bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CB1R regulates soluble leptin receptor levels via CHOP, contributing to hepatic leptin resistance
Authors: Drori Adi , Gammal Asaad , Azar Shahar , Hinden Liad , Hadar Rivka , Wesley Daniel , Nemirovski Alina , Szanda Gergő , Salton Maayan , Tirosh Boaz , Tam Joseph
Published: November 2020

The soluble isoform of leptin receptor (sOb-R), secreted by the liver, regulates leptin bioavailability and bioactivity. Its reduced levels in diet-induced obesity (DIO) contribute to hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance, effects that are regulated by the endocannabinoid (eCB)/CB1R system. Here we show that pharmacological activation/blockade and genetic overexpression/deletion of hepatic CB1R modulates sOb-R levels and hepatic leptin resistance. Interestingly, peripheral CB1R blockade failed to reverse DIO-induced reduction of sOb-R levels, increased fat mass and dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in mice lacking C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), whereas direct activation of CB1R in wild-type hepatocytes reduced sOb-R levels in a CHOP-dependent manner. Moreover, CHOP stimulation increased sOb-R expression and release via a direct regulation of its promoter, while CHOP deletion reduced leptin sensitivity. Our findings highlight a novel molecular aspect by which the hepatic eCB/CB1R system is involved in the development of hepatic leptin resistance and in the regulation of sOb-R levels via CHOP.
The genetic architecture of host response reveals the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizae to maize cultivation
Authors: Ramírez-Flores M Rosario , Perez-Limon Sergio , Li Meng , Barrales-Gamez Benjamín , Albinsky Doris , Paszkowski Uta , Olalde-Portugal Víctor , Sawers Ruairidh JH
Published: November 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous in cultivated soils, forming symbiotic relationships with the roots of major crop species. Studies in controlled conditions have demonstrated the potential of AMF to enhance the growth of host plants. However, it is difficult to estimate the actual benefit in the field, not least because of the lack of suitable AMF-free controls. Here we implement a novel strategy using the selective incorporation of AMF-resistance into a genetic mapping population to evaluate maize response to AMF. We found AMF to account for about one-third of the grain production in a medium input field, as well as to affect the relative performance of different plant genotypes. Characterization of the genetic architecture of the host response indicated a trade-off between mycorrhizal dependence and benefit. We identified several QTL linked to host benefit, supporting the feasibility of breeding crops to maximize profit from symbiosis with AMF.
Oxytocin weakens self-other distinction in males during empathic responses to sadness: an event-related potentials study
Authors: Yue Tong , Xu Ying , Xue Liming , Huang Xiting
Published: November 2020

By making use of event-related potential (ERP) technology, a randomized, double-blind, between-subject design study was performed in order to investigate whether OXT can weaken men’s self-other distinction during empathic responses to sad expressions. In the two experimental tasks, 39 male subjects were asked to either evaluate the emotional state shown in a facial stimulus (other-task) or to evaluate their own emotional responses (self-task). The results revealed that OXT reduced the differences in P2 (150–200 ms) amplitudes between sad and neutral expressions in the self-task but enhanced P2 to sad expressions in the other-task, indicating OXT’s role in integrating the self with others instead of separating them. In addition, OXT also reduced the LPC (400–600 ms) amplitudes between sad-neutral expressions in the self-task, implying that OXT’s weakening effects on the self-other distinction could occur at both the early and late cognitive control stages of the empathic response.
Four sesquiterpene glycosides from loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaf ameliorates palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in HepG2 Cells via AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jiawei , Ding Xiaoqin , Jian Tunyu , Lü Han , Zhao Lei , Li Jing , Liu Yan , Ren Bingru , Chen Jian
Published: November 2020

Insulin resistance (IR), caused by impaired insulin signal and decreased insulin sensitivity, is generally responsible for the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sesquiterpene glycosides (SGs), the exclusive natural products from loquat leaf, have been regarded as potential lead compounds owing to their high efficacy in hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia. Here, we evaluated the beneficial effects of four single SGs isolated from loquat leaf, including SG1, SG2, SG3 and one novel compound SG4 against palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. SG1, SG3 and SG4 could significantly enhance glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells at non-cytotoxic concentration. Meanwhile, Oil Red O staining showed the decrease of both total cholesterol and triglyceride content, suggesting the amelioration of lipid accumulation by SGs in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Further investigations found that the expression levels of phosphorylated AMPK, ACC, IRS-1, and Akt were significantly up-regulated after SGs treatment, on the contrary, the expression levels of SREBP-1 and FAS were significantly down-regulated. Notably, AMPK inhibitor Compound C (CC) blocked the regulative effects, while AMPK activator AICAR mimicked the effects of SGs in PA-treated insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. In conclusion, SGs (SG4>SG1≈SG3>SG2) improved lipid accumulation in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells through the AMPK signaling pathway.
Interruptions versus breaks: The role of cue utilisation in a simulated process control task
Authors: Falkland Emma C. , Wiggins Mark W. , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: November 2020

