bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An emphasis on dynamic mechanical properties of novel stilbene containing copolymer/organo‐MMTnanocomposites fabricated via in situ interlamellar copolymerization
Authors: Kavlak Serap , Can Hatice Kaplan
Published: July 2021

The objective of the present study is to synthesis and characterize the novel functional stilbene containing copolymer‐clay nanocomposites, make clear the influence of organo‐clay on peculiarities of the nanocomposites and emphasis on the dynamic mechanical properties. For this purpose, poly(acrylamide‐co‐trans‐stilbene)‐organo‐MMT [poly(AAm‐co‐Stb)‐O‐MMT] nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ interlamellar solution copolymerization with organically modified montmorillonite (O‐MMT) clay due to its superior properties gives to copolymer. The effect of different amounts of O‐MMT clay incorporation to the nanocomposite structure and properties of copolymer/O‐MMT clay nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier Transform Infrared, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimeter, Dynamic mechanic analysis (DMA) methods. XRD analysis showed the basal spacing of the O‐MMT increased in nanocomposites and this indicated that the intercalation of the copolymer chain into the O‐MMT interlayer performed and nanocomposites were obtained successfully. Additionally, copolymer/O‐MMT nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal properties at higher temperatures than the pristine copolymer. DMA results enlightened the viscoelastic properties of synthesized materials. DMA results indicated that obtained nanocomposites have higher mechanical strength because of the interaction/compatibility in between copolymer chains and O‐MMT. In the light of these results, this work has introduced new perspectives on design, fabrication and viscoelastic properties of certain organo‐clay copolymer nanocomposites for the synthesis of new materials and potential industrial applications.
Genome‐wide gene expression profiles of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) under cold temperatures provide insights into body color variation
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Zhou‐Rui , Zheng Yong‐Qiang , Zhang Li‐Jun , Wang Meng‐Yao , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Yuan Ming‐Long
Published: July 2021

Cold temperatures are one of the factors influencing color polymorphisms in Acyrthosiphon pisum, resulting in a change from a red to greenish color. Here we characterized gene expression profiles of A. pisum under different low temperatures (1°C, 4°C, 8°C, and 14°C) and durations (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased as temperatures decreased and time increased, but only a small number of significant DEGs were identified. Genes involved in pigment metabolism were downregulated. An interaction network analysis for 506 common DEGs in comparisons among aphids exposed to 1°C for four durations indicated that a cytochrome P450 gene (CYP, LOC112935894) significantly downregulated may interact with a carotenoid metabolism gene (LOC100574964), similar to other genes encoding CYP, lycopene dehydrogenase and fatty acid synthase. We proposed that the body color shift in A. pisum responding to low temperatures may be regulated by CYPs.
Expression of 20‐hydroxyecdysone‐related genes during gonadal development of Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Jin Wenjie , Tan E. , Ghartey‐Kwansah George , Jia Yishu , Xi Gengsi
Published: July 2021

Insect gonads develop under endocrine signals. In this study, we assessed the characters of partial complementary DNAs encoding the Teleogryllus emma orthologs of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E)‐related genes (RXR, E75, HR3, Hsc70, and Hsp90) and analyzed their expression patterns in both nymph and adult crickets. 20E treatment suppressed expression of TeEcR, TeRXR, TeE75, TeHR3, TeHsc70, and TeHsp90. Temporal expression analysis demonstrated that TeERR and 20E‐related genes were expressed in four stages of gonadal development from the fourth‐instar nymph stage to the adult stage. The expression pattern of these genes differed in testicular and ovarian development. TeRXR, HR3, TeHsc70, and TeHsp90 were irregularly expressed in gonads of the same developmental stages, while mRNAs encoding TeERR, TeEcR, and TeE75 accumulated in higher levels in ovaries than in testes. RNA interference (RNAi) of TeEcR expression led to decrease of the expression levels of TeEcR, TeRXR, TeHR3, and TeHsc70, while it enhanced TeE75 and TeHsp90 expressions. These results demonstrate that the TeERR and 20E‐related genes help regulate gonadal development, while TeEcR appears to inhibit TeE75 expression, TeE75 inhibits HR3 expression. Hsc70 indirectly regulated the expression of the primary and secondary response genes E74A, E75B, and HR3. Hsp90 regulated Usp expression with no direct regulatory relationship with EcR.
Prehistoric chamber tombs or geological pitfall? A multimethod case study from Ancient Aigeira with a focus on seismic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Rusch Katharina , Köhn Daniel , Stümpel Harald , Gauß Walter , Rabbel Wolfgang
Published: July 2021

