bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overtaking collisions of oblique isothermal ion‐acoustic multisolitons in ultra‐relativistic degenerate dense magnetoplasmas
Authors: El‐Shamy E.F. , Selim M.M. , El‐Depsy A. , Abdellahi M.O. , Al‐Hagan O. , Al‐Mogeeth A. , Alelyani L.
Published: August 2020

Overtaking collisions of oblique isothermal ion‐acoustic multisolitons are studied in an ultra‐relativistic degenerate dense magnetoplasma, containing non‐degenerate inertial warm ions and ultra‐relativistic degenerate inertialess electrons and positrons. A non‐linear Korteweg‐de Vries (KdV) equation describing oblique isothermal ion‐acoustic solitons (OIIASs) in such a plasma model is derived. By applying Hirota's bilinear method (HBM), the overtaking collisions of oblique isothermal ion‐acoustic multisoliton solutions are investigated. An in‐depth discussion shows that the amplitude, the width, and the phase shift of isothermal ion‐acoustic multisolitons increase as the obliqueness and the chemical potential of electrons increase. The deviation of the trajectories decreases with increasing concentration of fermions and the ion cyclotron frequency. The present finding of this study is applicable in compact objects, such as white dwarfs and neutron stars, having degenerate ultra‐relativistic dense electrons and positrons.
Characterization of Chicken Leukocyte Subsets from Lymphatic Tissue by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Hofmann Tanja , Schmucker Sonja
Published: August 2020

Determining the abundance of leukocyte subtypes, including lymphocyte subpopulations, not only in blood but also in lymphatic tissues, is inevitable to assess the immune status of an organism for research purposes. However, nucleated thrombocytes and erythrocytes exacerbate many hematological techniques in avian species. In order to enable a rapid discrimination of leukocyte subsets from lymphatic tissues of chicken, we adapted existing flow cytometric methods for counting leukocytes in chicken blood. We established staining and gating strategies allowing the flow cytometric characterization and enumeration of total leukocytes, thrombocytes, monocytes/macrophages, CD8α+ lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, γδ T cells, and B cells in chicken spleen and CD8α+ lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, γδ T cells, and B cells among intraepithelial lymphocytes in chicken cecal tonsils. For this, we prepared single‐cell suspensions of spleen and isolated intraepithelial lymphocytes from cecal tonsils without density centrifugation, and performed antibody staining of cells without subsequent washing steps to prevent cell loss and falsification of obtained cell counts. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
The influence of climate and habitat on stable isotope signatures and the isotopic niche of nestling White‐headed Woodpeckers (Dryobates albolarvatus)
Authors: Lorenz Teresa J. , Kozma Jeffrey M. , Cunningham Patrick G.
Published: August 2020

The majority of landbird species feed their nestlings arthropods and variation in arthropod populations can impact reproductive outcomes in these species. Arthropod populations in turn are influenced by climate because temperature affects survival and reproduction, and larval development. Thus, climate factors have the potential to influence many bird species during their reproductive phases. In this study, we assessed climate factors that impact the diet of nestling White‐headed Woodpecker (Dryobates albolarvatus), an at‐risk keystone species in much of its range in western North America. To do this, we measured stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) in 152 nestlings across six years and linked variation in isotopic values to winter (December–February) and spring (June) precipitation and temperature using mixed effects models. We also explored habitat factors that may impact δ13C and δ15N and the relationship between δ15N and nest productivity. Last, we estimated isotopic niche width for nestlings in different watersheds and years using Bayesian standard ellipses, which allowed us to compare dietary niche width and overlap. We found that colder winter temperatures were associated with an increase in δ15N and δ15N levels had a weak positive relationship with nest productivity. We also found that sites with a more diverse tree community were associated with a broader isotopic niche width in nestlings. Our findings suggest that nestling diet is affected by climate, and under future warming climate scenarios, White‐headed Woodpecker nestling diet may shift in favor of lower trophic level prey (prey with lower δ15N levels). The impact of such changes on woodpecker populations merits further study.
Caenorhabditis elegans dauers vary recovery in response to bacteria from natural habitat
Authors: Bubrig Louis T. , Sutton John M. , Fierst Janna L.
Published: August 2020

Many species use dormant stages for habitat selection by tying recovery to informative external cues. Other species have an undiscerning strategy in which they recover randomly despite having advanced sensory systems. We investigated whether elements of a species' habitat structure and life history can bar it from developing a discerning recovery strategy. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a dormant stage called the dauer larva that disperses between habitat patches. On one hand, C. elegans colonization success is profoundly influenced by the bacteria found in its habitat patches, so we might expect this to select for a discerning strategy. On the other hand, C. elegans' habitat structure and life history suggest that there is no fitness benefit to varying recovery, which might select for an undiscerning strategy. We exposed dauers of three genotypes to a range of bacteria acquired from the worms' natural habitat. We found that C. elegans dauers recover in all conditions but increase recovery on certain bacteria depending on the worm's genotype, suggesting a combination of undiscerning and discerning strategies. Additionally, the worms' responses did not match the bacteria's objective quality, suggesting that their decision is based on other characteristics.
Application of capillary electrophoresis technique for the enantioseparation of bioactive ferrocene‐based compounds versus DFT calculated data
Authors: Snegur Lubov V. , Borisov Yurii A. , Ermolenko Yuliya V. , Safronova Viktoriya N. , Kiselev Sergey S. , Kochetkov Konstantin A. , Simenel Alexander A.
Published: August 2020

