bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building [UIV70(OH)36(O)64]4− Oxocluster Frameworks with Sulfate, Transition Metals, and UV
Authors: Colliard Ian , Nyman May
Published: July 2020

Uranium(IV) oxide clusters, colloids, and materials are designed and studied for 1) nuclear materials applications, 2) understanding the environmental fate and transport of actinides, and 3) exploring the complex bonding behavior of open‐shell f‐elements. UIV‐oxyhydroxsulfate clusters are particularly relevant in industrial processes and in nature. Recent studies have shown that counter‐cations to these polynuclear anions differentiate rich structural topologies in the solid‐state. Herein, we present nine different structures with wheel‐shaped [U70(OH)36(O)64(SO4)60]4− (U70) linked into one‐ and two‐dimensional frameworks with sulfate, divalent transition metals (CrII, FeII, CoII, NiII) and UV. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering of these phases dissolved in butylamine reveals differing supramolecular assembly of U70 clusters, controlled primarily by sulfates. However, observed trends in transition metal linking guide future design of U70 materials with different topologies. Finally, U70 linking via UIV‐O‐UV‐O‐UIV bridges presents a rare example of mixed‐oxidation‐state uranium oxides without disorder.
SAR Studies of the Leupyrrins: Design and Total Synthesis of Highly Potent Simplified Leupylogs
Authors: Wosniok Paul R. , Knopf Christopher , Dreisigacker Sandra , Orozco‐Rodriguez J. Manuel , Hinkelmann Bettina , Mueller Peter P. , Brönstrup Mark , Menche Dirk
Published: July 2020

Leupyrrins are highly potent antifungal agents. A structure–activity‐relationship study of natural and synthetic derivatives is reported which reveals important insights into the biological relevance of several structural subunits leading to the discovery of highly potent but drastically simplified leupylogs that incorporate a stable and readily available aromatic side chain. For their synthesis a concise strategy is described that enables a short and versatile access.
Adjoin: A causal consistency model based on the adjacency list in a distributed system
Authors: Tian Junfeng , Pang Yanan
Published: July 2020

Data consistency is a critical topic in distributed systems. In existing consistency models, causal consistency has attracted a significant amount of attention because it can satisfy high‐performance requirements even in the presence of network partitions. At present, most of the causal consistency models face a tradeoff between throughput and update visibility. Simultaneously, they cannot take full advantage of partial geo‐replication. To resolve the problems, this paper proposes a causal consistency model that supports partial replication using the adjacency list, called Adjoin. In Adjoin, each data center (DC) stores only a subset of the full data, by reading adjacency relationships, and the relevant nodes quickly reach synchronization. We also introduce the Adjacency Stable Vector and Adjacency Dependency Set to capture causality, which reduces the system storage overhead. We evaluate Adjoin with different workloads on a cloud platform using multiple sites. The results show that Adjoin has good performance in terms of throughput and update visibility compared with previous causal consistency models.
Farm Management Competition Provides Impact for Researchers, Producers, and Industry Partners
Authors: Ernst Matt
Published: July 2020

An interactive, real‐life farm management competition at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is attracting committed participation from producers and industry all while generating a slew of data researchers can use to evaluate and compare impacts of multivariable crop management decisions. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/844.
Capacitor‐less induction heating system with self‐resonant bifilar coil
Authors: Vishnuram Pradeep , Ramachandiran Gunabalan
Published: July 2020

In this work, a capacitor‐less self‐resonating coil‐based induction heating (IH) system with magnetic resonant coupling has been proposed. In the conventional heating system, the inclusion of additional capacitor for creating the resonance results in poor efficiency of overall system. To overcome this issue, a bifilar coil system is implemented, which leads to series resonance at a particular frequency. The key mechanism is self‐resonance wireless power transfer concept to IH system; hence, no capacitor is needed in the system. The coil has a series association of the coil inductance and capacitance at the resonant operating condition. A mathematical modeling and steady state analysis is performed for the conventional (solenoidal) coil and bifilar coil to estimate the actual value of the capacitance and inductance of the coil. The performance of the bifilar coil system is tested through COMSOL multiphysics simulation tool and parameters like eddy current, magnetic flux, and temperature distribution in the work piece are analyzed. The experimental setup of the bifilar coil‐aided IH system is implemented with PIC16F877A microcontroller, and FLIR thermal imager is used to analyze the temperature distribution on the work piece. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results, and the bifilar coil system provides a promising solution.
Synthesis and characterization of high‐purity N,N‐dimethyltryptamine hemifumarate for human clinical trials
Authors: Cozzi Nicholas V. , Daley Paul F.
Published: July 2020

