bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence and degradation of Phytophthora cinnamomi DNA and RNA in different soil types
Authors: Kunadiya Manisha B. , Burgess Treena I. , A. Dunstan William , White Diane , StJ. Hardy Giles E.
Published: August 2020

DNA and RNA detected in soil using molecular techniques may originate from a living or dead organism. It is therefore of interest to know how long the DNA and RNA from a decaying organism can persist in soil, and how environmental conditions such as soil temperature, moisture, and microbial populations impact on the survival time. This study determined the difference between the persistence of Phytophthora cinnamomi mRNA and DNA in different soil types. DNA and RNA were extracted from P. cinnamomi and 10 ng/250 mg of soil was applied to five different soil types that were either air‐dried or maintained at 70% field capacity. The persistence of DNA at 20°C was tested after intervals of 0, 3, 7, 14, 90, 241, and 378 days, and for RNA at 0, 1, 3, and 7 days using qPCR and RT‐qPCR techniques, respectively. Persistence was longer in dry than moist soil, P. cinnamomi DNA could be readily detected in dry soil conditions for up to 90 days and was found at extremely low levels at 241 and 378 days. RNA was detected only on day 1, except for dry river sand, and moist sandy loam in which it persisted for 3 days; it was not detected after seven days. These results confirm that RNA degrades very quickly, making it a valuable tool for determining the presence of viable Phytophthora in soil. In contrast, DNA can be remarkably stable in some environments, and positive results could be obtained even after the death of the organism for a year or more prior to the test. For diagnostics, the use of an RNA‐based test avoids the possibility of such false positive results. In the context of the research project, this study is relevant to determining how long viable Phytophthora remains in soil after the eradication protocols have been instigated. In a broader context, the persistence of DNA is relevant to any study using environmental DNA for diagnostics or for metabarcoding when undertaking community ecology or microbiome studies. These results are relevant for studies using detection of P. cinnamomi nucleic acids in soils for purposes of diagnostics, ecological research, or projects on eradication.
Synthesis of Estolide Ester and Amide from Acetylated Polyhydroxy Estolide for Lubricant Base Oil
Authors: Hoong Seng Soi , Arniza Mohd Zan , Mariam Nek Mat Din Nik Siti , Armylisas Abu Hassan Noor , Ishak Siti Afida , Ismail Tuan Noor Maznee Tuan , Yeong Shoot Kian
Published: August 2020

Plant oil‐based lubricants are used as alternative for mainstream petroleum‐based lubricants mainly because they are known to be environmentally friendly. However, their market acceptance is limited by their high pour point and poor oxidation stability. This study presents an approach to make biodegradable lubricant from oleic acid that shows low pour point and satisfactory oxidation stability. A mixture of estolides with acetyl and hydroxy functionalities is prepared from reaction between oleic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the hydroxy groups of estolide are end‐capped with lauric acid to improve oxidation stability. Further reaction with alcohol and amine yielded estolide ester and amide, respectively. Physicochemical properties evaluation of prepared estolide ester and amide reveal that they have properties comparable to commercial samples in terms of pour point, oxidation stability, viscosity index, and antiwear. Furthermore, both estolide ester and amide are found to be readily biodegradable, which support their use as environmental friendly lubricant. Therefore, the inferior properties of plant oil‐based lubricants can be resolved by chemical modifications that yield specific estolide ester and amide with excellent properties suitable for lubricants.

Practical Applications: The prepared estolide ester and amide have good potential to be used as lubricant base oil for environmentally acceptable lubricants due to their inherent readily biodegradability nature and excellent lubricant properties.
Performance analysis of cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access with improved time switching simultaneous wireless information and power transfer protocol
Authors: Al Amin Ahmed , Young Shin Soo
Published: August 2020

In this study, improved time switching (ITS) simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT‐ITS) protocol along with cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access (CNOMA) downlink (DL) transmission are integrated (termed as CNOMA‐SWIPT‐ITS) for DL transmission. CNOMA‐SWIPT‐ITS scheme transfers information to the users and performs energy harvesting (EH) for relay operation from cell center user (CCU) to cell edge user (CEU). Furthermore, the scheme transfers different symbols using the time duration of EH at the CCU and performs cooperative relaying (CCU to CEU) to enhance the channel capacity of the users. The performance of CNOMA‐SWIPT‐ITS scheme is measured in terms of ergodic sum capacity and outage probabilities. Finally, simulation and analytical results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed scheme over conventional CNOMA based SWIPT schemes and typical orthogonal multiple access based ITS SWIPT scheme.
Radiation necrosis of the pharyngeal soft tissue: Unique clinical entity reconstructed with a previously unreported composite brachioradialis and flexor digitorum superficialis radial forearm flap
Authors: Xing Monica H. , Ansari Edward , O'Malley Quinn F. , Khorsandi Azita , Khan Mohemmed Nazir , Urken Mark L.
Published: August 2020

Background

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a versatile flap commonly used in head and neck reconstructive surgery. We describe the use of a composite RFFF that includes muscle for reconstruction of a hostile wound of the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Methods

A 54‐year‐old male with a history of recurrent right palatine tonsil HPV+ squamous cell carcinoma developed severe soft tissue necrosis of the posterior pharyngeal wall secondary to reirradiation. The defect was reconstructed with a composite RFFF that included the brachioradialis (BR) muscle and the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle.

