bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Storage Temperature on the Microbial Quality of Fura
Authors: Ampofo-Asiama Jerry , Atsrim Ernest S. , Asiamah Patrick
Published: November 2019

Fura, a semi-solid millet-based dumpling, is popularly consumed throughout West Africa. This work was aimed at evaluating the effect of storage temperature on the microbial and physicochemical properties of fura. Freshly prepared fura was stored at 30 and 4°C and sampled periodically to determine the changes in pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and total phenolic content. Additionally, the effect of storage temperature on the microbial (by enumerating aerobic mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast and moulds) quality was determined. Storage affected the acidity of fura with a decrease in pH and an increase in titratable acidity. The total soluble solids and total phenolic content were, however, not affected by storage temperature. Lactic acid bacteria were the predominant microbe present in fura. During storage at 30°C, faster growth of lactic acid bacteria and the other microbes was observed compared to storage at the lower temperature.
Socio-economic Profile of Sheep and Goat Rearers in Tahtay Adyabo District, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Zemeda
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted to assess the socio–economic profile of sheep and goat rearers in Tahtay Adyabo District, Tigray, Ethiopia. For this study 138 sample households were selected randomly. Of the total sample respondents, 26.1% of them owned sheep, 35.5% of them owned goats and 38.4% of them owned both sheep and goats. Of the 138 interviewed sheep and goat producing households, 81.2% were male headed and the rest 18.8% were female headed households. The average ages of the sampled respondents were 44 year. The average family size of the total sample respondents was found to be 6 persons. The average years of experience related to sheep and goat production was 10.7 years. The survey result with respect to land holding of the respondents reveals that an average size of land holding per household was 2.3 hectare. Sheep and goats are kept for income generation from sell of live sheep and goat, manure, meat and milk, saving insurance and for the sale of sheep and goat product purposes in the study area. Of the total sampled households 77(55.8%) of the respondents housed their sheep and goat in both open ended during dry season and hdmo (constructed shelter from stone or wood walls with soil roof during rainy season) at night, 34(24.6%) respondents used only constructed shelter made from stone with wood walls with soil roof, 22(16%) used shelter made of mud or wood  walls with leaf roof and 5(3.6%) used fenced area without roof. Therefore provision of input technologies and modern practices, increasing the dimension of access to formal financial systems, provision of timely and adequate veterinary services and provision of timely and accurate market information are important for benefits of producers and for production and productivities of sheep and goats.
Factors Affecting Ferritin Level in Children of 6 to 59 Months in the Eastern Region of Cameroon
Authors: Agokeng Sylvie D. , Tayou Claude T. , Assob Jules Clement N. , Njunda Anna L.
Published: November 2019

Aim: Ferritin reflects total iron storage and is also the first laboratory index to decline with iron deficiency. It may be less accurate in children with infectious or inﬂammatory conditions as an acute phase reactant. Considering the fact that Cameroonian children live in malaria endemic and high risk hookworm infection area, our objective was to study factors affecting Ferritin level including socio-demographic data, child nutrition, anaemia and inflammatory status.

Study Design: A case control study was carried out with anaemic children as cases and non-anaemic as controls.

Place and Duration: Paediatric and laboratory units of the Bertoua regional Hospital, from November 2018 to January 2019.

Methodology: A case control study was carried out in children of 6 to 59 months attending the Bertoua regional hospital. Data were collected and blood distributed in EDTA and dry tubes for full blood count, C - reactive protein (CRP) and Ferritin analysis. Obtained data were analysed with SPSS 21.0 using Pearson’s Chi Square test.

Results: 126 children were included, 63 anaemic (Haemoglobin<11 g/dL) as cases and 63 non anaemic as controls. The Mean age of children was 27.3+/- 15.4 months, the mean haemoglobin was 10.4+/- 1.6 g/dL. Ferritin as state by WHO for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia, was below 30 μg/L in 3.2% independently of anaemic status. Inflammation tested by CRP occurred in 37.3% of children. When the ferritin cut-off value was shifted to 50 μg/L, Ferritin was low in 9.5% thus approaching the stated frequency of iron deficiency obtained recentlyin Cameroon. Mean Ferritin level was 346.5 μg/L.

Conclusion:  The relatively high level of Ferritin showed that iron storage seems to remain intact in most children despite anaemic or inflammatory status. The level of Ferritin in children is highly dependent on haem iron consumption and food diversification also has a role to play.
Production of Invertase from Actinomycetes Isolated from Soils in Eliogbolo and Oyigbo, Rivers State using Submerged Fermentation Technique
Authors: Ozoude T. O. , Agwa O. K. , Wokoma E. C.
Published: November 2019

