bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symptom burden in patients with cancer who are experiencing unplanned hospitalization
Authors: Newcomb Richard A. , Nipp Ryan D. , Waldman Lauren P. , Greer Joseph A. , Lage Daniel E. , Hochberg Ephraim P. , Jackson Vicki A. , Fuh Charn‐Xin , Ryan David P. , Temel Jennifer S. , El‐Jawahri Areej R.
Published: March 2020

Background

Inpatient supportive care programs often target patients with advanced solid tumors. To the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have characterized symptom burden in hospitalized patients with potentially curable cancers. The objective of the current study was to compare symptom burden, palliative care consultation, and readmission rates in hospitalized patients by cancer type and treatment intent.

Methods

The authors conducted a single‐center study of hospitalized patients with cancer between 2014 and 2017. They assessed physical symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and psychological distress using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 and the Primary Care PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) Screen. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess symptom burden, logistic regression was used to assess palliative care use, and competing risk regression was used to compare 90‐day readmission risk.

Results

A total of 1549 patients were enrolled and surveyed. The majority of patients reported moderate to severe fatigue, poor well‐being, and drowsiness with no significant differences noted by cancer type and treatment intent. Compared with other groups, patients with incurable solid cancer reported higher physical symptoms (beta coefficient [B], 4.73; P < .01) and symptoms of depression (B, 0.44; P < .01) and anxiety (B, 0.39; P < .01), but no difference in posttraumatic stress disorder. Among patients in the top quartile symptom burden according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, the palliative care service was consulted in 14.7%, 7.9%, 25.0%, and 49.6%, respectively, of patients with potentially curable hematologic, potentially curable solid, incurable hematologic, and incurable solid cancers (P < .001). Compared with patients with potentially curable solid cancer, patients in each group experienced a higher risk of readmission within 90 days.

Conclusions

Hospitalized patients with cancer experience substantial physical and psychological symptoms. Palliative care rarely is consulted for highly symptomatic patients with potentially curable cancers. Supportive care interventions should target the needs of symptomatic patients regardless of treatment intent.
How do the size and independence of the board of trustees affect the financial and sustainable performance of socially responsible mutual funds?
Authors: Muñoz Fernando
Published: March 2020

In this article, I study for first time how the board of trustees’ size and independence influence the financial performance and sustainability scores of socially responsible (SR) mutual funds. The sample analyzed consists of 99 SR US domestic equity mutual funds existing in the period 2012–2018. The results obtained indicate that funds monitored by boards with a lower number of trustees and an independent chair show lower net expense ratios and better sustainability scores. In addition, smaller boards and a greater percentage of independent trustees are positively associated with the achievement of a better risk‐adjusted financial performance. Regarding SR strategies, negative screens are more likely among funds with larger and less independent boards whereas positive screens are more frequent when boards show the opposite characteristics. Another finding indicates that SR funds that implement positive screens present more industry concentrated portfolios that lead to the achievement of a more sustainable performance.
Effect of environmental corporate social responsibility on green attitude and norm activation process for sustainable consumption: Airline versus restaurant
Authors: Han Heesup , Chua Bee‐Lia , Ariza‐Montes Antonio , Untaru Elena‐Nicoleta
Published: March 2020

The major aim of this research was to develop theoretical frameworks clearly explicating airline and restaurant customers' decision formation for eco‐friendly products. Using a quantitative approach, we successfully broadened the norm activation theory by integrating environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) and attitude toward the behavior. In addition, the theory was effectively deepened by taking the influence of product type (airline vs. restaurant) into account. The developed conceptual frameworks satisfactorily explained the variance in eco‐friendly purchase intention for airline products and for restaurant products, respectively. The mediating effect of attitude, ascribed responsibility, and personal moral norm was uncovered. Additionally, a salient contribution of attitude toward eco‐friendly product use in inducing intention for both airline and restaurant groups was found.
Response frequencies in the conjoint recognition memory task as predictors of developmental dyslexia diagnosis: A decision‐trees approach
Authors: Obidziński Michał
Published: March 2020

The presented study applies the methods of data mining and prediction models to the subject of memory functioning in developmental dyslexia. This article sets forth the results of an analysis of the decision tree algorithm for the classification of dyslexia/non‐dyslexia, based on frequency data from the modified simplified conjoint recognition experiment—a paradigm based on the fuzzy‐trace theory used to investigate verbatim and gist memory. This decision tree model was created with the use of the C&RT algorithm, which makes a prediction of the classification with the use of four predictors: the numbers of different types of answers depending on the specific stimuli presented. Seventy‐one high school students, 33 with developmental dyslexia, took part in a memory experiment. The model created using the decision tree algorithm has a very good overall validity. Excellent developmental dyslexia classification was accompanied by satisfactory non‐dyslexia classification. The decision tree proposed predictors that are supported both theoretically and empirically. The results obtained show an important role of verbatim and gist memory functioning in developmental dyslexia and suggest that the pattern of performance observed in the memory tests can be used as a predictor of the developmental dyslexia disorder. Results encourage further usage of decision trees.
Spatial and temporal structure of diversity and demographic dynamics along a successional gradient of tropical forests in southern Brazil
Authors: Dalmaso Cilmar Antônio , Marques Marcia C. M. , Higuchi Pedro , Zwiener Victor P. , Marques Renato
Published: March 2020

Analysis of the structure, diversity, and demographic dynamics of tree assemblages in tropical forests is especially important in order to evaluate local and regional successional trajectories.