Results

Restoration of this complex defect was successfully accomplished with minimal donor site functional deficits and satisfactory functional outcomes including decannulation and resumption of oral intake.

Conclusion

This composite RFFF can be effectively used to reconstruct a hostile wound of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Incorporation of muscle in the reconstruction of complex wounds with soft tissue necrosis is beneficial.
Serum Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Is Decreased in Patients With Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure and Predicts Early Mortality
Authors: Mücke Victoria T. , Maria Schwarzkopf Katharina , Thomas Dominique , Mücke Marcus M. , Rüschenbaum Sabrina , Trebicka Jonel , Pfeilschifter Josef , Zeuzem Stefan , Lange Christian M. , Grammatikos Georgios
Published: August 2020

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) regulates pathophysiological processes, including liver regeneration, vascular tone control, and immune response. In patients with liver cirrhosis, acute deterioration of liver function is associated with high mortality rates. The present study investigated whether serum S1P concentrations are associated with disease severity in patients with chronic liver disease from compensated cirrhosis (CC), acute decompensation (AD), or acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). From August 2013 to October 2017, patients who were admitted to the University Hospital Frankfurt with CC, AD, or ACLF were enrolled in our cirrhosis cohort study. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed on serum samples of 127 patients to assess S1P concentration. Our study comprised 19 patients with CC, 55 with AD, and 51 with ACLF, aged 29 to 76 years. We observed a significant decrease of S1P according to advanced liver injury from CC and AD up to ACLF (P < 0.001). S1P levels further decreased with progression to ACLF grade 3 (P < 0.05), and S1P highly inversely correlated with the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score (r = −0.508;P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, S1P remained an independent predictor of 7‐day mortality with high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve, 0.874;P < 0.001).Conclusion:In patients with chronic liver disease, serum S1P levels dramatically decreased with advanced stages of liver disease and were predictive of early mortality. Because S1P is a potent regulator of endothelial integrity and immune response, low S1P levels may significantly influence progressive multiorgan failure. Our data justify further elucidation of the diagnostic and therapeutic role of S1P in ACLF.
Effect of Newtonian heating/cooling on free convection in an annular permeable region in the presence of heat source/sink
Authors: Anurag  , Singh A. K. , Chandran P. , Sacheti N. C.
Published: August 2020

The influence of Newtonian heating/cooling in the presence of heat source/sink has been investigated on laminar free convective flow in a vertical annular permeable region. The mathematical model for the problem has been considered as a boundary value problem consisting of two simultaneous ordinary differential equations. The boundary value problem has been transformed to nondimensional form. This has given rise to a number of parameters representing both geometrical and physical features of the problem. Closed‐form analytical solutions of the governing equations have been obtained for two different cases of internal heat generation/absorption. To assess the effects of governing parameters on the fluid velocity and temperature, a number of profiles of these field variables have been presented. The efficacy of the distinct processes on the field variables has been discussed extensively. The main outcome obtained in this study is that the velocity as well as temperature is enhanced in the case of the Newtonian heating while the opposite behavior occurs in the Newtonian cooling for both cases of source and sink. Furthermore, the influence of the governing parameters has been shown on the skin friction, volume flow rate, and the Nusselt number.
Methylphenidate challenge test in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Clinical effects and their predictors
Authors: Piacentino Daria , De Rossi Pietro , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Maniscalco Ignazio , Pompili Maurizio , Giupponi Giancarlo , Hiemke Christoph , Conca Andreas
Published: August 2020

Objective

Adult and children attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share similar symptoms and responses to drugs such as methylphenidate (MPH). Yet, in Europe, these drugs remain unlicensed for adults. We aimed to assess the effects of an acute MPH challenge on the four dimensions concentration, impulsivity, tension, and general well‐being in ADHD adults, and identify predictors of improvement.

Methods

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring was performed to measure MPH plasma levels. A Visual Analogue Scale was administered to patients before and after the acute MPH challenge to measure self‐reported changes in the four dimensions.

Results

After the acute MPH challenge, our 71 patients showed significant improvement in concentration and tension. The MPH challenge dose correlated with lower patients' age, greater side effects, increased concentration (p = .008) and decreased tension (p = .001). At multiple linear regression MPH plasma levels and absence of postdose side effects predicted concentration improvement, MPH plasma levels predicted tension improvement. MPH plasma levels were significantly higher in patients who reported an improvement in concentration, tension, and impulsivity compared to nonimprovers (p’s from .001 to .004).