Since 2006, there has been a resurgent interest in the pharmacology and therapeutics of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin, the 4‐phosphoryl ester of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT), has been studied most often, but DMT itself is also appealing because of its brief but profound psychological effects and its presence as an endogenous substance in mammalian brain. Although there have been a few studies of ayahuasca, a DMT‐containing water infusion, only one human study with pure DMT has been reported since the early 2000s. Newly planned clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of DMT in humans with major depressive disorders require high‐purity water‐soluble DMT for intravenous administration. Accordingly, we synthesized and characterized DMT hemifumarate for these upcoming studies. The synthetic approach of Speeter and Anthony was slightly modified to gain some efficiency in time. In particular, this is the first known report to use aluminum hydride, generated in situ from lithium aluminum hydride, to reduce the intermediate 2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐oxoacetamide to DMT. A quench protocol was developed to produce a good yield of exceptionally pure free base DMT upon workup, which was then converted to the hemifumarate salt. Analysis of the final product included differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatography, residual solvent analysis by GC headspace sampling, X‐ray powder diffraction analysis, and residual lithium analysis by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. The DMT hemifumarate was minimally 99.9% pure, with no significant impurities or residual solvents, thus meeting regulatory standards for administration to humans.
Diet of a rare herbivore based on DNA metabarcoding of feces: Selection, seasonality, and survival
Authors: Goldberg Amanda R. , Conway Courtney J. , Tank David C. , Andrews Kimberly R. , Gour Digpal S. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: July 2020

In herbivores, survival and reproduction are influenced by quality and quantity of forage, and hence, diet and foraging behavior are the foundation of an herbivore's life history strategy. Given the importance of diet to most herbivores, it is imperative that we know the species of plants they prefer, especially for herbivorous species that are at risk for extinction. However, it is often difficult to identify the diet of small herbivores because: (a) They are difficult to observe, (b) collecting stomach contents requires sacrificing animals, and (c) microhistology requires accurately identifying taxa from partially digested plant fragments and likely overemphasizes less‐digestible taxa. The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened in the United States under the Endangered Species Act. We used DNA metabarcoding techniques to identify the diet of 188 squirrels at 11 study sites from fecal samples. We identified 42 families, 126 genera, and 120 species of plants in the squirrel's diet. Our use of three gene regions was beneficial because reliance on only one gene region (e.g., only trnL) would have caused us to miss >30% of the taxa in their diet. Northern Idaho ground squirrel diet differed between spring and summer, frequency of many plants in the diet differed from their frequency within their foraging areas (evidence of selective foraging), and several plant genera in their diet were associated with survival. Our results suggest that while these squirrels are generalists (they consume a wide variety of plant species), they are also selective and do not eat plants relative to availability. Consumption of particular genera such as Perideridia may be associated with higher overwinter survival.
N‐Heterocyclic Phosphido Complexes of Rhodium Supported by a Rigid Pincer Ligand
Authors: Hatzis Gillian P. , Oliemuller Leah K. , Dickie Diane A. , Thomas Christine M.
Published: July 2020

The diphosphine, N‐heterocyclic phosphenium/phosphido (NHP+)/(NHP–)‐containing ligand (PPP+/–) has been coordinated to rhodium to study the coordination chemistry of group 9 metals and NHP+/– fragments. Addition of the chlorophosphine ligand PPClP to [Rh(COD)Cl]2 produces the complex (PPClP)RhCl (2), which can be reduced to form (PPP)Rh(PMePh2) (3), the asymmetric dimer [(PPP)Rh]2 (4), and the asymmetric dimer [(PPP)Rh(CNtBu)]2 (5). Analysis of the solid‐state structures and computational studies have provided insight into the electronic structure and bonding in 3–5, revealing that the NHP+/– fragments in 3, 4, and 5 are best described using an NHP–/RhI description. Both 3 and 5 were found to be reactive towards the S–H bond of thiophenol, generating (PPP)RhSPh (6) and (PPP)Rh(SPh)(CNtBu) (7), respectively.
Zinc Phosphate Nanoparticles Produced in Saliva
Authors: Saloga Patrick E. J. , Smales Glen J. , Clark Adam H. , Thünemann Andreas F.
Published: July 2020

This paper reports the formation of zinc phosphate nanoparticles from the artificial digestion of zinc chloride. Initially, the formation of amorphous primary particles with a mean radius of 1.1 nm is observed, alongside the formation of larger, protein stabilized aggregates. These aggregates, with a radius of gyration of 37 nm, are observed after 5 minutes of exposure to artificial saliva and are shown to be colloidally stable for a minimum time of two weeks. The initially formed primary particles are thought to consist of amorphous zinc phosphate, which is then transformed into crystalline Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O over the course of two weeks. Our results demonstrate that the interaction of inorganic salts with bodily fluids can induce the formation of de novo nanoparticles, which in turn, provides insights into how zinc‐enriched foods may also facilitate the formation of nanoparticles upon contact with saliva. As such, this may be considered as an undesirable (bio)mineralization.
A Total Synthesis of (±)‐Ceratopicanol via Palladium Catalyzed Reductive Cyclization
Authors: Kim Rira , Lee Sanghyeon , Lee Jaeyeon , Lee Hee‐Yoon
Published: July 2020