Herein, a series of bioactive ferrocene‐modified N‐heterocycles with alkyl linkers was prepared in good to quantitative yields starting from easy accessible ferrocene alcohols and heterocycles under acidic or neutral (for imidazole) conditions in racemic forms. The analytical resolution of a number of bioactive racemic ferrocene azoles 1–6 (where azole = imidazole, pyrazole, and benzotriazole derivatives) into enantiomers was first carried out by CE using sulfobuthylether‐β‐CD (captisol) as a chiral selector. The analytical approaches to highly enantiomeric‐enriched ferrocene derivatives are based on the formation of their inclusion complexes. The best chiral separation was achieved using zone CE in a quartz capillary. The ACE was used to evaluate the stability constants of captisol complexes with enantiomeric forms of two ferrocene derivatives 1, FcCHMe‐imidazole, and 6, FcCHMe‐benzotriazole. The optimal conditions for the resolution of the studied (R, S)‐ferrocene compounds 1, 2, and 6 were predicted on the basis of the performed quantum chemical calculations and then implemented by the electrophoretic method. A high correlation between density functional theory calculation results and experimental electrophoresis data were obtained. Successful enantioseparation of racemic mixtures is of great importance for the characterization and further applications of drug candidates in enantiopure forms and in the development of clinical treatment. The advantages of the CE procedure make it possible to have important practical value and significance for determining the purity and enantiomeric excess of other ferrocene‐containing compounds.
Development of a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method for the determination of four naphthalenediols in cosmetics and a comparison with a HPLC method
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Zheng Zhihan , Liu Huitao , Gao Yuan
Published: August 2020

A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) method with ultraviolet visible (UV) detection was used for the determination of 1,7‐naphthalenediol, 2,3‐naphthalenediol, 1,5‐naphthalenediol, and 2,7‐naphthalenediol in cosmetics. The current method for their determination in various cosmetics is high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Separation conditions affecting the MEKC method were optimized as 20 mM Na2B4O7–50mM SDS, pH 9.8, with 22 kV applied voltage and UV detection at 230 nm. Under optimal conditions, electrophoretic analysis was completed in less than 6 min, with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.070–0.19 μg/mL and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.23–0.63 μg/mL. A good linear relationship (r2 > 0.99) was obtained at the range of 0.75–20 μg/mL. Recoveries for the four naphthalenediols in lotion, loose powder, and sun cream are between 91.2–107.2% with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 4.04%. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of the four naphthalenediols in different kinds of cosmetics. A comparison with HPLC‐UV method was also carried out according to the National Standards of the People's Republic of China. The results obtained by MEKC and HPLC methods are comparable, but the proposed MEKC method can help us obtain a much shorter detection time and low cost.
Sediment characteristics and internal architecture of offshore sand ridges on a tideless continental shelf (western Mediterranean)
Authors: Durán Ruth , Guillén Jorge , Ribó Marta , Simarro Gonzalo , Muñoz Araceli , Palanques Albert , Puig Pere
Published: August 2020

An integrated approach combining swath bathymetry, an extensive dataset of vibrocores and high‐resolution seismic reflection data was used to assess the origin and evolution of offshore sand ridges on a tideless continental shelf (Gulf of Valencia, western Mediterranean). The sand ridges are located in the mid‐outer shelf at 55–85 m water depth, obliquely oriented to the shoreline. They are 1.5 to 7 m high, with a wavelength between 600 and 1,100 m and a mean height‐to‐wavelength ratio of 0.004. The sand ridges are composed of well‐sorted medium sand and are partially covered by a mud layer, evidencing a moribund stage. They overlie an erosion surface that locally crops out at the seafloor and is interpreted as the Holocene wave‐ravinement surface. In the sediment cores, this surface corresponds to an erosional lag composed of coarse sand and gravel with pebbles. Small topographic irregularities on this surface are interpreted as shoreline‐associated features that may act as the precursor for ridge development. Their preservation within the sand ridges could be related to the hardness of these features. Internally, the sand ridges display high‐angle dipping reflections, indicating ridge migration towards the southeast in the direction of the present‐day sediment transport direction. The presence of interbedded mud layers, associated with these reflections, indicates intermittent episodes of mud deposition when active. The internal architecture of some small ridges also provides new insights into their transition from an active to moribund state, as evidenced by a change in the geometry of the internal units from progradational to aggradational, finally being overlain by onlapping finer deposits over the flanks and in the troughs. The Gulf of Valencia sand ridge field constitutes a valuable potential sand resource of 22 million m3of well‐sorted medium and coarse sand with limited mud content, which must be preserved as a strategic sand reservoir. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and storage stability of encapsulated probiotic under simulated digestion conditions and on dried apple snacks
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Hussain Shahzad , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Alamri Mohamed S. , Ahmad Aftab , Ateeq Huda , Tufail Tabussam , Hussain Muzammil
Published: August 2020