The use of commercial sources of invertase for the production of High fructose syrup and other pharmaceutical formulations has been a problem due to its high ash content and cost implication, therefore there is a need to explore bacterial species that can produce invertase. In this study, actinomycetes strains were isolated from soils from a botanical garden, sugar cane sites and garden egg at Elogbolo and Oyigbo respectively. Yeast extract agar; Czapeks Dox agar and Arginine glycerol agar were used for the isolation of actinomycetes. The study showed that Czapeks Dox agar gave the highest population count followed by Yeast extract and Arginine glycerol agar. The dominated genus of actinomycetes observed were species of Streptomyces designated as OZMU 1; OZMU 2; OZMU 3 and OZMU 4. The results showed that the reducing sugar content of the Streptomyces sp. had similar reducing sugar liberation and consumption behavior without any lag phase, with OZMU 1 concentration peak at 12 h (0.12 g/l), and OZMU 3 (0.15 g/l).  But OZMU 2 indicated a lag phase from 6-12h, increased from 12-24 h (0.18 g/l), but activity declined dramatically at 36 h and 48 h. The reducing sugar content for Streptomyces sp. OZMU 4 revealed longer lag phase, which was almost constant throughout the investigation period from 6-36 h. But at 48 h (0.06 g/l)  a decline in the reducing sugar content was noticed compared to the other isolates, indicating that all the available reducing sugar were completely consumed by the other strains. The research work revealed the ability of indigenous actinomycetes strains to produce invertase enzyme which has high conversion efficiency and can be used in various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
CICLO DE VIDA DE RECURSOS ELETRÔNICOS: Enfoque na gestão de coleções em bibliotecas universitárias
Authors: Rietjens Manoela Hermes , Kroeff Márcia Silveira , Pinheiro Liliane Vieira
Published: November 2019

Revisão que discorre sobre a formação e a gestão das coleções eletrônicas em bibliotecas universitárias, com base na apresentação de um modelo conceitual do ciclo de vida dos recursos eletrônicos de informação. A pesquisa bibliográfica abrangeu livros, artigos de revistas científicas, trabalhos apresentados em eventos, normas e documentos de organismos internacionais. Aborda a evolução histórica das coleções nas bibliotecas, sobretudo as universitárias, até a era das tecnologias, em que a insurgência do meio eletrônico culminou em transformações para a gestão dos acervos. Com base no ciclo de vida proposto, versa sobre aspectos da seleção, aquisição, acesso, gerenciamento, preservação e avaliação dos recursos eletrônicos. Aponta que os autores utilizados para a construção do modelo conceitual são unanimes em afirmar que o ciclo de vida dos recursos eletrônicos vem alterando o fluxo de trabalho nas bibliotecas, apesar de delinearem diferentes etapas para o ciclo e portanto entender o fluxo de trabalho sob outro prisma. E ainda ressalta-se que compreender o ciclo de vida dos recursos eletrônicos de informação é fundamental para que os bibliotecários desempenhem efetivamente o seu papel no desenvolvimento científico universitário.
Sex‐specific effects of leptin administration to pregnant mice on the placentae and the metabolic phenotypes of offspring
Authors: Denisova Elena I. , Kozhevnikova Valeria V. , Bazhan Nadezhda M. , Makarova Elena N.
Published: November 2019

Obesity during pregnancy has been shown to increase the risk of metabolic diseases in the offspring. However, the factors within the maternal milieu which affect offspring phenotypes and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The adipocyte hormone leptin plays a key role in regulating energy homeostasis and is known to participate in sex‐specific developmental programming. To examine the action of leptin on fetal growth, placental gene expression and postnatal offspring metabolism, we injected C57BL mice with leptin or saline on gestational day 12 and then measured body weights (BWs) of offspring fed on a standard or obesogenic diet, as well as mRNA expression levels of insulin‐like growth factors and glucose and amino acid transporters. Male and female offspring born to leptin‐treated mothers exhibited growth retardation before and a growth surge after weaning. Mature male offspring, but not female offspring, exhibited increased BWs on a standard diet. Leptin administration prevented the development of hyperglycaemia in the obese offspring of both sexes. The placentas of the male and female foetuses differed in size and gene expression, and leptin injection decreased the fetal weights of both sexes, the placental weights of the male foetuses and placental gene expression of the GLUT1 glucose transporter in female foetuses. The data suggest that mid‐pregnancy is an ontogenetic window for the sex‐specific programming effects of leptin, and these effects may be exerted via fetal sex‐specific placental responses to leptin administration.
Non‐Equilibrium, Light‐Adaptive, Steady‐State Reconfiguration of Mechanical Patterns in Bioinspired Nanocomposites
Authors: Jiao Dejin , Lossada Francisco , Yu Wenqian , Guo Jiaqi , Hoenders Daniel , Walther Andreas
Published: November 2019

Bioinspired nanocomposites have made great progress for the fabrication of mechanical high‐performance structural materials, but their properties have thus far been engineered with a focus on static behavior. This contrasts profoundly with the dynamic reconfiguration often observed in living tissues. Here, a first concept is introduced for steady‐state, light‐adaptive reconfiguration of mechanical patterns in bioinspired nanocomposites under dissipative out‐of‐equilibrium conditions. This is realized for green, waterborne cellulose nanofibril/polymer nanopapers by achieving a heterogeneous activation of a photothermal effect. To this end, predefined mechanical patterns are designed by top‐down lamination of bottom‐up engineered bioinspired nanocomposites containing thermoreversible hydrogen bonds, as well as spatially selectively incorporated single‐walled carbon nanotubes for photothermal response. Global irradiation leads to localized photothermal softening by cascading light to heat, and to the dynamization and breakage of the thermoreversible supramolecular bonds, leading to macroscopic reconfiguration and even inversion of mechanical stiff/soft patterns. The altered configuration is only stable in a dissipative steady state and relaxes to the ground state once light is removed. The strategy presents a new approach harnessing the capabilities from top‐down and bottom‐up structuring, and by interfacing it with non‐equilibrium adaptivity concepts, it opens avenues for hierarchical bioinspired materials with anisotropic response in global fields.
Inkjet‐Printed Micrometer‐Thick Patterned Perovskite Quantum Dot Films for Efficient Blue‐to‐Green Photoconversion
Authors: Duan Miao , Feng Zhengyu , Wu Yongwei , Yin Yongming , Hu Zhiping , Peng Wenxiang , Li Dongze , Chen Shu‐jhih , Lee Chia‐Yu , Lien Alan
Published: November 2019