An efficient total synthesis of ceratopicanol was achieved through successive Pd catalyzed reductive cycloaddition and cyclization reactions. The Pd mediated cyclization reaction to form a triquinane structure demonstrated that a small structural difference changed the reaction pathway either to form different structures or reduced non‐cyclized product depending on the reaction conditions.
Modeling transient fluid simulations with proper orthogonal decomposition and machine learning
Authors: Ooi Chinchun , Le Quang Tuyen , Dao My Ha , Nguyen Van Bo , Nguyen Hoang Huy , Ba Te
Published: July 2020

In this work, we present the results obtained from integrating several machine learning (ML) models with projection‐based reduced order model for modeling the canonical case of flow past a stationary cylinder. We demonstrate how ML models can be used to model the time‐varying characteristics of the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) coefficients, and that the locally interpolating models such as regression trees and k‐nearest neighbors seem to be better for such models than other models like support vector regression or long‐short term memory networks. In addition, our numerical experiments also show that these POD coefficients are most effectively modeled by using their own previous time values, as opposed to the inclusion of high energy POD modes. Last but not least, we demonstrate that these models, although trained on inlet velocities of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 m/s, can still predict the POD coefficients of flow fields for inlet velocities of 0.9 and 1.25 m/s, with root mean squared error of under 10%.
Safety assessment of fermented jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) pulp and leaves in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Sabidi Sarah , Koh Soo Peng , Abd Shukor Shazwan , Adzni Sharifudin Shaiful , Sew Yun Shin
Published: July 2020

Fermented jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) extracts were produced using pure symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) under controlled fermentation process. Both female and male Sprague‐Dawley rats were orally administrated with 4,000 mg/kg of fermented jackfruit pulp and leaves extracts for 28 consecutive days. Body weight of rats was recorded at 1‐week interval until necropsy day. There was no mortality reported along the experiment with no significant differences (p > .05) record among organ histopathology and blood biochemical parameters in treated groups when compared to control group. Interestingly, there were significant differences (p < .05) in the lower body weight gained of treated rats groups as opposed to control group, indicating the potential anti‐obesity effect of fermented jackfruit extracts. In conclusion, no toxicity symptoms were observed in 28 days oral administration toxicity study of fermented jackfruit pulp and leaves extracts in Sprague‐Dawley rats for both sexes.
Evaluation of population stratification adjustment using genome‐wide or exonic variants
Authors: Chen Yuning , Peloso Gina M. , Liu Ching‐Ti , DeStefano Anita L. , Dupuis Josée
Published: July 2020

Population stratification may cause an inflated type‐I error and spurious association when assessing the association between genetic variations with an outcome. Many genetic association studies are now using exonic variants, which captures only 1% of the genome, however, population stratification adjustments have not been evaluated in the context of exonic variants. We compare the performance of two established approaches: principal components analysis (PCA) and mixed‐effects models and assess the utility of genome‐wide (GW) and exonic variants, by simulation and using a data set from the Framingham Heart Study. Our results illustrate that although the PCs and genetic relationship matrices computed by GW and exonic markers are different, the type‐I error rate of association tests for common variants with additive effect appear to be properly controlled in the presence of population stratification. In addition, by considering single nucleotide variants (SNVs) that have different levels of confounding by population stratification, we also compare the power across multiple association approaches to account for population stratification such as PC‐based corrections and mixed‐effects models. We find that while these two methods achieve a similar power for SNVs that have a low or medium level of confounding by population stratification, mixed‐effects model can reach a higher power for SNVs highly confounded by population stratification.
Clinical utility of apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging for resectability assessment of head and neck tumors with skull base invasion
Authors: Ogawa Takenori , Kojima Ikuho , Wakamori Shun , Yoshida Takuya , Murata Takaki , Sakamoto Maya , Ohkoshi Akira , Nakanome Ayako , Endo Hidenori , Endo Toshiki , Usubuchi Hajime , Katori Yukio
Published: July 2020

Background

The usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in the detection of malignant tumors has been reported. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of ADC and DWI for diagnosis of skull base tumors.

Methods

A total of 27 patients with head and neck tumors with skull base invasions undergoing skull base surgery were enrolled in this study. Pathological findings of dural invasion and bone invasion were compared with the diagnostic imaging.