We show an extensive multimethod geophysical study of focusing on some enigmatic subsurface structures found at Ancient Aigeira (N Peloponnes, Greece) that could be interpreted either as prehistoric chamber tombs or complex weathering patterns of the local marl–conglomerate rock sequences. It turns out that the nonseismic methods do not allow to distinguish between an archaeological and a geological origin of the observed patterns with certainty. In contrast, we demonstrate how shear‐wave seismics and full‐waveform inversion (FWI) can be used in archaeological prospection for distinguishing between these alternative essentially different interpretational models that are not distinguishable through nonseismic prospection data. The example site Aigeira is strategically well located on a hill on the Northern Peloponnese overlooking the Corinthian Gulf and has been inhabited with occupational gaps since Middle Neolithic times until the 12th to early 14th century ce. Magnetics, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) reveal a honeycomb‐shaped anomaly pattern that could have been interpreted as a system of prehistoric chamber tombs. The time‐domain SH‐FWI strategy based on a sequential inversion of low‐pass and band‐pass filtered data results in subsurface models for shear‐wave velocity and density that accurately fits the complicated seismic data set. A highly heterogeneous subsurface is revealed that is characterized by linear cracks on a decimetre scale. The seismic FWI results are compared in detail with GPR, ERT and among each other. It turns out that the FWI result is consistent with each of these other geophysical methods but provides a more comprehensive subsurface characterization that it is supported by corings in addition. With the help of the seismic survey, we can reject the interpretation hypothesis of a prehistoric cemetery with chamber tombs and confirm that the enigmatic geophysical patterns represent a geological weathering structure that could be addressed as a reincised fan delta draped by reddish palaeosols.
Comparative in silico prediction of P‐glycoprotein‐mediated transport for 2010–2020 US FDA‐approved drugs using six Web‐tools
Authors: Guéniche Nelly , Huguet Antoine , Bruyere Arnaud , Habauzit Denis , Le Hégarat Ludovic , Fardel Olivier
Published: July 2021

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is an efflux pump implicated in pharmacokinetics and drug–drug interactions. The identification of its substrates is consequently an important issue, notably for drugs under development. For such a purpose, various in silico methods have been developed, but their relevance remains to be fully established. The present study was designed to get insight about this point, through determining the performance values of six freely accessible Web‐tools (ADMETlab, AdmetSAR2.0, PgpRules, pkCSM, SwissADME and vNN‐ADMET), computationally predicting P‐gp‐mediated transport. Using an external test set of 231 marketed drugs, approved over the 2010–2020 period by the US Food and Drug Administration and fully in vitro characterized for their P‐gp substrate status, various performance parameters (including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Matthews correlation coefficient and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) were determined. They were found to rather poorly meet criteria commonly required for acceptable prediction, whatever the Web‐tools were used alone or in combination. Predictions of being P‐gp substrate or non‐substrate by these online in silico methods may therefore be considered with caution.
Dünnwandige Fertigteile aus vorgespanntem Carbonbeton
Authors: Osman‐Letelier Juan P. , Hückler Alex , Schlaich Mike
Published: July 2021

Vorgespannte dünnwandige Bauteile aus Beton, Faltwerke oder Schalenelemente, waren früher als Fertigteil wegen ihrer Leichtigkeit, Wirtschaftlichkeit und Ästhetik weit verbreitet. Heute sind solche Tragwerke im Bauwesen quasi von der Bildfläche verschwunden. Ein Grund dafür waren Schadensfälle, die oft auf Bewehrungskorrosion durch zu geringe Betondeckung zurückzuführen sind. Für eine Renaissance dieser eleganten Bauteile sind korrosionsbeständige Bewehrungen erforderlich, beispielsweise aus Kohlenstofffaserverstärktem Kunststoff (CFK oder kurz Carbon). Carbonbewehrungen eignen sich wegen ihrer hohen Zugfestigkeit besonders als Vorspannelemente. Wird Carbonbewehrung in Form von Gelegen ausgeführt, erlauben die geringen Faserstrangdurchmesser minimale Betondeckungen für den erforderlichen Verbund und eine gleichmäßige Krafteinleitung in den Beton. Dadurch können mit Carbon und Beton (Carbonbeton) werkstoffgerechte Bauteile entstehen, die leicht, dauerhaft und wegen geringen Materialverbrauchs nachhaltig sind. In diesem Artikel werden vorgespannte dünnwandige Bauteile aus Carbonbeton sowie ein Vorschlag für die Sicherstellung einer ausreichenden Versagensankündigung behandelt. Fertigteile mit verschiedenen Bauteilgeometrien, von einfachen Plattenstreifen bis hin zu doppelt gekrümmten Schalenelementen, die theoretisch und experimentell untersucht wurden, werden vorgestellt.
Sample size calculation for two‐arm trials with time‐to‐event endpoint for nonproportional hazards using the concept of Relative Time when inference is built on comparing Weibull distributions
Authors: Phadnis Milind A. , Mayo Matthew S.
Published: July 2021