Conclusions

These findings point to the efficacy of MPH challenge in improving concentration and tension in adult ADHD, thus emphasizing the need for a broader treatment access for these patients.
Role of human papillomavirus status after conization for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Huang Huei‐Jean , Tung Hsiu‐Jung , Yang Lan‐Yan , Chao Angel , Tang Yun‐Hsin , Chou Hung‐Hsueh , Chang Wei‐Yang , Wu Ren‐Chin , Huang Chu‐Chun , Lin Chiao‐Yun , Liao Min‐Jie , Chen Wei‐Chun , Lin Cheng‐Tao , Chen Min‐Yu , Huang Kuan‐Gen , Wang Chin‐Jung , Chang Ting‐Chang , Lai Chyong‐Huey
Published: August 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the well‐established etiologic factor for cervical neoplasia. Cervical conization constitutes an effective treatment for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HG‐CIN). We conducted an observational study for long‐term outcomes and HPV genotype changes after conization for HG‐CIN. Between 2008 and 2014, patients with newly diagnosed HG‐CIN before conization (surveillance new [SN] group) and those who had undergone conization without hysterectomy (surveillance previous [SP] group) were enrolled. HPV testing and Pap smear were performed periodically for the SN and SP (collectively S) groups. All other patients receiving conization for HG‐CIN during the study period were identified from our hospital database. Those eligible but not enrolled into our study were assigned to the non‐surveillance (non‐S) group. For the S group (n = 493), the median follow‐up period was 74.3 months. Eighty‐four cases had recurrent CIN Grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) (5‐year cumulative rate: 14.8%), of which six had invasive cancer. Among the 84 patients, 65 (77.4%) exhibited type‐specific persistence in the paired HPV results, whereas only 7 (8.3%) harbored new HPV types that belonged to the 9‐valent vaccine types. Among the 7397 non‐S patients, 789 demonstrated recurrent CIN2+, of which 57 had invasive cancer. The stages distribution of those progressed to invasive cancer in the non‐S group were more advanced than the S group (P = .033). Active surveillance might reduce the severity of those progressed to cancer. Because a majority of the patients with recurrent CIN2+ had persistent type‐specific HPV infections, effective therapeutic vaccines are an unmet medical need.
Credit information sharing and bank loan pricing: Do concentration and governance matter?
Authors: Fosu Samuel , Danso Albert , Agyei‐Boapeah Henry , Ntim Collins G.
Published: August 2020

The development of credit information sharing schemes in developing countries has gained significant attention in recent times along with ongoing financial sector reforms. In this paper, we provide first‐hand evidence of the effect of credit information sharing on credit intermediation cost in these countries, and consequently ascertain the extent to which the credit information sharing–credit intermediation cost nexus may be accentuated by banking market concentration and governance quality. Using a large dataset covering 272 banks from 27 African countries over the 2004–2012 period, we uncover four new findings. First, we find that credit information sharing does reduce credit intermediation cost. Second, we show that the relationship between credit intermediation cost and credit information sharing is conditional on banking market concentration. Third, our findings suggest that governance quality moderates the effect of credit information sharing on credit intermediation cost. Finally, we find that banking market concentration reduces credit intermediation cost, but the effect is moderated by credit information sharing. Overall, our findings suggest that credit information sharing may serve as a useful policy tool for achieving financial sector stability in developing countries.
Impact of demographic factors on the financial performance of women‐owned micro‐enterprises in India
Authors: Harpriya  , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Sah Ash Narayan
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the impact of demographic factors on the performance of women‐owned micro‐enterprises in North India. Data were collected from 100 women entrepreneurs through self‐structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling technique. Sales turnover and net profit margin are taken as dependent variables. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to study the impact of various demographic factors. The results indicate registration status, legal ownership, nature of business, age, education, family income, size of business and employees positively affect the net profits and sales turnover of the enterprises. However, the numbers of products offered have a negative effect on the sales and net profits margin. The factors identified in this study, which have a positive impact on the net profits and sales turnover, are important in making entrepreneurial decisions that can enhance the performance and may help for economical production.
Heparin/collagen surface coatings modulate the growth, secretome, and morphology of human mesenchymal stromal cell response to interferon‐gamma
Authors: Cifuentes Said J. , Priyadarshani Priyanka , Castilla‐Casadiego David A. , Mortensen Luke J. , Almodóvar Jorge , Domenech Maribella
Published: August 2020

