bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel 2‐cyanoacrylamido‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivatives as potent anticancer agents
Authors: Sroor Farid M. , Aboelenin Mohamad M. , Mahrous Karima F. , Mahmoud Khaled , Elwahy Ahmed H. M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: July 2020

Ethyl 2‐acrylamido‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐carboxylate as well as its corresponding bis‐derivatives, 5–10, with aliphatic linkers were synthesized, fully characterized, and tested as novel anticancer agents. The targeted compounds, 5–10, were obtained by the Knoevenagel condensation reactions of bis‐o‐ or ‐p‐aldehyde with a molar ratio of ethyl 2‐(2‐cyanoacetamido)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐carboxylate of 2 in the presence of piperidine in excellent yields (93–98%). The in vitro anticancer activities of the prepared compounds were evaluated against HepG2, MCF‐7, HCT‐116, and BJ1 cells. Compounds 7 and 9 emerged as the most promising compounds, with IC50 values of 13.5 and 32.2 µg/ml, respectively, against HepG2 cells, compared with the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50: 21.6 µg/ml). Real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the changes in expression levels of the COL10A1 and COL11A1, ESR1, and ERBB2, or AXIN1 and CDKN2A genes within the treated cells, as genetic markers for colon, breast, or liver cancers, respectively. Treatment of the colon cancer cells with compounds 5, 9, and 10, or breast and liver cancers cells with compounds 7, 8, 9, and 10 downregulated the expression of the investigated tumor markers. The DNA damage values (depending on comet and DNA fragmentation assays) increased significantly upon treatment of colon cancer cells with compounds 5, 9, and 10, and breast and liver cells with compounds 8, 9, and 10. The structure–activity relationship suggested that the increase of the chain of the alkyl linker increases the anticancer activity and the compounds with bis‐cyanoacrylamide moieties are more active than those with one cyanoacrylamide moiety.
Thieno[2,3‐b]pyridine amines: Synthesis and evaluation of tacrine analogs against biological activities related to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Saeedi Mina , Safavi Maliheh , Allahabadi Emad , Rastegari Arezoo , Hariri Roshanak , Jafari Sanaz , Bukhari Syed N. A. , Mirfazli Seyedeh S. , Firuzi Omidreza , Edraki Najmeh , Mahdavi Mohammad , Akbarzadeh Tahmineh
Published: July 2020

In search of safer tacrine analogs, various thieno[2,3‐b]pyridine amine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against cholinesterases (ChEs). Among the synthesized compounds, compounds 5e and 5d showed the highest activity towards acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, with IC50 values of 1.55 and 0.23 µM, respectively. The most active ChE inhibitors (5e and 5d) were also candidates for further complementary assays, such as kinetic and molecular docking studies as well as studies on inhibitory activity towards amyloid‐beta (βA) aggregation and β‐secretase 1, neuroprotectivity, and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. Our results indicated efficient anti‐Alzheimer's activity of the synthesized compounds.
Magnetic surveys locate Late Bronze Age corrals
Authors: Smekalova Tatiana , Bevan Bruce , Kashuba Maya , Lisetskii Fedor , Borisov Alexander , Kashirskaya Natalia
Published: July 2020

A new type of livestock enclosure from the Late Bronze Age has been discovered. Stone walls outline a pair of circular or oval areas that may be up to 50 m in diameter. The stone walls are invisible at the surface; they were discovered in north‐western Crimea and only with the aid of remote sensing and geophysical surveys. In the period 2007–2020, over two dozen of these structures were found; none has ever been noted before. The locations of these sites were first suggested in satellite imagery, often as areas with unusually green vegetation. Then, large‐area magnetic surveys delineated the buried stone enclosures, for there was a good contrast between the non‐magnetic limestone walls and the rather magnetic soil. The features can be identified by the unique pattern of the walls: An almost‐complete circular arc that is connected to a full circle or oval. The soil within the features has a high level of urease enzyme activity and a high concentration of thermophilic microorganisms. This suggests the composting of animal dung and plant residues; therefore, these were corrals and the raising of livestock was a part of the economy. Only one of the doubled enclosures is found at most settlements; the livestock were probably owned by all of the inhabitants. Each settlement had several dwellings, and these had earthen basins whose edges were lined with vertical stone slabs. Several small‐area excavations exposed corral walls. Magnetic measurements of the soil and rock were the basis for magnetic models; the calculated anomalies agree with the measurements of the magnetic maps.
Use of antihistamine medications during early pregnancy and selected birth defects: The National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Hansen Craig , Desrosiers Tania A. , Wisniewski Kathy , Strickland Matthew J. , Werler Martha M. , Gilboa Suzanne M.
Published: July 2020

Background

It is estimated that approximately 10–15% of pregnant women report antihistamine use during pregnancy. Although antihistamines are generally considered safe during pregnancy, results from published studies are inconsistent.

Methods

Using a case–control study design we analyzed 41,148 pregnancies (30,091 cases and 11,057 controls) from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997–2011). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for 64 birth defect groupings in relation to early pregnancy exposure to 14 distinct antihistamines. Models were adjusted for maternal age, race, parity, education level, prenatal care, folic acid use, smoking and alcohol use, and study site.