The objective of the current study was to explore the probiotics carrier potential of apple dried snacks and improve the survival of probiotics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Purposely, the probiotics were encapsulated using two hydrogel materials (sodium alginate and carrageenan) by using encapsulator. Briefly, slices of apple were immersed in solution containing free and encapsulated probiotics and then dried by conventional drying method. The dried apple snack was analyzed for different characteristics (physiochemical and microbiological) during storage. The viability of the free and encapsulated probiotics was accessed in apple snack and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Apple snack rich with encapsulated probiotics showed a significant result (p < .05) regarding the survival and stability. The encapsulated probiotics decreased from 9.5 log CFU/g to 8.83 log CFU/g as compared to free probiotics that decreased to 5.28 log CFU/g. Furthermore, encapsulated probiotics exhibited a better stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions as compared to free. During storage, an increase in phenolic content and hardness was observed while decrease in pH was noted. Results of sensory parameters indicated apple snack as potential and acceptable probiotics carrier.
Quantifying chloride retention and release in urban stormwater management ponds using a mass balance approach
Authors: Lam Wai Ying , Lembcke David , Oswald Claire
Published: August 2020

Chloride (Cl−) in urban waterways largely originates from runoff containing deicing salts. Cl− is retained in watersheds after deicing ends, resulting in deleterious effects on aquatic biota. Stormwater management ponds (SWMPs), designed to mitigate ‘flashy’ urban runoff response, are known to impact pollutant transport. However, there is little information on what role SWMPs play in the timing and magnitude of Cl− transport over different timescales. This study quantifies the mass of Cl− retained in two SWMPs over varying timescales. Both ponds are in an urbanizing watershed in south‐central Ontario; one drains a commercial area, the other, a residential area. High frequency measurements of water level and specific conductivity, from which flow and Cl− concentration were derived, were taken with sensors at pond inlets and outlets. For one SWMP, data were also collected upstream and downstream of the confluence of the pond outflow and the receiving creek to quantify the in‐stream response to Cl−‐laden pond outflows. The findings suggest that SWMPs likely play a role in watershed‐scale Cl− retention; one SWMP consistently retained Cl− while the other had variable retention and release of Cl−. In the receiving creek, Cl− concentrations downstream of the pond exceeded the acute toxicity threshold for aquatic organisms twice as often as concentrations upstream of the pond, and Cl− pulses corresponded to Cl− release events from the pond. The results of this study suggest that SWMPs concentrate spatially distributed salt inputs and modify the timing and magnitude of their release to receiving streams. Stream reaches that receive water inputs from SWMPs may be more vulnerable to Cl− toxicity than reaches that do not receive flow via SWMPs. The results of this study will help parameterize the role of SWMPs in watershed‐scale Cl− transport models and geospatial models of salt vulnerable areas.
Antimicrobial potential of resin matrices loaded with coffee compounds
Authors: de Almeida Sarah A. , Ferracane Jack L. , da Silva Eduardo M. , Mushashe Amanda M. , Merritt Justin , Rocha Anderson A. , Noronha‐Filho Jaime D. , de Almeida Rayane V. , Poskus Laiza T.
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the biological behavior of the coffee compounds Trigonelline (T), chlorogenic acid (C), and nicotinic acid (N), correlating with their release from a resin matrix. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans UA159, and cytotoxicity was assessed by methyl tetrazolium salt on OD‐21 cells. Resin matrices (bisphenol A‐glycidyl‐dimethacrylate/triethylene glycol‐dimethacrylate 70/30 wt%, camphorquinone/ethyl 4‐dimethyl aminobenzoate 0.5/1 wt%) were doped with coffee compounds in different concentrations (10/20/30/40/50 wt%), performing 15 groups (T10‐T50, C10‐C50, N10‐N50), and a control group with no coffee compound. Degree of conversion (DC%) was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated by bioluminescence (Luciferase assay). The release from loaded matrices was analyzed over time (24 hr, 6, 14, 21 and 28 days), using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were submitted to ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). MIC for T and C was 6 mg/ml, and 4 mg/ml for N. None of them were cytotoxic. Only T50 and C50 showed lower DC% than control (α < 0.05). Some groups (T30/T40/T50/C40/C50/N50) were strongly antimicrobial, reducing bacterial activity approximately five times compared to control (α < 0.05). For T30, T40, T50, C40, and C50, the HPLC showed a release above or closer to MIC values mainly in 24 hr, but for N50, up to 28 days. In conclusion, the coffee compounds presented antimicrobial activity, depending on their concentration when added in resin matrices, being found a correlation with their release.
YAP and TAZ Promote Periosteal Osteoblast Precursor Expansion and Differentiation for Fracture Repair
Authors: Kegelman Christopher D , Nijsure Madhura P , Moharrer Yasaman , Pearson Hope B , Dawahare James H , Jordan Kelsey M , Qin Ling , Boerckel Joel D
Published: August 2020