Results

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques revealed that ADC values in regions of pathological bone and dural invasions were significantly lower than in regions of no invasion. The area under the curve of ADC in bone invasions and dural invasions were 0.957 and 0.894, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that ADC and DWI are useful tools for the diagnosis of head and neck tumors with skull base invasion.
Illumination normalized based technique for retinal blood vessel segmentation
Authors: Dash Sonali , Senapati Manas Ranjan , Sahu Pradip Kumar , Chowdary P. S. R.
Published: July 2020

The Retinal image carries important information about the health of the sensory part of the visual system. In this paper, a new approach is suggested by utilizing the homomorphic filter integrated with Contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) method for the illumination normalization and contrast enhancement of the retinal images. Then segmentation is done through several steps by using the existing methods such as morphological filtering, a second derivative operator that is followed by a final morphological filtering stage and hysteresis thresholding. The suggested method is verified on DRIVE and CHASE‐DB1 databases and has average accuracy of 72.03% and 64.54%, accordingly. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approaches achieve higher accuracy than the traditional method. The suggested approach not only contributes to the successful result, but also minimizes the computing time.
Use of a common European approach for nanomaterials’ testing to support regulation: a case study on titanium and silicon dioxide representative nanomaterials
Authors: Zijno Andrea , Cavallo Delia , Di Felice Gabriella , Ponti Jessica , Barletta Bianca , Butteroni Cinzia , Corinti Silvia , De Berardis Barbara , Palamides Jessica , Ursini Cinzia L. , Fresegna Anna M. , Ciervo Aureliano , Maiello Raffele , Barone Flavia
Published: July 2020

The European Union (EU) continuously takes ensuring the safe use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) in consumer products into consideration. The application of a common approach for testing MNMs, including the use of optimized protocols and methods’ selection, becomes increasingly important to obtain reliable and comparable results supporting the regulatory framework. In the present study, we tested four representative MNMs, two titanium dioxides (NM100 and NM101) and two silicon dioxides (NM200 and NM203), using the EU FP7‐NANoREG approach, starting from suspension and dispersion preparations, through to their characterization and final evaluation of biological effects. MNM dispersions were prepared following a refined NANOGENOTOX protocol and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in water/bovine serum albumin and in media used for in vitro testing. Potential genotoxic effects were evaluated on human bronchial BEAS‐2B cells using micronucleus and Comet assays, and pro‐inflammatory effects by cytokines release. Murine macrophages RAW 264.7 were used to detect potential innate immune responses using two functional endpoints (pro‐inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide [NO] production). The interaction of MNMs with RAW 264.7 cells was studied by electron microscopy. No chromosomal damage and slight DNA damage and an oxidative effect, depending on MNMs, were observed in bronchial cells. In murine macrophages, the four MNMs directly induced tumor necrosis factor α or interleukin 6 secretion, although at very low levels; lipopolysaccharide‐induced NO production was significantly decreased by the titania and one silica MNM. The application of this approach for the evaluation of MNM biological effects could be useful for both regulators and industries.
An in vivo evaluation of induced chondrogenesis by decellularized extracellular matrix particles
Authors: Masaeli Elahe , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2020

Bioengineered scaffolds composed of synthetic materials and extracellular matrix (ECM) components can offer a tissue‐specific microenvironment capable of regulating cells to regenerate the structure and function of the native cartilage. Here, given the potential preservation of biomechanical and biochemical cues found in the native cartilage, particulate decellularized ECM (DC‐ECM) was utilized for immobilization on the surface of nanofibrous scaffolds. Afterward, the chondro‐inductive potential and ectopic cartilage formation after subcutaneous implantation of bioengineered DC‐ECM scaffolds were investigated in mice model. Eight weeks post‐implantation, no growth of considerable inflammatory response and neovascularization was observed in histological images of bioengineered DC‐ECM scaffolds. Pre‐seeded bioengineered scaffolds with human adipose‐derived stem cells exhibited high levels of chondro‐induction capability, indicated with immunohistochemical and gene expression results. In both interval times, we also observed chondrogenesis and tissue formation after implanting unseeded bioengineered scaffolds, which denote that the presence of DC‐ECM particles can even enhance attachment and migration of the host cells and induce chondrogenesis to them. To sum up, the incorporation of DC‐ECM materials to tissue engineered constructs is a promising avenue to mimic the native tissue environment for regulation of cartilage regeneration in both in vivo and in vitro settings.
Biomimetic trace metals improve bone regenerative properties of calcium phosphate bioceramics
Authors: Mansour Alaa , Abu Nada Lina , El‐hadad Amir A. , Mezour Mohamed Amine , Ersheidat Ala' , Al‐Subaie Ahmed , Moussa Hanan , Laurenti Marco , Kaartinen Mari T. , Tamimi Faleh
Published: July 2020