Perovskite materials have attracted great attention as a potential color conversion material in the display field recently. However, preparing a large and thick patterned film remains to be a key challenge. Here, a patterned CsPbBr3 quantum dot color conversion layer is prepared using the inkjet‐printing and UV‐curing method. The prepared 6 µm film exhibits a uniform morphology without coffee‐ring effect. Green emission is achieved with a brightness of 58 cd m−2 and narrow emission band is achieved using the 345 cd m−2 blue OLED excitation light. Furthermore, only 1.4% of decay in brightness is observed after the film is exposed to ambient environment for 1 month without any protection. Finally, a 6.6 in. active matrix perovskite quantum dot display prototype is demonstrated using the blue OLED backlight with 384 × 300 resolution for the first time.
Preparation of bismuth sulfide nanoparticles as targeted biocompatible nano‐radiosensitizer and carrier of methotrexate
Authors: Azizi Sedigheh , Nosrati Hamed , Sharafi Ali , Danafar Hossein
Published: November 2019

In this study, Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time by bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐mediated biomineralization (Bi2S3@BSA NPs) followed by covalent bonding of biotin (Bio) and methotrexate (MTX) on the surface of the Bi2S3@BSA NPs via carbodiimide chemistry. The synthesized NPs were globular and exhibited uniform morphology with a hydrodynamic diameter of 107.6 ± 6.81 nm (mean ± standard deviation) and zeta potential of −20.9 ± 2.18 mV. Drug release from Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX NPs indicated an enzyme‐dependent release pattern. The in vitro biocompatibility of NPs was confirmed by investigating their cytotoxicity against the HEK‐293 cell line and hemolysis assay test, whereas the in vivo biocompatibility of the NPs was evaluated and confirmed by the lethal dose 50 (LD50) test. To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of the functionalized NPs and MTX, their cytotoxic effects was assessed against 4T1 cancer cells by 5‐dimethylthiazol‐z‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with and without X‐ray radiation. Results showed that Bi2S3@BSA–Bio–MTX NPs have excellent anticancer activity, especially following X‐ray radiation.
Multiparameter Analysis Identifies Heterogeneity in Knee Osteoarthritis Synovial Responses
Authors: Labinsky Hannah , Panipinto Paul M. , Ly Kaytlyn A. , Khuat Deric K. , Madarampalli Bhanupriya , Mahajan Vineet , Clabeaux Jonathan , MacDonald Kevin , Verdin Peter J. , Buckner Jane H. , Noss Erika H.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Synovial membrane inflammation is common in osteoarthritis (OA) and increases cartilage injury. However, synovial fluid and histology studies suggest that OA inflammatory responses are not homogeneous. Greater understanding of these responses may provide new insights into OA disease mechanisms. We undertook this study to develop a novel multiparameter approach to phenotype synovial responses in knee OA.

Methods

Cell composition and soluble protein production were measured by flow cytometry and multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in synovium collected from OA patients undergoing knee replacement surgery (n = 35).

Results

Testing disaggregation conditions showed that aggressive digestion improved synovial cell yield and mesenchymal staining by flow cytometry, but it negatively impacted CD4+ T cell and CD56+ natural killer cell staining. Less aggressive digestion preserved these markers and showed highly variable T cell infiltration (range 0–43%; n = 32). Correlation analysis identified mesenchymal subpopulations associated with different nonmesenchymal populations, including macrophages and T cells (CD45+CD11b+HLA−DR+ myeloid cells with PDPN+CD73+CD90−CD34− mesenchymal cells [r = 0.65, P < 0.0001]; and CD45+CD3+ T cells with PDPN+CD73+CD90+CD34+ mesenchymal cells [r = 0.50, P = 0.003]). Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) measured by flow cytometry strongly correlated with IL‐6 released by ex vivo culture of synovial tissue (r = 0.59, P = 0.0012) and was highest in mesenchymal cells coexpressing CD90 and CD34. IL‐6, IL‐8, complement factor D, and IL‐10 release correlated positively with tissue cellularity (P = 0.0042, P = 0.018, P = 0.0012, and P = 0.038, respectively). Additionally, increased CD8+ T cell numbers correlated with retinol binding protein 4 (P = 0.033). Finally, combining flow cytometry and multiplex data identified patient clusters with different types of inflammatory responses.