We conducted a long‐term study to investigate how the structure, species richness, and diversity of secondary tropical forests change over time. Trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm) in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil were sampled twice during a 10‐year period (2007 and 2017) in six stands (1 ha each) that varied in age from their last disturbance (25, 60, 75, 90, and more than 100 years). We compared forest structure (abundance and basal area), species richness, alpha diversity, demographic rates (mortality, recruitment, and loss or gain in basal area), species composition, spatial beta diversity, and temporal beta diversity (based on turnover and nestedness indices) among stand ages and study years.

Demographic rates recorded in a 10‐year interval indicate a rapid and dynamic process of species substitution and structural changes. Structural recovery occurred faster than beta diversity and species composition recovery. The successional gradient showed a pattern of species trade‐off over time, with less spatial dissimilarity and faster demographic rates in younger stands. As stands grow older, they show larger spatial turnover of species than younger stands, making them more stochastic in relation to species composition. Stands appear to split chronologically to some extent, but not across a straightforward linear axis, reflecting stochastic changes, providing evidence for the formation of a nonequilibrium community.

Policy implications. These results reiterate the complexity and variability in forest succession and serve as a reference for the evaluation and monitoring of local management and conservation actions and for defining regional strategies that consider the diversity of local successional trajectories to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration measures in secondary forests of the Atlantic Forest biome.
Responses of streambed bacterial groups to cycles of low‐flow and erosive floods in a small peri‐urban stream
Authors: Navratil O. , Boukerb M.A. , Perret F. , Breil P. , Caurel C. , Schmitt L. , Lejot J. , Petit S. , Marjolet L. , Cournoyer B.
Published: March 2020

Faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and bacterial pathogens from combined sewer overflow (CSO) in peri‐urban streams represent a major public health concern worldwide. In this study, the relationships between the hydrological regime and the loads and persistence of CSO‐borne bacterial contaminants among benthic sediments of a small peri‐urban stream were explored. Combined sewer overflow events and their impact on benthic sediment layers at a short distance from a CSO were monitored. Concentrations of Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE) and of two bacterial pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Aeromonas caviae (AC), were assessed. Relations with hydraulic, hydromorphic and physicochemical factors were analysed. PA cells in benthic sediments increased exponentially with time (0.15 log PA per day), as long as the river discharge remained below the sediment transport. Cycles of erosive floods and low‐flow periods were found to play a critical role in PA settling and growth among benthic riverbed sediments. These hydrological and hydraulic shear forces did not correlate with changing IE, EC, and AC concentrations in the benthic sediments. Their dynamics were rather related to changing physicochemical conditions (total N, phosphate, and organic carbon). AC population size decreases most rapidly with a mean rate of 0.04 log per day according to the duration of the low‐flow period, indicating a poor tropism of AC for river systems. River sediments were found significant biotopes for PA outdoor development. These analyses demonstrate the significance of PA and AC as long‐ and short‐term indicators, respectively, of a river microbiological quality.
Enzymatic and Mechanical Extraction of Virgin Coconut Oil
Authors: Soo Pooi‐Pooi , Ali Yassoralipour , Lai Oi‐Ming , Kuan Chee‐Hao , Tang Teck‐Kim , Lee Yee‐Ying , Phuah Eng‐Tong
Published: March 2020

The effect of different processing methods namely enzymatic method using crude protease extract (CPE) from overripe pineapple, microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) methods on the recovery yield of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is evaluated. The physicochemical properties of VCOs namely color, iodine value (IV), refractive index, saponification value, moisture content, free fatty acid, p‐anisidine value, lipid peroxidation, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, melting and crystallization profile are compared. The total phenolic compounds and scavenging activity of the extracted VCOs are also examined. Results reveal that enzymatic approach exhibits the highest VCO yield (77.7% ± 0.38) at 50 °C for 2 h, followed by MAE (58.6%±0.07), control without enzyme (24.1%±0.19) and UAE (24.1%±0.12). The physicochemical properties of the VCOs extracted are found to conform to APCC standards established except IV. The antioxidant activity of VCO extracted with CPE shows no significant difference with MAE and UAE methods (p > 0.05). Lauric acid appears to be the most abundant fatty acid detected in all VCO samples. Similar exotherms and endotherms are observed in both melting and crystallization profiles with two distinct peaks exhibited. The TAG compositions of the extracted VCOs are mainly LaLaLa, LaLaM, CLaLa, CCLa, and LaMM (C = Capric acid; La = Lauric acid; M = Myristic acid).

