bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploratory examination of intellectual disability and mental illness associated with alleged false confessions
Authors: Mogavero Melanie Clark
Published: April 2020

The National Registry of Exonerations tracks cases of individuals who have been wrongly convicted and exonerated since 1989. Their most recent report revealed that 12% of those exonerated gave false confessions. The current study used data from the National Registry of Exonerations and focused on a sample of 2,378 individuals convicted of felonies with a focus on sexual offenses, as such crimes tend to be viewed as particularly heinous with increased consequences for those convicted. After examining various legal and extralegal factors, the results showed that those accused of sexual offenses, particularly sexual murders, had a greater likelihood of giving a false confession than those accused of non‐sexual offenses. The likelihood of falsely confessing was higher among juveniles, those with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, and cases with multiple suspects. Females had a greater odds of falsely confessing to murder than males. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Purification of Pseudomonas sp. proteases through aqueous biphasic systems as an alternative source to obtain bioactive protein hydrolysates
Authors: Pillaca‐Pullo Omar S. , Intiquilla Arturo , Santos João H. P. M. , Sánchez‐Moguel Ignacio , Brandelli Adriano , Zavaleta Amparo I.
Published: April 2020

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) are an interesting alternative for separating industrial enzymes due to easy scale‐up and low operational cost. The proteases of Pseudomonas sp. M211 were purified through ABS platforms formed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and citrate buffer salt. Two experimental designs 23 + 4 were performed to evaluate the following parameters: molar mass of PEG (MPEG), concentration of PEG (CPEG), concentration of citrate buffer (CCit), and pH. The partition coefficient (K), activity yield (Y), and purification factor (PF) were the responses analyzed. The best purification performance was obtained with the system composed of MPEG = 10,000 g/mol, CPEG = 22 wt%, CCit = 12 wt%, pH = 8.0; the responses obtained were K = 4.9, Y = 84.5%, PF = 15.1, and tie‐line length = 52.74%. The purified proteases of Pseudomonas sp. (PPP) were used to obtain hydrolysates of Lupinus mutabilis (Peruvian lupin cultivar) seed protein in comparison with the commercial protease Alcalase® 2.4L. A strong correlation between hydrolysis degree and radical scavenging activity was observed, and the highest antioxidant activity was obtained with Alcalase® (1.40 and 3.47 μmol Trolox equivalent/mg protein, for 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, respectively) compared with PPP (0.55 and 1.03 μmol Trolox/mg protein). Nevertheless, the IC50 values were lower than those often observed for antioxidant hydrolysates from plant proteins. PEG/citrate buffer system is valuable to purify Pseudomonas proteases from the fermented broth, and the purified protease could be promising to produce antioxidant protein hydrolysates.
Improving survival of 3760 patients with lymphoma: Experience of an academic center over two decades
Authors: Liu Weiping , Ji Xinqiang , Song Yuqin , Wang Xiaopei , Zheng Wen , Lin Ningjing , Tu Meifeng , Xie Yan , Ping Lingyan , Ying Zhitao , Zhang Chen , Deng Lijuan , Wu Meng , Feng Feier , Leng Xin , Sun Yingli , Du Tingting , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

The treatment outcomes and prognosis of lymphoma are affected by various factors such as hospital types. This study was to describe the temporal trend in the survival of lymphoma in an academic center in China.

Methods

A total of 3840 consecutive patients with lymphoma diagnosed between 1996 and 2015 were reviewed. Eighty patients were excluded, and finally, 3760 patients were analyzed in this study. The cohort was divided into four groups according to calendar periods at diagnosis: 1996‐2000, 2001‐2005, 2006‐2010, and 2010‐2015. The overall survival (OS) rates among the four groups were compared.

Results

The 5‐ and 10‐year OS for the whole cohort were 62% and 52%, respectively. The 5‐year OS of patient with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), mature B‐cell lymphoma (BCL), and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) were 79%, 63%, and 50%, respectively. Among mature BCL, the 5‐year OS was highest in follicular lymphoma (77.8%), followed by Burkitt lymphoma (76.5%), marginal zone lymphoma (74.1%), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (61.5%), small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (55.1%), and mantle cell lymphoma (44.3%). Among PTCL, the 5‐year OS was highest in ALK+anaplastic large cell lymphoma (79.0%), followed by ALK−anaplastic large cell lymphoma (63.1%), natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (57.7%), angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (34.9%, and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (27.6%). Significant improvement in the survival of lymphoma was observed, with the 5‐year OS increasing from 48% in 1996‐2000 to 65% in 2011‐2015 (P < .001). The 5‐year OS of patients with cHL, mature BCL, and PTCL changed from 55%, 49%, and 41% in 1996‐2000 to 79%, 65%, and 51% in 2011‐2015, respectively (P values were .014, .002, and .592, respectively).