Sample size calculations for two‐arm clinical trials with a time‐to‐event endpoint have traditionally used the assumption of proportional hazards (PH) or the assumption of exponentially distributed survival times. Available software provides methods for sample size calculation using a nonparametric logrank test, Schoenfeld's formula for Cox PH model, or parametric calculations specific to the exponential distribution. In cases where the PH assumption is not valid, the first‐choice method is to compute sample size assuming a piecewise linear survival curve (Lakatos approach) for both the control and treatment arms with judiciously chosen cut‐points. Recent advances in literature have used the assumption of Weibull distributed times for single‐arm trials, and, newer methods have emerged that allow sample size calculations for two‐arm trials using the assumption of proportional time (PT) while considering non‐PH. These methods, however, always assume an instantaneous effect of treatment relative to control requiring that the effect size be defined by a single number whose magnitude is preserved throughout the trial duration. Here, we consider the scenarios where the hypothesized benefit of treatment relative to control may not be constant giving rise to the notion of Relative Time (RT). By assuming that survival times for control and treatment arm come from two different Weibull distributions with different location and shape parameters, we develop the methodology for sample size calculation for specific cases of both non‐PH and non‐PT. Simulations are conducted to assess the operation characteristics of the proposed method and a practical example is discussed.
A flexible joint model for multiple longitudinal biomarkers and a time‐to‐event outcome: With applications to dynamic prediction using highly correlated biomarkers
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Yi , Li Shanpeng , Elashoff Robert M. , Li Gang
Published: July 2021

In biomedical studies it is common to collect data on multiple biomarkers during study follow‐up for dynamic prediction of a time‐to‐event clinical outcome. The biomarkers are typically intermittently measured, missing at some event times, and may be subject to high biological variations, which cannot be readily used as time‐dependent covariates in a standard time‐to‐event model. Moreover, they can be highly correlated if they are from in the same biological pathway. To address these issues, we propose a flexible joint model framework that models the multiple biomarkers with a shared latent reduced rank longitudinal principal component model and correlates the latent process to the event time by the Cox model for dynamic prediction of the event time. The proposed joint model for highly correlated biomarkers is more flexible than some existing methods since the latent trajectory shared by the multiple biomarkers does not require specification of a priori parametric time trend and is determined by data. We derive an expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm for parameter estimation, study large sample properties of the estimators, and adapt the developed method to make dynamic prediction of the time‐to‐event outcome. Bootstrap is used for standard error estimation and inference. The proposed method is evaluated using simulations and illustrated on a lung transplant data to predict chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) using chemokines measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the patients.
Cloning and characterization of a panel of mitochondrial targeting sequences for compartmentalization engineering in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dong Chang , Shi Zhuwei , Huang Lei , Zhao Huimin , Xu Zhinan , Lian Jiazhang
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrion is generally considered as the most promising subcellular organelle for compartmentalization engineering. Much progress has been made in reconstituting whole metabolic pathways in the mitochondria of yeast to harness the precursor pools (i.e., pyruvate and acetyl‐CoA), bypass competing pathways, and minimize transportation limitations. However, only a few mitochondrial targeting sequences (MTSs) have been characterized (i.e., MTS of COX4), limiting the application of compartmentalization engineering for multigene biosynthetic pathways in the mitochondria of yeast. In the present study, based on the mitochondrial proteome, a total of 20 MTSs were cloned and the efficiency of these MTSs in targeting heterologous proteins, including the Escherichia coli FabI and enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) into the mitochondria was evaluated by growth complementation and confocal microscopy. After systematic characterization, six of the well‐performed MTSs were chosen for the colocalization of complete biosynthetic pathways into the mitochondria. As proof of concept, the full α‐santalene biosynthetic pathway consisting of 10 expression cassettes capable of converting acetyl‐coA to α‐santalene was compartmentalized into the mitochondria, leading to a 3.7‐fold improvement in the production of α‐santalene. The newly characterized MTSs should contribute to the expanded metabolic engineering and synthetic biology toolbox for yeast mitochondrial compartmentalization engineering.
A fully integrated undergraduate introductory biology and chemistry course with a community‐based focus II: Assessment of course effectiveness
Authors: Pociask Sarah , Weerapana Akila , Taylor Pamela , Radhakrishnan Mala L. , Oakes Elizabeth S. C. , Matthews Adam G. W. , Elmore Donald E.
Published: July 2021

In the Fall of 2016, we created an integrated introductory biology/chemistry course for first‐semester students at Wellesley College. This course was designed to meaningfully integrate chemistry and molecular cell biology while also building community and fostering mentorship both inside and outside the classroom. Here, we describe the assessment of this integrated course through a combination of multivariate analyses of student transcript data and student focus group discussions. Our assessment found that the integrated course provided a strongly collaborative working environment for students that provided them with skills that promoted success in future courses. Along with a rigorous consideration of the interplay between biology and chemistry, these skills appeared to support positive longer‐term student outcomes. In particular, we observed significant impacts on student persistence into and performance in intermediate and advanced courses. Students from the integrated course were also significantly more likely to declare a major in biochemistry than students who took one of the traditional introductory courses. In addition, our assessment also noted the importance of a cohesive instructional team and broad faculty participation in the success and sustainability of the course.
HOXD13 promotes the malignant progression of colon cancer by upregulating PTPRN2
Authors: Yin Jiangyan , Guo Yi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The homeobox (HOX) family plays an important role in multi‐biological processes, such as morphogenesis and tumors. However, the function of HOXD13 in colon cancer remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to analyze the expression of HOXD13 and its effect on the survival rate of colon cancer patients. Wound healing, Transwell, and clone formation were used to evaluate the effects of changes in HOXD13 expression on the function of colon cancer cells. A nude mouse xenograft tumor model was used to test the effects of HOXD13 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Our results showed that HOXD13 was highly expressed in colon cancer and predicted a poor prognosis for patients. In in vitro experiments, the knockdown of HOXD13 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells. In vivo experiments showed the inhibited tumor growth after the knockdown of HODX13. In addition, HOXD13 bound to the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N2 (PTPRN2) promoter and promoted the transcription of PTPRN2.