Results

Approximately 13% of cases and controls were exposed to an antihistamine during early pregnancy. Analyses were restricted to those defects where more than five cases were exposed to the antihistamine of interest, generating 340 analyses which yielded 20 (5.9%) significant positive associations (adjusted ORs ranging from 1.21 to 4.34).

Conclusions

Only a few of our findings were consistent with previous studies. There is a lack of strong evidence to conclude that birth defects are associated with exposure to antihistamines during early pregnancy.
Einfluss der Untergrundvorbehandlung auf das Tragverhalten CFK‐umschnürten Betons
Authors: Meßerer Dennis , Käseberg Stefan , Weisbrich Martin , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: July 2020

Die Umschnürung mit CFK‐Werkstoffen ist eine effektive Maßnahme zur Steigerung der Tragfähigkeit und Duktilität von Stahlbetonstützen. Die Umschnürungsbewehrung bewirkt eine Behinderung der Querdehnung des Betons und versetzt diesen in einen dreidimensionalen Spannungszustand. Dadurch lassen sich höhere Betondruckfestigkeiten erzielen und das Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhalten beeinflussen. Trotz nationaler und internationaler Forschungsbemühungen ist der Einfluss bestimmter Parameter auf das Tragverhalten CFK‐umschnürten Betons noch nicht ausreichend geklärt. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den Auswirkungen der Untergrundvorbehandlung auf das Tragverhalten von CFK‐Mantel und umschnürtem Beton. Zu diesem Zweck wurden CFK‐umschnürte Betonzylinder mit unterschiedlichen Verbundbedingungen und Maßnahmen zur Untergrundvorbehandlung untersucht. Darüber hinaus wurden die experimentellen Daten bestehender, empirischer Bemessungsmodelle hinsichtlich der Vorbehandlungsmaßnahmen der einzelnen Versuchsprogramme ausgewertet.
Pharmacokinetic and bioavailability study of kurarinone in dog plasma by UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Huang Yiqian , Lin Huashan , Chen Yaping , Huang Xiaosong
Published: July 2020

Kurarinone, a natural prenylated flavonone isolated from Sophora flavescens, has been exhibited various activities. This study aimed to establish a simple and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for determining kurarinone in dog plasma. Acetonitrile‐mediated precipitation was applied for sample pretreatment. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY HSS T3 (100 × 2.1 mm, i. d., 1.8 μm) column with gradient elution using water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Quantitation was performed using an electrospray ionization source in negative multiple reaction monitoring mode. The linearity of this method was over the concentration range 0.1–500 ng/mL with the lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision was less than 10.51% and the accuracy ranged from 94.85% to 97.72%, respectively. The extraction recovery of kurarinone in dog plasma was more than 82.37% and no significant matrix effect was observed. The analyte was stable under tested storage conditions. The validated method was further successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study of kurarinone in dog after a single intravenous (2 mg/kg) and oral (20 mg/kg) administration. The results revealed that kurarinone was rapidly absorbed into plasma with good bioavailability (38.19%) and low clearance.
Entrepreneurial orientation and performance in a developing country: Strategic entrepreneurship as a mediator
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah
Published: July 2020

The present paper aims to determine the mediatory role of strategic entrepreneurship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance in a developing country. The study found a positive and significant influence of entrepreneurial orientation on strategic entrepreneurship and financial performance of the firms. Entrepreneurial orientation has no significant effect on non‐financial performance. The strategic entrepreneurship mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and financial performance rather than non‐financial performance. The strategic entrepreneurship explored as a significant predictor of both financial and non‐financial performance of the firms. The findings of the study would provide basic knowledge about the factors that may enhance firm performance.
Development of a high cell density transient CHO platform yielding mAb titers greater than 2 g/L in only 7 days
Authors: Schmitt Matthew G. , White Regina N. , Barnard Gavin C.
Published: July 2020

We developed a simple transient Chinese Hamster Ovary expression platform. Titers for a random panel of 20 clinical monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) ranged from 0.6 to 2.7 g/L after 7 days. Two factors were the key in obtaining these high titers. First, we utilized an extremely high starting cell density (20 million cells/ml), and then arrested further cell growth by employing mild hypothermic conditions (32°C). Second, we performed a 6‐variable Design of Experiments to find optimal concentrations of plasmid DNA (coding DNA), boost DNA (DNA encoding the XBP1S transcription factor), transfection reagent (polyethylenimine [PEI]), and nutrient feed amounts. High coding DNA concentrations (12.5 mg/L) were found to be optimal. We therefore diluted expensive coding DNA with inexpensive inert filler DNA (herring sperm DNA). Reducing the coding DNA concentration by 70% from 12.5 to 3.75 mg/L did not meaningfully reduce mAb titers. Titers for the same panel of 20 clinical mAbs ranged from 0.7 to 2.2 g/L after reducing the coding DNA concentration to 3.75 mg/L. Finally, we found that titer and product quality attributes were similar for a clinical mAb (rituximab) expressed at very different scales (volumes ranging from 3 ml to 2 L).
Multiparameter Kinetic Analysis for Covalent Fragment Optimization by Using Quantitative Irreversible Tethering (qIT)
Authors: Craven Gregory B. , Affron Dominic P. , Kösel Teresa , Wong Tsz Lam M. , Jukes Zoë H. , Liu Chun‐Ting , Morgan Rhodri M. L. , Armstrong Alan , Mann David J.
Published: July 2020