The therapeutic potential of human mesenchymal stromal cells (h‐MSC) is dependent on the viability and secretory capacity of cells both modulated by the culture environment. Our previous studies introduced heparin and collagen I (HEP/COL) alternating stacked layers as a potential substrate to enhance the secretion of immunosuppressive factors of h‐MSCs. Herein, we examined the impact of HEP/COL multilayers on the growth, morphology, and secretome of bone marrow and adipose‐derived h‐MSCs. The physicochemical properties and stability of the HEP/COL coatings were confirmed at 0 and 30 days. Cell growth was examined using cell culture media supplemented with 2 and 10% serum for 5 days. Results showed that HEP/COL multilayers supported h‐MSC growth in 2% serum at levels equivalent to 10% serum. COL and HEP as single component coatings had limited impact on cell growth. Senescent studies performed over three sequential passages showed that HEP/COL multilayers did not impair the replicative capacity of h‐MSCs. Examination of 27 cytokines showed significant enhancements in eight factors, including intracellular indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase, on HEP/COL multilayers when stimulated with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). Image‐based analysis of cell micrographs showed that serum influences h‐MSC morphology; however, HEP‐ended multilayers generated distinct morphological changes in response to IFN‐γ, suggesting an optical detectable assessment of h‐MSCs immunosuppressive potency. This study supports HEP/COL multilayers as a culture substrate for undifferentiated h‐MSCs cultured in reduced serum conditions.
The CKD-MBD Syndrome: Hysteresis in PTH Involvement and PTH Administration for Its Management
Authors: Pazianas Michael , Miller Paul D
Published: August 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disturbs mineral homeostasis, leading to mineral and bone disorders (MBD). CKD-MBD is a significant problem and currently available treatment options have important limitations. Phosphate retention is thought to be the initial cause of CKD-MBD but serum phosphate remains normal until the late stages of CKD, due to elevated levels of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Reduction of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) concentration is the next event in the adaptive response of the homeostatic system. We argue, and provide the rationale, that calcium retention which takes place concurrently with phosphate retention, could be the reason behind the hysteresis in the response of PTH. If indeed this is the case, intermittent administration of PTH in early CKD could prevent the hysteresis, which arguably leads to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and provide the platform for an effective management of CKD-MBD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cardiovascular Safety of Denosumab Across Multiple Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Seeto Alexander H , Abrahamsen Bo , Ebeling Peter R , Rodríguez Alexander J
Published: August 2020

The cardiovascular safety of denosumab has not yet been evaluated in a systematic review. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to quantify the number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of denosumab (against comparators) reporting cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs) and examine the balance of CAEs between treatment arms. MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to October 26, 2019, for RCTs of denosumab versus comparators for any indication. Included trials were randomized, enrolled ≥100 participants, and reported bone-related outcomes. Primary outcome for analysis was all CAEs, a composite endpoint representing summation of all CAEs as reported by included trials. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Data were pooled using a fixed effects model to determine relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Of 554 records screened, 49 were included, while 36 reported CAEs. Twenty-seven included trials (12 eligible for meta-analysis) were conducted in 13,202 postmenopausal women. Compared with bisphosphonates, there was a 46% (95% CI 1.05 to 2.02) increase in CAEs (85/2136 events in denosumab-treated versus 58/2131 events in bisphosphonate-treated; seven trials). There was a similar imbalance in a five-point (stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, heart failure, atrial fibrillation) MACE endpoint (28/2053 versus 12/2050; RR = 2.33 [1.19 to 4.56]). Compared with placebo-treated women, there was no imbalance in total CAEs (439/4725 events in denosumab versus 399/4467 in placebo; RR = 0.79 [0.41 to 1.52]; seven trials). No imbalance in total AEs (versus bisphosphonates: 0.98 [0.92 to 1.04]; versus placebo: 0.99 [0.98 to 1.01]) occurred. Other indications showed no statistically significant results. The excess CAEs in postmenopausal women treated with denosumab compared with bisphosphonates, but not placebo, indirectly supports claims that bisphosphonates may suppress CAEs. Future trials should use standardized CAE reporting to better describe cardiovascular effects of bone active medications. (PROSPERO: CRD42019135414.) © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Effect of dentin and fiber post surface treatments with fumaric acid on the bonding ability of fiber posts
Authors: Saricam Esma , Arslan Merve
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effects of fumaric acid on push‐out bond strength when applied to dentin surfaces and fiber posts. The root canals of 60 mandibular premolar teeth were instrumented and obturated. After removing two thirds of filling material, teeth were prepared according to six randomized groups (n = 10/group) defined by two fiber post surface treatments (0.7% fumaric acid or 9% hydrofluoric acid) and three dentin conditioning treatments [control (no conditioning); 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); or 0.7% fumaric acid]. After fiber post‐cementation, three 1‐mm thick discs were obtained from each tooth by transverse sectioning, and each disc underwent push‐out bond strength testing. Data were analyzed with a one‐way analyses of variance (anova) and t tests; p < .05 was considered statistically significant. Failure modes were determined by stereomicroscopy, and the surface characteristics of dentin and fiber posts were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Push‐out bond strength was greater for the group in which the post surface treated with hydrofluoric acid and the dentin surface treated with fumaric acid than the nontreated dentin and hydrofluoric acid‐treated post group (p < .05). There were no significant differences between other comparison pairs (p > .05). A combination of fumaric acid dentin conditioning and hydrofluoric acid fiber post treatment strengthened the bonding ability of fiber posts.
Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Guidelines for gap‐filling missing measurements
Authors: Dorich Christopher D. , De Rosa Daniele , Barton Louise , Grace Peter , Rowlings David , Migliorati Massimiliano De Antoni , Wagner‐Riddle Claudia , Key Cameron , Wang Daqi , Fehr Benjamin , Conant Richard T
Published: August 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is primarily emitted from agriculture. Sampling limitations have generally resulted in discontinuous N2O observations over the course of any given year. The status quo for interpolating between sampling points has been to use a simple linear interpolation. This can be problematic with N2O emissions, since they are highly variable and sampling bias around these peak emission periods can have dramatic impacts on cumulative emissions. Here, we outline five gap‐filling practices: linear interpolation, generalized additive models (GAMs), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), random forest (RF), and neural networks (NNs) that have been used for gap‐filling soil N2O emissions. To facilitate the use of improved gap‐filling methods, we describe the five methods and then provide strengths and challenges or weaknesses of each method so that model selection can be improved. We then outline a protocol that details data organization and selection, splitting of data into training and testing datasets, building and testing models, and reporting results. Use of advanced gap‐filling methods within a standardized protocol is likely to increase transparency, improve emission estimates, reduce uncertainty, and increase capacity to quantify the impact of mitigation practices.
INCOME CONVERGENCE IN INDIAN DISTRICTS: NEW EVIDENCE FROM PANEL STATIONARITY TEST WITH FINITE TIME DIMENSION
Authors: Misra Biswa Swarup , Kar Muhsin , Nazlioglu Saban , Karul Cagin
Published: August 2020