The bone regenerative capacity of synthetic calcium phosphates (CaPs) can be enhanced through the enrichment with selected metal trace ions. However, defining the optimal elemental composition required for bone formation is challenging due to many possible concentrations and combinations of these elements. We hypothesized that the ideal elemental composition exists in the inorganic phase of the bone extracellular matrix (ECM). To study our hypothesis, we first obtained natural hydroxyapatite through the calcination of bovine bone, which was then investigated its reactivity with acidic phosphates to produce CaP cements. Bioceramic scaffolds fabricated using these cements were assessed for their composition, properties, and in vivo regenerative performance and compared with controls. We found that natural hydroxyapatite could react with phosphoric acid to produce CaP cements with biomimetic trace metals. These cements present significantly superior in vivo bone regenerative performance compared with cements prepared using synthetic apatite. In summary, this study opens new avenues for further advancements in the field of CaP bone biomaterials by introducing a simple approach to develop biomimetic CaPs. This work also sheds light on the role of the inorganic phase of bone and its composition in defining the regenerative properties of natural bone xenografts.
Zinc deficient diet increases the toxicity of bisphenol A in rat testis
Authors: Sahu Chittaranjan , Charaya Aarzoo , Singla Shivani , Dwivedi Durgesh K. , Jena Gopabandhu
Published: July 2020

Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in maintaining the process of spermatogenesis and reproductive health. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical is known to be a reproductive toxicant in different animal models. The present study was designed to study the effect of two of the utmost determinative factors (Zn deficient condition and influence of toxicant BPA) on germ cell growth and overall male reproductive health in the testis, epididymis, and sperm using (a) biochemical, (b) antioxidant, (c) cellular damage, (d) apoptosis, and (e) protein expression measurements. Rats were divided into Control (normal feed and water), BPA (100 mg/kg/d), zinc deficient diet (ZDD; fed with ZDD), and BPA + ZDD for 8 weeks. Body and organ weights, sperm motility and counts, and sperm head morphology were evaluated. The histology of testes, epididymides, and prostate was investigated. Testicular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was evaluated by Halo and Comet assay, apoptosis of sperm and testes were quantified by TUNEL assay. Serum protein electrophoretic patterns and testicular protein expressions such as Nrf‐2, catalase, PCNA, and Keap1 were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The results showed that BPA significantly increased the testicular, epididymal, and prostrate toxicity in dietary Zn deficient condition due to testicular hypozincemia, hypogonadism, increased cellular and DNA damage, apoptosis, as well as perturbations in protein expression.
Nicotinamide attenuates cyclophosphamide‐induced hepatotoxicity in SD rats by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Patwa Jayant , Khan Sabbir , Jena Gopabandhu
Published: July 2020

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used anticancer and immunosuppressant drug. Nevertheless, clinical utilization of CP is limited due to considerable adverse effects and toxicities. Nicotinamide (NMD) is a micronutrient and the effect of NMD against CP‐induced hepatotoxicity is yet unexplored. The present study was designed to evaluate the chemoprotective effect of NMD against CP‐induced hepatic injury in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by the administration of CP (30 mg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days by intraperitoneal injection. The chemoprotective effect of NMD treatment (200 mg/kg) against CP‐induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated by the oxidative stress, liver function, histopathological changes, and DNA damage. NMD cotreatment significantly reduced CP‐induced oxidative stress, histological changes, and apoptosis in the liver. The present study demonstrated that NMD treatment ameliorated CP‐induced hepatic damage by improving the antioxidant system and reducing DNA damage. The present findings revealed that NMD supplementation might be useful to reduce CP‐associated hepatotoxicity, and thereby can increase the therapeutic utility of CP.
Long non‐coding RNA NEAT1 serves as a novel biomarker for treatment response and survival profiles via microRNA‐125a in multiple myeloma
Authors: Yu Haifeng , Peng Shuailing , Chen Xi , Han Shuiyun , Luo Jialin
Published: July 2020

Background

The present study aimed to explore the association of long non‐coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) with multiple myeloma (MM) risk and further investigate its correlation with clinical features, treatment response, survival profiles, and its interaction with microRNA‐125a (miR‐125a) in MM patients.