Practical Applications: The results obtained from this study indicate that VCO extraction using CPE from overripe pineapple is feasible. The enzymatic extraction protocol presented here would be useful for VCO production at industrial scale with a promising oil yield.
Preparation of activated petroleum coke for supercapacitor application
Authors: Priyadharshini Ravichandran , Saravanathamizhan Ramanujam , Manimozhi Veerasamy , Manokaran Janakiraman , Balasubramanian Natesan
Published: March 2020

The present work is to use petroleum coke as a carbon material for energy storage application. Activated petroleum coke (APC) is prepared using potassium hydroxide as an activation agent. Then the APC is doped with nitrogen and manganese‐nitrogen components to enhance the capacitance of the material. The X‐ray diffraction result shows the turbo static behavior, which is fully disordered structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the functional groups present in the prepared sample. Using the cyclic voltametry, the specific capacitances are found to be 3.2, 4.8, and 6.3 F/g for APC, nitrogen‐doped activated petroleum coke (N‐APC), and manganese‐ and nitrogen‐doped activated petroleum coke (Mn/N‐APC), respectively. The specific capacitance of charge and discharge are also found to be 3.5, 5.2, and 10.3 F/g, respectively, for the above‐prepared materials. The specific capacitance of the fabricated Mn/N‐APC electrode was found to be 76.1 F/g. From the experimental results, the energy density and power density was found to be 105 and 131.2 Wh/kg, respectively, for the abovementioned material. It is concluded from the present experiment that Mn/N‐APC shows good electrochemical properties. Hence, this can be used as a supercapacitor for energy storage applications.
A database of Holocene temperature records for north‐eastern North America and the north‐western Atlantic
Authors: van Bellen Simon , de Vernal Anne , To Anna , Ouellet‐Bernier Marie‐Michèle , Roy Natasha ,   ClimHuNor Members
Published: March 2020

Centennial‐to‐millennial temperature records of the past provide a context for the interpretation of current and future changes in climate. Quaternary climates have been relatively well studied in north‐east North America and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean over the last decades, and new research methods have been developed to improve reconstructions. We present newly inferred reconstructions of sea surface temperature for the north‐western Atlantic region, together with a compilation of published temperature records. The database thus comprises a total of 86 records from both marine and terrestrial sites, including lakes, peatlands, ice and tree rings, each covering at least part of the Holocene. For each record, we present details on seasons covered, chronologies and information on radiocarbon dates and analytical time steps. The 86 records contain a total of 154 reconstructions of temperature and temperature‐related variables. Main proxies include pollen and dinocysts, while summer was the season for which the highest number of reconstructions were available. Many records covered most of the Holocene, but many dinocyst records did not extend to the surface, due to sediment mixing, and dendroclimate records were limited to the last millennium. The database allows for the exploration of linkages between sea ice and climate and may be used in conjunction with other palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental records, such as wildfire records and peatland dynamics. This inventory may also aid the identification of gaps in the geographic distribution of past temperature records thus guiding future research efforts.
Putative protective neural mechanisms in prereaders with a family history of dyslexia who subsequently develop typical reading skills
Authors: Yu Xi , Zuk Jennifer , Perdue Meaghan V. , Ozernov‐Palchik Ola , Raney Talia , Beach Sara D. , Norton Elizabeth S. , Ou Yangming , Gabrieli John D. E. , Gaab Nadine
Published: March 2020

Developmental dyslexia affects 40–60% of children with a familial risk (FHD+) compared to a general prevalence of 5–10%. Despite the increased risk, about half of FHD+ children develop typical reading abilities (FHD+Typical). Yet the underlying neural characteristics of favorable reading outcomes in at‐risk children remain unknown. Utilizing a retrospective, longitudinal approach, this study examined whether putative protective neural mechanisms can be observed in FHD+Typical at the prereading stage. Functional and structural brain characteristics were examined in 47 FHD+ prereaders who subsequently developed typical (n= 35) or impaired (n= 12) reading abilities and 34 controls (FHD−Typical). Searchlight‐based multivariate pattern analyses identified distinct activation patterns during phonological processing between FHD+Typical and FHD−Typical in right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG) and left temporo‐parietal cortex (LTPC) regions. Follow‐up analyses on group‐specific classification patterns demonstrated LTPC hypoactivation in FHD+Typical compared to FHD−Typical, suggesting this neural characteristic as an FHD+ phenotype. In contrast, RIFG showed hyperactivation in FHD+Typical than FHD−Typical, and its activation pattern was positively correlated with subsequent reading abilities in FHD+ but not controls (FHD−Typical). RIFG hyperactivation in FHD+Typical was further associated with increased interhemispheric functional and structural connectivity. These results suggest that some protective neural mechanisms are already established in FHD+Typical prereaders supporting their typical reading development.
Intestinal Microbiome‐Macrophage Crosstalk Contributes to Cholestatic Liver Disease by Promoting Intestinal Permeability in Mice
Authors: Isaacs‐Ten Anna , Echeandia Marta , Moreno‐Gonzalez Mar , Brion Arlaine , Goldson Andrew , Philo Mark , Patterson Angela M. , Parker Aimee , Galduroz Mikel , Baker David , Rushbrook Simon M. , Hildebrand Falk , Beraza Naiara
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Mounting evidence supports an association between cholestatic liver disease and changes in the composition of the microbiome. Still, the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of this condition remains largely undefined.