This paper tests for income convergence at the district level in India taking into account district income for 388 districts in 12 states during 2001–2011. We study income convergence among districts within a state as well districts across states that share similar initial conditions. Given the finite sample property of the data, we conduct a novel panel stationarity test with a fixed time dimension. The findings do not support the convergence of the per capita district income in Indian states. The deterioration in economic and social infrastructure in the relatively backward districts during the study period seems to drive the results. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonstationary relationship between sea ice overKara–Laptevseas duringAugust–Septemberand Ural blocking in the following winter
Authors: Wang Sai , Nath Debashis , Chen Wen
Published: August 2020

In the current manuscript, we investigate the relationship between sea‐ice extent (August–September) over Kara–Laptev Seas (SIEKL) and the variability of Ural blocking in the following winter months (December–February, DJF). It is found that the linkage between SIEKL and Ural blocking in the following winter arises partly due to the influence of barotropic teleconnection pattern, emanated from the east coast of North America. The teleconnection can influence the mean Kara–Laptev sea ice variability during August–September. The memory of this teleconnection in the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the North Atlantic Ocean further influences the Ural blocking in the following winter. The relationship between the SIEKL and Ural blocking has experienced a significant interdecadal change around mid‐1990s. The SIEKL‐related positive geopotential height anomalies over the Ural Mountains in the following winter are stronger during 1979–1996 period compare to the 1997–2017 periods. The differences in geopotential height anomalies between the two periods are related to the differences in the strength of synoptic‐scale eddy feedback. The feedback is stronger in the earlier period, which is conductive to the maintenance and amplification of positive geopotential height anomalies over the Ural Mountains, whereas the feedback is weaker in the later period. Further analysis suggests that the weakening of synoptic‐scale eddy feedback is due to weakening in the intensity of wintertime synoptic‐scale eddy activity on an interdecadal scale over the Barents Sea and northern Siberian sector.
Combined impacts of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation on global droughts assessed using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index
Authors: Nguyen Phuong‐Loan , Min Seung‐Ki , Kim Yeon‐Hee
Published: August 2020

Using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, this study examines the combined effects of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) on global droughts in terms of magnitude, timing, and duration. The ENSO‐affected drought hotspots are identified based on drought magnitude and probability of occurrence: five hotspots for El Niño (Amazon, India, central China, Indonesia, and eastern Australia) and four hotspots for La Niña (southeastern United States, southern South America, East Africa, and Southwest Asia). When ENSO and PDO are in phase, most of the hotspots exhibit an intensification and expansion of drought, more clearly at longer time scales (6–12 months), supporting previous studies. Interestingly, the in‐phase PDO advances El Niño‐induced drought onset by early summer of the previous year, whereas it delays the withdrawal of La Niña‐induced drought until the end of the event year. This asymmetric response is found to be in part associated with the earlier start and later end of El Niño itself during warm PDO, which does not hold for the La Niña/cold PDO composites. Further analyses of the responses of precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) to different ENSO‐PDO combinations suggest the important role of P reduction in determining drought magnitude and timing over most of the hotspots, with some contribution of enhanced PET to drier conditions over a few La Niña hotspots. It is also found that the PDO modulation of El Niño‐induced drought occurs primarily through the eastern Pacific El Niño with a limited influence on the central Pacific El Niño.
Lysosomal disruption by orthopedic wear particles induces activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and macrophage cell death by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Fort Brian P. , Dubyak George R. , Greenfield Edward M.
Published: August 2020

