of severing enzymes. We compare our simulation results with data from in vitro severing assays and find that the experimental data is best fit by a model of cooperative removal of protofilament fragments by severing enzymes, which depends on the severing enzyme concentration and placement on the MT lattice.
A novel mouse model of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor expression: A look at the brain
Authors: Graham Devon L. , Durai Heather H. , Trammell Taylor S. , Noble Brenda L. , Mortlock Douglas P. , Galli Aurelio , Stanwood Gregg D.
Published: March 2020

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an incretin hormone with a number of functions to maintain energy homeostasis and contribute to motivated behavior, both peripherally and within the central nervous system (CNS). These functions, which include insulin secretion, gastric emptying, satiety, and the hedonic aspects of food and drug intake, are primarily mediated through stimulation of the GLP‐1 receptor. While this receptor plays an important role in a variety of physiological outcomes, data regarding its CNS expression has been primarily limited to regional receptor binding and single‐label transcript expression studies. We thus developed a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse, in which expression of a red fluorescent protein (mApple) is driven by the GLP‐1R promoter. Using this reporter mouse, we characterized the regional and cellular expression patterns of GLP‐1R expressing cells in the CNS, using double‐label immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. GLP‐1R‐expressing cells were enriched in several key brain regions and circuits, including the lateral septum, hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hippocampus, ventral midbrain, periaqueductal gray, and cerebral cortex. In most regions, GLP‐1R primarily colocalized with GABAergic neurons, except within some regions such as the hippocampus, where it was co‐expressed in glutamatergic neurons. GLP‐1R‐mApple cells were highly co‐expressed with 5‐HT3 receptor‐containing neurons within the cortex and striatum, as well as with dopamine receptor‐ and calbindin‐expressing cells within the lateral septum, the brain region in which GLP‐1R is most highly expressed. In this manuscript, we provide detailed images of GLP‐1R‐mApple expression and distribution within the brain and characterization of these neurons.
The day‐night differences in ERK1/2, GSK3β activity and c‐Fos levels in the brain, and the responsiveness of various brain structures to morphine
Authors: Bendová Zdeňka , Pačesová Dominika , Novotný Jiří
Published: March 2020

As with other drugs or pharmaceuticals, opioids differ in their rewarding or analgesic effects depending on when they are applied. In the previous study, we have demonstrated the day/night difference in the sensitivity of the major circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to a low dose of morphine, and showed the bidirectional effect of morphine on pERK1/2 and pGSK3β levels in the suprachiasmatic nucleus depending on the time of administration. The main aim of this study was to identify other brain structures that respond differently to morphine depending on the time of its administration. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified 44 structures that show time‐of‐day specific changes in c‐Fos level and activity of ERK1/2 and GSK3β kinases in response to a single dose of 1 mg/kg morphine. Furthermore, comparison among control groups revealed the differences in the spontaneous levels of all markers with a generally higher level during the night, that is, in the active phase of the day. We thus provide further evidence for diurnal variations in the activity of brain regions outside the suprachiasmatic nucleus indicated by the temporal changes in the molecular substrate. We suggest that these changes are responsible for generating diurnal variation in the reward behavior or analgesic effect of opioid administration.
Inclusion of actuator dynamics in simulations of assisted human movement
Authors: Nguyen Vinh Q. , LaPre Andrew K. , Price Mark A. , Umberger Brian R. , Sup Frank C.
Published: March 2020

Simulation of musculoskeletal systems using dynamic optimization is a powerful approach for studying the biomechanics of human movements and can be applied to human‐robot interactions. The simulation results of human movements augmented by robotic devices may be used to evaluate and optimize the device design and controller. However, simulations are limited by the accuracy of the models which are usually simplified for computation efficiency. Typically, the powered robotic devices are often modeled as massless, ideal torque actuators that is without mass and internal dynamics, which may have significant impacts on the simulation results. This article investigates the effects of including the mass and internal dynamics of the device in simulations of assisted human movement. The device actuator was modeled in various ways with different detail levels. Dynamic optimization was used to find the muscle activations and actuator commands in motion tracking and predictive simulations. The results showed that while the effects of device mass and inertia can be small, the electrical dynamics of the motor can significantly impact the results. This outcome suggests the importance of using an accurate actuator model in simulations of human movement augmented by assistive devices.