In response to bone fracture, periosteal progenitor cells proliferate, expand, and differentiate to form cartilage and bone in the fracture callus. These cellular functions require the coordinated activation of multiple transcriptional programs, and the transcriptional regulators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) regulate osteochondroprogenitor activation during endochondral bone development. However, recent observations raise important distinctions between the signaling mechanisms used to control bone morphogenesis and repair. Here, we tested the hypothesis that YAP and TAZ regulate osteochondroprogenitor activation during endochondral bone fracture healing in mice. Constitutive YAP and/or TAZ deletion from Osterix-expressing cells impaired both cartilage callus formation and subsequent mineralization. However, this could be explained either by direct defects in osteochondroprogenitor differentiation after fracture or by developmental deficiencies in the progenitor cell pool before fracture. Consistent with the second possibility, we found that developmental YAP/TAZ deletion produced long bones with impaired periosteal thickness and cellularity. Therefore, to remove the contributions of developmental history, we next generated adult onset-inducible knockout mice (using Osx-CretetOff) in which YAP and TAZ were deleted before fracture but after normal development. Adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion had no effect on cartilaginous callus formation but impaired bone formation at 14 days post-fracture (dpf). Earlier, at 4 dpf, adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion impaired the proliferation and expansion of osteoblast precursor cells located in the shoulder of the callus. Further, activated periosteal cells isolated from this region at 4 dpf exhibited impaired osteogenic differentiation in vitro upon YAP/TAZ deletion. Finally, confirming the effects on osteoblast function in vivo, adult onset-induced YAP/TAZ deletion impaired bone formation in the callus shoulder at 7 dpf before the initiation of endochondral ossification. Together, these data show that YAP and TAZ promote the expansion and differentiation of periosteal osteoblast precursors to accelerate bone fracture healing. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Predictors of Fracture in Older Women With Osteopenic Hip Bone Mineral Density Treated With Zoledronate
Authors: Reid Ian R , Horne Anne M , Mihov Borislav , Stewart Angela , Bolland Mark J , Bastin Sonja , Gamble Gregory D
Published: August 2020

A recent analysis has found that during treatment with denosumab, women attaining higher bone densities (BMD) are less likely to have incident fractures. We have reexamined this important question using data from our recent trial of zoledronate in osteopenic women. One thousand women randomized to treatment with zoledronate were followed for 6 years. Of those, 122 sustained fragility fractures during follow-up. Baseline age, nonvertebral fracture history, total hip BMD, and calculated fracture risk were all significantly different between those who had fractures during the study and those who did not. BMDs achieved during the study were higher in those without incident fractures. However, achieved BMDs were very closely related to baseline values (r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). The increase in BMD during zoledronate treatment was not different between those who had incident fractures and those who did not (0.15 < p < 0.78), and change in BMD was not predictive of fracture (univariate logistic regression analysis). Stepwise regression analysis of all baseline variables showed the best independent predictors of fracture to be age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.13, p = 0.0003), baseline spine BMD (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.96, p = 0.016), and history of nonvertebral fracture (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.06–2.69, p = 0.028). Addition of change in BMD to this model did not improve its predictive power. If changes in BMD were included in the stepwise regression analysis of baseline variables, they did not emerge as significant predictors of fracture. It is concluded that age, fracture history, and baseline BMD determine the risk of new fractures. Differences in achieved BMD between those who do or do not fracture arise from the close relationship between baseline and achieved BMDs. These findings suggest that targeting any particular BMD during treatment is unlikely to be a useful or valid strategy. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Screening and follow‐up of chronic liver diseases with understanding their etiology in clinics and hospitals
Authors: Ogawa Masahiro , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Watanabe Takayuki , Setsu Toru , Kimura Naruhiro , Matsuda Masato , Hoshiyama Yoshiki , Saito Hiroaki , Kanazawa Tsutomu , Shiotani Motoi , Sato Tatsuhiko , Yagi Takuya , Igarashi Koji , Yoshimura Norihiko , Takamura Masaaki , Aoyama Hidefumi , Terai Shuji
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Considering the increasing prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the development of an effective screening and follow‐up system that enables the recognition of etiological changes by primary physicians in clinics and specialists in hospitals is required.

Methods

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), NASH, and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) patients who were assayed for Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) (n = 272) and underwent magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) (n = 119) were enrolled. Patients who underwent MRE were also tested by ultrasound elastography (USE) (n = 80) and for M2BPGi (n = 97), autotaxin (ATX) (n = 62), and platelet count (n = 119), and their fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index was calculated (n = 119).