Conclusion

We revealed the function and mechanism of HOXD13 in colon cancer and suggest that HOXD13 may be a candidate marker for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.
Preparation of New Spiropyrazole, Pyrazole and Hydantoin Derivatives and Investigation of Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities.
Authors: Ghasempour Leila , Asghari Sakineh , Tajbakhsh Mahmood , Mohseni Mojtaba
Published: July 2021

In this study, the synthesis of new spiropyrazoles, pyrazole and hydantoin heterocycles is reported by three component reactions of parabanic acids, hydrazine derivatives, and phenacyl bromides in the presence of triphenylphosphine as a nucleophile and triethylamine as a base in good to high yields (69–91 %). Evaluation of the synthesized compounds revealed a good to excellent antioxidant activities (37.6–96.2 %) using DPPH inhibitory potency. Among these compounds, hydantoin derivatives displayed higher antioxidant activities (93.7–96.2 %) comparing with spiropyrazoles and pyrazoles. The obtained results showed that Cl and Br substituents on the phenyl ring increased antioxidant activities of the related heterocycles. The antibacterial activities of the synthesized compounds were examined against two Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Among the synthesized heterocycles, 2‐[1,3‐dimethyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)imidazolidin‐4‐yl]hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide exhibited the excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Spectroscopic and Computational Study of Boronium Ionic Liquids and Electrolytes
Authors: Clarke‐Hannaford Jonathan , Breedon Michael , Rüther Thomas , Johansson Patrik , Spencer Michelle J. S.
Published: July 2021

Boronium cation‐based ionic liquids (ILs) have demonstrated high thermal stability and a >5.8 V electrochemical stability window. Additionally, IL‐based electrolytes containing the salt LiTFSI have shown stable cycling against the Li metal anode, the “Holy grail” of rechargeable lithium batteries. However, the basic spectroscopic characterisation needed for further development and effective application is missing for these promising ILs and electrolytes. In this work, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used in combination to characterise four ILs and electrolytes based on the [NNBH2]+ and [(TMEDA)BH2]+ boronium cations and the [FSI]− and [TFSI]− anions. By using this combined experimental and computational approach, proper understanding of the role of different ion‐ion interactions for the Li cation coordination environment in the electrolytes was achieved. Furthermore, the calculated vibrational frequencies assisted in the proper mode assignments for the ILs and in providing insights into the spectroscopic features expected at the interface created when they are adsorbed on a Li(001) surface. A reproducible synthesis procedure for [(TMEDA)BH2]+ is also reported. The fundamental findings presented in this work are beneficial for any future studies that utilise IL based electrolytes in next generation Li metal batteries.
Process Engineering at JKU Linz
Authors: Hlawitschka Mark W.
Published: July 2021

Die Universität Linz ist eine im Vergleich recht junge Universität. Sie wurde im Jahre 1962 als Hochschule für Sozial‐ und Wirtschaftswissenschaften eröffnet und 1966 durch die technisch‐naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät erweitert. Die Johannes Kepler Universität (JKU) Linz hat mit mittlerweile über 19 400 Studierenden eine beachtliche Größe erreicht. Die Verfahrenstechnik wurde 1997 an der JKU etabliert. Die Kombination der vorhandenen Expertise zu Membranverfahren mit den eigenen Schwerpunkten zur Extraktion, Absorption, Chemiesorption, Messtechnik und Computational Fluid Dynamics ermöglichen es, weiter in die Themen der ressourceneffizienten und nachhaltigen Aufarbeitung einzusteigen und gleichzeitig die Detailphänomene auf den unterschiedlichen Skalen aufzuklären.
Efficient batch process monitoring based on random nonlinear feature analysis
Authors: Deng Xiaogang , Du Kunyu
Published: July 2021