Conclusion

The survival of most types of lymphoma such as cHL and mature BCL, rather than PTCL, was improved significantly during the past two decades.
Piplartine attenuates the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating hsa_circ_100338 expression
Authors: Cheng Xiaoli , Tian Pan , Zheng Wengzhong , Yan Xuetao
Published: April 2020

Researches have pointed that piplartine inhibits the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, however, the underlying mechanisms has not been well defined. Currently, more and more studies have pointed out that circRNAs can regulate tumor cell proliferation, involve in the tumorigenesis mechanism of various tumors. In this study, we explored whether piplartine may participate in the development of HCC through the regulation of ability of HCC cell proliferation by circRNA. Based on the chip analysis, we selected candidate circRNAs that are highly correlated with HCC. CircRNA expression in OSCC cells treated with piplartine was detected by qRT‐PCR. We found that only the expression of hsa_circ_100338 (circ‐100338) was observably reduced. The expression characteristics of circ‐100338 in HCC cell lines were also verified by qRT‐PCR. Subsequently, whether or notcirc‐100338 can regulate ZEB1 via competitively binding to miR‐141‐3p was determined by the RIP assay and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of the circ‐100338/miR‐141‐3p/ZEB1 axis on the proliferation of HCC cell was tested by EdU and CCK‐8 assay. Results showed that circ‐100338 expression was observably increased in HCC cell lines. Simultaneously, circ‐100338 can regulate the expression of ZEB1by competitively binding to miR‐141‐3p. Moreover high expression of circ‐100338 can stimulate the proliferation of HCC cells. Our current study revealed that circ‐100338 played as a ceRNA in promoting the progression of HCC by sponging miR‐141‐3p, while piplartine can participate in the development of HCC by inhibiting the expression of circ‐100338.
Impact of the Take 5 Safety Plan for Crying on the Occurrence of Abusive Head Trauma in Infants
Authors: Bechtel Kirsten , Gaither Julie R. , Leventhal John M.
Published: April 2020

Since 2008, medical providers have offered the Take 5 Safety Plan for Crying (Take 5) to caregivers of newborns at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH); it focuses on five steps to manage caregiver frustration with infant crying and to prevent a caregiver from hurting an infant. We sought to determine whether Take 5 reduced the occurrence of abusive head trauma (AHT). Using a case–control design, we reviewed the Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) of infants younger than 12 months old who were admitted to YNHH with a head injury from June 2008 to June 2017, were evaluated by the Child Abuse Service and were born at YNHH. Cases had a diagnosis of AHT, and controls had a diagnosis of non‐abusive head trauma. Exposure to Take 5 was based on documentation in the EMR at newborn hospital discharge. We used Firth's penalised likelihood logistic regression to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Of the cases, 11.1 per cent received Take 5 vs. 47.1 per cent of controls. In the adjusted models, we found that infants whose caregivers received Take 5 were 79 per cent less likely to have suffered AHT (AOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.02–0.99). These results suggest that Take 5 has the potential to prevent AHT in infants.

‘We sought to determine whether Take 5 reduced the occurrence of abusive head trauma’

Key Practitioner Messages

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is an extreme form of child abuse.

Crying is often a trigger for a caregiver to shake an infant, resulting in AHT.

Safety planning for caregiver frustration with infant crying can help reduce the likelihood of AHT.
CASC5 is a potential tumour driving gene in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cui Yuanbo , Zhang Chunyan , Ma Shanshan , Guo Wenna , Cao Wei , Guan Fangxia
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have shown that cancer susceptibility candidate 5 (CASC5) plays important roles in several types of cancer. But its expression and clinical significance in human pan‐cancer remain largely unclear. In the present study, we comprehensively analysed the expression profile and prognostic values of CASC5 in pan‐cancer across 33 cancer types based on the online TCGA analysis databases. CASC5 was found to be abnormally expressed in 16 types of cancer. In addition, dysregulated expression of CASC5 was closely associated with patient overall survival (OS) in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and thymoma (THYM). By comparative analysis, we found that CASC5 was significantly up‐regulated in LUAD and predicted poor patient OS. High CASC5 expression was closely correlated with tumour advanced stages of patients with LUAD. Through GSEA based on the KEGG database, CASC5 was found to be closely related to DNA replication and microRNA regulation in LUAD. Functionally, knockdown of CASC5 could inhibit cell proliferation of LUAD cells in vitro, rather than affecting cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, CASC5 promoted proliferation of LUAD cells by targeting miR‐139‐5p. Collectively, our findings reveal that CASC5 is a novel oncogenic gene in LUAD and may be a potential clinical target and (or) biomarker for this human malignancy.