Although interruptions and breaks are similar insofar as they both offer a momentary recess from the primary task, the premise for the activity in which the operator engages differs. Interruptions impose the requirement to direct resources to complete a task, while breaks offer the opportunity for suspended goal rehearsal. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in resumption lags following “interruptions” and “breaks,” and whether cue utilisation moderates this relationship. Seventy‐nine university students completed an assessment of cue utilisation and managed scheduled and unscheduled interruptions and breaks during a 35‐min rail control simulation. The analyses revealed that participants who recorded higher cue utilisation recorded shorter resumption lags following scheduled, rather than unscheduled interruptions. Participants who recorded lower cue utilisation recorded shorter resumption lags following breaks compared to interruptions, irrespective of the administration. The results suggest that scheduled interruptions and breaks offer the opportunity for suspended goal rehearsal.
From Thermal Energy to Kinetic Energy: Droplet Motion Triggered by the Leidenfrost Effect
Authors: Wang Guanqi , McDonough Jonathan R. , Zivkovic Vladimir , Long Teng , Wang Steven
Published: November 2020

When a liquid is dropped on a surface significantly hotter than the liquid's boiling point, a vapor film forms beneath the droplet creating an insulation layer sufficient enough to prevent the droplet from rapidly boiling. This phenomenon is known as the Leidenfrost effect, and enables droplets to survive for up to several minutes before fully evaporating. Solids are similarly able to levitate due to sublimation. Furthermore, a liquid droplet placed on a heated flat surface moves randomly, but on a ratcheted substrate, will self‐propel and move unidirectionally along the ratchets. Such a system with no other external energy fields applied is designated a Leidenfrost self‐propulsion device, first introduced by Linke et al. Given the ability of such an arrangement to effectively convert thermal energy into kinetic energy, numerous studies have subsequently attempted to understand and refine the control of motion of the levitated droplets/solids. This review addresses the fundamental understanding of this “heat‐to‐motion” mechanism, where the main focus is conversion of thermal energy into kinetic energy through the unique Leidenfrost self‐propulsion mechanism. Potential applications of Leidenfrost self‐propulsion devices are also discussed, including a brief outlook for the future of this research field.
Bispecific Antibody Inhalation Therapy for Redirecting Stem Cells from the Lungs to Repair Heart Injury
Authors: Liu Mengrui , Lutz Halle , Zhu Dashuai , Huang Ke , Li Zhenhua , Dinh Phuong‐Uyen C. , Gao Junqing , Zhang Yi , Cheng Ke
Published: November 2020

Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for cardiac repair. However, clinical efficacy is hampered by poor cell engraftment and the elusive repair mechanisms of the transplanted stem cells. The lung is a reservoir of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and a major biogenesis site for platelets. A strategy is sought to redirect lung resident stem cells to the injured heart for therapeutic repair after myocardial infarction (MI). To achieve this goal, CD34‐CD42b platelet‐targeting bispecific antibodies (PT‐BsAbs) are designed to simultaneously recognize HSCs (via CD34) and platelets (via CD42b). After inhalation delivery, PT‐BsAbs reach the lungs and conjoined HSCs and platelets. Due to the innate injury‐finding ability of platelets, PT‐BsAbs guide lung HSCs to the injured heart after MI. The redirected HSCs promote endogenous repair, leading to increased cardiac function. The repair mechanism involves angiomyogenesis and inflammation modulation. In addition, the inhalation route is superior to the intravenous route to deliver PT‐BsAbs in terms of the HSCs’ homing ability and therapeutic benefits. This work demonstrates that this novel inhalable antibody therapy, which harnesses platelets derived from the lungs, contributes to potent stem cell redirection and heart repair. This strategy is safe and effective in a mouse model of MI.
Efficient Lithium Growth Control from Ordered Nitrogen‐Chelated Lithium‐Ion for High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Sim Woo Hyeong , Jeong Hyung Mo
Published: November 2020

Lithium (Li) metal has attracted significant attention as next‐generation anode material owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and low potential. For enabling the practical application of Li‐metal as an anode according to energy demands, suppressing dendrite growth by controlling the Li‐ion (Li+) is crucial. In this study, metal–organic frameworks comprising bipyridinic nitrogen linker (M‐bpyN) are proposed as 3‐dimensional (3D) Li guiding matrix. The proposed approach creates ordered electronegative functional sites that enable the preoccupied Li+ in the ordered bipyridine sites to produce isotropic Li growth. The Li guiding matrix containing 3D ordered bipyridinic N sites introduces preoccupied Li+ sites that attract the Li growth direction, thereby suppressing the dendrite growth during the electrodeposition of Li. After applying the M‐bpyN layers, stable lifespan of up to 900 cycles in the Li|M‐bpyN|Cu cell and over 1500 h of operation in the Li|M‐bpyN|Li symmetric cell is achieved. Moreover, the Li|M‐bpyN|LiFePO4 configuration shows a long cycle retention of 350 cycles at 0.5 C. These results indicate that an M‐bpyN Li guiding matrix, which enables a uniform Li+ flux by 3D ordered Li+‐chelating sites, serve as a suitable host for Li+ and enhance the performance of Li‐metal electrodes.
Highly Active Cooperative Lewis Acid—Ammonium Salt Catalyst for the Enantioselective Hydroboration of Ketones
Authors: Titze Marvin , Heitkämper Juliane , Junge Thorsten , Kästner Johannes , Peters René
Published: November 2020