Efficient batch process monitoring is a challenging task because of the large data scale, the strong process nonlinearity, and the complicated local behaviours. To handle this issue, this paper presents a random nonlinear feature analysis method, called two‐level localized ensemble random Fourier feature analysis (TLERFFA), for effective batch process fault detection. Considering the large data scale of the nonlinear batch process, the random Fourier feature analysis (RFFA) is introduced to develop the statistical model, which is more efficient than the traditional kernel modelling method in terms of computation loads. Furthermore, for overcoming the model uncertainty resulting from the random mapping weights, the ensemble learning based on Bayesian inference is used to integrate multiply RFFA models with different weight settings. To further mine the rich local information of batch process data, a two‐level localization strategy is designed from the perspectives of the variables and the statistics. At the first level, the monitored variables are divided into several sub‐groups according to their maximal information coefficients, while at the second level, the local monitoring statistics are constructed based on the temporal–spatial neighbour analysis. Lastly, one case study on the benchmark process is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Discovery of Highly Oxidized Abietane Diterpenoids from the Roots of Euphorbia fischeriana with Anti‐tumor Activities
Authors: Wei Jiang‐Chun , Gao Yu‐Ning , Wang Dong‐Dong , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Fan San‐Peng , Bao Te‐Ri‐Gen , Gao Xiao‐Xu , Hu Gao‐Sheng , Wang An‐Hua , Jia Jing‐Ming
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Four previously undescribed ent‐abietane diterpenoids (1—4), along with eleven known analogues (5—15), were isolated from the roots of wild Euphorbia fischeriana. Their gross structures were determined via extensive spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were elucidated by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, Rh2(OCOCF3)4‐induced CD spectrum and ECD calculations. Their cervical carcinoma inhibition activities counteract HeLa cells were screened by MTT assay, and the structure‐activity relationships were further examined. The results demonstrated that 2 (IC50 value at 3.75 μmol/L) was more potent than cisplatin. The underlying mechanism study revealed that 2 could distinctly induce apoptosis accompanied by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Ca2+ influx and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, signal pathways including MAPKs/AKT might play a significant role in 2‐induced cervical cancer cells death.
Pharmacokinetics and Use‐Testing of Apalutamide Prepared in Aqueous Food Vehicles for Alternative Administration
Authors: Yu Alex , Erba Maura , Hazra Anasuya
Published: July 2021

Patients may have difficulty swallowing a whole daily dose of 240 mg (4 × 60‐mg tablets) of apalutamide. One of the unique properties of apalutamide tablets is easy disintegration and dispersion when mixed into aqueous vehicles, avoiding the need to crush/split the tablets. To evaluate whether this method of apalutamide tablet administration would be conducive in a patient setting, different variations in preparation were evaluated, and one preparation was tested in humans. In vitro compatibility studies evaluated purity, dose, or stability of different variations of apalutamide in applesauce/yogurt/orange juice/green tea. An open‐label, randomized, crossover phase 1 study in healthy men determined the bioavailability of an apalutamide‐applesauce mixture versus whole tablets based on maximum plasma analyte concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma analyte concentration‐time curve: AUC0‐72h and AUC0‐168h. Different amounts of applesauce/yogurt/orange juice/green tea as well as durations (up to 6 hours) did not affect the total apalutamide content available. The phase 1 study (n = 12) showed increased total exposure of 5% and peak exposure of 27.6% when comparing the apalutamide‐applesauce mixture with whole‐tablet administration. Variations in preparation times and total content for applesauce/yogurt/orange juice/green tea did not affect the purity, dose, or stability of apalutamide. An apalutamide‐applesauce mixture is a suitable alternative administration method to whole tablets.
Pharmacokinetic Drug‐Drug Interaction Study of Omecamtiv Mecarbil With Omeprazole, a Proton Pump Inhibitor, in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Trivedi Ashit , Sohn Winnie , Jafarinasabian Pegah , Zhang Hanze , Terminello Bianca , Flach Stephen , Abbasi Siddique , Dutta Sandeep , Lee Edward
Published: July 2021

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel cardiac myosin activator in development for the treatment of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. OM is administered as a 25‐, 37.5‐, or 50‐mg modified‐release formulation in patients with HF. Proton pump inhibitors are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in this patient population. Given the potential for coadministration of both drugs in patients with HF, we evaluated the potential for omeprazole to affect the pharmacokinetics of OM in an open‐label study in 14 healthy subjects. Subjects received a single 50‐mg dose of OM on day 1, followed by 40‐mg once‐daily doses of omeprazole on days 4 to 8. On day 9, a single 40‐mg dose of omeprazole was administered first and immediately followed by 50‐mg of OM. Blood samples were collected up to 144 hours after dosing following administration of OM on days 1 and 9 to characterize plasma concentrations of OM. The ratios of the geometric least‐square means (90% confidence intervals) of OM coadministered with omeprazole compared to OM alone were 94.5% (81.7%‐109.3%), 94.3% (81.5%‐109.1%), and 101.2% (95.4%‐107.3%) for area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity, area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, and maximum observed plasma concentration, respectively. Coadministration of OM with omeprazole was not associated with any clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Single doses of OM were safe and well tolerated when coadministered with omeprazole.
Hybrid node‐based tensor graph convolutional network for aspect‐category sentiment classification of microblog comments
Authors: Xiang Yan , Guo Jun‐Jun , Xian Yan‐Tuan , Huang Yu‐Xin , Yu Zheng‐Tao
Published: July 2021