Results

FIB‐4 index >2, excluding HBV‐infected patients, M2BPGi >0.5, ATX >0.5, and platelet count <20 × 104/μL were the benchmark indices, and we took into consideration other risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and age, to recommend further examinations, such as USE, based on the local situation to avoid overlooking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the clinic. During specialty care in the hospital, MRE exhibited high diagnostic ability for fibrosis stages >F3 or F4; it could efficiently predict collateral circulation with high sensitivity, which can replace USE. We also identified etiological features and found that collateral circulation in NASH/ASH patients tended to exceed high‐risk levels; moreover, these patients exhibited more variation in HCC‐associated liver stiffness than the HBV and HCV patients.

Conclusions

Using appropriate markers and tools, we can establish a stepwise, practical, noninvasive, and etiology‐based screening and follow‐up system in primary and specialty care.
Association of GWAS‐susceptibility loci with ischemic stroke recurrence in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xu , Wang Qianwen , Zhu Ruixia
Published: August 2020

Background

Recently, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have found many new susceptible genetic variants for ischemic stroke (IS) occurrence. However,the roles of GWAS‐susceptibility loci in stroke prognosis are just beginning. The present study aimed to examine whether these GWAS‐linked loci polymorphisms are associated with ischemic stroke recurrence in a Chinese population.

Methods

We genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (9p21: rs2383207 and rs4977574; 12p13: rs12425791 and rs11833579; PDE4D: rs966221; and ALOX5AP: rs1050391) in four GWAS‐reported ischemic stroke risk genes in 657 patients.

Results

The risk of recurrent stroke was significantly associated with PDE4D rs966221 in the dominant model (p = 0.027)and recessive model (p = 0.027). Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analyses indicated no significant difference in the rate of recurrent stroke among the three genotypes of other five SNPs. Cox regression analysis showed that the GA + GG genotype within the rs966221 polymorphism had a 1.399‐fold risk for stoke recurrence (95% confidence interval = 1.038–1.886; p = 0.027). Stratified analysis revealed that the increased recurrence risk of PDE4D rs966221 was more prominent in the large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subgroup.

Conclusions

The reults of the present study demonstrate that PDE4D rs966221 may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the recurrent risks of patient with the LAA‐IS and adds to our knowledge of the genetic basis of recurrent stroke risk.
Synthesis and in vitro study of new coumarin derivatives linked to nicotinonitrile moieties as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H.
Published: August 2020

The appropriate pyridine‐2(1H)‐thiones were reacted with an equivalent amount of 5‐(chloromethyl)‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde in ethanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide to give the corresponding 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives in excellent yields. The latter derivatives were taken as key synthons for the preparation of the target hybrids. Therefore, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes were reacted with benzoylglycine in acetic anhydride in the presence of fused sodium acetate at 100°C for 6 hours to afford a new series of nicotinonitrile‐coumarin hybrids. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were estimated for the new coumarins. The results were expressed as the inhibition percentage of the tested hybrids at concentration of 25 nM, compared to donepezil as a reference (inhibition percentage of 70.5). Coumarin hybrids linked to 6‐(4‐nitrophenyl) or 6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐4‐phenylnicotinonitrile exhibited more effective inhibitory activities than donepezil with inhibition percentages of 94.1 and 72.3, respectively. The new coumarins were tested for their free radical‐scavenging capabilities against DPPH. Furthermore, some new coumarins were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against each MCF‐10A, MCF‐7, Caco2, and HEPG2. The new hybrids showed cytotoxicity in micromolar range (IC50 of 3.5‐13.9 μM) against all tested cell lines. These results clearly demonstrated that the hybrids being tested are not cytotoxic at the concentration required to inhibit acetylcholinesterase effectively.
Effect of κ‐carrageenan addition on protein structure and gel properties of salted duck egg white
Authors: Tang Honggang , Tan Lulan , Chen Yifan , Zhang Jin , Li Huanhuan , Chen Lihong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Salted duck egg white (SDEW) is a major by‐product during salted egg yolk manufacturing. Due to the high salt concentration, SDEW has not been efficiently utilized. Moreover, functional properties of SDEW are altered by salt during pickling. To improve the functional properties, the effect of κ‐carrageenan (κ‐CAR) addition on the protein structure and gel properties of SDEW was investigated in this study.

RESULTS

The surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl content of SDEW protein increased, while total sulfhydryl content decreased significantly with the addition of κ‐CAR (0.02–0.10%). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the relative content of α‐helix and β‐turn decreased, β‐sheet and random coil increased, indicating the variation tendency of protein structure from order to disorder. As κ‐CAR addition increased, the texture profiles including hardness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, cohesiveness and resilience of SDEW gel were all improved. Water holding capacity increased significantly by 32.33% in the presence of 0.10% κ‐CAR addition. The scanning electron microscopy indicated that the microstructure of SDEW/κ‐CAR mixed gel was more smooth and compact.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that adding κ‐CAR can be an effective method to improve gel quality of SDEW. This study is expected to provide theoretical basis for modification of SDEW protein, as well as preparation of food ingredients with better gel properties from SDEW. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Supplementation with embryo chicken egg extract improves exercise performance and exerts anti‐fatigue effects via AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway in mice
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Fu Mai , Chen Jilan , Fan Bei , Cao Li , Sun Yanyan , Li Liyong , Li Shuying , Lu Cong , Wang Fengzhong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Embryo chicken egg is a nutritional supplement that has been used to enhance physical fitness and promote wound healing according to traditional Chinese medicine for many years. In this study, we evaluated the effects of embryo chicken egg extract (ECE) on the exercise performance and fatigue in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