Methods

Totally, 114 de novo symptomatic MM patients and 30 healthy donors (as controls) were recruited. Their bone marrow samples were collected before treatment (MM patients) and at enrollment (healthy donors), respectively. Subsequently, plasma cells were isolated from bone marrow for detection of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR‐125a expression via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

lncRNA NEAT1 was upregulated in MM patients compared with healthy donors and presented with excellent value in distinguishing MM patients from healthy donors. In MM patients, lncRNA NEAT1 positively associated with International Staging System (ISS) stage, beta‐2 microglobulin (β2‐MG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), but not correlated with core cytogenetics and other clinical features. Furthermore, lncRNA NEAT1 negatively associated with complete remission (CR), overall remission rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Moreover, lncRNA NEAT1 negatively associated with miR‐125a in MM patients. MiR‐125a was downregulated in MM patients compared with healthy donors, and it negatively associated with ISS stage, β2‐MG, and LDH, but positively correlated with CR, ORR, PFS, and OS in MM patients.

Conclusion

lncRNA NEAT1 might interact with miR‐125a, and serves as a novel biomarker for treatment response and survival profiles in MM, indicating its clinical value for MM management.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Summary of modeling approaches
Authors: Giltrap Donna , Yeluripati Jagadeesh , Smith Pete , Fitton Nuala , Smith Ward , Grant Brian , Dorich Christopher D. , Deng Jia , Topp Cairistiona FE , Abdalla Mohamed , Liáng Lìyǐn L. , Snow Val
Published: July 2020

Measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agriculture are essential for understanding the complex soil–crop–climate processes, but there are practical and economic limits to the spatial and temporal extent over which measurements can be made. Therefore, N2O models have an important role to play. As models are comparatively cheap to run, they can be used to extrapolate field measurements to regional or national scales, to simulate emissions over long time periods, or to run scenarios to compare mitigation practices. Process‐based models can also be used as an aid to understanding the underlying processes, as they can simulate feedbacks and interactions that can be difficult to distinguish in the field. However, when applying models, it is important to understand the conceptual process differences in models, how conceptual understanding changed over time in various models, and the model requirements and limitations to ensure that the model is well suited to the purpose of the investigation and the type of system being simulated. The aim of this paper is to give the reader a high‐level overview of some of the important issues that should be considered when modeling. This includes conceptual understanding of widely used models, common modeling techniques such as calibration and validation, assessing model fit, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty assessment. We also review examples of N2O modeling for different purposes and describe three commonly used process‐based N2O models (APSIM, DayCent, and DNDC).
Proper‐walk connection number of graphs
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Bellitto Thomas , Yeo Anders
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the problem of proper‐walk connection number: given an undirected connected graph, our aim is to colour its edges with as few colours as possible so that there exists a properly coloured walk between every pair of vertices of the graph, that is, a walk that does not use consecutively two edges of the same colour. The problem was already solved on several classes of graphs but still open in the general case. We establish that the problem can always be solved in polynomial time in the size of the graph and we provide a characterization of the graphs that can be properly connected with colours for every possible value of .
Synthesis, reactions, and antimicrobial activity of 2‐cyano‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)benzylidene)acetohydrazide derivatives
Authors: Metwally Nadia Hanafy , Abdelrazek Fathy Mohamed , Eldaly Salwa Magdy
Published: July 2020

Knӧvenagel condensation of the starting 2‐cyano‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)‐benzylidene)acetohydrazide with different aromatic aldehydes produced the comparable arylidenes derivatives. Else way, 2‐cyano‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)‐benzylidene)‐acetohydrazide condensed with o‐hydroxybenzaldehydes affording the respective chromenes which latter underwent acid hydrolysis giving the oxo‐chromenes analogues. Moreover, the reaction of 2‐cyano‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)benzylidene)acetohydrazide with istain yielded the respective indeno[2,1‐b]furan derivative that was converted to its oxo‐analogue through acid hydrolysis. The treatment of 2‐cyano‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)benzylidene)acetohydrazide with α‐halocompounds produced the relevant thiazoles. The enamine 2‐cyano‐3‐(dimethylamino)‐N′‐(4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy)benzylidene)acrylohydrazide underwent nucleophilic substitution reaction with guanidine hydrochloride followed by heterocyclization to get the relative aminopyrimidine. Contrarily, the reaction with various 4‐arylazo‐3,5‐diaminopyrazoles provided the relative pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines. The antimicrobial investigation was carried out for some of the newly synthesized compounds using agar well diffusion method.
Determination of coeluted isomers in wine samples by application of MS/MS deconvolution analysis
Authors: Menicatti Marta , Pallecchi Marco , Ricciutelli Massimo , Galarini Roberta , Moretti Simone , Sagratini Gianni , Vittori Sauro , Lucarini Simone , Caprioli Giovanni , Bartolucci Gianluca
Published: July 2020