Enantiopure secondary alcohols are fundamental high‐value synthetic building blocks. One of the most attractive ways to get access to this compound class is the catalytic hydroboration. We describe a new concept for this reaction type that allowed for exceptional catalytic turnover numbers (up to 15 400), which were increased by around 1.5–3 orders of magnitude compared to the most active catalysts previously reported. In our concept an aprotic ammonium halide moiety cooperates with an oxophilic Lewis acid within the same catalyst molecule. Control experiments reveal that both catalytic centers are essential for the observed activity. Kinetic, spectroscopic and computational studies show that the hydride transfer is rate limiting and proceeds via a concerted mechanism, in which hydride at Boron is continuously displaced by iodide, reminiscent to an SN2 reaction. The catalyst, which is accessible in high yields in few steps, was found to be stable during catalysis, readily recyclable and could be reused 10 times still efficiently working.
Photoacoustic Cavitation‐Ignited Reactive Oxygen Species to Amplify Peroxynitrite Burst by Photosensitization‐Free Polymeric Nanocapsules
Authors: Wang Zhixiong , Zhan Meixiao , Li Weijie , Chu Chengyan , Xing Da , Lu Siyu , Hu Xianglong
Published: November 2020

Photoacoustic (PA) technology can transform light energy into acoustic wave, which can be used for either imaging or therapy that depends on the power density of pulsed laser. Here, we report photosensitizer‐free polymeric nanocapsules loaded with nitric oxide (NO) donors, namely NO‐NCPs, formulated from NIR light‐absorbable amphiphilic polymers and a NO‐releasing donor, DETA NONOate. Controlled NO release and nanocapsule dissociation are achieved in acidic lysosomes of cancer cells. More importantly, upon pulsed laser irradiation, the PA cavitation can excite water to generate significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radical (O2.−), which further spontaneously reacts with the in situ released NO to burst highly cytotoxic peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in cancer cells. The resultant ONOO− generation greatly promotes mitochondrial damage and DNA fragmentation to initiate programmed cancer cell death. Apart from PA imaging, PA cavitation can intrinsically amplify reactive species via photosensitization‐free materials for promising disease theranostics.
Unexpected Elasticity in Assemblies of Glassy Supra‐Nanoparticle Clusters
Authors: Yin Jia‐Fu , Zheng Zhao , Yang Junsheng , Liu Yuchu , Cai Linkun , Guo Qing‐Yun , Li Mu , Li Xinpei , Sun Tao Lin , Liu Geng Xin , Huang Caili , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Russell Thomas P. , Yin Panchao
Published: November 2020

Granular materials, composed of densely packed particles, are known to possess unique mechanical properties that are highly dependent on the surface structure of the particles. A microscopic understanding of the structure‐property relationship in these systems remains unclear. Here, supra‐nanoparticle clusters (SNPCs) with precise structures are developed as model systems to elucidate the unexpected elastic behaviors. SNPCs are prepared by coordination‐driven assembly of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with metal‐organic polyhedron (MOP). Due to the disparity in sizes, the POSS‐MOP assemblies, like their classic nanoparticles counterparts, ordering is suppressed, and the POSS‐MOP mixtures will vitrify or jam as a function of decreasing temperature. An unexpected elasticity is observed for the SNPC assemblies with a high modulus that is maintained at temperatures far beyond the glass transition temperature. From studies on the dynamics of the hierarchical structures of SNPCs and molecular dynamic simulation, the elasticity has its origins in the interpenetration of POSS‐ended arms. The physical molecular interpenetration and inter‐locking phenomenon favors the convenient solution or pressing processing of the novel cluster‐based elastomers.
Comparison of Oil Soluble Green Tea Extract with Common Antioxidantive Ingredients in Bulk Oil under Different Storage Conditions
Authors: Shen Chia‐Yu , Ankolekar Chandra , Ban Lan
Published: November 2020

The antioxidant capability of oil‐soluble green tea extract (OSGT) in canola oil was compared to common synthetic and plant‐derived ingredients with antioxidant function. Three storage conditions were included—22–25 °C ambient, 60 °C heated and air‐purging at 22–25 °C. The oxidation process was monitored by electron spin resonance spectroscopy for free radicals, peroxide value for primary oxidative byproducts, proton nuclear magnetic resonance for the loss of oxidatively labile protons, aldehydes as secondary oxidative byproducts and antioxidants residues. Except for tocopherols, the use of antioxidant ingredients improved the stability of the oils under all conditions. However, the extent of improvement differed under different storages for the same ingredients. Evaluating antioxidant ingredients and interpretation of data when using accelerated conditions need caution. Antioxidant level change under different storage conditions provide new insights on the mechanism working of antioxidants in bulk oil. OSGT has comparable performance to TBHQ under ambient temperature conditions. In conclusion, evaluating antioxidant ingredients under accelerated conditions needs caution. Oil‐soluble green tea extract has comparable antioxidative performance to TBHQ in bulk vegetable oil systems without affecting organoleptic properties of the oils under ambient temperature regardless of temperature or oxygen levels.
Mechanical behavior and molecular orientation of polycarbonate plates prepared by press‐induced deformation
Authors: Wang Bolun , Wang Tao , Ge Yong , Lang Jianlin , Sun Qiwei , Chen Yuhong , Yan Yue
Published: November 2020