Wear particles from orthopedic implants cause aseptic loosening, the leading cause of implant revisions. The particles are phagocytosed by macrophages leading to activation of the nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and release of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) which then contributes to osteoclast differentiation and implant loosening. The mechanism of inflammasome activation by orthopedic particles is undetermined but other particles cause the cytosolic accumulation of the lysosomal cathepsin‐family proteases which can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we demonstrate that lysosome membrane disruption causes cathepsin release into the cytoplasm that drives both inflammasome activation and cell death but that these processes occur independently. Using wild‐type and genetically‐manipulated immortalized murine bone marrow derived macrophages and pharmacologic inhibitors, we found that NLRP3 and gasdermin D are required for particle‐induced IL‐1β release but not for particle‐induced cell death. In contrast, phagocytosis and lysosomal cathepsin release are critical for both IL‐1β release and cell death. Collectively, our findings identify the pan‐cathepsin inhibitor Ca‐074Me and the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 as therapeutic interventions worth exploring in aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants. We also found that particle‐induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in pre‐primed macrophages and cell death are not dependent on pathogen‐associated molecular patterns adherent to the wear particles despite such pathogen‐associated molecular patterns being critical for all other previously studied wear particle responses, including priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of dry cured ham Speck are affected by pig dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture
Authors: Rossi Raffaella , Ratti Sabrina , Moretti Vittorio M , Vasconi Mauro , Corino Carlo
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Dry cured ham named Speck is a typical Italian product, with consolidated processing techniques and specific quality parameters. It has gained importance in the international market after obtaining the Protected Geographical Indication. Recent studies indicate that dietary plant extracts in pig may affect quality of processed meats but there are no data on their effect on Speck. Consequently, the effects of dietary supplementation with antioxidant mixture (AOX), containing vitamin E and polyphenols, in pigs on the nutritional characteristics, volatile compounds, sensory properties and consumers' preference of Speck were evaluated.

RESULTS

The Speck weight loss during seasoning was lower in the AOX group, while products quality parameters were not affected by dietary treatments. Alcohol and terpenes concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the AOX samples than the control. Sensory profile revealed slight differences (P < 0.05) in Speck salty and sweet taste, whereas the consumer tests showed a higher (P < 0.05) preference, with mean score of seven, for Speck from pigs fed AOX.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide new insights on the quality parameters of Speck. Dietary integration with antioxidant mixture decreased Speck weight losses during seasoning. Volatile compounds concentrations and sensory profile were slightly affected by dietary treatment. The consumer test revealed that dietary antioxidants, increased the overall preference for Speck, and can potentially increase its consumption. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation and optimization of the derivatization reaction conditions of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid with 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Fontàs Clàudia , Sanchez Juan M.
Published: August 2020

Due to the polar and ionic characteristics of glyphosate and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid, a derivatization reaction is required before performing liquid chromatographic determination of these compounds. In this study, reaction conditions using 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate as the derivatization reagent are assessed. A two‐level full‐factorial design is applied here to optimize the derivatization time (ranging from 0.5 to 20 min) and temperature (from 24 to 55°C). It is found that neither of these two variables have a significant effect on the derivatization process and that the reaction is quantitatively achieved in a few seconds at room temperature (24°C). The results obtained indicate that derivatization reaction with 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate is achieved in milder conditions, with a faster kinetic reaction, than those required with the most conventional derivatization reagents used today, and the derivatives are more stable. It has been found that the most important parameter affecting the chromatographic separation is the pH of the mobile phase, as it has a significant effect on the retention time of the hydrolyzed excess of reagent. When ammonium acetate is used in the mobile phase, buffered solutions at pH around 5.0 are required.
Self‐Healable and Conductive Double‐Network Hydrogels with Bioactive Properties
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Solaiman  , Foyez Tahmina , Susan Md. Abu Bin Hasan , Imran Abu Bin
Published: August 2020

Nanocomposite hydrogels are a class of materials that are generally composed of hydrophilic polymers and nanofillers. They can have various important properties such as self‐healing, conductivity, toughness, bioactivity, facile processing ability, and this enables manifold practical applications. However, development of a single nanocomposite hydrogel with all of the properties of interest is yet to be realized. Here, a double‐network (DN) polymer hydrogel consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate)‐poly(2‐aminoethylenemethacrylate) polymers (PVA‐P(NaSS)‐P(AEMA)) is reported. The obtained DN hydrogels containing copper ions, (PVA‐P(NaSS)‐P(AEMA)@Cu2+) hydrogel and copper nanoparticles (PVA‐P(NaSS)‐P(AEMA)@Cu) hydrogels, are found to exhibit self‐healing, conducting, high mechanical, bioactive, and wound healing properties. The fabricated hydrogel may potentially be applied in the biomedical and electronics sector.
Two‐Stage Depressurization in Gas Dissolution Foaming: The Production of Nanocellular Materials Free of Defects
Authors: Martín‐de León Judith , Bernardo Victoria , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2020