Aspect‐category sentiment classification of microblog comments aims to identify the sentiment polarity of different opinion aspects in microblog comments, which is meaningful for the analysis of public opinion. At present, most of aspect‐category sentiment classification methods need much annotation data, and regard comments as independent samples, without using of the relationship between comments. This article proposes an aspect‐category sentiment classification method based on tensor graph convolutional networks. First, the combination of a comment and its aspect category is regarded as a hybrid node, and the original representation of a hybrid node is encoded by the Bert model. Second, sentiment graph and semantic graph are constructed according to the semantic similarity and sentimental relevance between hybrid nodes, and they are stacked into a tensor. Then two convolution operations, including intra‐graph convolution and inter‐graph convolution, are performed for each layer of graph tensor. In this way, hybrid nodes can learn and merge the heterogeneous information of different graphs. Finally, under the supervision of few labeled comments, the sentiment classification can be completed based on the features of the hybrid nodes. Experimental results on two microblog datasets show that the proposed model can significantly improve the performance of sentiment classification compared with other baseline models.
Dynamic energy efficient load balancing strategy for computational grid
Authors: Nazir Babar , Ahmad Zulfiqar
Published: July 2021

Computational grid is a pool of computational resources that is used by various organizations for storage purposes and execution of a large number of tasks. Load balancing and energy consumption are two core performance parameters in the computational grid. Since, performance of a computational grid is highly dependable to variations in load and energy consumption, therefore, it is important to pay attention to these aspects in grid. Therefore, we proposed an energy‐aware dynamic load balancing strategy for tasks scheduling in grid referred to as dynamic energy efficient load balancing strategy (DEEL) for computational grid. DEEL combined energy efficiency and load balancing paradigms in order to improve the utilization and reduce the energy consumption of resources. Simulations were performed by using GridSim. Simulation results were compared with published strategy IEGDC with respect to performance indices: finished gridlets, unfinished gridlets, resubmitted times, and response time. The simulation results were evaluated through performance metrics that is, (a) cost, (b) energy consumption, and (c) energy saved. As per simulation results, DEEL outperformed the published method IEGDC by reducing the execution time of finished gridlets up to 28%, minimizing the execution and resource cost up to 35%, and saving the energy consumption up to 38%.
Chaos teaching learning based algorithm for large‐scale global optimization problem and its application
Authors: Shukla Alok Kumar
Published: July 2021

Teaching learning‐based optimization (TLBO) is a popular stochastic algorithm that has recently been widely applied in a variety of optimization problems since its start. In TLBO algorithm, the concept of chaos not only shows a vital effect in its convergence but also plays a substantial role to balance of exploration and exploitation through evolution. However, TLBO is quickly trapped in local optima and premature convergence seems when applied to sophisticated complex functions. To handle these problems, we introduced an improved TLBO algorithm using chaotic concept. To achieve ability to search for exploration and exploitation, new phase called chaotic phase is added in original TLBO algorithm. The proposed method is thoroughly evaluated on benchmark test suites. The numerical result show that proposed method is relatively effective in adapting the chaotic value regarding original TLBO in terms of solution quality and convergence rate. In addition, performance of proposed method is evaluated on benchmark KDD Cup 99 intrusion dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that proposed method achieves higher predictive accuracy, detection rate, false alarm rate, and provided more significant features as compared with other wrapper techniques.
Survival rate and associated factors affecting pulpectomy treatment outcome in primary teeth
Authors: Songvejkasem Methaphon , Auychai Prim , Chankanka Oitip , Songsiripradubboon Siriporn
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the survival rates of pulpectomized primary teeth treated under general anesthesia (GA) or local anesthesia (LA), and to determine which factors affected tooth survival following pulpectomy.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study collected data from dental records. Patients under 5 years of age received dental treatment under GA or LA during 2007–2016, with at least one anterior or posterior tooth receiving a pulpectomy, were recruited. Pulpectomy was considered a failure if the tooth required extraction or retreatment due to pulp treatment failure. Survival analysis was used to assess the outcome. The cumulative survival probability was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between tooth survival and possible prognosis factors; sex, age, dental arch (upper/lower), tooth type (anterior/posterior), molar type (first/second molar), molar location (upper/lower molar), root filling material type, restoration type, preoperative radiographic findings and presence of pathologic root resorption.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐seven primary teeth were included. At the 5‐year follow‐up, the survival rates of the pulpectomized teeth treated under GA and LA were 81.4% and 87.4%, respectively, which were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05). A radiolucency on the preoperative radiograph was the only factor associated with tooth extraction or retreatment following pulpectomy, with a hazard ratio of 3.88 (95% CI = 1.29–11.65).

Conclusions

Pulpectomized primary teeth treated under GA and LA demonstrated high survival rates. Preoperative radiolucency is a possible associated factor that decreases tooth survival following pulpectomy.

Why this paper is important

Pulpectomy treatment under GA and LA provided high 5‐year cumulative survival rates, which were not significantly different.

Pulpectomy treatment in teeth with a preoperative radiolucency were 3.9‐fold as likely to fail as teeth without pathology.