Significance of the study

In this study, we for the first time comprehensively analysed the transcriptional level and prognostic significance of CASC5 in human pan‐cancer across 33 cancer types using online TCGA databases. Our study indicates that CASC5 is aberrantly expressed in many tumours and is closely related to the patient overall survival of several tumour types. Our findings reveal that CASC5 is a novel oncogene in LUAD based on bioinformatic analysis and functional experiments. Mechanistically, CASC5 promoted LUAD proliferation by targeting miR‐139‐5p. Results of this study suggest that CASC5 is a potential clinical target and (or) biomarker for LUAD.
The Importance of Phosphates for DNA G‐Quadruplex Formation: Evaluation of Zwitterionic G‐Rich Oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Su Yongdong , Edwards Patrick J. B. , Stetsenko Dmitry A. , Filichev Vyacheslav V.
Published: April 2020

A quaternary ammonium butylsulfonyl phosphoramidate group (N+) was designed to replace all the phosphates in a G‐rich oligodeoxynucleotide d(TG4T), resulting in a formally charge‐neutral zwitterionic N+TG4T sequence. We evaluated the effects of N+phosphate modifications on the structural, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the parallel G‐quadruplexes (G4) formed by TG4T and compared them to the properties of the recently published phosphoryl guanidine d(TG4T) (PG‐TG4T). Using size‐exclusion chromatography, we established that, unlike PG‐TG4T, which exists as a mixture of complexes of different molecularity in solution, N+TG4T forms an individual tetramolecular complex. In contrast to PG modifications that destabilized G4s, the presence of N+ modifications increased thermal stability relative to unmodified [d(TG4T)]4. The initial stage of assembly of N+TG4T proceeded faster in the presence of Na+ than K+ions and, similarly to PG‐TG4T, was independent of the salt concentration. However, after complex formation exceeded 75 %, N+TG4T in solution with Na+showed slower association than with K+. N+TG4T could also form G4s in solution with Li+ions at a very low strand concentration (10 μM); something that has never been reported for the native d(TG4T). Charge‐neutral PG‐G4s can invade preformed native G4s, whereas no invasion was observed between N+and native G4s, possibly due to the increased thermal stability of [N+TG4T]4. The N+ modification makes d(TG4T) fully resistant to enzymatic digestion, which could be useful for intracellular application of N+‐modified DNA or RNA.
Isoxazole‐Derived Aroylhydrazones and Their Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes Show Antiproliferative Activity on Breast Cancer Cells with a Potentially Alternative Mechanism Of Action
Authors: Rada Jesica Paola , Forté Jéremy , Gontard Geoffrey , Corcé Vincent , Salmain Michèle , Rey Nicolás A.
Published: April 2020

This paper reports the design, synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of two new isoxazole‐derived aroylhydrazone ligands and their dinuclear copper(II) complexes. Compounds were fully characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The molecular structures of four derivatives were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The stability of the ligands and the complexes in aqueous medium was monitored spectroscopically. Both the ligands and the complexes were shown to interact with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA). Additionally, structures containing a phenol pendant arm were significantly more cytotoxic than those carrying a pendant pyridine substituent, reaching sub‐micromolar IC50 values on the triple‐negative human breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231. The metal chelation and transchelation ability of the compounds towards FeII, FeIII and ZnII ions was explored as a possible mechanism of action of these compounds.
The highly interrelated GHRH, p53, and Hsp90 universe
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios , Siejka Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

p53 universe is composed of a complex regulatory network, destined to counteract multifarious challenges threatening cell survival. Imbalance in those responses may result in human disease associated with inevitable consequences. The present work delivers our view of the corresponding phenomena, by involving the endothelium defender in meticulously orchestrated events against inflammatory stimuli. Immersing into the great depths of p53 cosmos may lead to promising therapies against devastating disorders, including acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Mineral and fatty acid contents of maize kernels with different levels of polyembryony
Authors: Michel‐Michel Mariela R. , Aguilar‐Zárate Pedro , Lopez‐Badillo Claudia M. , Chávez‐González Mónica L. , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana C. , Espinoza‐Velázquez José , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Rodríguez‐Herrera Raúl
Published: April 2020

Background and objectives

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal of great commercial importance around the world. It has been reported that maize presents polyembryony (PE), which is described as the appearance of two or more seedlings from a germinated seed. Minerals and fatty acids (FA) play important roles in the growth and development of plants and animals. The objective of this work was to determine the minerals and FA content in embryo and endosperm of 32 maize genotypes kernels with different levels of PE (high [NAP], low [NBP], and nonpolyembryonic [T]).

Findings

The polyembryonic genotypes showed higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. In this study, magnesium was only found in the embryo, while in the embryo of NAP genotypes were found the highest content of K (1,834 mg/kg) and P (656 mg/kg). In contrast, the highest amount of Mg (216 mg/kg) was found in the embryo of NBP genotypes. On the other hand, the highest Ca (251 mg/kg) content was found in the endosperm of NAP genotypes. The highest oil content was observed in NBP‐9‐EM genotype grains with 50.2%, while the highest percentage of oleic (29.10%) and linoleic acid (63.21%) was found in kernels of the NAP‐6‐EM genotype.

Conclusions

The polyembryonic maize has high mineral content, and some of them have been associated with the human diet; in addition, in these genotypes, high oil content (with the presence of essential FA) was observed.