Novelty

Demonstrating the effects of including mass and internal dynamics of the actuator in simulations of assisted human movement

A new OpenSim electric motor actuator class to capture the electromechanical dynamics for use in simulation of human movement assisted by powered robotic devices
Defining Inclusive mediation: Theory, practice, and research
Authors: Harmon‐Darrow Caroline , Charkoudian Lorig , Ford Tracee , Ennis Michele , Bridgeford Erricka
Published: March 2020

The Inclusive approach to mediation was created in Maryland in the 1990s to bring the radical inclusion already deeply woven into the community mediation movement to the mediation table as a core belief and practice. Community mediation includes all places (neighborhoods where the dispute occurred), times (convenient to the participants), problems (even if illegal), and people (not just those on a court filing) involved in the conflict. In Inclusive mediation, this inclusivity is applied in the mediation process, welcoming all ideas without filtering or changing them, and working with all types of expression without designing or enforcing communication guidelines.
Winter Canola Response to Soil and Fertilizer Nitrogen
Authors: Porter Marissa J. , Pan William L. , Schillinger William F. , Madsen Isaac J. , Sowers Karen E. , Tao Haiying
Published: March 2020

Winter canola (WC) offers not only marketable products but also excellent rotational benefits through disease, weed, and pest control in the dryland cropping systems of the inland Pacific Northwest (iPNW). However, little regional fertility research has been conducted on WC. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the influence of soil N supply and fertilizer N rate and timing effects on WC yield in four iPNW agroecological classes and (ii) evaluate how N availability and fertilizer N application timing affect WC seed quality. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/780.
Cooperative caching game based on social trust for D2D communication networks
Authors: Weifeng Lu , Mingqi Zhu , Jia Xu , Siguang Chen , Lijun Yang , Jian Xu
Published: March 2020

Content sharing via device‐to‐device (D2D) communications has become a promising method to increase system throughput and reduce traffic load. Due to the characteristic of spectrum sharing in D2D network, confidentiality is becoming a key issue in content transmission. Secure communication in D2D networks is generally guaranteed by a physical‐layer security mechanism. However, this method sacrifices the system transmission rate while ensuring security. Since mobile devices are carried by humans, we can leverage their trust relations to enhance the security of communications. As much, considering the psychology structure and social attributes of mobile users, we build a multidimensional trust evaluation mechanism to evaluate the trust relationship between users, and we pick out the trusted users based on the decision‐theoretic rough sets. By sharing content only between trust users, we can enhance the security of content transmissions without relying on physical‐layer security measures. Meanwhile, content caching is now widely used to improve accessing efficiency and reduce traffic load on cellular networks. However, caching content for other users incurs additional cost, which results in selfish and noncooperative behavior in users. Considering such selfishness, we introduce a cooperative caching game based on multidimensional trust relations to motivate users to cache contents for other devices. In this game, the trust relations and physical distance between two users are considered to formulate the cost function. Furthermore, we introduce an incentive caching algorithm based on social trust to minimize the total cost in the D2D network.
Imprint cytology of histiocytic sarcoma manifesting as a retroperitoneal mass: A valuable aid for frozen section diagnosis
Authors: Lee Kyung Ji , Jeon Jin Young , Lee Su Lim , Oh Seong Taek , Seo Kyung Jin
Published: March 2020