The results indicated that ECE can prolong the exhaustive swimming time, decrease lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, and malondialdehyde levels, and increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glycogen levels. Additionally, ECE can also regulate the balance of oxidative stress via the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results showed that ECE can improve exercise performance and reduce physical fatigue in mice, which indicates that ECE can be used as a potential supplement to reduce physical fatigue. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Foliar application of putrescine before a short‐term heat stress improves the quality of melon fruits (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Otálora Ginés , Collado Jacinta , López‐Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Climate change has caused an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, worldwide, which subject plants to thermal stress for short periods; this can affect the quality of melon fruits, both negatively and positively. Since the application of putrescine has been shown to help increase tolerance of abiotic stresses, the objective of this work is to determine the effects of the foliar application of putrescine (1.5 and 5 mmol L‐1) before a short heat stress (HS) on the quality of melon fruits.

RESULTS

The results indicate that HS had a positive effect on the quality of melon fruits, since it increased the total sugars and polyamines contents and the antioxidant capacity, and reduced the presence of substances undesirable in foods such as nitrate. However, the fruit quality was further increased by the combination of HS and putrescine (5 mmol L‐1). In this case, the melon fruits showed increases in their antioxidant capacity and contents of polyamines, amino acids and minerals beneficial to health. The nitrate concentration was even lower than in the control fruits.

CONCLUSION

This novel study highlights the possibility of improving the nutritional quality of melon pulp by applying foliar putrescine in combination with a short period of high temperature. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Active matrix monolithic micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display
Authors: Zhang Xu , Qi Longheng , Chong Wing Cheung , Li Peian , Tang Chak Wah , Lau Kei May
Published: August 2020

An active matrix monolithic micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display with a pixel density of 317 ppi is demonstrated. Starting from large‐scale and low‐cost GaN‐on‐Si epilayers, monolithic 64 × 36 blue micro‐LED arrays are fabricated and further transformed to full‐color micro‐displays by applying a photo‐patternable color conversion layer. This full‐color fabrication scheme shows feasible manufacturability, suggesting a potential for volume production of micro‐LED full‐color micro‐display.
Land degradation assessment in the dust hotspot of Southeastern Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Poornazari Narges , Khalilimoghadam Bijan , Hazbavi Zeinab , Bagheri Bodaghabadi Mohsen
Published: August 2020

The present study was conducted to assess the land degradation (LD) in the largest source area for dust storms in Southeastern Ahvaz (SEA) using a Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land‐use (MMEDALUS) method (a modification of the MEDALUS method). The LD of the dust hotspot of SEA was evaluated using the soil quality index (SQI), climate quality index (CQI), vegetation quality index (VQI), and management quality index (MQI). The study indicators and final land degradation index (LDI) index were classified into four groups of low (100–120), moderate (121–135), severe (136–153), and very severe (more than 153). The results showed that the SQI, CQI, VQI, and land management quality index (MQI), respectively were 151 ± 6, 167 ± 5, 175 ± 12, and 168 ± 18 for the whole dust hotspot of SEA. The results revealed that the SQI and VQI had the minimum and maximum effect on LD assessment, respectively. The integration of study indices and indicators and their effectiveness for LD assessment showed that the study dust hotspot was rated at a mean of 165 ± 7 in the very severe degraded class based on our MMEDALUS assessment. Whereas, only about 18% of the study area scored in the severe class, and other parts are classified in the very severe class. Based on the field surveys of the dust hotspot and the results of the MMEDALUS method, suitable strategies for revitalizing the dust hotspot of SEA, were proposed using homogeneous land‐components such as the construction of windbreaks using indigenous species of the area, forestry, planting, water spreading, wetting, protection, and grazing management.
Synthesis of Polyacrylate‐Based Polyurethane by Organocatalyzed Group Transfer Polymerization and Polyaddition
Authors: Liu Yujian , Jia Qun , Ding Yuansheng , Chen Yougen
Published: August 2020