Significance and novelty

These results are important because polyembryonic maize kernel may be an alternative for adequate nutrient and essential oils intake. In addition, to the better agronomic characteristics offered by polyembryonic maize genotypes, which may imply a greater income for maize producers.
Maxillofacial gunshot injures and their therapeutic challenges: Case series
Authors: Momeni Roochi Mehrnoush , Razmara Farnoosh
Published: April 2020

Maxillofacial gunshot injuries require proficiency to determine a suitable treatment plan and surgical intervention. In this paper, present 4 gunshot cases. Treatment in these patients is very challenging. Moreover, post‐treatment infections are a serious problem in such cases. Thus, step‐by‐step surgery is essential to obtain a better result in these patients.
Latent distant metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to skin: A case report
Authors: Singh Pretty , Somani Kavita
Published: April 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to recur decades after nephrectomy; however, isolated cutaneous metastasis is rare. Previous clinical history plays vital role. Newly occurring skin lesions in follow‐through patients of RCC should be carefully evaluated, and possibility of its metastasis should be acknowledged. Disease‐free survival postmetastasectomy is possible.
Syringopleural shunt placement in a pug with a cervical spinal diverticulum and associated syringomyelia
Authors: Tauro Anna , Rusbridge Clare
Published: April 2020

We report persistence of associated syringomyelia and formation of newly caudal spinal arachnoid diverticulum, following marsupialization surgery. We describe syringopleural shunt placement as a novel approach to treat both conditions in a Pug dog.
In situ Activation of Bimetallic Pd−Pt Methane Oxidation Catalysts
Authors: Karinshak Kyle A. , Lott Patrick , Harold Michael P. , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: April 2020

This study investigates possible pathways to reduce water inhibition over Pd−Pt methane oxidation catalysts supported on alumina and a ceria‐zirconia mixed oxide under conditions typical for lean burn gas engines. Spatially resolved concentration and temperature profiles reveal that addition of hydrogen to the lean reaction mixture leads to significant heat production and an increase in methane conversion. Moreover, reductive pulses during operation are not only able to regenerate the catalyst deactivated by water by removal of OH‐groups from the catalyst surface, but even promote its activity after repeated application of pulsing for several hours. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the formation of a partially reduced PdO−Pd mixture during the pulsing, which explains the increase in activity. This state of high activity is stable for several hours under the tested lean conditions. The results presented in this study suggest an efficient in situ activation strategy to overcome water inhibition of methane total oxidation over Pd−Pt catalysts by careful process control.
Selective Detection of Cysteine at a Mesoporous Silica Film Electrode Functionalized with Ferrocene in the Presence of Glutathione
Authors: Maheshwari Himanshu , Vilà Neus , Herzog Grégoire , Walcarius Alain
Published: April 2020

Unmodified and ferrocene‐functionalized mesoporous silica layers exhibiting vertical nanochannels have been grown through electrochemically assisted self‐assembly onto indium‐tin oxide (ITO), and the resulting film electrodes have been applied for the electrochemical detection of cysteine. When using the unmodified film electrode and ferrocenedimethanol (Fc(MeOH)2) as a mediator in solution, both cysteine and glutathione can be oxidized by the Fc(MeOH)2+ generated at the electrode surface, but the electron transfer rates were three times faster with cysteine than with glutathione. This can be exploited for the reagent‐free selective detection of cysteine over glutathione by using a ferrocene‐functionalized mesoporous silica film on an ITO electrode, based on a combination of charge transfer kinetic and mass transport limitations through the oriented nanochannels. This has been demonstrated here by using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry in flow‐injection analysis mode. A sensitivity of 1.28 mA M−1 was measured for the cysteine concentration range of 3–20 μM with a repeatability of the signal between 3 and 12 %. The lowest concentration of cysteine experimentally detected was 3 μM.
Early Relaxation Dynamics in the Photoswitchable Complex trans‐[RuCl(NO)(py)4]2+
Authors: Talotta Francesco , Boggio‐Pasqua Martial , González Leticia
Published: April 2020

The design of photoswitchable transition metal complexes with tailored properties is one of the most important challenges in chemistry. Studies explaining the underlying mechanisms are, however, scarce. Herein, the early relaxation dynamics towards NO photoisomerization in trans‐[RuCl(NO)(py)4]2+ is elucidated by means of non‐adiabatic dynamics, which provided time‐resolved information and branching ratios. Three deactivation mechanisms (I, II, III) in the ratio 3:2:4 were identified. Pathways I and III involve ultrafast intersystem crossing and internal conversion, whereas pathway II involves only internal conversion.
The Chicago Consensus on peritoneal surface malignancies: Management of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, breast, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors:   Chicago Consensus Working Group
Published: April 2020