Nanocellular polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is produced through a newly proposed method, a two‐stage depressurization in the gas dissolution foaming process. This method modifies the depressurization step and allows controlling the pressure during cell growth, avoiding this way, the appearance of micrometric defects in the produced cellular materials. Three grades of PMMA, as well as different production parameters, are tested in order to study their influence on the final materials. Moreover, cellular structures are compared with those obtained with a one‐stage depressurization process. Additionally, this work analyzes the foaming mechanisms taking place during the production of nanocellular materials.
Polymeric Microcuboids Programmable for Temperature‐Memory
Authors: Liu Yue , Gould Oliver E.C. , Rudolph Tobias , Fang Liang , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: August 2020

Microobjects with programmable mechanical functionality are highly desirable for the creation of flexible electronics, sensors, and microfluidic systems, where fabrication/programming and quantification methods are required to fully control and implement dynamic physical behavior. Here, programmable microcuboids with defined geometries are prepared by a template‐based method from crosslinked poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] elastomers. These microobjects could be programmed to exhibit a temperature‐memory effect or a shape‐memory polymer actuation capability. Switching temperatures Tsw during shape recovery of 55 ± 2, 68 ± 2, 80 ± 2, and 86 ± 2 °C are achieved by tuning programming temperatures to 55, 70, 85, and 100 °C, respectively. Actuation is achieved with a reversible strain of 2.9 ± 0.2% to 6.7 ± 0.1%, whereby greater compression ratios and higher separation temperatures induce a more pronounced actuation. Micro‐geometry change is quantified using optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The realization and quantification of microparticles, capable of a tunable temperature responsive shape‐change or reversible actuation, represent a key development in the creation of soft microscale devices for drug delivery or microrobotics.
Short‐Term Morphology Relaxation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers after Fast Strain Steps
Authors: Stribeck Almut , Schneider Konrad , Eling Berend , Pöselt Elmar
Published: August 2020

Strain steps are applied to elastomers in a pneumatic relaxometer and monitored by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The relaxometer provides a rise time of 13 ms for strain pulses of step height Δε = ±1 in strain. The basic character of the 2D SAXS frames is examined and corresponding invariants Q(t) are analyzed. Three thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) of hardness 85 Shore A with different soft segments are studied both unannealed and annealed. The first response of all materials is a fast morphology conversion which finishes within tmc =250 ms. Because it has been untraceable, it is characterized by a settling stroke Q(tmc) − Q(0). The second response is a slow morphology adjustment process which complies with logarithmic relaxation. It is characterized by a relaxation rate DQ = Q(10 t)/Q(t) − 1. Comparison indicates that the nanoscopic morphology relaxation processes appear to have little direct relation to the macroscopic stress relaxation curves. The materials differ with respect to hard‐domain morphology stability and morphology recovery. Most unstable is the morphology of the annealed polyether‐based material. It forms nanofibrillary entities when strained.
Granular Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogel Scaffolds for 3D Cell Cultivation
Authors: Gehlen David B. , Jürgens Niklas , Omidinia‐Anarkoli Abdolrahman , Haraszti Tamás , George Julian , Walther Andreas , Ye Hua , De Laporte Laura
Published: August 2020

The replacement of diseased and damaged organs remains an challenge in modern medicine. However, through the use of tissue engineering techniques, it may soon be possible to (re)generate tissues and organs using artificial scaffolds. For example, hydrogel networks made from hydrophilic precursor solutions can replicate many properties found in the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) but often lack the dynamic nature of the ECM, as many covalently crosslinked hydrogels possess elastic and static networks with nanoscale pores hindering cell migration without being degradable. To overcome this, macroporous colloidal hydrogels can be prepared to facilitate cell infiltration. Here, an easy method is presented to fabricate granular cellulose nanofibril hydrogel (CNF) scaffolds as porous networks for 3D cell cultivation. CNF is an abundant natural and highly biocompatible material that supports cell adhesion. Granular CNF scaffolds are generated by pre‐crosslinking CNF using calcium and subsequently pressing the gel through micrometer‐sized nylon meshes. The granular solution is mixed with fibroblasts and crosslinked with cell culture medium. The obtained granular CNF scaffold is significantly softer and enables well‐distributed fibroblast growth. This cost‐effective material combined with this efficient and facile fabrication technique allows for 3D cell cultivation in an upscalable manner.
Distribution of microbiota across different intestinal tract segments of a stranded dwarf minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Authors: Tian Jiashen , Du Jing , Lu Zhichuang , Han Jiabo , Wang Zhen , Li Duohui , Guan Xiaoyan , Wang Zhaohui
Published: August 2020

Marine mammals are an important part of ocean ecosystems, of which, whales play a vital role in the marine food chain. In this study, the mucosa and contents from different intestinal tract segments (ITSs) of a stranded dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) were analyzed. The gut microbiota were sequenced using high‐throughput sequencing technology, based on a 16S rRNA approach. The microbial composition of the intestinal mucosa and its contents were similar in every single ITS. Large intestine microbiota richness and diversity were significantly higher when compared to the duodenum and jejunum. The dominant bacteria in the gut were Firmicutes and Actinobacteria; the former was enriched in the large intestine, whereas the latter was more abundant in the duodenum and jejunum. Our findings provide novel insights for microbiota in B. acutorostrata.
Does CEO compensation matter in boosting firm performance? Evidence from listed French firms
Authors: Zoghlami Faten
Published: August 2020