Chemical probes that covalently modify cysteine residues in a protein‐specific manner are valuable tools for biological investigations. Covalent fragments are increasingly implemented as probe starting points, but the complex relationship between fragment structure and binding kinetics makes covalent fragment optimization uniquely challenging. We describe a new technique in covalent probe discovery that enables data‐driven optimization of covalent fragment potency and selectivity. This platform extends beyond the existing repertoire of methods for identifying covalent fragment hits by facilitating rapid multiparameter kinetic analysis of covalent structure–activity relationships through the simultaneous determination of Ki, kinact and intrinsic reactivity. By applying this approach to develop novel probes against electrophile‐sensitive kinases, we showcase the utility of the platform in hit identification and highlight how multiparameter kinetic analysis enabled a successful fragment‐merging strategy.
Hemochromatosis in a β‐thalassemia minor patient with H63D homozygous mutation: A case report
Authors: Pokhrel Nishan Babu , Khanal Shambhu , Chapagain Parikshit , Pokhrel Biraj , Shrestha Anjan
Published: July 2020

β‐thalassemia heterozygosity can cause significant iron overload when accompanied by HFE gene mutations and inappropriate iron supplementation.
Development of an effective novel validated stability‐indicating HPLC method for the resolution of brivaracetam stereoisomeric impurities
Authors: Baksam Vijayakumar , N Saritha , Pocha Vasundara Reddy , Chakka Veera Babu , Ummadi Ravindra Reddy , Kumar Pramod
Published: July 2020

Reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of brivaracetam stereoisomeric impurities such as (R,S)‐brivaracetam, (R,R)‐brivaracetam, and (S,S)‐brivaracetam with good resolution using the chiral column, Chiral PAK IG‐U (100 × 3.0 mm; 1.6 μm). The method is simple, stability‐indicating, and compatible with LC–MS. The separation was achieved with the mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate along with acetonitrile in an isocratic mode. The column temperature and wavelength were monitored at 40°C and 215 nm, respectively. The method showed adequate specificity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness inline to ICH tripartite guidelines. The limit of detection and quantification limits were 0.3 and 0.8 μg ml−1, respectively, for all stereoisomeric impurities and brivaracetam. The developed method was found to be linear over the concentration range of 0.8–5.6 μg ml−1for stereoisomeric impurities with a correlation coefficient >0.999. The method was precise (%RSD < 5.0), robust, and accurate (with 85%–115% recovery). The values of retention times of stereoisomeric impurities, (R,S)‐brivaracetam, (R,R)‐brivaracetam, and (S,S)‐brivaracetam, were 4.9, 5.4, and 6.6 min, respectively, and resolution among the impurities were 2.0, 3.3, and 4.7, respectively. In addition, forced degradation studies were performed to prove that method was stability‐indicating. The enrichment of isomeric impurity, (R,R)‐brivaracetam, was observed under basic stress conditions of brivaracetam and proposed a plausible mechanism to enhance that isomeric impurity. As well, a good separation among brivaracetam and its stereoisomeric impurity peaks was observed in the presence of degradation products and process‐related impurities.
Impact of cancer on school, work, and financial independence among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Fasciano Karen , Block Susan D. , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: July 2020

Background

For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), the diagnosis of cancer can impede social development, especially with respect to education, employment, and financial independence. However, there are limited quantitative data on the extent and trajectory of life disruptions during cancer treatment for AYA patients.

Methods

This was a longitudinal, prospective, questionnaire‐based cohort study of 145 AYA patients with cancer aged 15 to 29 years who were treated at a large academic cancer center. Questionnaires were administered shortly after diagnosis and 4 and 12 months after diagnosis.

Results

Although half of the participants lived with their parents 6 months before diagnosis, 61% lived with their parents after diagnosis (P = .0002 vs 6 months before diagnosis), with a similar proportion reported to be living with their parents 4 months after diagnosis (61%; P = .001) and 55% doing so 12 months after diagnosis (P = .07). Before diagnosis, 38% of the patients were not attending school. After diagnosis, that proportion rose to 61% (P < .0001), with a similar proportion 4 months after diagnosis (61%; P < .0001); 54% were not in school at 12 months (P = .001). Patients experienced similar decrements in employment (30% not working before diagnosis vs 49% not working after diagnosis; P < .0001) and financial independence (37% with complete financial independence before diagnosis vs 31% after diagnosis; P = .02). Overall, 65% of the patients (94 of 145) had not returned to their precancer baseline in at least 1 of these 4 social domains by 12 months after diagnosis.