The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of desmoplastic small round cell, breast, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors specifically related to peritoneal surface malignancy. These guidelines are developed with input from leading experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care physicians, and pharmacists. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness in the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease. They are not intended to replace the quest for higher levels of evidence.
The Chicago Consensus on peritoneal surface malignancies: Management of neuroendocrine tumors
Authors:   Chicago Consensus Working Group
Published: April 2020

The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of neuroendocrine tumors specifically related to the management of peritoneal surface malignancy. These guidelines are developed with input from leading experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care physicians, and pharmacists. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness in the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease. They are not intended to replace the quest for higher levels of evidence.
The Chicago Consensus on peritoneal surface malignancies: Management of ovarian neoplasms
Authors:   Chicago Consensus Working Group
Published: April 2020

The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of ovarian neoplasms specifically related to the management of peritoneal surface malignancy. These guidelines are developed with input from leading experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care physicians, and pharmacists. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness in the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease. They are not intended to replace the quest for higher levels of evidence.
The Chicago Consensus on peritoneal surface malignancies: Management of gastric metastases
Authors:   Chicago Consensus Working Group
Published: April 2020

The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of gastric cancer specifically as it relates to the management of peritoneal surface malignancy. These guidelines are developed with input from leading experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care physicians, and pharmacists. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness of the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease. They are not intended to replace the quest for higher levels of evidence.
The Chicago Consensus on peritoneal surface malignancies: Management of appendiceal neoplasms
Authors:   Chicago Consensus Working Group
Published: April 2020

The Chicago Consensus Working Group provides multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of appendiceal neoplasms specifically related to the management of peritoneal surface malignancies. These guidelines are developed with input from leading experts, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care physicians, and pharmacists. These guidelines recognize and address the emerging need for increased awareness in the appropriate management of peritoneal surface disease. They are not intended to replace the quest for higher levels of evidence.
Static job scheduling for environments with vertical elasticity
Authors: Kloh Henrique , Rebello Vinod E. F. , Boeres Cristina , Schulze Bruno , Ferro Mariza
Published: April 2020

In virtualized environments, such as Clouds, allocating a fixed amount of resources to a job a priori, may result in underutilization of the shared host. Meanwhile, vertical elasticity can be adopted to reduce the impact by resizing virtual machines (VMs) dynamically, in conjunction with suspension and/or migration before the host had been overloaded. In order to reduce the number of such events, but still avoid overloading the host, it is important to find an effective initial VM allocation. To achieve this, the scheduler must work in unison with the local host elasticity controllers to reduce interference. This work proposes and evaluates a framework for job scheduling in elastic memory managed virtualized environments. The memory elasticity management in clouds (MEMiC) framework is a two‐tier VM scheduler for batch jobs which attempts to predict the impact caused by competition for the memory of a host in shared Cloud‐like environments for harnessing VM allocation, suspension, and migration. Evaluations show that the MEMiC achieves a reduction of approximately 19% in the total time for jobs execution in comparison to other approaches, by reducing the degree of interference.
Screening Assay Protocols Targeting the Nav1.7 Channel Using Qube High‐Throughput Automated Patch‐Clamp System
Authors: Qian Binbin , Park Sung Hoon , Yu Weifeng
Published: April 2020

This article describes the basic procedure for setting up the screening protocol and recording data for Nav1.7 on a Qube automated patch‐clamp system. Three protocols along with step‐by‐step details are provided. First, we describe a protocol to estimate Vhalf, the voltage at which half of the channels are inactivated, using traditional steady‐state inactivation measurement as well as a new adaptive online estimation. Second, we establish a state‐dependent protocol using adaptive online Vhalf measurement to obtain a concentration response curve (CRC) on known reference blockers. Last, we introduce a use‐dependent protocol. In our hands, the sample reference demonstrated good state‐ and use‐dependent inhibition of Nav1.7. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Comparing Vhalf measurements using offline calculation and a new adaptive online estimation

Basic Protocol 2: Concentration response experiments using a state‐dependent protocol

Basic Protocol 3: Concentration response experiments using a use‐dependent protocol

Support Protocol: Cell culture protocol
Photo/Bio‐Electrochemical Systems for Environmental Remediation and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Yang Fan , Ke Zunjian , Li Zhida , Patrick Margaret , Abboud Zeinab , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Xiao Xiangheng , Gu Jing
Published: April 2020