The paper investigates the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) compensation on firm performance from a sample of 155 listed French companies on SBF 120, over 2009–2018. Findings suggest that an increase in CEO compensation seems to improve the accounting‐based firm performance, nevertheless it hurts the firm stock market value. More pronounced results are reported when we control for sector compensation interactions. We argue that attractive compensation may improve the executive services in achieving shareholders' objectives, but investors seem to not appreciate a CEO compensation increase. Based on the agency theory, it might be argued that investors fear possible executive opportunistic behavior encouraging them to enjoy overcompensation.
Ellagic Acid and Its Microbial Metabolite Urolithin A Alleviate Diet‐Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Yang Jieping , Guo Yuanqiang , Henning Susanne M. , Chan Brenda , Long Jianfeng , Zhong Jin , Acin‐Perez Rebeca , Petcherski Anton , Shirihai Orian , Heber David , Li Zhaoping
Published: August 2020

Scope

This work aims at evaluating the effect of dietary ellagic acid (EA) and its microbial metabolite urolithin A (UA) on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) in mice with diet‐induced IR.

Methods and Results

DBA2J mice are fed a high fat/high sucrose diet (HF/HS) for 8 weeks to induce IR and then 0.1% EA, UA, or EA and UA (EA+UA) are added to the HF/HS‐diet for another 8 weeks. UA significantly decreases fasting glucose and increases adiponectin compared with HF/HS‐controls. During intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test, EA+UA significantly improve insulin‐mediated glucose lowering effects at 15 and 120 min and reduce blood triglycerides compared with HF/HS‐controls. Serum free fatty acids are significantly decreased by EA, UA, and EA+UA. Differential expression of genes related to mitochondrial function by EA, UA, and EA+UA in liver and skeletal muscle is observed. Primary hepatocytes from IR‐mice have higher proton leak, basal and ATP‐linked oxygen consumption rates compared with healthy controls. EA and EA+UA but not UA reduce the proton leak in hepatocytes from IR‐mice.

Conclusion

EA and UA induce different metabolic benefits in IR mice. The effects of EA and UA on mitochondrial function suggest a potentially novel mechanism modulating metabolism.
Comparison of iterative parametric and indirect deep learning‐based reconstruction methods in highly undersampled DCE‐MR Imaging of the breast
Authors: Rastogi Aditya , Yalavarthy Phaneendra K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To compare the performance of iterative direct and indirect parametric reconstruction methods with indirect deep learning‐based reconstruction methods in estimating tracer‐kinetic parameters from highly undersampled DCE‐MR Imaging breast data and provide a systematic comparison of the same.

Methods

Estimation of tracer‐kinetic parameters using indirect methods from undersampled data requires to reconstruct the anatomical images initially by solving an inverse problem. This reconstructed images gets utilized in turn to estimate the tracer‐kinetic parameters. In direct estimation, the parameters are estimated without reconstructing the anatomical images. Both problems are ill‐posed and are typically solved using prior‐based regularization or using deep learning. In this study, for indirect estimation, two deep learning‐based reconstruction frameworks namely, ISTA‐Net+ and MODL, were utilized. For direct and indirect parametric estimation, sparsity inducing priors (L1 and Total‐Variation) and limited memory Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno algorithm as solver was deployed. The performance of these techniques were compared systematically in estimation of vascular permeability (

) from undersampled DCE‐MRI breast data using Patlak as pharmaco‐kinetic model. The experiments involved retrospective undersampling of the data 20×, 50×, and 100× and compared the results using PSNR, nRMSE, SSIM, and Xydeas metrics. The

maps estimated from fully sampled data were utilized as ground truth. The developed code was made available as https://github.com/Medical‐Imaging‐Group/DCE‐MRI‐Compare open‐source for enthusiastic users.

Results

The reconstruction methods performance was evaluated using ten patients breast data (five patients each for training and testing). Consistent with other studies, the results indicate that direct parametric reconstruction methods provide improved performance compared to the indirect parameteric reconstruction methods. The results also indicate that for 20× undersampling, deep learning‐based methods performs better or at par with direct estimation in terms of PSNR, SSIM, and nRMSE. However, for higher undersampling rates (50× and 100×) direct estimation performs better in all metrics. For all undersampling rates, direct reconstruction performed better in terms of Xydeas metric, which indicated fidelity in magnitude and orientation of edges.

Conclusion

Deep learning‐based indirect techniques perform at par with direct estimation techniques for lower undersampling rates in the breast DCE‐MR imaging. At higher undersampling rates, they are not able to provide much needed generalization. Direct estimation techniques are able to provide more accurate results than both deep learning‐ and parametric‐based indirect methods in these high undersampling scenarios.