Conclusion

We used a novel approach to analyze OA synovium, identifying patient‐specific inflammatory clusters. Our findings indicate that phenotyping synovial inflammation may provide new insights into OA patient heterogeneity and biomarker development.
The Genomic Code: A Pervasive Encoding/Molding of Chromatin Structures and a Solution of the “Non‐Coding DNA” Mystery
Authors: Bernardi Giorgio
Published: November 2019

Recent investigations have revealed 1) that the isochores of the human genome group into two super‐families characterized by two different long‐range 3D structures, and 2) that these structures, essentially based on the distribution and topology of short sequences, mold primary chromatin domains (and define nucleosome binding). More specifically, GC‐poor, gene‐poor isochores are low‐heterogeneity sequences with oligo‐A spikes that mold the lamina‐associated domains (LADs), whereas GC‐rich, gene‐rich isochores are characterized by single or multiple GC peaks that mold the topologically associating domains (TADs). The formation of these “primary TADs” may be followed by extrusion under the action of cohesin and CTCF. Finally, the genomic code, which is responsible for the pervasive encoding and molding of primary chromatin domains (LADs and primary TADs, namely the “gene spaces”/“spatial compartments”) resolves the longstanding problems of “non‐coding DNA,” “junk DNA,” and “selfish DNA” leading to a new vision of the genome as shaped by DNA sequences.
Using a script procedure without fading to increase novel behavior in a conversation between children with autism
Authors: Yamamoto Shinya , Isawa Shinzo
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a prompting procedure (using a textual script without fading) in increasing novel behavior during conversations by children with autism. Four children with autism participated in the study. Dependent variables were scripted behavior, unscripted behavior, novel behavior, and inappropriate statements in a conversation between children with autism. This study used an ABCA design, the baseline, a script procedure, a script removal, and a return to baseline phase. In the baseline, participants infrequently emitted novel behavior and emitted inappropriate statements. When the script procedure was introduced, all participants emitted novel behavior and appropriate behavior more often than during baseline with fewer inappropriate statements. These gains were maintained in the script removal and return to baseline conditions. Three out of four participants continued to emit novel behavior during follow up probes. These results indicate that the script procedure without fading was useful for increasing novel behavior and appropriate statements.
Transgelin Depletion is Critical for the TGFβ1‐mediated Initiation of PLCγ1‐Cofilin‐driven Morphological and Migratory Changes in MDA‐MB‐231 Cells
Authors: Raymundo Bernardo R. , Oh In‐Rok , Kim MiJung , Kim Chan‐Wha
Published: November 2019

The role of transgelin (TAGLN) in cancer has been discussed; however, the mechanisms underlying its regulation and correlation with MDA‐MB‐231 cell plasticity and migratory patterns remain unclear. We generated stable TAGLN‐knockdown MDA‐MB‐231 cells and treated them with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. Chemotaxis, morphology, and invasion were assayed using three‐dimensional matrices to evaluate cytoskeletal remodeling and migratory changes. Wound healing assays were conducted using cell inserts. TAGLN knockdown cells exhibited altered morphology due to cytoskeletal remodeling, yet only untreated and TGFβ1‐treated cells exhibited enhanced migration. Untreated and TGFβ1‐treated TAGLN knockdown cells showed increased N‐WASP, ROCK1, and ROCK2 protein levels, which induce cytoskeletal remodeling. Evaluating phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1)‐cofilin signaling‐related proteins revealed that only TGFβ1‐treated TAGLN knockdown cells were influenced by PLCγ1‐cofilin signaling. Taken together, TAGLN knockdown is necessary for the TGFβ1‐mediated activation of PLCγ1‐cofilin pathway‐driven amoeboid morphology and enhanced migratory properties in MDA‐MB‐231 cells.
Real‐Time BODIPY‐Binding Assay To Screen Inhibitors of the Early Oligomerization Process of Aβ1–42 Peptide
Authors: Tonali Nicolo , Dodero Veronica I. , Kaffy Julia , Hericks Loreen , Ongeri Sandrine , Sewald Norbert
Published: November 2019

Misfolding and aggregation of amyloid β1–42 peptide (Aβ1–42) play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targeting the highly cytotoxic oligomeric species formed during the early stages of the aggregation process represents a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce the toxicity associated with Aβ1–42. Currently, the thioflavin T (ThT) assay is the only established spectrofluorometric method to screen aggregation inhibitors. The success of the ThT assay is that it can detect Aβ1–42 aggregates with high β‐sheet content, such as protofibrils or fibrils, which appear in the late aggregation steps. Unfortunately, by using the ThT assay, the detection of inhibitors of early soluble oligomers that present a low β‐sheet character is challenging. Herein, a new, facile, and robust boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) real‐time assay suitable for 96‐well plate format, which allows screening of compounds as selective inhibitors of the formation of Aβ1–42 oligomers, is reported. These inhibitors decrease the cellular toxicity of Aβ1–42, although they fail in the ThT assay. The findings have been confirmed and validated by structural analysis and cell viability assays under comparable experimental conditions. It is demonstrated that the BODIPY assay is a convenient method to screen and discover new candidate compounds that slow down or stop the pathological early oligomerization process and are active in the cellular assay. Therefore, it is a suitable complementary screening method of the current ThT assay.
Solid‐State Conversion Synthesis of Advanced Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Ma Xiaomin , Shi Yanmei , Wang Kang , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2019