The current work describes the synthesis of novel polyacrylate‐based polyurethanes through the polyaddition of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) with α,ω‐hydroxyl end‐functionalized polyacrylates (HO‐PA‐OHs), including α,ω‐hydroxyl end‐functionalized poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (HO‐PnBA‐OH), poly(n‐octyl acrylate) (HO‐PnOA‐OH), and poly(n‐lauryl acrylate) (HO‐PnLA‐OH), respectively. HO‐PA‐OHs are prepared by the N‐(trimethylsilyl)bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Me3SiNTf2)‐catalyzed group transfer polymerizations (GTPs) of n‐butyl acrylate (nBA), n‐octyl acrylate (nOA), and n‐lauryl acrylate (nLA) in toluene at room temperature using the functional 1‐(2‐triisopropylsiloxyethoxy)‐1‐triisopropylsiloxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐propene as an initiator and the low ceiling temperature acrylate, 2‐(triisopropylsiloxy)ethyl α‐phenylacrylate, as a terminator, followed by the desilylation of the resulting α,ω‐triisopropylsiloxy end‐functionalized polyacrylates (iPr3SiO‐PA‐OSiiPr3s) using tetra‐n‐butylammonium fluoride (TBAF). The polyaddition reactions between HO‐PA‐OHs and HDI are carried out in toluene using 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as the catalyst to afford the target polyacrylate‐based polyurethanes. The polymer structures are characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and FT‐IR measurements. The thermal properties of the resulting polyacrylate‐based polyurethanes are investigated by differential scanning calorimeter.
Functional Polymers and Polymer–Dye Composites for Food Sensing
Authors: Zhang Hang , Chan‐Park Mary B. , Wang Mingfeng
Published: August 2020

The sensitive, safe, and portable detection of food spoilage is becoming unprecedentedly important because it is closely related to the public health and economic development, particularly given the globalization of food supply chain. However, the existing approaches for food monitoring are still limited to meet these requirements. To address this challenge, much research has been done to develop an ideal food sensor that can indicate food quality in real‐time in a sensitive and reliable way. So far, many sensors such as time–temperature indicators, smart trademarks, colorimetric tags, electronic noses, and electronic tongues, have been developed and even commercialized. In this feature article, the recent progress of food sensors based on functional polymers, including the molecular design of polymer structures, sensing mechanisms, and relevant processing techniques to fabricate a variety of food sensor devices is reviewed.
A dual‐band and wide‐band branch‐line coupler with a large frequency ratio
Authors: Jia Leyu , Zhang Li , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2020

This article presents a dual‐band and wide‐band branch‐line coupler with a large frequency ratio. By combining the cascade technique with cross coupled branch lines, the proposed coupler can acquire the function of wideband and dual‐band. Furthermore, the proposed coupler can realize a large frequency ratio of 2.6 due to the new structure. For experimental verification, both the simulation and measurement results of the proposed coupler designed to operate at 1 and 2.6 GHz are presented. The measured results validate good dual‐band performance with enhanced bandwidths (1 dB imbalance) up to 34.7% and 14.9%, respectively.
Patients' perceptions on shared decision making during prescription of subcutaneous biological drug treatments for inflammatory arthritis: The RHEU‐LIFE survey
Authors: de Toro Javier , González Carlos M. , Cea‐Calvo Luis , Arteaga María J. , Fernández Sabela , Carmona Loreto , Otón Teresa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the preferences of patients with rheumatic diseases and their perceived experience regarding participation in shared decision making (SDM) when they were prescribed a subcutaneous (SC) biological drug.

Methods

A printed survey was handed to 1,000 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases treated with SC biological drug. The survey included closed questions about preferences regarding decision making and about patients' experience when they were prescribed an SC biological drug. Descriptive statistics were performed with stratification by patient profiles, using chi‐square for comparisons between groups.

Results

A total of 592 surveys were received (response rate 59.2%, mean age 51.7 years, 57.6% women). Some 28.2% of patients reported preferring to take part in treatment selection, a percentage that was higher in younger patients, in those with higher academic degree and in those who search information in sources different to that of health care professionals. Over half of patients (56.3%) perceived that the rheumatologist considered their opinion when prescribing an SC biological drug, a percentage higher in younger people. Only in 40.8% of cases did the patients' preference match their perception of their participation in the process. No differences were observed by sex, disease or number of biologics.

Conclusions

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases want information about their treatments but mostly leave the prescription decision to the rheumatologist. Younger people, or those with higher academic degree, more often want to participate in the SDM. There are discrepancies between patient preferences and perceptions of this process.
Trustful ad hoc cross‐organizational data exchanges based on the Hyperledger Fabric framework
Authors: Van Hoye Laurens , Wauters Tim , De Turck Filip , Volckaert Bruno
Published: August 2020

Organizations share data in a cross‐organizational context when they have the goal to derive additional knowledge by aggregating different data sources. The collaborations considered in this article are short‐lived and ad hoc, that is, they should be set up in a few minutes at most (e.g., in emergency scenarios). The data sources are located in different domains and are not publicly accessible. When a collaboration is finished, it is however unclear which exchanges happened. This could lead to possible disputes when dishonest organizations are present. The receipt of requests/responses could be falsely denied or their content could be point of discussion. In order to prevent such disputes afterwards, a logging mechanism is needed which generates a replicated irrefutable proof of which exchanges have happened during a single collaboration. Distributed database solutions can be taken from third parties to store the generated logs, but it can be difficult to find a party which is trusted by all participating organizations. Permissioned blockchains provide a solution for this as each organization can act as a consensus participant. Although the consensus mechanism of the permissioned blockchain Hyperledger Fabric (versions 1.0–1.4) is not fully decentralized, which clashes with the fundamental principle of blockchain, the framework is used in this article as an enabler to set up a distributed database, and a proposal for a logging mechanism is presented which does not require the third party to be fully trusted. A proof of concept is implemented which can be used to experiment with different data exchange setups. It makes use of generic web APIs and behaves according to a Markov chain in order to create a fully automated data exchange scenario where the participants explore their APIs dynamically. The resulting mechanism allows a data‐delivering organization to detect missing logs and to take action, for example, (temporarily) suspend collaboration. Furthermore, each organization is incentivized to follow the steps of the logging mechanism as it may lose access to data of others, otherwise. The created proof of concept is scaled to 10 organizations, which autonomously exchange different data types for 10 min, and evaluation results are presented accordingly.
High‐order symmetric cubature rules for tetrahedra and pyramids
Authors: Jaśkowiec Jan , Sukumar N.
Published: August 2020