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a comparatively rare hematolymphoid neoplasm. Differential diagnosis of this entity has generally been proven to be so difficult that extensive immunohistochemical staining is required to confirm its presence. We herein present a case of HS manifesting as a retroperitoneal mass in which imprint cytology (IC) contributed to the diagnosis. A 77‐year‐old man was referred for the evaluation of a colonic tubulovillous polypoid lesion. Preoperative imaging revealed a 3 cm‐sized polypoid lesion in the transverse colon. Incidentally, a retroperitoneal mass of 8 cm in the left para‐aortic region was also detected. Diff–Quik stained IC slides were prepared as an adjunct to intraoperative pathology consultation. The smear exhibited moderate cellularity involving loosely cohesive cell clusters with intervening delicate vasculature. Most of the tumor cells consisted of large single cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm that was vacuolated and foamy. The nuclei were predominantly large and eccentrically located. Mitotic figures were minimal in number and finely granular brown pigments were occasionally observed. A frozen section diagnosis was reported as a malignant neoplasm, and a histologic diagnosis of HS was confirmed by conducting a battery of immunohistochemical stains: negative for pan‐cytokeratin, EMA, CD117, HMB45, Melan A, CD30, PAX5, CD20, S‐100, and CD23 but strong positive for vimentin and CD68. This entity is rarely described in terms of cytopathologic features. This case study highlights how cytopathologists should be aware of HS as a retroperitoneal lesion and should become familiar with cytomorphologic features.
Geographic patterns of insect diversity across China's nature reserves: The roles of niche conservatism and range overlapping
Authors: Lyu Yueming , Wang Xiangping , Luo Juchun
Published: March 2020

Aim

Insects are the most species‐rich clade in the world, but the broad‐scale diversity pattern and the potential drivers have not been well documented for the clade as a whole. We aimed to examine the relative roles of contemporary and historical climate, niche conservatism, range overlapping, and other environmental factors on geographic patterns of species richness and phylogenetic structure, for insects across China.

Location

China.

Methods

We collected insect data from 184 nature reserves and examined geographic patterns of species richness and mean root distance (MRD, a metric of the evolutionary development of assemblages) for different biogeographic affinities (Palearctic, Oriental, and widespread species) and for clades originated during the warm and cold geohistorical periods (“warm clades” and “cold clades,” respectively). We related richness and MRD to contemporary and historical climate, area, habitat heterogeneity, and human disturbance to evaluate their relative importance.

Results

Total species richness revealed a hump‐shaped latitudinal pattern, peaking between 30°~35°N. Richness patterns differed markedly among evolutionary groups: Oriental species richness decreased significantly with higher latitude but Palearctic species increased, while other groups again peaked between 30°~35°N. The range overlapping of different biogeographic groups in midlatitudes may be an important contributor to humped latitudinal richness patterns. MRD was positively related to latitude and increased more rapidly for “warm clades” than “cold clades.” Historical climate factors (especially winter coldness) were among the strongest predictors for both richness and phylogenetic patterns, for each evolutionary group, suggesting the strong influence of niche conservatism.

Conclusions

The hump‐shaped latitudinal pattern of insect richness in China is mainly shaped by niche conservatism and range overlapping, supplemented by habitat heterogeneity and contemporary climate. The role of niche conservatism and range overlapping may have been overlooked if only total species richness was analyzed, suggesting the importance of examining different evolutionary groups separately.
Limited dispersal and an unexpected aggression pattern in a native supercolonial ant
Authors: Hakala Sanja M. , Ittonen Mats , Seppä Perttu , Helanterä Heikki
Published: March 2020

Understanding how social groups function requires studies on how individuals move across the landscape and interact with each other. Ant supercolonies are extreme cooperative units that may consist of thousands of interconnected nests, and their individuals cooperate over large spatial scales. However, the inner structure of suggested supercolonial (or unicolonial) societies has rarely been extensively studied using both genetic and behavioral analyses. We describe a dense supercolony‐like aggregation of more than 1,300 nests of the antFormica(Coptoformica)pressilabris. We performed aggression assays and found that, while aggression levels were generally low, there was some aggression within the assumed supercolony. The occurrence of aggression increased with distance from the focal nest, in accordance with the genetically viscous population structure we observe by using 10 DNA microsatellite markers. However, the aggressive interactions do not follow any clear pattern that would allow specifying colony borders within the area. The genetic data indicate limited gene flow within and away from the supercolony. Our results show that aFormicasupercolony is not necessarily a single unit but can be a more fluid mosaic of aggressive and amicable interactions instead, highlighting the need to study internest interactions in detail when describing supercolonies.