Electrolytic water technology is promising for sustainable energy utilization, but the lack of efficient electrocatalysts retards its application. The intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts is determined by its electronic structure, whereas the apparent activity can be further optimized by reasonable design on micro‐/nanostructures of electrocatalysts. The core goal of electrocatalytic research is to reveal the relationship between the structure and performance of electrocatalysts, which is also the basis of reasonable design and construction of efficient electrocatalysts. Traditional synthetic methods, namely bottom‐up and top‐down routes, usually induce the change of different structural parameters at the same time. The solid‐state conversion strategy, which is converts solid precursors into target materials through chemical reactions, has been widely adopted to produce materials with precisely controllable structures. In this Minireview, we focus on recent advances in the solid‐state conversion synthesis of water‐splitting electrocatalysts. First, the basis of solid‐state conversion chemistry is introduced. Then, the specific methods of precise control of electronic structure by solid‐state conversion and the relationship between electronic structure and performance are summarized. Based on the understanding of the electronic structure–performance relationship, synergistic regulation of electronic structure and micro‐/nanostructures by solid‐state conversion to achieve the copromotion of intrinsic activity and apparent activity are described. Finally, the remaining challenges in this field are discussed, and future research directions are proposed as well.
Änderungsfest
Authors: Neupert Michael
Published: November 2019

Die Blockchaintechnologie ermöglicht zusammen mit Smart Contracts digitale Zwillinge von kompletten Wertschöpfungsketten. Welche Flexibilität sich in einem Gesamtsystem aus einfachen Bausteinen schaffen lässt, bleibt abzuwarten. Aktuell fordert die vorhan
Früherkennung
Authors: Dasgupta Subhashish , Kariwala Vinay
Published: November 2019

Die Flowmeter‐Messprodukte von ABB spiegeln die neuesten Entwicklungen in der Durchflusssensorik wider. Das neue Tool von ABB, ein digitaler Zwilling, imitiert den aktuellen Durchflussmesser in einer virtuellen Umgebung und prognostiziert die Leistung des
Hochleistungspulver am Puls der Zeit
Authors: Wagner Jörg
Published: November 2019

Materialien der Zukunft bedingen immer spezifischere Eigenschaftsprofile. Die Glatt Pulversynthese setzt Maßstäbe bei der Herstellung neuer Pulverwerkstoffe für Hochleistungskeramiken, Batteriewerkstoffe, Katalysatoren oder Spezialpigmente.
Optimized NMR Experiments for the Isolation of I=1/2 Manifold Transitions in Methyl Groups of Proteins
Authors: Tugarinov Vitali , Karamanos Theodoros K. , Ceccon Alberto , Clore G. Marius
Published: November 2019

Optimized NMR experiments are developed for isolating magnetization belonging to the I=1/2 manifolds of 13CH3 methyl groups in proteins, enabling the manipulation of the magnetization of a 13CH3 moiety as if it were an AX (1H‐13C) spin‐system. These experiments result in the same ‘simplification’ of a 13CH3 spin‐system that would be obtained from the production of {13CHD2}‐methyl‐labeled protein samples. The sensitivity of I=1/2 manifold‐selection experiments is a factor of approximately 2 less than that of the corresponding experiments acquired on {13CHD2}‐labeled methyl groups. The methodology described here is primarily intended for small‐to‐medium sized proteins, where the losses in sensitivity associated with the isolation of I=1/2 manifold transitions can be tolerated. Several NMR applications that benefit from simplification of the 13CH3 (AX3) spin‐systems are described, with an emphasis on the measurements of methyl 1H‐13C residual dipolar couplings in a {13CH3}‐methyl‐labeled deletion mutant of the human chaperone DNAJB6b, where modulation of NMR signal intensities due to evolution of methyl 1H‐13C scalar and dipolar couplings follows a simple cosine function characteristic of an AX (1H‐13C) spin‐system, significantly simplifying data analysis.
Evaluating the changes in molar incisor hypomineralization prevalence: A comparison of two cross‐sectional studies in two elementary schools in Mexico City between 2008 and 2017
Authors: Irigoyen‐Camacho Maria Esther , Villanueva‐Gutierrez Teresa , Castano‐Seiquer Antonio , Molina‐Frechero Nelly , Zepeda‐Zepeda Marco , Sánchez‐Pérez Leonor
Published: November 2019

Background

Little information is available on the trends over time of the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). This condition may be preventing dental caries decline.

Aim

(a) To compare the prevalence of MIH, in Mexico City schoolchildren, evaluated in 2008 with a group evaluated in 2017, (b) to identify the association of MIH with dental caries, and (c) to assess the mother's perception of her child's oral health status.

Design

Two cross‐sectional studies performed in 2008 and in 2017 were compared. The oral examiner and the selected schools were the same in both surveys.

Results

A total of 549 schoolchildren were evaluated. The prevalence of MIH in the first survey was 20.3%, and 31.9 % in the second survey, (p= .002). Children with MIH were more likely to have dental caries. The odds ratio was 2.24 (p= .036) and 4.18 (p˂ .001) in the first and second surveys, respectively. Mothers of children with MIH perceived worse oral health status of their children than the mothers whose children did not have MIH (odds ratio = 4.47,p˂ .001).