Through a uniaxial hot compression method, polycarbonate (PC) plates were self‐reinforced effectively by press‐induced deformation. Relationships between macroscopic mechanical properties including tensile, impact as well as viscoelastic properties, and microscopic status such as morphologies and orientation were obtained in deformed PC plates. Results showed that PC plates which were compressed at appropriate temperatures (20°C–120 °C) obtained simultaneous enhancements in tensile strength (28%), elastic modulus (38%) and impact strength (700%), compared with the original plate. The impact fracture morphologies of deformed PC plates revealed evident ductile breakage. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction investigations were conducted to attribute mechanical behavior to molecular segment orientation, which was more sensitive to temperature. Self‐reinforced mechanism was proposed to analyze the high correlation between various orientations of molecular segments and corresponding mechanical performance, explained by storage and loss moduli in dynamic mechanical analysis as supplemental verification. Press‐induced deformation was proved to be a potentially effective method for the self‐reinforcement treatment for PC transparent products.
Stability analysis in terms of two measures for impulsive switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Zhichuang , Feng Weizhen , Ba Hezhen
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses the problem of stability in terms of two measures for impulsive switched nonlinear systems. By using multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs), we establish some sufficient conditions of all kinds of stability in terms of two measures for impulsive switched nonlinear systems. Moreover, the derivatives of MLF in our results only satisfy the corresponding conditions in a circular region. Meanwhile, the proposed results also improve the related existing results on the same topic by removing some restrictive conditions. Finally, some illustrative examples are presented to verify the validity of our proposed methods.
Serum pentraxin 3 as a biomarker for prognosis of acute minor stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hu Haijie , Liu Chong , Wu Juan , Zhou Shanshan , Zhao Tingting
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) may reflect local inflammatory status in tissues and thus serve as a potential biomarker of inflammation. Here, we investigated the utility of serum PTX3 as an index for assessing the 90‐day prognosis of acute minor stroke patients.

Materials & Methods

Acute minor stroke patients (N = 241) and matched healthy control subjects (N = 241) were prospectively recruited. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were assessed. Blood samples were collected within 48h after acute minor stroke onset and serum PTX3 levels were determined.

Results

Significant increases in stroke patients versus controls were obtained for serum PTX3 (3.14 ± 1.23 vs. 2.44 ± 0.74 ng/ml; p < .001) and C‐reactive protein (CRP – 1.53 ± 0.38 vs. 1.35 ± 0.35 μg/ml; p < .05). Among the four stroke subtypes, as defined by modified Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification, there were no statistically significant differences in serum PTX3 levels (p > .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum PTX3 and LDL cholesterol could predict unfavorable outcomes at day 90 in Large Artery Atherosclerosis (LAA) patients.

Conclusions

Serum Pentraxin 3 may serve as an independent predictor for an unfavorable outcome in the LAA subtype of acute minor stroke and may possess a superior prognostic value as compared to CRP in this LAA subgroup.
Novel Surgical Approach for Root Coverage Using Coronally Advanced Flap in Conjunction With Transposition of Periosteal Pedicle Graft
Authors: Swathi Seepana , Murthy K. Raja V. , Kishore D. Trinath , Kumar Y. Sandhya Pavan , Kumar G. Naveen Vital
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Gingival recession is a complex phenomenon with multifactorial etiology. It is defined as the apical migration of the soft tissue margin beyond the cemento‐enamel junction, thereby exposing the root surface. It results in the destruction of both soft and hard tissues.

Case Presentation

Three patients with buccal gingival recession defects underwent surgical treatment consisting of transposition of a periosteal pedicle in conjunction with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique. As the cambium layer of the periosteum has greater osteoblastic potential than the fibrous layer, this study considered juxtaposing of the cambium layer directly onto the denuded root surface. A 9‐month review demonstrated satisfactory: root coverage; gain in clinical attachment, reduction in probing depth; and increase in width of keratinized gingiva with a good color match and minimal scarring.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the study, this CAF technique, in conjunction with the cambium layer of periosteum, showed a significant amount of root coverage.
Essential thrombocythemia with (type2) calreticulin presented as stuttering priapism case report and review of literature
Authors: Ali Elrazi Awadelkarim , Nashwan Abdulqadir Jeprel , Yassin Mohamed A
Published: November 2020