Conclusions

For many AYA patients, cancer leads to less engagement with school and work activities and decreased financial independence from parents. Clinicians should engage in early and ongoing discussions with patients about the potential impact of cancer on their lives.
Multidimensional community discovering in heterogeneous social networks
Authors: Guesmi Soumaya , Trabelsi Chiraz , Latiri Chiraz
Published: July 2020

Multidimensional community discovering in heterogeneous social networks is an important issue. Many approaches have been proposed for community discovering in heterogeneous networks. However, they have focused only on topological properties of these networks, ignoring the embedded semantic information. As the solution to this information glut limit, we propose, in this article, a new multidimensional community discovering approach, which incorporates the multiple types of objects and relationships, derived from a heterogeneous networks. First, we propose to construct the concept lattice family CLF to represent the different objects and relations of the heterogeneous social networks based on the relational concept analysis techniques. Then after we introduce a new algorithm that explores such CLF and extract the multidimensional communities. Carried out experiments on real datasets enhance the effectiveness of our proposal and open promising issues.
Internal Rotation of the Acetyl Methyl Group in Methyl Alkyl Ketones: The Microwave Spectrum of Octan‐2‐one
Authors: Andresen Maike , Schöngen Damian , Kleiner Isabelle , Schwell Martin , Stahl Wolfgang , Nguyen Ha Vinh Lam
Published: July 2020

Methyl n‐alkyl ketones form a class of molecules with interesting internal dynamics in the gas‐phase. They contain two methyl groups undergoing internal rotations, the acetyl methyl group and the methyl group at the end of the alkyl chain. The torsional barrier of the acetyl methyl group is of special importance, since it allows for the discrimination of the conformational structures. As part of the series, the microwave spectrum of octan‐2‐one was recorded in the frequency range from 2 to 40 GHz, revealing two conformers, one with C1 and one with Cs symmetry. The barriers to internal rotation of the acetyl methyl group were determined to be 233.340(28) cm−1 and 185.3490(81) cm−1, respectively, confirming the link between conformations and barrier heights already established for other methyl alkyl ketones. Extensive comparisons to molecules in the literature were carried out, and a small overview of general trends and rules concerning the acetyl methyl torsion is given. For the hexyl methyl group, the barrier height is 973.17(60) cm−1 for the C1 conformer and 979.62(69) cm−1 for the Cs conformer.
Glucose activates the primordial follicle through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Shengyu , Wu Xiaoling , Dong Yanpeng , Xu Mengmeng , Li Zimei , Chen Sirun , Zhuo Yong , Lin Yan , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Wang Jianping , Wu De , Ren Zhihua
Published: July 2020

Background

We have previously found that the energy level in sows affects the activation of primordial follicles. Glucose is the primary metabolic substrate of dietary energy and its effect and mechanism of action with regards to the activation and development of primordial follicle remain unclear. Studies utilizing several different animal cells have shown that energy stress, induced by glucose starvation, activates AMPK and participates in a variety of cellular processes by regulating the Hippo and mTOR signaling pathways. However, whether glucose can affect primordial follicle activation through the above pathways has not been reported.

Methods

We developed an in vitro culture system for mouse ovaries to investigate the effects of glucose on the primordial follicle activation. Protein expression of AMPK‐Hippo‐YAP and AMPK‐mTOR pathway was investigated under glucose starvation and optimal glucose level treatment. Then, ovaries were treated with AICAR or Compound C in vitro to explore the effect of AMPK activation or inhibition on primordial follicle activation, and the changes of AMPK‐Hippo‐YAP and AMPK‐mTOR signaling pathways. Finally, investigated the signaling pathways affected by glucose potentially affecting the primordial follicle activation in vivo.

Results

The glucose was an essential nutrient for primordial follicle activation and we identified 25 mM glucose as the optimal level (P < .05) for the primordial follicle activation in vitro. The glycolysis pathway was involved in primordial follicle activation (P < .05) of ovaries cultured in vitro. The glucose affected the activation of primordial follicles in vitro through AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway by AMPK activation or inhibition treatment and follicle ratio count (P < .05). Moreover, glucose affected the primordial follicle activation of ovary in vivo via mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that glucose affects the primordial follicle activation through the AMPK/mTOR rather than the AMPK/Hippo signaling pathway.
PAINT: Priority aware interference mitigation techniques for improving coexistence in home area networks of smart grid
Authors: Nahar Badrun , Roy Jaya , Karmaker Amit , Craig Andrew , Alam Mohammad Shah
Published: July 2020

As smart grid (SG) home area networks (HANs) communicate with various smart devices such as meters, sensors, and actuators on a 2.4‐GHz unlicensed band, the coexistence of different wireless technologies in such networks is a common phenomenon due to the overlapping of channels. In this research, homogeneous and heterogeneous interference are considered to address the coexistence problem in smart utility networks (SUNs). The homogeneous interference is mitigated by utilizing the contention free period (CFP) and the contention access period (CAP) of the MAC layer superframe of IEEE 802.15.4g designed for SUNs. This frame is used to get access for the channel. For this, a slotted CSMA/CA algorithm is used for various priority levels of data with adjustable backoff period (BP) and clear channel assessment (CCA) period in order that nodes (devices) with high priority can achieve high probability of channel access. By modeling the proposed scheme using the Markov chain, the exactness of the proposed scheme is assessed based on throughput, channel access delay, energy consumption per bit, and probability of successful data transmission and collision. A performance evaluation of the proposed scheme is further investigated by comparing it with the existing scheme PA‐MAC. In addition, a channel switching mechanism is explored to mitigate the heterogeneous interference with the help of a Naive Bayes classifier prediction. Finally, the prediction indicates that by choosing the non‐coexisting and the non‐overlapping channel, the proposed channel switching mechanism effectively mitigates the heterogeneous interference.
Integrated and diurnal indices of maternal pregnancy cortisol in relation to sex‐specific parasympathetic responsivity to stress in infants
Authors: Cowell Whitney , Khoury Jennifer E. , Petty Carter R. , Day Helen E. , Benítez Brian E. , Cunningham Molly K. , Schulz Stefan M. , Ritz Thomas , Wright Rosalind J. , Enlow Michelle Bosquet
Published: July 2020