Water and energy systems are interdependent: water is utilized in each stage of energy production, and energy is required to extract, treat, and deliver water for many uses. However, energy and water systems are usually developed and managed independently. In the quest to develop environmentally friendly and energy‐efficient solutions for water and energy issues, photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion and microbial electrochemical (MEC) systems show profound potential for addressing environmental remediation problems and harvesting energy simultaneously. Herein, PEC, MEC, and their variant hybrid systems toward energy conversion and environmental remediation are summarized and discussed.
Efficient power management circuit for biomass‐based energy harvesting system
Authors: Umaz Ridvan
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an efficient power management circuit (PMC) for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The proposed PMC has been designed with off‐the‐shelf components including a charge pump, a supercapacitor, and two boost converters. Both the charge pump and one of the boost converter are directly connected to the MFC, that is, connected in parallel to the MFC. The reason for that using the charge pump can extend the variety of PMC input power, and deploying the boost converter can extract more power from the MFC. Thus, the proposed PMC can test the input power range from 11.25 μW to 1.6 mW. Also, the proposed PMC can extract 6× higher power from the MFC as compared with the charge pump alone. A wide dynamic load range from 10.89 μW to 108.9 mW can be supported by the proposed PMC. Measured results show that the interval to provide power supply to the load by the proposed PMC is 9.2× shorter than that achieved by the charge pump alone. Also, the proposed PMC enhances the end‐to‐end efficiency by range from 10× to 14.35× with varying loads. The proposed PMC achieves the end‐to‐end peak efficiency of 73.185%. The proposed PMC can achieve a low charging time, a wide dynamic load range, and a regulated output voltage compared with prior works.
Network traffic prediction method based on wavelet transform and multiple models fusion
Authors: Tian Zhongda
Published: April 2020

Accurate prediction of network traffic is an important premise in network management and congestion control. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of network traffic, a prediction method based on wavelet transform and multiple models fusion is presented. Mallat wavelet transform algorithm is used to decompose and reconstruct the network traffic time series. The approximate and detailed components of the original network traffic can be obtained. The characteristics of approximate components and detail components are analyzed by Hurst exponent. Then, according to the different characteristics of the components, autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) is chosen as the prediction model for the approximate component. Least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) is used to predict detail component. Meanwhile, an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to optimize the parameters of the LSSVM model. Gauss‐Markov estimation algorithm is adapted to fuse the predicted values of multiple prediction models. The variance of fusion prediction error is smaller than that of single prediction model, and the prediction accuracy is improved. Two actual datasets of network traffic are studied. Compared with other state‐of‐the‐art models, the case study results indicate that the proposed prediction method has a better prediction effect.
Joint backhaul bandwidth and power allocation in heterogeneous cellular networks: A two‐level approach
Authors: Zheng Handan , Li Li
Published: April 2020

We investigate the problem of joint downlink wireless backhaul bandwidth (WBB) and power allocation in heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs). A WBB partitioning scheme is considered, which allocates the whole bandwidth between the macrocell and small cells for data transmission and backhauling. We formulate an optimization problem to maximize the weighted sum logarithmic utility function by jointly optimizing WBB portion and fronthaul power allocation of each base station with consideration of the backhaul capacity limitation on each small cell. In order to solve this joint optimization problem, we propose a hierarchical two‐level approach and decompose the original problem into two independent subproblems: the WBB allocation at the macrocell base station (MBS) and the power allocation at both the MBS and small cell base stations (SBSs). Accordingly, the optimal WBB portion and power allocation solutions are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, we develop a distributed algorithm to implement the joint WBB and power allocation. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach and analyze the impact of the weighted coefficient and backhaul capacity limitation on the network performance. In addition, significant performance gains can be achieved by the proposed approach over the benchmark.
Schwann cell interactions during the development of the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Wilson Emma R. , Della‐Flora Nunes Gustavo , Weaver Michael R. , Frick Luciana R. , Feltri M. Laura
Published: April 2020

Schwann cells play a critical role in the development of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), establishing important relationships both with the extracellular milieu and other cell types, particularly neurons. In this review, we discuss various Schwann cell interactions integral to the proper establishment, spatial arrangement, and function of the PNS. We include signals that cascade onto Schwann cells from axons and from the extracellular matrix, bidirectional signals that help to establish the axo‐glial relationship and how Schwann cells in turn support the axon. Further, we speculate on how Schwann cell interactions with other components of the developing PNS ultimately promote the complete construction of the peripheral nerve.
Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire short forms: A comparison
Authors: Machado Paulo P. P. , Grilo Carlos M. , Rodrigues Tânia F. , Vaz Ana R. , Crosby Ross D.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) is a widely used self‐report measure of eating‐disordered behaviors and attitudes. Recent studies utilizing confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) have proposed alternative and shorter forms. The aim of this study was to compare the full‐length version of the EDE‐Q and several proposed short forms (7‐item, 8‐item, and 18‐item) in terms of their psychometric properties, including concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity, factor structure, and sensitivity to change.

Methods

Participants from two eating‐disorder clinical samples (N = 175 and 38) and from a nonclinical sample (N = 3,413) completed a battery of measures, including the Portuguese version of the EDE‐Q. Analyses compared psychometric properties of the available short forms of the EDE‐Q among each other.

Results

All forms of the EDE‐Q showed good internal consistency values, correlated highly among each other (r > .90) and with different measures of eating psychopathology (r > .80). All EDE‐Q forms were able to distinguish between cases and controls with moderate‐to‐high accuracy and were sensitive to change. CFA failed to support the proposed factor structure for all the EDE‐Q forms, except for the 7‐item form.