Priapism is a rare presentation and complication of ET that might be underreported. In ET, priapism can present as an ischemic or stuttering type. These patients are more likely to be anemic and have a high platelet count.
Operando Electron Microscopy Study of Cobalt‐based Fischer‐Tropsch Nanocatalysts
Authors: Dembélé Kassiogé , Bahri Mounib , Hirlimann Charles , Moldovan Simona , Berliet Adrien , Maury Sylvie , Gay Anne‐Sophie , Ersen Ovidiu
Published: November 2020

Thanks to their stability and selectivity for long‐chains hydrocarbons, supported Co nanoparticles are the most commonly used catalysts in the Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis reaction. We report here on the use of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to address the real‐time evolution of cobalt‐based catalysts during their reduction under relevant industrial activation condition (105 Pa, 430 °C), and their operation in syngas (H2/CO=2, 105 Pa, 220 °C). To do so, we chose Co3O4−Pt nanoparticles supported on silica or alumina that can be directly compared to some industrial catalysts. By analysing the real space information contained in the TEM images, we have monitored the fragmentation of cobalt aggregates, the disappearance of cavities within the particles, their shape changes, the particle diffusion and coalescence processes, as well as the effect of the support (silica or alumina) on the behaviour of the Co phase. An easier reduction of cobalt catalysts supported on silica as compared to the same catalyst supported on alumina was also observed. During the catalyst operation under syngas, we have noticed the stability of the general shape of the particles. Simultaneously, using a residual gas analyser connected to the TEM holder, the main gas products of the Fischer‐Tropsch reaction were systematically analysed. Our findings underline the benefit of the operando TEM to study the dynamical evolution of catalysts, at the nanoparticle level, under operation conditions.
Supramolecular Catalysis with Self‐Assembled Capsules and Cages: What Happens in Confined Spaces
Authors: Gaeta Carmine , La Manna Pellegrino , De Rosa Margherita , Soriente Annunziata , Talotta Carmen , Neri Placido
Published: November 2020

The confined space inside self‐assembled capsules or cages provides a unique environment in which organic reactions can be efficiently catalyzed, thanks to the confinement effect of the substrates. In confined spaces the chemical reactions can show unusual mechanisms due to the conformational control of the substrates, steric constrictions, stabilization of species by secondary interactions, and solvent exclusion. Consequently, the classical rules of the organic reactivity are often broken. Thus, many examples reported to data in the literature confirm the paradigm stated by D. J. Cram in 1989: “These carceplexes represent a new state of matter whose interiors are new phase…”. The confined space inside the self‐assembled capsules or cages represents a new phase for the chemical reactivity where there is still so much to explore. In this review we highlight the best‐known cases of reactivity in confined spaces, focusing our attention on the driving forces that drive the encapsulated reactions toward uncommon outcomes. Literature examples that constitute the landmarks in the topic of supramolecular catalysis in confined spaces are also reviewed.
The Application of HEXS and HERFD XANES for Accurate Structural Characterisation of Actinide Nanomaterials: The Case of ThO2
Authors: Amidani Lucia , Vaughan Gavin B. M. , Plakhova Tatiana V. , Romanchuk Anna Yu. , Gerber Evgeny , Svetogorov Roman , Weiss Stephan , Joly Yves , Kalmykov Stepan N. , Kvashnina Kristina O.
Published: November 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Lucia Amidani and co‐workers from the The European Synchrotron, Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden‐Rossendorf, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kurchatov Institute, and the Université Grenoble Alpes. The image depicts the atomic structure of the sample being viewed through “atomic googles”, which represent the X‐ray techniques used in this work. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202003360.
Inheritance of salt‐tolerance traits among Kentucky bluegrass hybrids
Authors: Harris Paul G. , Johnson Paul G. , Kopp Kelly , Bushman B. Shaun
Published: November 2020

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is widely used because of its adaptation to recreational spaces in the Intermountain West and elsewhere. It is considered salt sensitive and therefore is a good candidate for breeding improvement for this trait. However, improvement in Kentucky bluegrass is difficult because of apomictic reproduction and dosage effects from high polyploidy. The objective of this study was to evaluate salinity tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass hybrids and their parental lines and identify those with above mid‐parent trait values for salt tolerance to identify lines for future breeding. Fifteen hybrid progeny from five paired crosses were previously identified, their apomictic offtype characterized with flow cytometry, and their turf quality (TQ) and electrolyte leakage (EL) traits measured over time and under salt treatment. There was significant variation in salinity tolerance among the different parents and hybrids, with most hybrids showing trait values between the two parents. The salt‐tolerant parents PI440603 and PI371768 produced hybrids with greater than mid‐parent tolerance when crossed with elite Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Seven hybrids [(‘Washington’ × PI440603)‐3 and ‐5, (PI499557 × PI440603)‐1 and ‐2, (PI578827 × PI371768)‐1 and ‐2, and (‘North Star’ × PI371768)‐1] had above mid‐parent averages, significantly better TQ and EL than their respective salt‐sensitive parent, or the smallest change in TQ or EL values between control and salt‐treated plants.
Bioinspired Radical‐Mediated Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of N‐Heterocycles under Visible Light
Authors: K. Bains Amreen , Ankit Yadav , Adhikari Debashis
Published: November 2020