Conclusion

The findings portray a clear increase in prevalence of MIH and highlight the need for increased awareness about this condition among dentists and the general population.
Contemporary chiral simulators for capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Caslavska Jitka , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

For separation of enantiomers in presence of a chiral selector, data obtained with the 1D dynamic simulators SIMUL5complex and GENTRANS are compared to data predicted by PeakMaster 6, a recently released generalized model of the linear theory of electromigration. Four electrophoretic systems with stereoisomers of weak bases were investigated. They deal with the estimation of input data for complexation together with the elucidation of the origin of observed system peaks, the interference of analyte and system peak migration, the change of enantiomer migration order as function of the selector concentration and the inversion of analyte migration direction in presence of a multiply negatively charged selector. For all systems, data predicted with PeakMaster 6 are in agreement with those of the dynamic simulators and simulation data compare well with experimental data that were monitored with setups featuring conductivity and/or UV absorbance detection along the capillary. SIMUL5complex and GENTRANS provide the full dynamics of any buffer and sample arrangement and require very long execution time intervals. PeakMaster 6 is restricted to conventional CZE, is based on an approximate solution of the transport equations, provides data for realistic experimental conditions within seconds and represents a practical tool for an experimentalist.
Designing Clinical Trials in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Tips for Patient Selection and Appropriate Endpoints
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , Kohli Rohit , Feldstein Ariel E.
Published: November 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in children and may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and even cirrhosis in childhood or early adulthood, indicating the need for pharmacologic treatment in this age group. Multiple trials are evaluating different therapeutic targets for NASH with fibrosis in adults, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently provided clear guidance to the pharmaceutical industry on developing drugs for the treatment of noncirrhotic NASH with liver fibrosis. Pediatric NAFLD has several unique aspects that distinguish it from the adult disease in terms of histology, our understanding of the natural history, and the utility of noninvasive tests. These differences have the potential to impact the design of clinical trials to test different drugs in the pediatric population. The aim of this article is to provide a review of common misconceptions regarding pediatric NAFLD and key differences from adult NAFLD. We have provided our recommendations on the design of early proof‐of‐concept and late phase 2 trials based on lessons learned from previous clinical trials. We believe that clinical drug development for children with NAFLD should happen in parallel with ongoing adult trials.
Profiling Korean sex crimes: Offender characteristics and crime scene actions
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Almond Louise , Eyre Marie
Published: November 2019

The present study aimed to examine the demographic information of sex offenders in South Korea and explore whether a U.K. thematic model of criminal behaviour could be replicated in the Korean context. The 27 variables of crime scene actions derived from 50 Korean sexual offences through a content analysis were analysed with smallest space analysis. Chi‐square was also administered to explore the differences in offender characteristics among behavioural themes. Consequently, three separate action themes, hostility–involvement, theft, and control, were revealed. Next, each case was assigned to one of the dominant or hybrid themes, with 84% of the total cases being classified to the dominant themes. Moreover, there were significant differences in four offender characteristics between the themes: “previous conviction of robbery,” “previous conviction of sexual crime,” “knowing the victim,” and “vehicle use.” These outcomes have implications for the development of the Korean profiling system.
Aqueous two‐phase systems based on deep eutectic solvents and their application in green separation processes
Authors: Zhao Rong‐tao , Pei Dong , Yu Pei‐liang , Wei Jan‐teng , Wang Ning‐li , Di Duo‐Long , Liu Ye‐wei
Published: November 2019

As a new environmentally friendly separation technology, deep eutectic solvent based aqueous two‐phase systems are extensively applied in various fields. Herein, we review recent advances in this field and highlight the possible directions of future developments. This article focuses on the effects of deep eutectic solvent and inorganic salts on the phase equilibrium, the microstructure of deep eutectic solvent based aqueous two‐phase systems, the applications of deep eutectic solvent based aqueous two‐phase systems in separation (proteins, biopolymers, saponins, and organic acids), and removal and recovery technologies for deep eutectic solvent from aqueous two‐phase systems.
Chief executive officer compensation, firm performance, and strategic coopetition: A seemingly unrelated regression approach
Authors: Lin Winston T. , Shi Juehui
Published: November 2019

Coopetition denotes the simultaneous cooperation and competition in a business relationship and is broader in depth and width than competition. This pioneering comparative study employs a seemingly unrelated regression system to investigate the impact of peer‐pay bias and pay‐for‐relative performance upon the highly controversial chief executive officer (CEO) pay. The analysis of the 21 Dow–Jones firms from 1992 to 2013 shows that the pay‐for‐performance relationship is contingent on the fit between CEO's strategic decisions and firm's core competency. The CEO pay is driven by the intensification of firm coopetition. We contribute to executive compensation, corporate strategy, and econometric methods.
Placental endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and role of oxidative stress in susceptibility to preeclampsia in Pakistani women
Authors: Shaheen Ghazala , Jahan Sarwat , Ain Qurat Ul , Ullah Asad , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Alam Iftikhar , Razak Suhail
Published: November 2019

Background

Preeclampsia (PE): a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by de novo development of concurrent hypertension and proteinuria. The prevailing theory determined that PE starts from the placenta and ends in the maternal endothelium. Role of endothelial dysfunction in the onset of PE has been reported in different populations. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate the localization and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and role of oxidative stress markers in preeclamptic Pakistani women.