Approach and Results

To address this, we have used two experimental models, administering alpha‐naphtylisocyanate or feeding a 0.1% 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine diet, to induce cholestatic liver disease in germ‐free mice and germ‐free mice conventionalized with the microbiome from wild‐type, specific pathogen‐free animals. Next, we have inhibited macrophage activation by depleting these cells using clodronate liposomes and inhibiting the inflammasome with a specific inhibitor of NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3. Our results demonstrate that cholestasis, the accumulation of bile acids in the liver, fails to promote liver injury in the absence of the microbiome in vivo. Additional in vitro studies supported that endotoxin sensitizes hepatocytes to bile‐acid–induced cell death. We also demonstrate that during cholestasis, macrophages contribute to promoting intestinal permeability and to altered microbiome composition through activation of the inflammasome, overall leading to increased endotoxin flux into the cholestatic liver.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the intestinal microbiome contributes to cholestasis‐mediated cell death and inflammation through mechanisms involving activation of the inflammasome in macrophages.
Proteome Multimarker Panel With Multiple Reaction Monitoring–Mass Spectrometry for Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yeo Injoon , Kim Gi‐Ae , Kim Hyunsoo , Lee Ji Hyeon , Sohn Areum , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Lim Young‐Suk , Kim Youngsoo
Published: March 2020

There is an urgent need for new biomarkers that address the shortcomings of current screening methods which fail to detect a large proportion of cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at early stage. To develop a robust, multiple‐biomarker panel based on multiple reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry with high performance in detecting early‐stage HCC within at‐risk populations. In the discovery set, 150 samples were analyzed to identify candidate biomarkers. The resulting list of candidates was tested in the training set (713 samples) to establish a multimarker panel, which was evaluated in the validation set (305 samples). We identified 385 serum HCC biomarker candidates in the discovery set and developed a multimarker panel consisting of 28 peptides that best differentiated HCC from controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of multimarker panel was significantly higher than alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in the training (0.976 vs. 0.804; P < 0.001) and validation (0.898 vs. 0.778; P < 0.001) sets. In the validation set, this multimarker panel, compared with AFP, showed significantly greater sensitivity (81.1% vs. 26.8%; P < 0.001) and lower specificity (84.8% vs. 98.8%; P < 0.001) in detecting HCC cases. Combining AFP with the multimarker panel did not significantly improve the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared with the panel alone in the training (0.981 vs. 0.976; P = 0.37) and validation set (0.906 vs. 0.898; P = 0.75). Conclusion: The multiple reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry multimarker panel consisting of 28 peptides discriminates HCC cases from at‐risk controls with high performance and may have potential for clinical application in HCC surveillance.
Benzo[a]pyrene at human blood equivalent level induces human lung epithelial cell invasion and migration via aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling
Authors: Gao Han , Ye Guozhu , Lin Yi , Chi Yulang , Dong Sijun
Published: March 2020

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a typical carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, exists worldwide in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke and other polluted environments. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong association between B[a]P and lung cancer. However, whether B[a]P at human blood equivalent level can promote epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial molecular event during cell malignant transformation, remains unclear. Besides, whether B[a]P facilitates this progress via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway also lacks scientific evidence. In our study, the transwell assay showed that 5 μg/L of B[a]P promoted BEAS‐2B cell invasion and migration. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of AhR and its target genes involved in B[a]P metabolism, such as AhR nuclear translocator, heat shock protein 90 and CYP1A1, were significantly increased by B[a]P exposure. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of downstream regulatory factors related to both AhR signaling pathway and EMT, such as NRF2, K‐RAS and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha, were significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression level of the epithelial marker E‐cadherin was significantly downregulated, while the mRNA expression of mesenchymal phenotype markers, N‐cadherin, fibronectin and vimentin, were significantly upregulated. Notably, the above changes induced by B[a]P were significantly attenuated or even stopped by resveratrol (RSV), a natural phenol, also an AhR inhibitor, when the AhR signaling pathway was inhibited by RSV, demonstrating the regulatory role of AhR signaling pathway in B[a]P‐induced EMT. In conclusion, B[a]P at the human blood equivalent level induces BEAS‐2B cell invasion and migration through the AhR signaling pathway.
Performance evaluation of the DAAN HCV assay for quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA and its comparison with COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Quantitative Test, v2.0
Authors: He Yuting , Wang Yichong , Chen Xuefang , Huang Hao , Deng Jiankai , Chen Peisong , Bin Huang
Published: March 2020

Background

The Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay was a recently developed kit with high sensitivity for the detection of HCV RNA. We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay and compare it with the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Quantitative Test, v2.0.