Discussion

The present study provides empirical background for choosing between different forms of the EDE‐Q. Findings indicate that for nonclinical and for clinical research, including studies of treatment change and outcome, the short forms of the EDE‐Q can be used. A shorter version is a viable alternative when less time‐consuming alternatives are needed, such to quickly screen for eating‐disorder psychopathology or to perform session‐by‐session treatment monitoring.
Wolbachia affect behavior and possibly reproductive compatibility but not thermoresistance, fecundity, and morphology in a novel transinfected host, Drosophila nigrosparsa
Authors: Detcharoen Matsapume , Arthofer Wolfgang , Jiggins Francis M. , Steiner Florian M. , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C.
Published: April 2020

Wolbachia, intracellular endosymbionts, are estimated to infect about half of all arthropod species. These bacteria manipulate their hosts in various ways for their maximum benefits. The rising global temperature may accelerate species migration, and thus, horizontal transfer of Wolbachia may occur across species previously not in contact. We transinfected and then cured the alpine fly Drosophila nigrosparsa with Wolbachia strain wMel to study its effects on this species. We found low Wolbachia titer, possibly cytoplasmic incompatibility, and an increase in locomotion of both infected larvae and adults compared with cured ones. However, no change in fecundity, no impact on heat and cold tolerance, and no change in wing morphology were observed. Although Wolbachia increased locomotor activities in this species, we conclude that D. nigrosparsa may not benefit from the infection. Still, D. nigrosparsa can serve as a host for Wolbachia because vertical transmission is possible but may not be as high as in the native host of wMel, Drosophila melanogaster.
What smells? Developing in‐field methods to characterize the chemical composition of wild mammalian scent cues
Authors: Thompson Cynthia L. , Bottenberg Kimberly N. , Lantz Andrew W. , de Oliveira Maria A. B. , Melo Leonardo C. O. , Vinyard Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

Olfactory cues play an important role in mammalian biology, but have been challenging to assess in the field. Current methods pose problematic issues with sample storage and transportation, limiting our ability to connect chemical variation in scents with relevant ecological and behavioral contexts. Real‐time, in‐field analysis via portable gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) has the potential to overcome these issues, but with trade‐offs of reduced sensitivity and compound mass range. We field‐tested the ability of portable GC‐MS to support two representative applications of chemical ecology research with a wild arboreal primate, common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). We developed methods to (a) evaluate the chemical composition of marmoset scent marks deposited at feeding sites and (b) characterize the scent profiles of exudates eaten by marmosets. We successfully collected marmoset scent marks across several canopy heights, with the portable GC‐MS detecting known components of marmoset glandular secretions and differentiating these from in‐field controls. Likewise, variation in the chemical profile of scent marks demonstrated a significant correlation with marmoset feeding behavior, indicating these scents’ biological relevance. The portable GC‐MS also delineated species‐specific olfactory signatures of exudates fed on by marmosets. Despite the trade‐offs, portable GC‐MS represents a viable option for characterizing olfactory compounds used by wild mammals, yielding biologically relevant data. While the decision to adopt portable GC‐MS will likely depend on site‐ and project‐specific needs, our ability to conduct two example applications under relatively challenging field conditions bodes well for the versatility of in‐field GC‐MS.
Accounting for space and uncertainty in real‐time location system‐derived contact networks
Authors: Farthing Trevor S. , Dawson Daniel E. , Sanderson Michael W. , Lanzas Cristina
Published: April 2020

Point data obtained from real‐time location systems (RTLSs) can be processed into animal contact networks, describing instances of interaction between tracked individuals. Proximity‐based definitions of interanimal “contact,” however, may be inadequate for describing epidemiologically and sociologically relevant interactions involving body parts or other physical spaces relatively far from tracking devices. This weakness can be overcome by using polygons, rather than points, to represent tracked individuals and defining “contact” as polygon intersections.

We present novel procedures for deriving polygons from RTLS point data while maintaining distances and orientations associated with individuals' relocation events. We demonstrate the versatility of this methodology for network modeling using two contact network creation examples, wherein we use this procedure to create (a) interanimal physical contact networks and (b) a visual contact network. Additionally, in creating our networks, we establish another procedure to adjust definitions of “contact” to account for RTLS positional accuracy, ensuring all true contacts are likely captured and represented in our networks.

Using the methods described herein and the associated R package we have developed, called contact, researchers can derive polygons from RTLS points. Furthermore, we show that these polygons are highly versatile for contact network creation and can be used to answer a wide variety of epidemiological, ethological, and sociological research questions.