In this article, we present an algorithm to construct high‐order fully symmetric cubature rules for tetrahedral and pyramidal elements, with positive weights and integration points that are in the interior of the domain. Cubature rules are fully symmetric if they are invariant to affine transformations of the domain. We divide the integration points into symmetry orbits where each orbit contains all the points generated by the permutation stars. These relations are represented by equality constraints. The construction of symmetric cubature rules require the solution of nonlinear polynomial equations with both inequality and equality constraints. For higher orders, we use an algorithm that consists of five sequential phases to produce the cubature rules. In the literature, symmetric numerical integration rules are available for the tetrahedron for orders p = 1–10, 14, and for the pyramid up to p = 10. We have obtained fully symmetric cubature rules for both of these elements up to order p = 20. Numerical tests are presented that verify the polynomial‐precision of the cubature rules. Convergence studies are performed for the integration of exponential, weakly singular, and trigonometric test functions over both elements with flat and curved faces. With increase in p, improvements in accuracy is realized, though nonmonotonic convergence is observed.
The fast scalar auxiliary variable approach with unconditional energy stability for nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equation
Authors: Liu Zhengguang , Li Xiaoli
Published: August 2020

Comparing with the classical local gradient flow and phase field models, the nonlocal models such as nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equations equipped with nonlocal diffusion operator can describe more practical phenomena for modeling phase transitions. In this paper, we construct an accurate and efficient scalar auxiliary variable approach for the nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equation with general nonlinear potential. The first contribution is that we have proved the unconditional energy stability for nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard model and its semi‐discrete schemes carefully and rigorously. Second, what we need to focus on is that the nonlocality of the nonlocal diffusion term will lead the stiffness matrix to be almost full matrix which generates huge computational work and memory requirement. For spatial discretizaion by finite difference method, we find that the discretizaition for nonlocal operator will lead to a block‐Toeplitz–Toeplitz‐block matrix by applying four transformation operators. Based on this special structure, we present a fast procedure to reduce the computational work and memory requirement. Finally, several numerical simulations are demonstrated to verify the accuracy and efficiency of our proposed schemes.
Examining the effect of high‐performance human resource practices on team performance in development sector projects: Mediating role of trust
Authors: Hafeez Sana , Bhatti Sabeen H. , Zaman Umer
Published: August 2020

This study aims to analyze the effect of ability, motivation, and opportunity‐enhancing high‐performance human resource practices (HPHRP's) on team performance in development sector projects, and to explore whether trust mediates this relationship. Using structured‐questionnaire, 192 survey responses were collected from both managerial and nonmanagerial positions from national and international NPOs operating in Pakistan. Results showed a positive relationship between ability motivation opportunity enhancing HPHRP's and team performance, while trust significantly mediates the relationship. This study is specifically helpful for HR managers to recruit personnel who can effectively meet various high‐performance needs of the development sector projects. Also, this study helps to improve policy makers' decision‐making process and outcomes in the development sector, especially in emerging economies.
Development and assessment of Moringa oleifera (Sahajana) leaves filler/epoxy composites: Characterization, barrier properties and in situ determination of activation energy
Authors: Mishra Kajal , Sinha Shishir
Published: August 2020

This study concerns with investigation and analysis of hugely available, cost effective filler, obtained by grinding the Moringa oleifera leaves and its reinforcement in epoxy composites for semi‐structural applications. In this work, this novel filler is characterized by compositional analysis, FTIR, AFM, SEM, XRD, and TGA, along with the calculation of activation energy from two integral methods. To understand the interfacial surface chemistry of the fiber, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is also carried out. The size of filler was kept at 300 to 500 μm, and composites were prepared with five different loadings ranging from 5% to 25% using hand layup method of fabrication. The effect of varying loadings of filler on water uptake, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of its epoxy composites has been evaluated. Composites possess improved water resistance, tensile and flexural strengths in comparison with neat epoxy for an optimum loading of 20%, that is, 37 MPa. FWO and KAS methods are used to calculate the apparent activation energy of fillers. The apparent activation energy calculated from these methods comes to be 220 and 222 kJ/mol. The crystallinity index comes to be 55% which is comparable with other fibers. Approximately 12% increment in tensile strength and 10% in flexural strength takes place compared with neat epoxy at optimum fiber loading of 20%.