Methods

A total of 400 blood samples (PE = 200, controls = 200) and 100 placental tissues (PE = 50, controls = 50) were recruited from pregnant women. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) levels were analyzed through spectrophotometer. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were carried out to estimate the localization and expression of eNOS in the placentas of PE patients and healthy pregnant women.

Results

Significantly increased levels of POD (0.01), TBARS (0.04), and ROS (p ≤ .001) were determined in preeclamptic women while, nonsignificant change in SOD and CAT was observed in both groups. Reduced eNOS immunoreactivity (p ≤ .001) and mRNA abundance (p ≤ .001) was observed in preeclamptic group as compared to control group.

Conclusion

Considering the results of current study, it is concluded that decreased eNOS expression and oxidative stress could play a role in the pathology of PE seen both in placenta and ultimately in maternal endothelium. However, large studies are necessary to validate these findings to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Pakistani population.
Similarity inner solutions for the Pulsar equation
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: November 2019

Lie symmetries are applied to classify the source of the magnetic field for the Pulsar equation near to the surface of the neutron star. We find that there are six possible different admitted Lie algebras. We apply the corresponding Lie invariants to reduce the Pulsar equation close to the surface to an ordinary differential equation. This equation is solved either with the use of Lie symmetries or the application of the ARS algorithm for singularity analysis to write the analytic solution as a Laurent expansion. These solutions are called inner solutions.
The incidence of orthostatic intolerance after bariatric surgery
Authors: Zhang James B. , Tamboli Robyn A. , Albaugh Vance L. , Williams David B. , Kilkelly Donna M. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Shibao Cyndya A.
Published: November 2019

Aims

Every year, over 200 000 individuals undergo bariatric surgery for the treatment of extreme obesity in the United States. Several retrospective studies describe the occurrence of orthostatic intolerance (OI) syndrome after bariatric surgery. However, the incidence of this syndrome remains unknown.

Materials and methods

We used a prospective, de‐identified registry of 4547 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery at Vanderbilt to identify cases of new‐onset OI. Structured chart reviews were conducted for all subjects who reported new‐onset OI post surgery. Cases of OI were confirmed using an operational case definition developed by the Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, and autonomic function tests results were examined for evidence of impaired autonomic function. The cumulative incidence of post‐bariatric surgery OI syndrome was estimated using a life table.

Results

Seven hundred forty‐one of 4547 (16.3%) patients included in our cohort reported new OI symptoms after surgery. After the chart review, we confirmed the presence of post–bariatric surgery OI syndrome in 85 patients, 14 with severe OI requiring pressor agents. At 5 years post surgery, follow‐up is reduced to 15%; the unadjusted 5‐year prevalence of OI was 1.9%. The cumulative incidence of OI syndrome adjusted for loss of follow‐up was 4.2%. Most OI cases developed during weight‐stable months (±5 kg). At the time of identification, 13% of OI cases showed evidence of impaired sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity.

Conclusion

OI is frequent in the bariatric population, affecting 4.2% of patients within the first 5 years postoperatively. In 13% of post–bariatric surgery OI patients, there was evidence of impaired sympathetic vasoconstriction activity.
Dual inhibition of EGFR and MET by Echinatin retards cell growth and induces apoptosis of lung cancer cells sensitive or resistant to gefitinib
Authors: Oh Ha‐Na , Lee Mee‐Hyun , Kim Eunae , Kwak Ah‐Won , Seo Ji‐Hye , Yoon Goo , Cho Seung‐Sik , Choi Joon‐Seok , Lee Sang‐Myeong , Seo Kang‐Seok , Chae Jung‐Il , Shim Jung‐Hyun
Published: November 2019

Patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) containing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification or sensitive mutations initially respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib; however, the treatment is less effective over time. Gefitinib resistance mechanisms include MET gene amplification. A therapeutic strategy targeting MET as well as EGFR can overcome resistance to gefitinib. In the present study we identified Echinatin (Ecn), a characteristic chalcone in licorice, which inhibited both EGFR and MET and strongly altered NSCLC cell growth. The antitumor efficacy of Ecn against gefitinib‐sensitive or –resistant NSCLC cells with EGFR mutations and MET amplification was confirmed by suppressing cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent colony growth. During the targeting of EGFR and MET, Ecn significantly blocked the kinase activity, which was validated with competitive ATP binding. Inhibition of EGFR and MET by Ecn decreases the phosphorylation of downstream target proteins ERBB3, AKT and ERK compared with total protein expression or control. Ecn induced the G2/M cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway of caspase‐dependent activation. Ecn induced ROS production and GRP78, CHOP, DR5 and DR4 expression as well as depolarized the mitochondria membrane potential. Therefore, our results suggest that Ecn is a promising therapeutic agent in NSCLC therapy.
The effect of westerlies on East African rainfall and the associated role of tropical cyclones and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Finney Declan L. , Marsham John H. , Walker Dean P. , Birch Cathryn E. , Woodhams Beth J. , Jackson Lawrence S. , Hardy Sam
Published: November 2019