Maternal hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity may prenatally program sex‐specific stress‐response pathways. We investigated associations between maternal cortisol during pregnancy and infant parasympathetic responsivity to stress among 204 mother–infant pairs. Cortisol indices included 3rd trimester hair cortisol, as well as diurnal slope and area under the curve, derived from saliva samples collected during pregnancy. Mother–infant dyads participated in the Repeated Still‐Face Paradigm (SFP‐R) at age 6 months. We calculated respiration‐adjusted respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSAc), an indicator of parasympathetic activation, from infant respiration and cardiac activity measured during the SFP‐R. We used multivariable linear mixed models to examine each cortisol index in relation to infant RSAc and investigated sex differences using cross‐product terms. Diurnal cortisol indices were not associated with RSAc. There was no association between hair cortisol and baseline RSAc. However, hair cortisol was associated with sex‐specific changes in RSAc over the SFP‐R such that, among girls, parasympathetic withdrawal was reduced with increasing prenatal exposure to cortisol. Consistently higher levels of prenatal cortisol exposure may lead to dampened parasympathetic responsivity to stress during infancy, particularly among girls. Maternal hair cortisol may be particularly valuable for studying the effects of prenatal cortisol exposure on infant autonomic reactivity.
Promote social justice for students with multiple marginalized identities
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: July 2020

The social justice implications of disability services are taking on added visibility amid the call to action on racism. Autumn Wilke, Assistant Dean for Disability Resources at Grinnell College and co‐author of Disability in Higher Education: A Social Justice Approach, discussed how disability services can promote equity for individuals with multiple marginalized identities.
Consider ways to support students with ASD during the pandemic
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2020

When classes went online this spring, programs for students on the spectrum had to quickly move to remote operations as well. Review what officials at the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst and the Mosaic Program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga did to keep student support at a high level during the pandemic. Whether your institution has a program for students with ASD or not, their strategies could work for you.
Estimating abundance with interruptions in data collection using open population spatial capture–recapture models
Authors: Milleret Cyril , Dupont Pierre , Chipperfield Joseph , Turek Daniel , Brøseth Henrik , Gimenez Olivier , de Valpine Perry , Bischof Richard
Published: July 2020

The estimation of population size remains one of the primary goals and challenges in ecology and provides a basis for debate and policy in wildlife management. Despite the development of efficient noninvasive sampling methods and robust statistical tools to estimate abundance, the maintenance of field sampling is still subject to economic and logistic constraints. These can result in intentional or unintentional interruptions in sampling and cause gaps in data time series, posing a challenge to abundance estimation, and ultimately conservation and management decisions. We applied an open population spatial capture–recapture (OPSCR) model to simulations and a real‐life case study to test the reliability of abundance inference to interruptions in data collection. Using individual detections occurring over consecutive sampling occasions, OPSCR models allow the estimation of abundance while accounting for lack of demographic and geographic closure between occasions. First, we simulated sampling data with interruptions in field sampling of different lengths and timing and checked the performance of an OPSCR model in deriving abundance for species with slow and intermediate life‐history strategies. Next, we introduced artificial sampling interruptions of various magnitudes and timing to a five‐year noninvasive monitoring data set of wolverines (Gulo gulo) in Norway and quantified the consequences for OPSCR model predictions. Inferences from OPSCR models were reliable even with temporal interruptions in monitoring. Interruption did not cause systematic bias, but increased uncertainty. Interruptions occurring at occasions near the beginning and the end of the sampling period caused higher uncertainty. The loss in precision was more severe for species with a faster life‐history strategy. OPSCR allows monitoring studies to provide contiguous abundance estimates to managers, stakeholders, and policy makers even when data are noncontiguous. OPSCR models do not only help cope with unintentional interruptions during sampling but also offer opportunities for using intentional sampling interruptions during the design of cost‐effective population surveys.
Population‐level monitoring of stress in grizzly bears between 2004 and 2014
Authors: Wilson Abbey E. , Kearney Sean , Wismer Dan , Macbeth Bryan , Stenhouse Gordon , Coops Nicholas C. , Janz David M.
Published: July 2020