Method

WHO HCV RNA standard, NIBSC 06/102 standard, and CLSI EP documents were used to evaluate the precision, accuracy, linearity, anti‐interference ability, and cross‐reactivity of the Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay. Overall 198 clinical serum specimens were used to make comparison between the Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay and the Roche Cobas test.

Results

The within‐run precision (Swithin), and total precision (Stotal) for 6.11 log IU/mL, 4.22 log IU/mL, and 2.32 log IU/mL HCV RNA were 0.13 and 0.15, 0.07 and 0.09, and 0.11 and 0.10, respectively. The linear range was 20‐108 IU/mL, and the limit of detection was 15 IU/mL. It did not display any interference with commonly encountered conditions and cross‐reactivity with some common virus. A good agreement was observed between the Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay and the Roche Cobas test.

Conclusion

The Daan HCV RNA quantitative assay has shown satisfactory performances and excellent agreement with COBAS HCV Quantitative Test on clinical specimens with lower cost, which provides an alternative choice for the diagnosis and monitoring of HCV infection in developing countries.
Synthesis and antidiabetic activity of novel triazole derivatives containing amino acids
Authors: Mohamed Mounir A. A. , Abd Allah Omyma A. , Bekhit Adnan A. , Kadry Asmaa M. , El‐Saghier Ahmed M. M.
Published: March 2020

New series of triazole derivatives coupled with amino acids 1a‐h were obtained via multicomponent reaction of 2‐hydroxy benzaldehyde or 2‐hydroxy acetophenone with thiosemicarbazide and different amino acids. The obtained compounds were reacted with p‐toluinesulfonyl chloride 2 to give the corresponding sulfonamides 3a‐h. Compound 1b was allowed to react with different aromatic aldehydes or cyclic ketone under alkaline conditions to afford the expected imino compounds 4a‐d and 6a‐c, respectively. These compounds were allowed to react with ethyl glycolate to yield the expected thiazolidinone derivatives 5a‐d or 7a‐c, respectively. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were found to be in accordance with their elemental analyses and spectral data. The obtained compounds exhibited very prominent in vitro and in vivo antihyperglycemic effect at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight compared to the standard drug gliclazide and control. The antidiabetic effect was investigated using oral glucose tolerance test in normal and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in STZ‐rat model. Compounds 3a‐h, 5b, 5c, 5d, 7a, 7b, and 7c showed significant activity in lowering blood glucose (more than 80%) compared to the NIDDM control.
Vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics for quantifying key bioactive components of various plum cultivars grown in New Zealand
Authors: McIntyre Samantha M. , Ma Qianli , Burritt David J. , Oey Indrawati , Gordon Keith C. , Fraser‐Miller Sara J.
Published: March 2020

Raman, near‐infrared, and mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopic techniques were evaluated for the potential to non‐destructively quantify bioactive compounds in commercially grown New Zealand plums. These spectroscopic data sets were qualitatively assessed using principal component analysis where groupings based on the cultivar and growing location were observed. The different techniques separated based on different compositional differences. Four cultivars grown in two different growing locations were assessed for total anthocyanin content, vitamin C content, phenolic content, and total antioxidant capacity. These parameters (measured using traditional methods) were correlated to the spectroscopic data using partial least squares regression and support vector machine (SVM) classification where appropriate. Raman and MIR showed the most promise for quantifying vitamin C content, and Raman showed the most promise for quantifying anthocyanin content. Some parameters were better suited to classification, and in this regard, Raman spectroscopy provided a robust method for classifying growing location and MIR for cultivar classification.
Metabolites response to onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) infection in ‘Rossa di Tropea’ onion during storage: a 1H HR‐MAS NMR study
Authors: Taglienti Anna , Tiberini Antonio , Ciampa Alessandra , Piscopo Amalia , Zappia Angela , Tomassoli Laura , Poiana Marco , Dell'Abate Maria Teresa
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Plant viral infections induce changes in metabolic components in the host plant, with potential effects on compositional, organoleptic and storability features of agricultural products. Identification of modulated metabolites may provide clues concerning pathways implementing responses in plant–pathogen interactions. A time course study of metabolic fingerprinting of onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV)‐infected versus healthy ‘Rossa di Tropea’ onion bulbs was performed using proton high‐resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (1H HR‐MAS NMR) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), providing an overview of the metabolic state of the bulb in response to OYDV infection during storage.

RESULTS

Metabolites accumulated/depleted upon infection were identified, belonging to flavonoid, saccharide, amino acid and organic acid classes. A decrease in quercetin glucosides content and antioxidant activity was observed in infected bulbs; some amino acids (Arg, Asn, Phe, Val) accumulated, while others were depleted (Leu); for some metabolites, a bimodal time‐course was observed during storage (Glc, Lys). Virus interference on metabolic pathways, and the effects of the metabolic shift on edible product storability, organoleptic and nutritional quality were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

OYDV infection induces a metabolic shift in ‘Rossa di Tropea’ onion during bulb storage, involving several pathways and affecting storability and organoleptic and nutritional quality of bulbs at marketable stage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
β‐Cyclodextrin‐derived Room Temperature Macromolecular Ionic Liquids by PEGylated Anions
Authors: Ke Yuqi , Zhang Weiyi , Suo Xian , Ren Qilong , Xing Huabin , Yuan Jiayin
Published: March 2020