Variability of rainfall in East Africa has major impacts on lives and livelihoods. From floods to droughts, this variability is important on short daily time‐scales to longer decadal time‐scales, as is apparent from the devastating effects of droughts in East Africa over recent decades. Past studies have highlighted the Congo airmass in enhancing East African rainfall. Our detailed analysis of the feature shows that days with a westerly moisture flow, bringing the Congo airmass, enhance rainfall by up to 100% above the daily mean, depending on the time of year. Conversely, there is a suppression of rainfall on days with a strong easterly flow. Days with a westerly moisture flux are in a minority in all seasons but we show that long rains with more westerly days are wetter, and that during the most‐recent decade which has had more frequent droughts (associated with the “Eastern African climate paradox”), there has been few days with such westerlies. We also investigate the influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) and tropical cyclones, and their interaction with the westerly flow. We show that days of westerly moisture flux are more likely during phases 3 and 4 of the MJO and when there are one or more tropical cyclones present. In addition, tropical cyclones are more likely to form during these phases of the MJO, and more likely to be coincident with westerlies when forming to the east of Madagascar. Overall, our analysis brings together many different processes that have been discussed in the literature but not yet considered in complete combination. The results demonstrate the importance of the Congo airmass on daily to climate time‐scales, and in doing so offers useful angles of investigation for future studies into prediction of East African rainfall.
Synthesis, Biological and Molecular Docking Study of Benzimidazole‐Clubbed Tetrahydrothieno [3, 2‐c] Pyridine as Platelet Inhibitors
Authors: Bhalekar Sujit B. , Shelke Sharad N.
Published: November 2019

Two novel series of tetrahydrothienopyridine clubbed benzimidazole hybrids were synthesized, characterized by spectral studies 1H NMR, IR and mass analysis. Synthesized analogs were screened for in vitro antiplatelet activity. In addition, active analogs were further subjected in presence of proton pump inhibitors against standard prasugrel and aspirin to check minimization in antiplatelet activity. Active analogs 1‐(2‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐c]pyridin‐5(4H)‐yl)ethan‐1‐one (11) and (2‐(1‐(2‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐c]pyridin‐5(4H)‐yl)(3,4,5‐trichlorophenyl)methanone (25) were significantly found more active than the standards in the presence of proton pump inhibitors. The structure and antiplatelet activity relationship was supported by molecular docking studies of active analogs to know how effectively, activity influenced by the merger of proton pump inhibitor precursor benzimidazole. The above studies successfully revealed that the synthesized analogs may found more active with further amendments via pharmacological point of view.
Highly efficient nanostructured CoFe2O4 thin film electrodes for electrochemical degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Labchir Nabil , Amaterz Elhassan , Hannour Abdelkrim , Ait hssi Abderrahim , Vincent Didier , Ihlal Ahmed , Sajieddine Mohammed
Published: November 2019

In this work, we report the application of highly efficient electrodeposited cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) thin films in electrochemical degradation of rhodamine B. XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of single phase CoFe2O4. SEM analysis revealed a very fine nanorods dispersed uniformly with average size around 30 nm. UV‐Vis spectrophotometry emphasized that the optical band gap value is 1.6 eV. Moreover, the elaborated CoFe2O4 thin films showed a good efficiency for the electrochemical degradation of an aqueous solution of rhodamine B (RhB) attaining 99% during the first 3 min of reaction time. The trapping experiments revealed that the hydroxyl radicals were the main active species leading to the removal of RhB initial concentration of 10 mg/L in a very short time.

Practitioner points

A simple electrodeposition technique was used to fabricate CoFe2O4 thin.

XRD and FTIR studies revealed the formation of pure cubic spinel phase.

Nano‐rod like morphology has been successfully synthesized.

The rhodamine B aqueous solution has been completely decolorized using the obtained CoFe2O4 thin films.
Quantum gravity from timelike Liouville theory
Authors: Bautista Teresa , Dabholkar Atish , Erbin Harold
Published: November 2019

Abstract

A proper definition of the path integral of quantum gravity has been a long- standing puzzle because the Weyl factor of the Euclidean metric has a wrong-sign kinetic term. We propose a definition of two-dimensional Liouville quantum gravity with cos- mological constant using conformal bootstrap for the timelike Liouville theory coupled to supercritical matter. We prove a no-ghost theorem for the states in the BRST cohomology. We show that the four-point function constructed by gluing the timelike Liouville three- point functions is well defined and crossing symmetric (numerically) for external Liouville energies corresponding to all physical states in the BRST cohomology with the choice of the Ribault-Santachiara contour for the internal energy.
Loop-enhanced rate of neutrinoless double beta decay
Authors: Rodejohann Werner , Xu Xun-Jie
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Neutrino masses can be generated radiatively. In such scenarios their masses are calculated by evaluating a self-energy diagram with vanishing external momentum, i.e. taking only the leading order term in a momentum expansion. The difference between the full self-energy and the mass is experimentally difficult to access, since one needs off-shell neutrinos to observe it. However, massive Majorana neutrinos that mediate neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) are off-shell, with the virtuality of order 100 MeV. If the energy scale of the self-energy loop is of the order of this virtuality, the amplitude of double beta decay can be modified by the unsuppressed loop effect. This can have a drastic impact on the interpretation of future observations or limits of the 0νββ decay.