Two organic acids isomers, 3‐isopropylmalic acid (3‐IPMA) and 2‐isopropylmalic acid (2‐IPMA), were identified and quantified in wine samples by using an LC–MS/MS method without any chromatographic separation, but processing the MS/MS data with a recently developed deconvolution algorithm (LEDA: linear equations deconvolution analysis), thus decreasing the time necessary for the process. In particular, the LEDA tool processes the MS/MS signals and assigns the relative concentrations (abundances) of the isomers in the sample, at the mg L−1 level. The efficiency of MS/MS signal assignment was improved by introducing five linear equations to define the LEDA matrix. Then, as a novel approach, an overdetermined system of linear equations was applied for the deconvolution of isomers. The use of LEDA to identify and quantify the isomers in wine samples, together with the choice of a short LC column and a fast elution gradient, simplifies the process and shortens the time needed. Furthermore, it was evaluated the quantitative determination of the IPMA isomers by using the calibration curve provided by the precursor ion MRM transition data. The calculated values of accuracy (recovery between 82.6% and 99.8%) and precision (RSD between 0.4% and 4.0%) confirm the validity of this quantitative approach and the ability of LEDA to establish the correct percentage of the MS/MS signal for each isomer. Finally, to compare the conventional LC–MS/MS method and our proposed method of LC–MS/MS coupled with LEDA post‐processing elaboration, a series of real wine samples were analysed by both methods, and the results were compared.
Warm‐season precipitation drivers in northeastern Argentina: Diurnal cycle of the atmospheric moisture balance and land–atmosphere coupling
Authors: Giles Julián Alberto , Ruscica Romina Carla , Menéndez Claudio Guillermo
Published: July 2020

Southeastern South America is influenced by moisture transport from lower latitudes, sustains intense convective storms and is a land–atmosphere coupling hotspot, but the interconnection between these processes is still not well understood. We present the warm‐season diurnal cycle climatology of the atmospheric water balance components in the South American Low‐Level Jet (SALLJ) exit region in northeastern Argentina during 1998–2012. Different precipitation‐based types of events (clear‐sky and rainy days) were explored together with processes tied to the land–atmosphere coupling at the daily scale. Our research was based on simulations with and without soil moisture–atmosphere coupling with the RCA4 regional climate model. A control simulation was compared with a sensitivity simulation where the soil moisture was prescribed with the daily climatological values from the control run. The ERA5 reanalysis and the satellite precipitation products TRMM‐3B42 v7 and CMORPH v1.0 bias‐corrected were used for comparative purposes. From the diurnal water balance analysis, we found that moisture flux convergence in the region is the main driver for nocturnal precipitation while local evapotranspiration feeds afternoon rain events. Rainy afternoons do not show differences between simulations, but rainy nights seem to be affected. Moreover, daily correlations between surface and boundary‐layer variables showed that the local coupling is weaker during rainy days than during clear‐sky days. Therefore, we suggest that changes in non‐local drivers, such as the moisture flux through the SALLJ, are more relevant for rainy nights than the local coupling.
Who is agile? An investigation of the psychological antecedents of workforce agility
Authors: Storme Martin , Suleyman Orit , Gotlib Michel , Lubart Todd
Published: July 2020

Understanding the precursors of workforce agility is crucial for organizations that wish to detect and foster agility in their employees. This research investigates the psychological antecedents of workforce agility, and develops a scale to measure them. First, in a qualitative study, we interviewed 11 professionals to identify the core processes of workforce agility, and the psychological resources needed to support them. Second, through a quantitative study of 808 members of the US‐based Microworkers online labor market, we developed and tested our agility index, a psychometric measure of the potential for agility, which was based on the resources identified in the first study. We believe our research offers managers valuable insights into the psychological antecedents of workforce agility, which will help them assess, train, and guide employees.
Antihypertensive effect of quinoa protein under simulated gastrointestinal digestion and peptide characterization
Authors: Guo Huimin , Hao Yuqiong , Richel Aurore , Everaert Nadia , Chen Yinhuan , Liu Mengjie , Yang Xiushi , Ren Guixing
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Quinoa protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides. Although some studies have demonstrated its angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties, research into its in vivo effect on blood‐pressure regulation and peptide characterization remains limited.