A series of cyclodextrin‐derived room temperature macromolecular ionic liquids carrying rather low glass transition temperatures of −20 to −40 °C are synthesized via sequential esterification, quaternization, and anion metathesis reactions. In addition to being ionic in nature, they are viscous liquids at room temperature with more fluidic behavior at elevated temperatures. They serve as a solvent for organic dyes or iodine separation via a liquid–liquid extraction approach. This strategy is useful for the development of various sugar (macro)molecule‐based functional ionic liquids as well as macromolecular ionic liquids.
A broadband class‐F/J hybrid power amplifier
Authors: Liu Guohua , Guo Cantianci , Cheng Zhiqun , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Guoxiang , Zhao Wenlai
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a new broadband high‐efficiency hybrid power amplifier (PA) design methodology that combines a class‐J PA with a class‐F PA using GaN HEMT CGH40010F. Multifrequency harmonic control method is employed to achieve harmonic matching network for increasing the bandwidth of the PA. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a 1 to 2.8 GHz broadband class F/J PA is designed and fabricated. The simulation and measurement results show that the saturated output power is 40 to 42 dBm, the gain is over 10 dB and the drain efficiency is 65% to 71% at the frequency of 1 to 2.8 GHz.
Spectrally‐selective measurements of reversible and irreversible transverse relaxation rates from single spin‐echo PRESS acquisitions in muscle
Authors: Mulkern Robert V. , Nosrati Reyhaneh , Balasubramanian Mukund
Published: March 2020

The goal of this study was to test a new formalism for extracting reversible and irreversible transverse relaxation rates from resonances within typical proton muscle spectra using only a single spin echo as acquired with routine single‐voxel, point‐resolved echo spectroscopy (PRESS) acquisitions. Single‐voxel, non‐water‐suppressed PRESS acquisitions within the calf muscles of four healthy subjects were performed at 1.5 T using six echo times ranging from 30 to 576 ms. Novel transverse relaxation analyses of water, choline, creatine, and lipid resonances were performed based upon the disparate relaxation sensitivities of the left versus the right sides of spectroscopically sampled spin echoes. Irreversible and reversible transverse relaxation rates R2 and R2′ were extracted for water, metabolites, and lipids using echo times of 288 ms and longer. The R2 values so obtained were compared with more conventional “gold standard” Hahn values, R2Hahn, evaluated from the echo‐time dependence of spectral peak areas generated from right‐side sampling alone. Water resonances displayed biexponential Hahn signal decays, consistent with observations of decreasing R2 values with increasing echo time via the new approach. Choline and creatine resonances displayed monoexponential echo‐time decays, with R2Hahn values in reasonable agreement with R2 values obtained from the single‐echo analyses at the longer echo times. Lipid methylene and methyl R2 values extracted from the new approach were also in reasonable accord with R2Hahn values. Further validation of the technique was provided through PRESS acquisitions on a water phantom to which various levels of gadolinium were added in order to manipulate transverse relaxation rates, yielding excellent agreement between water‐resonance R2Hahn and single‐echo R2 values. In summary, this work demonstrates the feasibility of measuring reversible and irreversible transverse relaxation rates for individual spectral peaks from single‐echo PRESS acquisitions, enabling a reduction in overall scan time relative to the use of multiple acquisitions with varying echo time.
Measuring vertical soil water content profiles by combining horizontal borehole and dispersive surface ground penetrating radar data
Authors: Yu Yi , Klotzsche Anja , Weihermüller Lutz , Huisman Johan Alexander , Vanderborght Jan , Vereecken Harry , van der Kruk Jan
Published: March 2020

To investigate transient dynamics of soil water redistribution during infiltration, we conducted horizontal borehole and surface ground penetrating radar measurements during a 4‐day infiltration experiment at the rhizontron facility in Selhausen, Germany. Zero‐offset ground penetrating radar profiling in horizontal boreholes was used to obtain soil water content information at specific depths (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.2 m). However, horizontal borehole ground penetrating radar measurements do not provide accurate soil water content estimates of the top soil (0–0.1 m depth) because of interference between direct and critically refracted waves. Therefore, surface ground penetrating radar data were additionally acquired to estimate soil water content of the top soil. Due to the generation of electromagnetic waveguides in the top soil caused by infiltration, a strong dispersion in the ground penetrating radar data was observed in 500 MHz surface ground penetrating radar data. A dispersion inversion was thus performed with these surface ground penetrating radar data to obtain soil water content information for the top 0.1 m of the soil. By combining the complementary borehole and surface ground penetrating radar data, vertical soil water content profiles were obtained, which were used to investigate vertical soil water redistribution. Reasonable consistency was found between the ground penetrating radar results and independent soil water content data derived from time domain reflectometry measurements. Because of the improved spatial representativeness of the ground penetrating radar measurements, the soil water content profiles obtained by ground penetrating radar better matched the known water storage changes during the infiltration experiment. It was concluded that the combined use of borehole and surface ground penetrating radar data convincingly revealed spatiotemporal soil water content variation during infiltration. In addition, this setup allowed a better quantification of water storage, which is a prerequisite for future applications, where, for example, the soil hydraulic properties will be estimated from ground penetrating radar data.
Transdimensional and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo inversions of Rayleigh‐wave dispersion curves: a comparison on synthetic datasets
Authors: Aleardi Mattia , Salusti Alessandro , Pierini Silvio
Published: March 2020