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in west‐central Alberta occupy an increasingly human‐dominated landscape. Natural resource extraction activities are hypothesized to increase stress in animals that reside in such changing landscapes by influencing habitat and resource availability. Our study aimed to determine whether stress, represented by hair cortisol concentration (HCC), was associated with variables related to landscape conditions in a population that increased by 7% annually from 2004 to 2014. Hair samples (n = 157) were collected using barbwire hair snags placed throughout the Yellowhead bear management area in Alberta, Canada. Candidate models were developed a priori representing hypotheses related to biologically and ecologically plausible relationships between HCC and landscape variables. Generalized linear model analysis with landscape attributes representing anthropogenic disturbance, food resource availability, and terrain conditions was used to determine potential drivers of HCC. We found support (ΔAICc ≤ 2.00) for three models that included variables from each hypothesis. Anthropogenic variables had the greatest impact on HCC; increasing oil and gas well‐site density resulted in reduced HCC, while increasing distance to coal mines resulted in elevated HCC. Hair cortisol concentration also increased as forest crown closure became more variable, while HCC decreased as the soil wetness (represented by compound topographic index) increased. Some forms of anthropogenic disturbance have been linked to increased food availability for this species. Therefore, we suggest that changes in landscape conditions from 2004 to 2014 may have indirectly increased food abundance and ultimately resulted in a reduction in HCC at a population level during this time period. Measuring HCC provides a non‐invasive and important monitoring strategy to assess the impact of environmental change on residing species and should be considered in landscape management decisions.
Trajectories of post‐surgical pain in infants admitted to neonatal intensive care
Authors: Ilhan Emre , Galea Claire , Pacey Verity , Brown Laura , Spence Kaye , Halliday Robert , Hush Julia M.
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study was (a) to statistically identify distinct trajectories of pain following surgery in infants less than 6 months of age, and (b) to compare these trajectories to descriptions of chronic pain in infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record review of infants admitted to a NICU between 2008 and 2018 following surgery. All infants who underwent one major procedure to the abdomen or thorax and returned to the NICU following surgery were included. Pain was assessed regularly using a validated Pain Assessment Tool. Group‐based trajectory analysis was used to determine the trajectory of recovery from pain following surgery.

Results

A total of 726 infants were included in the study. A two‐group trajectory model, defined as typical and atypical pain trajectories, was selected. The typical group (n = 467) consisted of infants who had significantly fewer days (1.5 ± 2.3 vs 5.3 ± 5.5, p < .001) and recorded instances of pain (2.0 ± 3.4 vs 9.7 ± 10.5, p < .001) compared to infants in the atypical group (n = 259). The incidence of iatrogenic neonatal abstinence syndrome was greater in the atypical than the typical group (11% vs 5%, p = .001).

Conclusions

This study has revealed two distinct pain trajectories in infants after surgery. While recovery from pain occurs within days in the typical group, the atypical group demonstrates pain for a significantly longer period, often weeks and months following surgery. This latter group adheres closely to current descriptions of chronic pain in infants.
Reaction of ethylene over a typical Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis Co/TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Tshwaku Mgcini , Yao Yali , Chang Jianli , Lu Xiaojun , Liu Xinying , Hildebrandt Diane
Published: July 2020

In order to identify the potential reaction paths of C2H4 and their product distribution in Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS), a series of experiments were designed over a Co/TiO2 catalyst in the absence of CO. C2H4 did quickly react with H2 to produce C1‐6 products under Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) reaction conditions. Although the dominant reaction is C2H4 hydrogenation to ethane, changing the reaction conditions (temperature and partial pressure of reactants) can lead to the other reaction pathways being enhanced, resulting in varying product selectivity to both linear and branch olefins and paraffins. Possible reaction pathways had been summarized and discussed, which including C2H4 reaction to ethylidene followed by dimerization; C2H4 insertion into C2 surface species and dimerization and C4 decomposition and/or direct C2 hydrogenolysis. Furthermore, the products obtained from C2H4 reactions were fit to a typical FTS product distribution, which indicate that both the chain growth initiators and monomers are not necessarily only derived from hydrogenation of CO but also from the secondary reactions of olefins.
Climatic and structural controls on Late‐glacial and Holocene rockfall occurrence in high‐elevated rock walls of the Mont Blanc massif (Western Alps)
Authors: Gallach Xavi , Carcaillet Julien , Ravanel Ludovic , Deline Philip , Ogier Christophe , Rossi Magali , Malet Emmanuel , Garcia‐Sellés David
Published: July 2020

In the Mont Blanc massif (European Western Alps), rockfalls are one of the main natural hazards for alpinists and infrastructure. Rockfall activity after the Little Ice Age is well documented. An increase in frequency during the last three decades is related to permafrost degradation caused by rising air temperatures. In order to understand whether climate exerts a long‐term control on rockfall occurrence, a selection of paleo‐rockfall scars was dated in the Glacier du Géant basin [>3200 m above sea level (a.s.l.)] using terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides. Rockfall occurrence was compared to different climatic and glacial proxies.