A redox‐active iminoquinone motif connected with π‐delocalized pyrene core has been reported that can perform efficient two‐electron oxidation of a class of substrates. The design of the molecule was inspired by the organic redox cofactor topaquinone (TPQ), which executes amine oxidation in the enzyme, copper amine oxidase. Easy oxidation of both primary and secondary alcohols happened in the presence of catalytic KOtBu, which could reduce the ligand backbone to its iminosemiquinonate form under photoinduced conditions. Moreover, this easy oxidation of alcohols under aerobic condition could be elegantly extended to multi‐component, one‐pot coupling for the synthesis of quinoline and pyrimidine. This organocatalytic approach is very mild (70 °C, 8 h) compared to a multitude of transition‐metal catalysts that have been used to prepare these heterocycles. A detailed mechanistic study proves the intermediacy of the iminosemiquinonate‐type radical and a critical hydrogen atom transfer step to be involved in the dehydrogenation reaction.
Healthcare use and costs of adults with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Mei‐Chih Meg , Tu Chao‐Ying , Chang Yuan‐Ting
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine the health service use and healthcare costs of adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in Taiwan.

Method

AN and BN cases between 2002–2013 were extracted from a national health insurance database. For each AN and BN case, we randomly selected 10 controls with no eating disorder, matched for sex, age, urbanization of residence, and year of medical visit. The percentage and frequency of health services use and costs in the year preceding and after the diagnosis of AN/BN were compared between groups. We used generalized linear models with gamma distribution and log link function to determine the effects of age, sex, and psychiatric comorbidities on the total cost adjusting for physical comorbidities and to calculate the mean cost difference between groups by using marginal and incremental effects.

Results

Both individuals with AN and BN had significantly elevated healthcare utilization and costs compared to controls during the baseline and one‐year period after diagnosis. Patients with AN had more than three times higher total costs (US $792) and patients with BN had two times higher total costs (US $320) than individuals without eating disorders. Comorbidity of depressive disorder and older age significantly increased healthcare costs among both individuals with AN and BN.

Discussion

There are high medical and economic burdens of care for individuals with AN and BN. Early diagnosis and integrated care for eating disorders are important tasks to reduce disease burden in Taiwan.
Sampling beetle communities: Trap design interacts with weather and species traits to bias capture rates
Authors: Burner Ryan C. , Birkemoe Tone , Olsen Siri Lie , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Anne
Published: November 2020

Globally, many insect populations are declining, prompting calls for action. Yet these findings have also prompted discussion about sampling methods and interpretation of long‐term datasets. As insect monitoring and research efforts increase, it is critical to quantify the effectiveness of sampling methods. This is especially true if sampling biases of different methods covary with climate, which is also changing over time. We assess the effectiveness of two types of flight intercept traps commonly used for beetles, a diverse insect group responsible for numerous ecosystem services, under different climatic conditions in Norwegian boreal forest. One of these trap designs includes a device to prevent rainwater from entering the collection vial, diluting preservatives and flushing out beetles. This design is compared to a standard trap. We ask how beetle capture rates vary between these traps, and how these differences vary based on precipitation levels and beetle body size, an important species trait. Bayesian mixed models reveal that the standard and modified traps differ in their beetle capture rates, but that the magnitude and direction of these differences change with precipitation levels and beetle body size. At low rainfall levels, standard traps catch more beetles, but as precipitation increases the catch rates of modified traps overtake those of standard traps. This effect is most pronounced for large‐bodied beetles. Sampling methods are known to differ in their effectiveness. Here, we present evidence for a less well‐known but likely common phenomenon—an interaction between climate and sampling, such that relative effectiveness of trap types for beetle sampling differs depending on precipitation levels and species traits. This highlights a challenge for long‐term monitoring programs, where both climate and insect populations are changing. Sampling methods should be sought that eliminate climate interactions, any biases should be quantified, and all insect datasets should include detailed methodological metadata.
The need for robust qPCR‐based eDNA detection assays in environmental monitoring and species inventories
Authors: Langlois Valerie S. , Allison Michael J. , Bergman Lauren C. , To Tuan Anh , Helbing Caren C.
Published: November 2020