We compare two Monte Carlo inversions that aim to solve some of the main problems of dispersion curve inversion: deriving reliable uncertainty appraisals, determining the optimal model parameterization and avoiding entrapment in local minima of the misfit function. The first method is a transdimensional Markov chain Monte Carlo that considers as unknowns the number of model parameters, that is the locations of layer boundaries together with theVsand theVp/Vsratio of each layer. A reversible‐jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to sample the variable‐dimension model space, while the adoption of a parallel tempering strategy and of a delayed rejection updating scheme improves the efficiency of the probabilistic sampling. The second approach is a Hamiltonian Monte Carlo inversion that considers theVs, theVp/Vsratio and the thickness of each layer as unknowns, whereas the best model parameterization (number of layer) is determined by applying standard statistical tools to the outcomes of different inversions running with different model dimensionalities. This work has a mainly didactic perspective and, for this reason, we focus on synthetic examples in which only the fundamental mode is inverted. We perform what we call semi‐analytical and seismic inversion tests on 1D subsurface models. In the first case, the dispersion curves are directly computed from the considered model making use of the Haskell–Thomson method, while in the second case they are extracted from synthetic shot gathers. To validate the inversion outcomes, we analyse the estimated posterior models and we also perform a sensitivity analysis in which we compute the model resolution matrices, posterior covariance matrices and correlation matrices from the ensembles of sampled models. Our tests demonstrate that major benefit of the transdimensional inversion is its capability of providing a parsimonious solution that automatically adjusts the model dimensionality. The downside of this approach is that many models must be sampled to guarantee accurate posterior uncertainty. Differently, less sampled models are required by the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm, but its limits are the computational effort related to the Jacobian computation, and the multiple inversion runs needed to determine the optimal model parameterization.
Genipin‐crosslinked gelatin hydrogel incorporated with PLLA‐nanocylinders as a bone scaffold: Synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties evaluation
Authors: Oustadi Fereshteh , Imani Rana , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh , Sharifi Ali Mohammad
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, despite remarkable progress in developing bone tissue engineering products, the fabrication of an ideal scaffold that could meet the main criteria, such as providing mechanical properties and suitable biostability as well as mimicking the bone extracellular matrix, still seems challenging. In this regard, utilizing combinatorial approaches seems more beneficial. Here, we aim to reinforce the mechanical characteristics of gelatin hydrogel via a combination of Genipin‐based chemical cross‐linking and incorporation of the poly l‐lactic acid (PLLA) nanocylinders for application as bone scaffolds. Amine‐functionalized nanocylinders are prepared via the aminolysis procedure and incorporated in gelatin hydrogel. The nanocylinder content (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%) and cross‐linking density (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt/vol%) are optimized to achieve suitable morphology, swelling ratio, degradation rate, and mechanical behaviors. The results indicate that hydrogel scaffold cross‐linking by 0.5 wt% of Genipin shows optimized morphological feathers with a pore size of around 300 to 500 μm as well as an average degradation rate (40.09% ± 3.08%) during 32 days. Besides, the incorporation of 3 wt% PLLA nanocylinders into the cross‐linked gelatin scaffold provides an optimized mechanical reinforcement as compressive modulus, and compressive strength show a 4‐ and 2.6‐fold increase, respectively. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicates that the scaffold does not have any cytotoxicity effect. In conclusion, gelatin composite reinforced with 3 wt% PLLA nanocylinders cross‐linked via 0.5 wt/vol% Genipin is suggested as a potential scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.
New Energetic Ionic Derivatives of Symmetric 4,6‐Dihydrazinium‐1,3,5‐Triazine‐2‐One Cation with Low Impact and Friction Sensitivities
Authors: Wu Bo , Duan Xiaohui , Qi Xiufang , Zhou Decai , Wei Jingshu , Pei Chonghua
Published: March 2020

A facile synthetic protocol was developed to synthesize unique energetic salts based on 4,6‐dihydrazino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐one in good to high yield from commercial sources. The process was found to be practical and easily scalable. The resulting energetic compounds show good to excellent thermal stability with decomposition temperatures ranging from 180 °C to 331 °C. They possess low sensitivity to impact and friction (IS>20 J, FS>360 N), as well as positive enthalpy of formation (148.9∼1381.7 kJ mol−1). Their detonation velocity (VD) values locate between 8301 m s−1 and 9282 m s−1, and detonation pressure (P) values range from 26.1 GPa to 37.2 GPa, in some cases, which are comparable to those of HMX. From the view of sensitivity and energy level, some of the energetic compounds prepared in this work exhibit potential as insensitive excellent performance energetic materials.
Anti‐microbial activity of curcumin nanoformulations: New trends and future perspectives
Authors: Sharifi Simin , Fathi Nazanin , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Hosseiniyan Khatibi Seyed Mahdi , Khalilov Rovshan , Negahdari Ramin , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz
Published: March 2020