RESULTS

Quinoa protein hydrolyzate (QPH) was prepared by simulated gastrointestinal digestion. QPH lowered the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in spontaneously hypertensive model rats (SHRs) from 2 h to10 h after oral administration, effectively controlling blood pressure in these SHRs. An in vitro study showed that QPH is capable of inhibiting ACE activity. This was attributed to the activity of a number of low‐molecular‐weight peptides. With relatively high scores predicted by PeptideRanker, three promising bioactive peptides, FHPFPR, NWFPLPR, and NIFRPF, were further studied and their ACE‐inhibition effects were confirmed with IC50 values of 34.92, 16.77, and 32.40 μM, respectively. A molecular docking study provided insights into the binding of ACE with peptides, and revealed that the presence of specific amino acids in the peptide sequence (Pro, Phe, and Arg at the C‐terminal, and Asn at the N‐terminal) could contribute to the interaction between ACE and peptides.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated the potential of QPH for the management of hypertension, which indicates that it could be a good candidate for inclusion in functional foods to control high blood pressure. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of atmospheric cold plasma treatment on antioxidant activities and reactive oxygen species production in postharvest blueberries during storage
Authors: Ji Yaru , Hu Wenzhong , Liao Jia , Jiang Aili , Xiu Zhilong , Gaowa Saren , Guan Yuge , Yang Xiaozhe , Feng Ke , Liu Chenghui
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Blueberry is universally acknowledged as a kind of berry rich in antioxidants. Cold plasma, an emerging non‐thermal treatment technology, has been proved to be able to maintain or improve the antioxidant level while inactivating the microorganisms on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Postharvest blueberries were treated with atmospheric cold plasma (ACP; 12 kV, 5 kHz) for 0 s (Control), 30 s (ACP‐30), 60 s (ACP‐60), and 90 s (ACP‐90) in this study, and the effects of ACP on the antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were investigated during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 40 days.

RESULTS

Total aerobic bacteria and mold populations on ACP‐treated blueberries decreased significantly in a time‐dependent manner (P < 0.05), and decreased by 0.34–1.24 and 0.57–0.87 log10CFU g−1 respectively on ACP‐60‐treated blueberries during storage. The decay rate of blueberries was decreased by 5.8–11.7% and the decrease of blueberry firmness was slowed down by ACP‐60. But the total phenol, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid contents increased, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities were enhanced in ACP‐treated blueberries. The free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) were enhanced. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) production rates declined by 27.3% and 41.3% at day 40 of storage, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that ACP may be a promising non‐thermal treatment technology for postharvest sterilization and preservation of blueberry under suitable conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural characterization of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) polysaccharides and determination of their associated antioxidant activity
Authors: Li Wenmei , Wang Yajun , Wei Hailian , Zhang Yubao , Guo Zhihong , Qiu Yang , Wen Lingrong , Xie Zhongkui
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUD

The Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) is the only Lilium species that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes in China. Its bulbs contain various bioactive substances, such as polysaccharides, saponins and colchicine. Lanzhou lily polysaccharides are known to have anti‐immunity, anti‐tumor and anti‐oxidation functions.

RESULTS

The present study used a Box–Behnken design to optimize the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides. Compared to other enzymes, trypsin significantly increased the polysaccharide yields, whereas the protein content of polysaccharides extracted with trypsin was the lowest. Monosaccharide mainly includes glucose (> 50%) and mannose (> 10%). 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides extracted with trypsin were stronger than those extracted without enzymes (control). Structural characteristics of Lanzhou lily polysaccharides extracted with trypsin and extracted without enzymes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. When water extracted polysaccharide and trypsin extracted polysaccharide concentrations were 200 μg mL–1, Raw264.7 proliferation rates were 101.69% and 159.41%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Lanzhou lily polysaccharide was identified as α‐(1 → 6)‐d‐glucan. Consequently, the effects of both potential antioxidant and proliferative activity of trypsin are significant. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of Perinatal Risk Factors for Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: West Alisha N. , Kuan Edward C. , Peng Kevin A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify medical risk factors associated with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD).

Study Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Methods

During a 2‐year period (2013–2014) patients with newly diagnosed ANSD were identified at a tertiary care facility. Twenty‐two patients (n = 22) were identified aged 0.5 to 8.1 years. There were 15 males and seven females. Sixteen had bilateral, four had left‐sided, and two had right‐sided ANSD. Two age‐matched, side‐matched, and gender‐matched control groups were then collected. The first group was 22 normal‐hearing children (n = 22). The second was 22 children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (n = 22) who did not meet the criteria for ANSD. The chart of each subject was reviewed for the following five‐predictor variables: prematurity, low birth weight, jaundice, use of mechanical ventilation, and administration of ototoxic medications. Analysis of variance was performed to analyze the prevalence of perinatal risk factors among the three groups. Multivariate linear regression was then applied.

Results

When comparing the ANSD group to both the normal‐hearing and SNHL groups, the subjects with ANSD had statistically significant higher rates of prematurity, low birth weight, jaundice, and mechanical ventilation. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of ANSD compared to each control group individually. Jaundice in the first month of life approached significance when comparing the ANSD group to the normal‐hearing group, and was the only medical risk factor found to be statistically significant when comparing the ANSD group to the SNHL group.

Conclusions

A history of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was significantly more common in children with ANSD compared to children with severe SNHL.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:671–674, 2021