By introducing these methodologies and providing the means to easily apply them through the contact R package, we hope to vastly improve network‐model realism and researchers' ability to draw inferences from RTLS data.
Silicon‐mediated multiple interactions: Simultaneous induction of rice defense and inhibition of larval performance and insecticide tolerance of Chilo suppressalis by sodium silicate
Authors: Wang Jie , Xue Rongrong , Ju Xueyang , Yan Hui , Gao Zhou , Esmail Abdalla Elzaki Mohammed , Hu Lin , Zeng Rensen , Song Yuanyuan
Published: April 2020

The rice striped stem borer (SSB, Chilo suppressalis) is one of the most destructive pests of rice plants. Si‐mediated rice defense against various pests has been widely reported, and sodium silicate (SS) has been used as an effective source of silicon for application to plants. However, there is quite limited information about the direct effects of Si application on herbivorous insects. SSB larval performance and their insecticide tolerance were examined after they had been reared either on rice plants cultivated in nutrient solution containing 0.5 and 2.0 mM SS or on artificial diets with 0.1% and 0.5% SS. SS amendment in either rice culture medium or artificial diets significantly suppressed the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S‐transferases, and levels of cytochrome P450 protein in the midgut of C. suppressalis larvae. Larvae fed on diets containing SS showed lower insecticide tolerance. Additionally, RNA‐seq analysis showed that SS‐mediated larval insecticide tolerance was closely associated with fatty acid biosynthesis and pyruvate metabolism pathways. Our results suggest that Si not only enhances plant resistance against insect herbivore, but also impairs the insect's capacity to detoxify the insecticides. This should be considered as another important aspect in Si‐mediated plant–insect interaction and may provide a novel approach of pest management.
Fate of the soil seed bank of giant ragweed and its significance in preventing and controlling its invasion in grasslands
Authors: Dong Hegan , Liu Tong , Liu Zhongquan , Song Zhanli
Published: April 2020

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida, L. henceforth referred to as GR), an annual non‐native invasive weed, may cause health problems and can reduce agricultural productivity. Chemical control of GR in grasslands may have irreversible side effects on herbs and livestock. In an attempt to propose a solution to the harmful effects of GR on grasslands, this study explores the fate of its soil seed bank (SSB) and considers the physical control of its SSB reduction.

By studying GR distributed in grasslands of the Yili Valley, Xinjiang, China, we measured the spatial and temporal changes in seed density, seed germination, dormancy, and death. We analyzed seed germination, dormancy, and death following different storage periods. The study analyzed population characteristics over time, including seed fate, and examined physical control methods for reducing the SSB density.

The SSB of GR occurs in the upper 0–15 cm of soil in grasslands. Seed density in the SSB decreased by 68.1% to 82.01% from the reproductive growth period to the senescence period. More than 98.7% of the seeds were rotten, eaten, germinated, dispersed, or died within one year after being produced. The seed germination rate of the SSB decreased with the number of years after invasion. When stored for 0.5 or 3.5 years, seed germination rates fell by 40%, during which time seed death rate increased by almost 40%. When GR was completely eradicated for two consecutive years, the SSB and population densities decreased by >99%.

The vast majority of GR seeds germinated or died within one year; the germination rate decreased significantly if the seeds were stored dry at room temperature for a long time. Newly produced seeds are the main source of seeds in the SSB. Therefore, thoroughly eradicating GR plants for several years before the seeds can mature provides an effective control method in grasslands.
There's more to Fish than Just Food: Exploring the Diverse Ways that Fish Contribute to Human Society
Authors: Olden Julian D , Vitule Jean R S , Cucherousset Julien , Kennard Mark J
Published: April 2020

Fish are among the most biodiverse vertebrate groups on the planet, playing vital ecosystem roles, supporting considerable commercial, recreational, and artisanal fisheries, and delivering critical ecosystem goods and services for the world's human population. These intrinsic, ecological, and socioeconomic values of fish are well recognized. Much less widely appreciated are the diverse additional ways that fish have contributed to human societies. Here, we explore the assorted uses of freshwater and marine fishes, both presently and in the past, by focusing on their contributions to manufacturing and industry, technology, health care, tools and weapons, apparel and jewelry, and musical instruments, and as curios, souvenirs, and attractions. The material ways by which people depend on fish have continued to grow and evolve over time, resulting in a much more intricate web of human–fish relationships than is often recognized. By demonstrating the importance of fish across all facets of life, we hope that this exploration leads to greater conservation, sustainable management, and ethical treatment of fish now and into the future.
Price Elasticity and Electricity Rate Design
Authors: Caldwell John
Published: April 2020

The level of price elasticity for electricity service has always been a subject rife with controversy. Estimates of price elasticity in this industry have varied widely, and little if any consensus exists on what the true level of price elasticity is. This lack of consensus is evident in regulatory filings involving electricity rate increases, where price elasticity is generally ignored as a factor influencing future sales and revenues after the rate increases occur. Complicating the issue further is the question of exactly what price (if any) electricity customers are responding to: the total bill, the marginal (per kWh) rate, or some combination thereof. And of course, the answer to this question will be affected by the existence of any customer‐facing programs that make consumers more aware of and/or provide incentives to respond to time‐varying electricity prices.