Based on our findings, practitioners could apply these findings and discuss with caregivers about the treatment options, outcomes, and prognosis of pulpectomized teeth.
Relationship of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum races and resistance loci in the Phaseolus vulgaris L. genome
Authors: Nunes Maria Paula Barion A. , Gonçalves‐Vidigal Maria Celeste , Martins Vanusa S. R. , Xavier Larissa F. S. , Valentini Giseli , Vaz Bisneta Mariana , Vidigal Filho Pedro Soares
Published: July 2021

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the most critical diseases in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The characterization and localization of pathogenic fungal races are essential for understanding pathogen population dynamics and developing resistant cultivars. Here, we discussed the relationship between the diversity of C. lindemuthianum and common bean resistance genes against anthracnose disease. Indeed, several studies using a system of 12 differential bean cultivars have been carried out since 1991 to monitor anthracnose, reporting the constant appearance of new races. Colletotrichum lindemuthianum shows high virulence diversity, with 298 races distributed across 29 countries. In Brazil, we identified 89 races, with races 73, 65, and 81 as the most frequent. Moreover, we highlighted the common bean gene clusters, their unique location on chromosomes, and their relationship with races and resistance genes. The genetic mapping studies, molecular markers linked to anthracnose resistance alleles, and the specific races were integrated on the seven‐chromosome map using the reference genome of common bean. Recently, the ease of use of genome sequences and the development of molecular technologies have allowed molecular markers for marker‐assisted selection applied to anthracnose‐resistant cultivars. As a result, it is feasible that Mesoamerican genes Co‐5, Co‐42, Co‐6, Co‐16, and Co‐17, and the Andean genes Co‐12, Co‐14, Co‐Bf, Co‐15, Co‐AC, and CoPv01CDRK are well known to confer resistance to most races reported in Brazil and around the world. Thus, pyramiding these genes through molecular markers can help reduce the time and cost of introducing resistance genes in commercial common bean cultivars.
Solar‐Powered Whole‐Cell P450 Catalytic Platform for C‐Hydroxylation Reactions
Authors: Le Thien‐Kim , Kim Jinhyun , Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Huong Ha Nguyen Thi , Sun Eun‐Gene , Yee Su‐Min , Kang Hyung‐Sik , Yeom Soo‐Jin , Beum Park Chan , Yun Chul‐Ho
Published: July 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the joint research group of Prof. Chan Beum Park at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Prof. Chul‐Ho Yun at the Chonnam National University (CNU). The image shows how the use of a natural photosensitizer, flavin mononucleotide, and visible light can lead to a cost‐effective, green, and sustainable process for P450‐catalyzed reactions in a whole‐cell system. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100944.
Diagnostic and troubleshooting of OpenFlow‐enabled switches using kernel and userspace traces
Authors: Belkhiri Adel , Dagenais Michel
Published: July 2021

Although software‐defined networking (SDN) provides a flexible way to provision and control networks, it also makes network debugging and troubleshooting more complex. In SDN, the network is fully managed by software programs that increase flexibility and sophistication but are prone to bugs. Pinpointing those bugs is challenging because they can occur at multiple locations, such as the forwarding plane, the controller OS, and the network services running on top of the controller. Compared to functional bugs, performance bugs are particularly irritating due to their non‐failure semantics. They can lead to performance loss (reduced throughput, increased latency, and wasted resources) while maintaining the network connectivity. The literature reports several tools and techniques to diagnose SDN bugs, but, unfortunately, they are mostly ineffective against performance bugs. In this paper, we propose a novel monitoring and diagnostic framework capable of diagnosing performance bugs in the SDN data plane. The proposed tool works within Open vSwitch (OVS), a popular software switch, albeit it can easily be adapted to any OpenFlow switch. Tracing techniques are used to collect low‐level performance data from monitored switches. Our tool derives adapted performance metrics from kernel and userspace traces, and then displays them in time‐synchronized graphical views. These views provide valuable insights into OVS operation. They also enable practitioners to discover performance‐related issues and analyze their root causes. A few use cases are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of our tool in optimizing OVS performance and diagnosing its performance bugs.
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists and their human metabolites in sewage water: Stability assessment and identification of transformation products
Authors: Hehet Petra , Köke Niklas , Zahn Daniel , Frömel Tobias , Rößler Thorsten , Knepper Thomas P. , Pütz Michael
Published: July 2021

Since their first appearance in 2008, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) remain the most popular new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the EU. Following consumption, these drugs and their metabolites are urinary excreted and enter the sewage system enabling the application of wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE). Knowing the fate of target analytes in sewage water is essential for successful application of WBE. This study investigates the stability of several chemically diverse SCRAs and selected human metabolites under sewage conditions utilizing a combination of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Target analytes included SCRAs with indole (5F‐PB‐22, PB‐22 pentanoic acid), indazole (AMB‐FUBINACA, 5F‐ADB, 5F‐ADB dimethylbutanoic acid), carbazole (MDMB‐CHMCZCA, EG‐018), and γ‐carboline (Cumyl‐PeGaClone) chemical core structures representing most of the basic core structures that have occurred up to now. Stability tests were performed using wastewater effluent containing 5% activated sludge as inoculum to monitor degradation processes and formation of transformation products (TPs). The majority of investigated SCRAs, excluding the selected human metabolites, was recalcitrant to microbial degradation in sewage systems over a period of 29 days. Their stability was rather controlled by physico‐chemical processes like sorption and hydrolysis. Considering a typical hydraulic in‐sewer retention time of 24 h, the concentration of AMB‐FUBINACA decreased by 90% thus representing the most unstable SCRA investigated in this study. Among the 10 newly identified TPs, three could be considered as relevant markers and should be included into future WBE studies to gain further insight into use and prevalence of SCRAs on the drug market.
The Double Consciousness Body Image Scale: A body image assessment centering the experiences of Black women
Authors: Wilfred Salomé A. , Lundgren Jennifer D.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Body image among Black women is poorly understood; emerging research suggests that Black women experience pressures to adhere to a body type not currently captured in commonly used body image measures. This study assessed the psychometric properties and validity of the Double Consciousness Body Image Scale (DCBIS), a new culturally relevant body image assessment for Black women.

Method

Black women living in the United States (n = 198; 73.4% identified as African American; the remainder identified as African, Afro‐Latina, Caribbean, Caribbean American, Black descent, or multiple racial identities) completed online surveys assessing behaviors used to modify physical features, pressures to adhere to certain physical features, and eating disorder symptomatology.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis identified a unitary factor structure focused on pressures to adhere to physical characteristics, as well as behavior manifestation of those pressures. The DCBIS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .96). The DCBIS demonstrated convergent validity with measures of body image and disordered eating behaviors and attitudes.

Discussion

The DCBIS is a culturally relevant assessment of body image centering the experiences of Black women living in the context of U.S. culture. Future research is needed to confirm the factor structure of the DCBIS and evaluate its psychometric properties among a broader representation of Black women, globally.
Clinging ability is related to particular aspects of foot morphology in salamanders
Authors: Baken Erica K. , O’Donnell Mary Kate
Published: July 2021

The interaction between morphology, performance, and ecology has long been studied in order to explain variation in the natural world. Within arboreal salamanders, diversification in foot morphology and microhabitat use are thought to be linked by the impact of foot size and shape on clinging and climbing performance, resulting in an ability to access new habitats. We examine whether various foot shape metrics correlate with stationary cling performance and microhabitat to explicitly quantify this performance gradient across 14 species of salamander, including both arboreal and nonarboreal species. Clinging performance did not correlate with foot shape, as quantified by landmark‐based geometric morphometrics, nor with microhabitat use. Mass‐corrected foot centroid size and foot contact area, on the other hand, correlated positively with clinging performance on a smooth substrate. Interestingly, these foot variables correlated negatively with clinging performance on rough substrates, suggesting the use of multiple clinging mechanisms dependent upon the texture of the surface. These findings demonstrate that centroid size and foot contact area are more functionally relevant for clinging in salamanders than foot shape, suggesting that foot shape need not converge in order to achieve convergent performance. More broadly, our results provide an example of how the quantification of the performance gradient can provide the appropriate lens through which to understand the macroevolution of morphology and ecology.
Spatiotemporal maintenance of flora in the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot: Current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Wambulwa Moses C. , Milne Richard , Wu Zeng‐Yuan , Spicer Robert A. , Provan Jim , Luo Ya‐Huang , Zhu Guang‐Fu , Wang Wan‐Ting , Wang Hong , Gao Lian‐Ming , Li De‐Zhu , Liu Jie
Published: July 2021

Mountain ecosystems support a significant one‐third of all terrestrial biodiversity, but our understanding of the spatiotemporal maintenance of this high biodiversity remains poor, or at best controversial. The Himalaya hosts a complex mountain ecosystem with high topographic and climatic heterogeneity and harbors one of the world's richest floras. The high species endemism, together with increasing anthropogenic threats, has qualified the Himalaya as one of the most significant global biodiversity hotspots. The topographic and climatic complexity of the Himalaya makes it an ideal natural laboratory for studying the mechanisms of floral exchange, diversification, and spatiotemporal distributions. Here, we review literature pertaining to the Himalaya in order to generate a concise synthesis of the origin, distribution, and climate change responses of the Himalayan flora. We found that the Himalaya supports a rich biodiversity and that the Hengduan Mountains supplied the majority of the Himalayan floral elements, which subsequently diversified from the late Miocene onward, to create today's relatively high endemicity in the Himalaya. Further, we uncover links between this Miocene diversification and the joint effect of geological and climatic upheavals in the Himalaya. There is marked variance regarding species dispersal, elevational gradients, and impact of climate change among plant species in the Himalaya, and our review highlights some of the general trends and recent advances on these aspects. Finally, we provide some recommendations for conservation planning and future research. Our work could be useful in guiding future research in this important ecosystem and will also provide new insights into the maintenance mechanisms underpinning other mountain systems.