Considerable promise and excitement exist in the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to environmental monitoring and species inventories as eDNA can provide cost‐effective and accurate biodiversity information. However, considerable variation in data quality, rigor, and reliability has eroded confidence in eDNA application and is limiting regulatory and policy uptake. Substantial effort has gone into promoting transparency in reporting and deriving standardized frameworks and methods for eDNA field workflow components, but surprisingly little scrutiny has been given to the design and performance elements of targeted eDNA detection assays which, by far, have been most used in the scientific literature. There are several methods used for eDNA detection. The most accessible, cost‐effective, and conducive to standards development is targeted real‐time or quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (abbreviated as qPCR) eDNA analysis. The present perspective is meant to assist in the development and evaluation of qPCR‐based eDNA assays. It evaluates six steps in the qPCR‐based eDNA assay development and validation workflow identifying and addressing concerns pertaining to poor qPCR assay design and implementation; identifies the need for more fulsome mitochondrial genome sequence information for a broader range of species; and brings solutions toward best practices in forthcoming large‐scale and worldwide eDNA applications, such as at‐risk or invasive species assessments and site remediation monitoring.
Semi‐analytical solutions for stochastic response of non‐classically damped linear structures to arbitrary time‐frequency modulated seismic excitations
Authors: Yu Helu , Wang Bin , Li Yongle , Gao Zongyu
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a semi‐analytical method for stochastic response analysis of non‐classically damped linear structures subjected to non‐stationary seismic excitations modeled by arbitrary time‐frequency modulating functions. In this method, the inherent randomness of seismic excitation process is characterized by a set of orthogonal random variables obtained using the spectral representation method. Then, by adopting piecewise polynomials to interpolate the time‐frequency modulating function of seismic excitation, an explicit expression for the structural stochastic response in term of the orthogonal random variables is derived using the complex modal analysis. This expression can be used not only to efficiently predict the seismic response of structures subjected to an arbitrary excitation sample, but also to directly evaluate the structural response statistics in the time domain. Finally, a robust algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal locations of segmentation points for the piecewise polynomials, the computational efficiency can be further improved. In the numerical application, a typical non‐classically damped structural system subjected to two models of non‐stationary seismic excitations are studied. The classical evolutionary spectral method and the Monte Carlo simulation are used to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. The effects of several parameters such as the order of polynomials on the performance of the proposed method are investigated.
BL‐Hybrid: A graph‐theoretic approach to improving software‐defined networking‐based data center network performance
Authors: AlShammari Walaa M. , Alenazi Mohammed J. F.
Published: November 2020

Existing data centers can handle a massive amount of data transmitted in a short time with minimum errors. Data center networks (DCNs) use cost‐effective, multipath topologies to distribute flows through alternative paths between core layers and hosting servers. Software‐defined networking (SDN) separates the control plane from the data plane to ease network management. To perform active load balancing among different paths, we address the challenges of load balancing in multipath DCNs. However, most DCNs' load balancing systems rely on a static approach that distributes flows among different paths sequentially, regardless of the path status. Consequently, some paths become congested, degrading the overall performance of the DCN in terms of throughput and delay. Increasing the number of requests worsens the congestion problem, causing some connections to become overwhelmed, thereby decreasing DCN efficiency. In this paper, we propose and evaluate the performance of a novel dynamic load‐balancing system named BL‐Hybrid, which uses the graph‐theoretical centrality of betweenness as a base metric for data forwarding. We perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of our proposed method relative to the round‐robin and least‐congested algorithms in different traffic scenarios, using the most popular SDN‐based DCNs, namely, fat tree, BCube, and DCell. Our evaluation results show that BL‐Hybrid outperforms the round‐robin and least‐congested schemes. It maximizes the average throughput by 4% and 11% and the average data transferred by 7% and 13%, respectively. Also, it reduces the average round‐trip time latency by 14% and 41%, respectively.
Sweetpotato production practices, constraints, and variety evaluation under different storage types
Authors: Abrham Tinsae , Beshir Hussien Mohammed , Haile Ashenafi
Published: November 2020

Sweetpotato plays an important role in ensuring food security and household income sources for local communities in Ethiopia. It is dominantly grown in southern parts of Ethiopia. However, its production and productivity over the last few years has declined due to the limited access of quality planting materials at the onset of the rainy season, disease, and severe pest infestation. Therefore, it was imperative to carry out this study to identify the main constraints related to the recent decline of the crop in Misrak Badawacho District. The survey result revealed that many varieties of sweetpotato were grown in the district; mainly, Awassa‐83, Ogan‐Sagan, and Wolaita‐local were the most preferred variety by producers. The main sweetpotato production and storage constraints in the study district are as follows: rodents, disease and insect pests, heat and drought, shortage of quality planting materials, and absence of best methods for long‐term storage. Awassa‐83, Ogan‐Sagan and Wolaita‐local were evaluated under different storage types (straw, soil, ash, sawdust, and sand storage). The combination of Awassa‐83 variety and sand storage was performed better in percentage of decay, weight loss, and weevil damage, whereas length and number of vine per storage roots were performed better in the separate treatment. Thus, Awassa‐83 variety and sand storage can be recommended for maintaining the storage roots during dry periods and access of quality vines at the onset of the rainy season. More importantly, sand storage provides an opportunity to maintain the quality of sweetpotato storage roots for a long period of time and producers can easily and timely access quality vines at the onset of rainy season.
Transdiagnostic time‐varying dysconnectivity across major psychiatric disorders
Authors: Li Chao , Dong Mengshi , Womer Fay Y. , Han Shaoqiang , Yin Yi , Jiang Xiaowei , Wei Yange , Duan Jia , Feng Ruiqi , Zhang Luheng , Zhang Xizhe , Wang Fei , Tang Yanqing , Xu Ke
Published: November 2020

Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) analysis can capture time‐varying properties of connectivity. However, studies on large samples using DFC to investigate transdiagnostic dysconnectivity across schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) are rare. In this study, we used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and a sliding‐window method to study DFC in a total of 610 individuals (150 with SZ, 100 with BD, 150 with MDD, and 210 healthy controls [HC]) at a single site. Using k‐means clustering, DFCs were clustered into three functional connectivity states: one was a more frequent state with moderate positive and negative connectivity (State 1), and the other two were less frequent states with stronger positive and negative connectivity (State 2 and State 3). Significant 4‐group differences (SZ, BD, MDD, and HC groups; q < .05, false‐discovery rate [FDR]‐corrected) in DFC were nearly only in State 1. Post hoc analyses (q < .05, FDR‐corrected) in State 1 showed that transdiagnostic dysconnectivity patterns among SZ, BD and MDD featured consistently decreased connectivity within most networks (the visual, somatomotor, salience and frontoparietal networks), which was most obvious in both range and extent for SZ. Our findings suggest that there is more common dysconnectivity across SZ, BD and MDD than we previously expected and that such dysconnectivity is state‐dependent, which provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of major psychiatric disorders.
Transoral robotic salvage oropharyngectomy with submental artery island flap reconstruction
Authors: Holcomb Andrew J. , Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an effective approach for select salvage oropharyngeal resections. Reconstruction in these scenarios is often necessary for vascular coverage and optimal functional outcomes but can be challenging. The submental artery island flap (SAIF) is well‐suited to this reconstruction.

Design/Method

Two patients presented with recurrent oropharyngeal tumors after chemoradiation. Each tumor was resected using TORS, and the SAIF was utilized for reconstruction. Flap inset was completed using TORS in one case.

Results

Both patients experienced uneventful recovery free from bleeding events or fistula formation and experienced no partial flap loss or donor site complications.

Conclusions

The SAIF is a simple reconstructive option for TORS defects that may be inset using robotic assistance and avoids the need for free tissue transfer.
M‐EA (methotrexate, etoposide, dactinomycin) and EMA‐CO (methotrexate, etoposide, dactinomycin / cyclophosphamide, vincristine) regimens as first‐line treatment of high‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Singh Kam , Gillett Sarah , Ireson Jane , Hills Anne , Tidy John A. , Coleman Robert E. , Hancock Barry W. , Winter Matthew C.
Published: November 2020

High‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is highly chemosensitive with an excellent prognosis with treatment. Historically in the United Kingdom, the high‐risk regimens used have been M‐EA (methotrexate, etoposide, dactinomycin) (Sheffield) and EMA‐CO (methotrexate, etoposide, dactinomycin / cyclophosphamide, vincristine) (Charing Cross, London) with prior published data suggesting no difference in survival between these. Our Sheffield treatment policy changed in 2014, switching from M‐EA to EMA‐CO, aiming to reduce time in hospital, and harmonise UK practice. We aimed to report the toxicities, response rates and survival outcomes for 79 patients with high‐risk GTN treated in the first‐line setting with either M‐EA (n = 59) or EMA‐CO (n = 20) from 1998 to 2018. Median duration of treatment was similar (M‐EA, 17.3 weeks (IQR 13.9‐22.6) and 17.6 weeks (IQR 13.4‐20.7) with EMA‐CO. For M‐EA, overall human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) complete response (CR) rate was 84.7% (n = 50/59). Two patients died of drug‐resistant disease after several lines of multiagent chemotherapy; overall survival is 96.6% (median follow‐up 10.4 years). For EMA‐CO, overall hCG CR rate was 70%, overall survival is 100% (median follow‐up 4 years). In our experience, patients treated with EMA‐CO experienced an apparent increased incidence of neutropenia, non‐neutropenic Grade 3‐4 infection, peripheral neuropathy and more treatment delays and nights in hospital. Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor, after both EMA and CO arms, titrated to baseline neutrophil count improved the toxicity profile. Both treatment regimens are associated with excellent prognosis; selection of regimen may be further guided by individual patients' personal, social and family circumstances. There is further rationale to explore whether these regimens can be refined, such as 2‐weekly EMA, to optimise patient experience and reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
Targeting USP13‐mediated drug tolerance increases the efficacy of EGFR inhibition of mutant EGFR in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Giron Philippe , Eggermont Carolien , Noeparast Amir , Vandenplas Hugo , Teugels Erik , Forsyth Ramses , De Wever Olivier , Aza‐Blanc Pedro , Gutierrez Gustavo J. , De Grève Jacques
Published: November 2020

In non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induce sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Despite impressive clinical responses, patients ultimately relapse as a reservoir of drug‐tolerant cells persist, which ultimately leads to acquired resistance mechanisms. We performed an unbiased high‐throughput siRNA screen to identify proteins that abrogate the response of EGFR‐mutant NSCLC to EGFR‐targeted therapy. The deubiquitinase USP13 was a top hit resulting from this screen. Targeting USP13 increases the sensitivity to EGFR inhibition with small molecules in vitro and in vivo. USP13 selectively stabilizes mutant EGFR in a peptidase‐independent manner by counteracting the action of members of the Cbl family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We conclude that USP13 is a strong mutant EGFR‐specific cotarget that could improve the treatment efficacy of EGFR‐targeted therapies.