This study presents 55 new samples (including replicates) and 25 previously‐published ages from nine sampling sites. In total, 62 dated rockfall events display ages ranging from 0.03 ± 0.02 ka to 88.40 ± 7.60 ka. Holocene ages and their uncertainties were used to perform a Kernel density function into a continuous dataset displaying rockfall probability per 100 years. Results highlight four Holocene periods of enhanced rockfall occurrence: (i) c. 7–5.7 ka, related to the Holocene Warm Periods; (ii) c. 4.5–4 ka, related to the Sub‐boreal Warm Period; (iii) c. 2.3–1.6 ka, related to the Roman Warm Period; and (iv) c. 0.9–0.3 ka, related to the Medieval Warm Period and beginning of the Little Ice Age.

Laser and photogrammetric three‐dimensional (3D) models of the rock walls were produced to reconstruct the detached volumes from the best‐preserved rockfall scars (≤0.91 ± 0.12 ka). A structural study was carried out at the scale of the Glacier du Géant basin using aerial photographs, and at the scale of four selected rock walls using the 3D models. Two main vertical and one horizontal fracture sets were identified. They correspond respectively to alpine shear zones and veins opened‐up during long‐term exhumation of the Mont Blanc massif.

Our study confirms that climate primarily controls rockfall occurrence, and that structural settings, coincident at both the massif and the rock wall scales, control the rock‐wall shapes as well as the geometry and volume of the rockfall events. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of bio‐based intumescent flame retardant and its application in polyurethane
Authors: Xing Yalin , Li YanQiu , Lin Zhaojun , Ma Xiao , Qu Hao , Fan Ruilan
Published: July 2020

A novel bio‐based P‐N containing intumescent flame retardant melamine starch phytate (PSTM) was prepared via the reaction of phytic acid starch ester with melamine and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of PSTM on thermal properties and flammability of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were analyzed by TGA, limit oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning tests (UL‐94) and cone calorimeter measurement. The TGA results demonstrated that the thermal stabilities of PU/PSTM foam at high temperature was enhanced with the increasing additive amount of PSTM. The results showed that PU foam with 30 php PSTM (PU/PSTM‐30%) observed an LOI value of 25.9 and a UL‐94 rating of V‐0. Cone calorimetry data showed that peak heat release rate, total heat release and smoke production rate of PU/PSTM‐30% were distinctly lower than that of pure PU. Further experimental results demonstrated that PSTM promotes well charring of PU which could protect the foam from combustion. This work developed a novel bio‐based intumescent flame retardant by suing phytic acid and starch as the acid source and carbon source, respectively, which is of great significance to the preparation of environmental‐friendly flame retardants.
Detection of tetraploidization in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Insights and pitfalls
Authors: Di Mauro Ilaria , Ambrosetti Damien , Vignot Louis , Roussel Jean‐François , Dadone‐Montaudie Bérengère , Peyron Annie‐Claude , Quintens Hervé , Durand Matthieu , Amiel Jean , Pedeutour Florence
Published: July 2020

Chromosomal losses resulting in a marked hypodiploidy are a specificity of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC), the third most frequent type of kidney cancer. Its detection is useful in challenging cases. However some ChRCC, especially the eosinophilic variant, do not exhibit hypodiploidy and deserve to be better explored. Using comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) we observed chromosomal gains in five cases of nonmetastatic ChRCC. Our objective was to determine whether these apparent chromosomal gains were instead losses within a near‐polyploid genome. We performed a retrospective and prospective molecular study of 26 cases of ChRCC retrieved among 643 renal tumors (2012‐2019). All tumors were analyzed using array‐CGH (Agilent) and array‐CGH (Affymetrix) coupled to single nucleotide polymorphism analysis (array‐SNP). In silico manual centralization of the fluorescence ratio, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next generation sequencing were made in the five cases suspected of polyploidy. Tetraploidization was observed in 19% of our series of ChRCC. None of the methods used individually could identify both chromosomal losses and tetraploidy. Only the combination of manual recentring of array‐CGH and FISH provided relevant results. B‐allele frequency results indicated that tetraploidization occurred secondarily to chromosomal losses in four cases while it preceded losses in one case. Tetraploidization is a frequent but underestimated phenomenon in ChRCC that may be overlooked using the individual standard genomic methods. Its potential clinical consequences are not identified yet. Whether the mechanisms that induce chromosomal losses in ChRCC are the same that generate tetraploidization is not known.
Schwann cell p75 neurotrophin receptor modulates small fiber degeneration in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Gonçalves Nádia P. , Jager Sara E. , Richner Mette , Murray Simon S. , Mohseni Simin , Jensen Troels S. , Vægter Christian B.
Published: July 2020

Diabetic neuropathy has an incidence as high as 50% of diabetic patients and is characterized by damage to neurons, Schwann cells and blood vessels within the peripheral nervous system. The low‐affinity neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR), particularly expressed by the Schwann cells in the peripheral nerve, has previously been reported to play a role in developmental myelination and cell survival/death. Increased levels of p75NTR, in the endoneurium and plasma from diabetic patients and rodent models of disease, have been observed, proposing that this receptor might be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, in this study, we addressed this hypothesis by utilizing a mouse model of selective nerve growth factor receptor (Ngfr) deletion in Schwann cells (SC‐p75NTR‐KO). Electron microscopy of sciatic nerves from mice with high fat diet induced obesity demonstrated how loss of Schwann cell–p75NTR aggravated axonal atrophy and loss of C‐fibers. RNA sequencing disclosed several pre‐clinical signaling alterations in the diabetic peripheral nerves, dependent on Schwann cell p75NTR signaling, specially related with lysosome, phagosome, and immune pathways. Morphological and biochemical analyses identified abundant lysosomes and autophagosomes in the C‐fiber axoplasm of the diabetic SC‐p75NTR‐KO nerves, which together with increased Cathepsin B protein levels corroborates gene upregulation from the phagolysosomal pathways. Altogether, this study demonstrates that Schwann cell p75NTR deficiency amplifies diabetic neuropathy disease by triggering overactivation of immune‐related pathways and increased lysosomal stress.
Hazardous or not? Cannabis use and early labor market experiences of young men
Authors: Williams Jenny , van Ours Jan C.
Published: July 2020

We study the relationship between cannabis use and early labor market experiences of young men, focusing on the time it takes them to find their first job, and the wage rate they receive at that job. We find that early cannabis users accept job offers more quickly and at a lower wage rate compared with otherwise similar males who did not use cannabis. These differences are present only for those who use cannabis for longer than a year before starting their job search. We also find that early cannabis users are less likely to return to education and, as a consequence, will have a lower educational attainment. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the direct and indirect relationships between cannabis use and early labor market experiences.
A Model of Care Optimized for Marginalized Remote Population Unravels Migration Pattern in India
Authors: Abutaleb Ameer , Khatun Mousumi , Clement Jean , Baidya Ayana , Singh Pratibha , Datta Simanti , Ahammed Sk Mahiuddin , George Koshy , Mukherjee ParthaSarathi , Santra Amal , Neogi Suvadip , Parikh Sachin , Pillai Vivek , Kottilil Shyam , Chowdhury Abhijit
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

Access to basic health needs remains a challenge for most of world’s population. In this study, we developed a care model for preventive and disease‐specific health care for an extremely remote and marginalized population in Arunachal Pradesh, the northeasternmost state of India.

Approach and Results

We performed patient screenings, performed interviews, and obtained blood samples in remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh through a tablet‐based data collection application, which was later synced to a cloud database for storage. Positive cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) were confirmed and genotyped in our central laboratory. The blood tests performed included liver function tests, HBV serologies, and HBV genotyping. HBV vaccination was provided as appropriate. A total of 11,818 participants were interviewed, 11,572 samples collected, and 5,176 participants vaccinated from the 5 westernmost districts in Arunachal Pradesh. The overall hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was found to be 3.6% (n = 419). In total, 34.6% were hepatitis B e antigen positive (n = 145) and 25.5% had HBV DNA levels greater than 20,000 IU/mL (n = 107). Genotypic analysis showed that many patients were infected with HBV C/D recombinants. Certain tribes showed high seroprevalence, with rates of 9.8% and 6.3% in the Miji and Nishi tribes, respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg in individuals who reported medical injections was 3.5%, lower than the overall prevalence of HBV.

Conclusions

Our unique, simplistic model of care was able to link a highly resource‐limited population to screening, preventive vaccination, follow‐up therapeutic care, and molecular epidemiology to define the migratory nature of the population and disease using an electronic platform. This model of care can be applied to other similar settings globally.
Contemporary Issues in Women’s Health
Authors: Geary Michael , Chibwesha Carla , Stringer Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with COVID‐19 in Wuhan, China;

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and pregnancy.
Optimal spectrum and power allocation using evolutionary algorithms for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Anumandla Kiran Kumar , Sabat Samrat L. , Peesapati Rangababu , A.V. Prabu , Dabbakuti J. R. K. Kumar , Rout Ranjita
Published: July 2020

Cognitive radio is a promising technology for efficient spectrum utilization. It explores dynamic spectrum access features while satisfying interference constraints. In this work, a joint power and spectrum allocation algorithm is proposed to maximize the cognitive network throughput while satisfying interference constraints of both primary and secondary users in the network. Evolutionary algorithms are used to solve the joint power and spectrum allocation problem. Furthermore, the algorithmic performance is compared in terms of quality of solution. And also we optimized the maximum utilization of the network and capacity of each user simultaneously by using Multi‐Objective Differential Evolution (MODE) and Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II). Simulation results show that the pareto optimal fronts provide the trade‐off solutions between total network utilization and individual sum capacity of user.
Evaluation of a telehealth parent training program in teaching self‐care skills to children with autism
Authors: Boutain Ariana R. , Sheldon Jan B. , Sherman James A.
Published: July 2020

The present study used synchronous video conferencing to remotely deliver a behavioral skills training‐based (BST) parent training program to 3 parents of children with autism in the family home. Parents were taught to implement graduated guidance to teach their children several important self‐care skills. Parents did not correctly implement graduated guidance after receiving detailed written instructions only. After parents received the BST parent training package, however, all parents implemented graduated guidance with near‐perfect levels of fidelity, and all children completed the targeted self‐care skills with substantially higher levels of accuracy and independence. Furthermore, parents reported high levels of satisfaction with graduated guidance, the telehealth BST training package, and their children's ability to complete self‐care skills.