Curcumin has been used in numerous anti‐microbial research because of its low side effects and extensive traditional applications. Despite having a wide range of effects, the intrinsic physicochemical characteristics such as low bioavailability, poor water solubility, photodegradation, chemical instability, short half‐life and fast metabolism of curcumin derivatives limit their pharmaceutical importance. To overcome these drawbacks and improve the therapeutic ability of curcuminoids, novel approaches have been attempted recently. Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems can increase the efficiency of curcumin in several diseases, especially infectious diseases. These innovative strategies include polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanoemulsion, nanocomposite, nanofibers, liposome, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), polymeric micelles, quantum dots, polymeric blend films and nanomaterial‐based combination of curcumin with other anti‐bacterial agents. Integration of curcumin in these delivery systems has displayed to improve their solubility, bioavailability, transmembrane permeability, prolong plasma half‐life, long‐term stability, target‐specific delivery and upgraded the therapeutic effects. In this review paper, a range of in vitro and in vivo studies have been critically discussed to explore the therapeutic viability and pharmaceutical significance of the nano‐formulated delivery systems to elevate the anti‐bacterial activities of curcumin and its derivatives.
Quantum chemical modeling of molecules under pressure
Authors: Stauch Tim
Published: March 2020

Pressure can be used to initiate a plethora of intriguing transformations and chemical reactions. During the past 10 years or so, several quantum chemical methods have been developed that describe the structural and electronic changes in molecules under pressure. This perspective focuses on three of these methods: the extreme pressure polarizable continuum model, the generalized force‐modified potential energy surface, and the hydrostatic compression force field approach. The theoretical background of each method is discussed, and several interesting applications are reviewed. The challenges that the field faces, as well as possible routes for future developments, are pointed out.
Allelic ladder production for a 10 locus Y‐chromosome DNA profiling system
Authors: Kasu Mohaimin , Fraser Mischa , Lesaoana Mpasi , D'Amato Maria Eugenia
Published: March 2020

The allelic ladder component of genotyping systems is of utmost importance for accurate allele designation and sizing precision quality assurances by capillary electrophoresis. The production process for ladders also demands adherence to specific technical criteria in order to pass as a reliable profiling system. The conventional methodology for ladder production includes allele isolation by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis purification followed by amplification of each allele isolate using the polymerase chain reaction. Alternatively, the allele cloning approach has long been promoted as being less labor intensive, higher throughput, and more suitable for long‐term storage of the allele isolates. In this study, we present a workflow to produce a short tandem repeat allelic ladder using a cloning approach. We identified the key factors that may impact the quality of the ladder and provide recommendations to resolve these challenges. In this study, 143 alleles from 10 Y‐chromosome short tandem repeat loci were cloned and amplified individually from plasmid extracts. Amplicons were assessed using quality assurance criteria for selection of polymerase chain reaction products and dilution factors to produce, first, a balanced ladder for each locus, and then a final ladder compiled from each individual locus ladder. The final product was suitable for forensic applications.
Glyburide attenuates ozone‐induced pulmonary inflammation and injury by blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Shao Hua , Huang Li , Duan Shuyin , Gao Min , Zhu Jiacheng , Chen Xiaohui , Zhu Yajuan , Wang Wenhan , Yang Zengwen , Wang Xinyu , Wang Zhen , Wang Zhimin , Ba Yue , Zhang Ruiqin , Li Chunyang , Zhang Qiao , Wang Jing , Liu Hong , Wu Weidong , Feng Feifei
Published: March 2020

Glyburide is a classic antidiabetic drug that is dominant in inflammation regulation, but its specific role in ozone‐induced lung inflammation and injury remains unclear. In order to investigate whether glyburide prevents ozone‐induced pulmonary inflammation and its mechanism, C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally pre‐instilled with glyburide or the vehicle 1 hour before ozone (1 ppm, 3 hours) or filtered air exposure. After 24 hours, the total inflammatory cells and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected. The pathological alternations in lung tissues were evaluated by HE staining. The expression of NLRP3, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐18 protein in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to examine the levels of caspase‐1 p10 and active IL‐1β protein. Levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in BALF were measured using ELISA kits. Glyburide treatment decreased the total cells in BALF, the inflammatory score, and the mean linear intercept induced by ozone in lung tissues. In addition, glyburide inhibited the expression of NLRP3, IL‐18, and IL‐1β protein in lung tissues, and also suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, including caspase‐1 p10, active IL‐1β protein in lung tissues, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in BALF. These results demonstrate that glyburide effectively attenuates ozone‐induced pulmonary inflammation and injury via blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome.