bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arylative Allenol Cyclization via Sequential One‐pot Enzyme & Palladium Catalysis
Authors: Naapuri Janne M. , Åberg Gustav A. , Palomo Jose M. , Deska Jan
Published: November 2020

The one‐pot combination of halogenation biocatalysis and Suzuki‐type cross coupling enables the direct arylative cyclization of allenic alcohols with boronic acids. This modular approach to unsaturated five‐membered O‐heterocycles proceeds in an aqueous emulsion with air as terminal oxidant. Here, the enzymatic oxidative activation of simple halide salts acts as traceless ring‐closure‐inducing event to trigger the subsequent C−C coupling. With the original protocol merging soluble proteins and a homogeneous SPhos‐based palladium catalyst as a template, a novel heterogeneous nanobiohybrid was developed. Consisting of an oxidase matrix hosting small spherical palladium nanoparticles, this enzyme‐metal hybrid exhibits catalytic competence for both the biocyclization as well as the C−C bond‐forming cross coupling, underlining the potential of this new techniques for streamlining chemoenzymatic approaches.
Understanding Support Effects of ZnO‐Promoted Co Catalysts for Syngas Conversion to Alcohols Using Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Nathan Sindhu S. , Asundi Arun S. , Singh Joseph A. , Hoffman Adam S. , Boubnov Alexey , Hong Jiyun , Bare Simon R. , Bent Stacey F.
Published: November 2020

Co2C, an emerging catalyst for the conversion of syngas to oxygenates, shows support‐sensitive behavior that has not yet been fully explained. Here, we characterize Co catalysts modified with ZnO atomic layer deposition on SiO2, carbon, CeO2, and Al2O3 supports. We find that under syngas conditions, ZnO‐promoted Co transforms into Co2C on SiO2, carbon, and CeO2, but not on Al2O3. Moreover, the support affects the extent of carburization: while the SiO2‐supported catalyst carburizes completely, carbon‐ and CeO2‐supported catalysts show incomplete conversion of Co to Co2C. These three catalysts also exhibit different oxygenate selectivities. In contrast, the modified Al2O3‐supported catalyst retains the Fischer‐Tropsch catalytic properties of metallic Co. By depositing increasing amounts of Al2O3 by ALD on the SiO2 support, decreasing Co2C formation and oxygenate selectivity occurs. In‐situ XANES reveals that Al2O3 prevents Co2C formation by enabling the ZnO to restructure into ZnAl2O4 during reduction. Thus, in addition to modifying the active catalyst phase, the promoter can also strongly interact with the support, significantly impacting catalyst performance.
Fe2O3/TiO2/Activated Carbon Nanocomposite with Synergistic Effect of Adsorption and Photocatalysis
Authors: Baniamerian Hamed , Teimoori Mostafa , Saberi Masoud
Published: November 2020

Fe2O3/TiO2/activated carbon (FT/AC) nanocomposites supported on silica gel beads were synthesized using a sonochemical method and fully characterized. The response surface method was applied to optimize the removal of Pb(II) ions by nanocomposites under visible light. The experiments were conducted by adjusting three parameters, i.e., initial concentration of Pb(II) ions, dosage of Fe2O3/TiO2 (FT) photocatalyst, and pH. The FT/AC nanocomposite showed higher efficiency for Pb(II) ion removal in comparison with FT due to the synergistic effect of activated carbon combined with Fe2O3/TiO2.
Molecular Imprints Frozen by Strong Intermolecular Interactions in Place of Cross‐Linking
Authors: Ayadi Cherifa , Anene Amira , Kalfat Rafik , Chevalier Yves , Hbaieb Souhaira
Published: November 2020

A new way to freeze molecular imprints in a polymer material is reported. So far, molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) involve copolymerization of a functional monomer and large amounts of cross‐linking agent, which keeps the template shape memory in rigid molecular imprints. MIP materials are prepared herein without cross‐linking agent. Stiff chains of polyaniline grafted on a solid support as a brush‐like material achieve the necessary rigidity. Differential adsorption to imprinted and non‐imprinted materials provides evidence of molecular imprints. A correct adsorption isotherm for mobile adsorbed layers (Volmer isotherm) is introduced instead of the popular but inadequate Langmuir isotherm. Non‐selective adsorption is entropic, whereas adsorption to molecular imprints has an enthalpic contribution coming from specific interactions. Fast adsorption kinetics are a definite benefit with regards to applications such as chromatographic separations and chemical sensors.
Numerical analysis of the operating characteristics of a large‐scale CFB coal‐gasification reactor with the QC‐EMMS drag model
Authors: Liu Yang , Huo Pengju , Li Xiaohong , Qi Haiying
Published: November 2020

The operating characteristics of a 60 m high industrial circulating fluidized bed (CFB) coal‐gasification reactor were investigated numerically based on the Eulerian‐Eulerian approach. The QC‐EMMS drag model was used to describe the gas‐solid drag reduction caused by particle clusters. The simulations predicted the overall characteristics of fluidization and gasification inside the CFB reactor riser. The simulated results are in agreement with measured data from the field test. Then, the numerical model was used to analyze the influences of the steam/coal ratio, pulverized coal‐particle size, and operating pressure. The results show that each of the three operating parameters has a great impact on different performance parameters, such as the solid mass circulation rate, the H2/CO ratio, the effective syngas yield, and the average bed temperature. The predicted data were then correlated to provide supports for optimizing the operations of large‐scale CFB coal gasifiers.
Effects of gas leakage from the dipleg on the pressure characteristics in a cyclone separator
Authors: Wang Di , Sun Liqiang , Yan Chaoyu , Wang Jiangyun , Wei Yaodong
Published: November 2020

Gas leakage from the dipleg of a cyclone separator usually exists due to the the inlet and dipleg output being in a common space. To gain further insight into the pressure characteristics produced by such gas leakage, the pressure drops and instantaneous pressures in a cyclone separator were measured by a U‐tube and dynamic pressure sensors, respectively, under the conditions of different inlet velocities and gas leakage rates. The results showed that the pressure drop linearly decreased with increased gas leakage rate. And the instantaneous pressure fluctuation amplitudes of some regions were greatly affected by gas leakage variations. Instantaneous pressure data were processed in terms of SD, which revealed that the oscillation of the vortex core caused the pressure fluctuations. When the pressure of the upward gas leakage was equal to that of the axial wall surface, the end of the vortex core attached to the lateral wall and formed the larger pressure fluctuation. A power spectral density analysis was carried out for pressure time‐series data, and then the swing frequency (180 Hz) of the vortex core end was detected on the cyclone separator wall surface in the cone lower region (tapping 4). As a consequence, gas leakage could lead to separated particles being re‐entrained, which might heavily deteriorate separation performance of the cyclone separator.
Assessing Soil Health: Soil Carbon Cycling and Storage
Authors: Morgan Cristine , Cappellazzi Shannon , Liptzin Dan
Published: November 2020

The following article is the second in a five‐part series on assessing soil health. It focuses on soil carbon cycling and storage. It is part of a larger Soil Science Society of America webinar series produced in partnership with The Soil Health Institute and sponsored by The Walton Family Foundation. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/893.
Climate Change Indicators in Agriculture and How CCAs Can Support Growers
Authors: Young Kelly Murray , Coronel Eric , Thomson Allison
Published: November 2020

This article is brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers’ operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. Earn 1 CEU in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/890.
Nematode Management in the South
Authors: Winsor Susan
Published: November 2020

This is the third article of a four‐part series on soybean cyst nematode management (SCN). This article focuses on the southern U.S. While SCN is a problem in the South, root‐knot and reniform nematodes are actually a greater problem because they are more active in warmer climates compared with SCN. Therefore, this article will address all three nematodes. Earn 1 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/892.
Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol over Non−Cu‐based Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Sha Feng , Han Zhe , Tang Shan , Wang Jijie , Li Can
Published: November 2020

The increasing atmospheric CO2 level makes CO2 reduction an urgent challenge facing the world. Catalytic transformation of CO2 into chemicals and fuels utilizing renewable energy is one of the promising approaches toward alleviating CO2 emissions. In particular, the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol utilizing renewable hydrogen potentially enables large scale transformation of CO2. The Cu‐based catalysts have been extensively investigated in CO2 hydrogenation. However, it is not only limited by long‐term instability but also displays unsatisfactory catalytic performance. The supported metal‐based catalysts (Pd, Pt, Au, and Ag) can achieve high methanol selectivity at low temperatures. The mixed oxide catalysts represented by MaZrOx (Ma=Zn, Ga, and Cd) solid solution catalysts present high methanol selectivity and catalytic activity as well as excellent stability. This Review focuses on the recent advances in developing Non−Cu‐based heterogeneous catalysts and current understandings of catalyst design and catalytic performance. First, the thermodynamics of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is discussed. Then, the progress in supported metal‐based catalysts, bimetallic alloys or intermetallic compounds catalysts, and mixed oxide catalysts is discussed. Finally, a summary and a perspective are presented.
Exotic species drive patterns of plant species diversity in 93 restored tallgrass prairies
Authors: Kaul Andrew D. , Wilsey Brian J.
Published: November 2020

A primary goal of restoration ecology is to understand the factors that generate variability in species diversity and composition among restorations. Plant communities may assemble deterministically toward a common community type, or they may assemble stochastically, ending differently because of weather conditions during establishment, soil legacy effects, or exotic species propagule pressure. To test these alternative hypotheses, we sampled plant communities and soil at 93 randomly selected restored prairies distributed throughout Iowa, USA. Five remnant sites were sampled as a reference. We tested our hypotheses using multiple regressions and investigated the strength of direct and indirect effects on species diversity and richness using structural equation models. The prairie restorations were highly variable in their age, size, diversity, soil characteristics, and how they were managed post‐seeding. The strongest predictor of plant species richness and diversity was the degree of invasion, as measured by the abundance of exotic species. Restorations planted with species‐rich seed mixes had reduced exotic species abundance, which led indirectly to higher species richness of restorations. Sites with higher organic matter and a more linear shape had a direct positive effect on exotic abundance, which in turn decreased diversity. We found little support for deterministic assembly, and diversity did not increase with the age of planting. Our results indicate that restored prairie communities tend to assemble into states of high or low diversity, driven by invasion from exotic plant species. Management of exotic species is essential for maximizing species diversity in temperate grassland restorations.
Intensive Laboratory experiences to safely retain experiential learning in the transition to online learning
Authors: Lashley Marcus , McCleery Robert
Published: November 2020

Field‐based course work has been foundational to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology curricula. However, opportunities for these experiences gradually have decreased over the past few decades and are being replaced with technology in the college learning environment. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic facilitated a rapid transition of all field‐based courses to online only delivery, which we argue has forced us to reconsider how to deliver course content to retain field experiences in a manner that is safe during the pandemic but robust to ever changing constraints in the college classroom. Here, we propose pairing an intensive laboratory experience with an otherwise online delivery. We discuss several advantages of intensive laboratory experiences that occur in the field over a short but intensive time period over that of the traditional low‐intensity weekly laboratory structure. In particular, intensive laboratory experiences are safer during the pandemic because they allow the group to be tested and isolated, allow more flexibility for students with competing interests for their time, and also enhance student interpersonal skills while still providing strong reinforcement of the skills typically honed through experiential learning. We present case studies for how we intend to apply our proposed model to two courses that heavily rely on field‐based experiential learning to facilitate adoption.
A comparison in the ability to detect diabetic retinopathy between fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels in a longitudinal study
Authors: Matsushita Yumi , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Takeda Norio , Katai Naotatsu , Yoshida‐Hata Natsuyo , Nakamura Yosuke , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Noda Mitsuhiko , Mizoue Tetsuya , Nakagawa Toru
Published: November 2020

Aims

The relationship between HbA1c and diabetic retinopathy is expected to differ between different races. In this study, we verified which of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is more effective for detecting the diabetic retinopathy longitudinally in a Japanese population.

Materials and Methods

The study subjects underwent health examinations twice (including eye test and questionnaire of lifestyle and health) in 2008‐2009 (baseline) and in 2012‐2013 (4‐year follow‐up). Both non‐DM and DM patients at baseline were included as the participants. Of these participants, who had not been diagnosed with retinopathy at the baseline survey (n = 2427; 2150 men and 277 women) had eye fundus photographs taken four years later (follow‐up survey). The odds ratios of incidence of retinopathy according to the eight groups of FPG and HbA1c were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex and age. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to evaluate each value associated with the presence or absence of retinopathy.

Results

The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of incidence of retinopathy by HbA1c level categories, in ascending order, were 1.0 (ref.), 5.66 (1.14‐28.26), 1.69 (0.24‐12.04), 3.03 (0.50‐18.28), 1.04 (0.09‐11.59), 4.73 (0.78‐28.69), 4.12 (0.74‐22.85) and 24.47 (5.61‐106.75). For both FPG and HbA1c levels, the odds ratio for the development of retinopathy increased linearly with the increases in the levels FPG and HbA1c, and no clear threshold was observed. The AUC values (SE) for FPG and HbA1c were almost the same, at 0.750 (0.046) and 0.732 (0.048).

Conclusions

It was clarified that the higher the level of FPG and HbA1c was, the higher the incidence of retinopathy after 4 years was. There was no clear threshold. The detection ability of the incidence of retinopathy was almost the same between FPG and HbA1c, suggesting it is possible to detect the risk of retinopathy by HbA1c only.
Nitrogen‐Doped Hierarchical Heterostructured Aerophobic MoSx/Ni3S2 Nanowires by One‐pot Synthesis: System Engineering and Synergistic Effect in Electrocatalysis of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ma Xin , Chen Wanru , Li Qian , Xue Longjian , Peng Chuang
Published: November 2020

Non‐noble metal electrocatalysis has witnessed rapid and profound performance improvements owing to the emergence of advanced nanosynthetic techniques. Integration of these nanotechniques can lead to synergistic performance enhancement, but such system‐engineering strategies are difficult to achieve because of the lack of effective synthesis method. We hereby demonstrate an integrated approach that combines most of the existing nanotechniques in a facile one‐pot synthesis. Material characterization reveals that the product shows key features intended by techniques including morphological, structural, doping, heterointerface, and surface wetting engineering. The as‐obtained nitrogen‐doped hierarchical heterostructured MoSx/Ni3S2 nanowires show an overpotential that is only 50 mV higher than commercial Pt/C for hydrogen evolution reaction over current densities from 10 to 150 mA cm−2. Correlations between the adopted nanotechniques and the electrochemical reaction rates are established by evaluating the impacts of individual techniques on the activation energy, pre‐exponential factor, and transfer coefficient. This in‐depth analysis provides a full account of the synergistic effects and the overall improvement in electrocatalytic performance of hydrogen evolution reaction. This work manifests a generic strategy for multipurpose material design in non‐noble metal electrocatalysis.
Uncovering regime resistance in energy transition: Role of electricity iron triangle in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Gillan Chi‐Lun , Chen Rung‐Yi
Published: November 2020

Using electricity sector reform as a case study, this paper analyses the energy policy making in Taiwan, by applying the theoretical concept of regime resistance and an electricity iron triangle, aiming to elucidate analytical challenges that sustainability transition studies are facing in East Asia. While most such studies focus on the critical role of industrial incumbents, this paper shifts attention to the resistance of the “electricity iron triangle” of the ruling party, the utility workers' union and anti‐nuclear groups to fundamental transformation. It draws upon secondary data and primary information from interviews, especially governmental officials, environmental groups, journalists, electric utilities and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) union members. This research contributes to the wider debates on regime resistance towards the phase‐out of nuclear power and on the effectiveness of electricity liberalisation as a means to achieve an effective energy transition.
Discrimination of Beers by Cyclic Voltammetry Using a Single Carbon Screen‐printed Electrode
Authors: Roselló Adam , Serrano Núria , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Ariño Cristina
Published: November 2020

A fast, simple and costless methodology without sample pre‐treatment is proposed for the discrimination of beers. It is based on cyclic voltammetry (CV) using commercial carbon screen‐printed electrodes (SPCE) and includes a correction of the signals measured with different SPCE units. Data are submitted to partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS−DA) and support vector machine discriminant analysis (SVM−DA), which allow a reasonable classification of the beers. Also, CV data from beers can be used to predict their alcoholic degree by partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANN). In general, non‐linear methods provide better results than linear ones.
A novel LysR‐type regulator negatively affects biosynthesis of the immunosuppressant brasilicardin
Authors: Wolański Marcin , Krawiec Michał , Schwarz Paul N. , Stegmann Evi , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Buchmann Anina , Gross Harald , Eitel Michael , Koch Pierre , Botas Alma , Méndez Carmen , Núñez Luz Elena , Morís Francisco , Cortés Jesus , Zakrzewska‐Czerwińska Jolanta
Published: November 2020

Brasilicardin A (BraA) is a promising immunosuppressive compound produced naturally by the pathogenic bacteriumNocardia terpenicaIFM 0406. Heterologous host expression of brasilicardin gene cluster showed to be efficient to bypass the safety issues, low production levels and lack of genetic tools related with the use of native producer. Further improvement of production yields requires better understanding of gene expression regulation within the BraA biosynthetic gene cluster (Bra‐BGC); however, the only so far known regulator of this gene cluster is Bra12. In this study, we discovered the protein LysRNt, a novel member of the LysR‐type transcriptional regulator family, as a regulator of the Bra‐BGC. Using in vitro approaches, we identified the gene promoters which are controlled by LysRNt within the Bra‐BGC. Corresponding genes encode enzymes involved in BraA biosynthesis as well as the key Bra‐BGC regulator Bra12. Importantly, we provide in vivo evidence that LysRNt negatively affects production of brasilicardin congeners in the heterologous hostAmycolatopsis japonicum. Finally, we demonstrate that some of the pathway related metabolites, and their chemical analogs, can interact with LysRNt which in turn affects its DNA‐binding activity.
A holistic framework for development and assessment of risk‐informed performance‐based building regulation
Authors: Meacham Brian J. , Stromgren Michael , van Hees Patrick
Published: November 2020

Fire safety provisions in building regulation are about managing risk. In order to appropriately characterize and incorporate risk measures into building regulation, it is helpful to view building regulatory systems (BRS) as complex socio‐technical systems (STS), wherein there are interactions between institutions, technology and people, which ideally work together to mitigate risk to a societally tolerable level. A description of BRS as STS and how to assess the efficacy of the BRS in managing fire risk is presented. To illustrate how STS concepts can be used to evaluate and restructure a functional‐ or performance‐based BRS, STS concepts are applied to the evaluation of the building regulatory system in England.
Physicochemical properties, protein conformation, and aggregate morphology of heated myosin from Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Nemipterus virgatus mixtures
Authors: Yi Shumin , Ye Beibei , Li Jianrong , Wang Wei , Li Xuepeng
Published: November 2020

Myosin is a major protein involved in gel formation during the heating process. The physicochemical properties, protein conformation, and aggregate morphology of myosin extracted from mixed Hypophthalmichthys molitrix/Nemipterus virgatus muscle in different ratios (H:N = 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 3:1, 5:1) were compared before and after two‐stage heating. The turbidity increased, the reactive sulfhydryl groups became exposed, and the secondary structure of myosin changed from α‐helix to β‐sheet after two‐stage heating. Variations in surface hydrophobicity, tryptophan fluorescence, and ultraviolet spectra demonstrated that there were certain differences in the tertiary structure of mixed myosin. It was noteworthy that mixed myosin aggregated before heating and even formed a more uniform aggregate and crosslinks than other groups after heating when the ratio of H. molitrix and N. virgatus muscle was 5:1. These results suggest that the mixed myosin from different fish species could undergo conformational changes and molecular rearrangement and then form crosslinks and aggregates with diverse sizes during heating process, which would contribute to improve gel characteristics.
Fraud detection and quality assessment of olive oil using ultrasound
Authors: Zarezadeh Mohammad Reza , Aboonajmi Mohammad , Ghasemi Varnamkhasti Mahdi
Published: November 2020

Today, food safety is recognized as one of the most important human priorities, so effective and new policies have been implemented to improve and develop the position of effective laws in the food industry. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has many amazing benefits for human body's health. Due to the nutritional value and high price of EVOO, there is a lot of cheating in it. The ultrasound approach has many advantages in the food studies, and it is fast and nondestructive for quality evaluation. In this study, to fraud detection of EVOO four ultrasonic properties of oil in five levels of adulteration (5%, 10%, 20%, 35%, and 50%) were extracted. The 2 MHz ultrasonic probes were used in the DOI 1,000 STARMANS diagnostic ultrasonic device in a “probe holding mechanism.” The four extracted ultrasonic features include the following: “percentage of amplitude reduction, time of flight (TOF), the difference between the first and second maximum amplitudes of the domain (in the time–amplitude diagram), and the ratio of the first and second maximum of amplitude.” Seven classification algorithms including “Naïve Bayes, support vector machine, gradient boosting classifier, K‐nearest neighbors, artificial neural network, logistic regression, and AdaBoost” were used to classify the preprocessed data. Results showed that the Naïve Bayes algorithm with 90.2% provided the highest accuracy among the others, and the support vector machine and gradient boosting classifier with 88.2% were in the next ranks.
Inhibitors of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase: Potential linkage for whole cereal foods on prevention of hyperglycemia
Authors: Gong Lingxiao , Feng Danning , Wang Tianxi , Ren Yuqing , Liu Yingli , Wang Jing
Published: November 2020

The strategy of reducing carbohydrate digestibility by controlling the activity of two hydrolyzing enzymes (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase) to control postprandial hyperglycemia is considered as a viable prophylactic treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, the consumption of foods rich in hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitors is recommended for diet therapy of diabetes. Whole cereal products have gained increasing interests for plasma glucose‐reducing effects. However, the mechanisms for whole cereal benefits in relation to T2DM are not yet fully understood, but most likely involve bioactive components. Cereal‐derived phenolic compounds, peptides, nonstarch polysaccharides, and lipids have been shown to inhibit α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activities. These hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitors seem to make whole cereals become nutritional strategies in managing postmeal glucose for T2DM. This review presents an updated overview on the effects provided by cereal‐derived ingredients on carbohydrate digestibility. It suggests that there is some evidence for whole cereal intake to be beneficial in amelioration of T2DM through inhibiting α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase activities.
Biological and Catalytic Activities of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from the Leaf Infusion of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss
Authors: Chahardoli Azam , Qalekhani Farshad , Shokoohinia Yalda , Fattahi Ali
Published: November 2020

The discovery and development of active compounds to eliminate drug resistance and side effects is a crucial process. In this study, the leaf infusion of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss as a novel green alternative is used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Drac‐AgNPs). Antibacterial, cytotoxicity effects, hemocompatibility, and the catalytic properties of these nanoparticles are evaluated. The synthesis of Drac‐AgNPs is confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, where Drac‐AgNPs are spherical, with a size range of 5–63 nm. Their IC50 values against H1299 and MCF‐7 cell lines are above 50 and 100 μg mL−1, respectively. Drac‐AgNPs are effective against an inclusive range of the gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, that is, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a low hemolytic effect makes them an exceptional AgNP with a great hemocompatibility. They show a moderate catalytic‐effect in terms of removing methylene blue, with 67% degradation. Altogether, Drac‐AgNP, as a multi‐tasker material, shows potential for the prevention and treatment of infections and photothermal/chemotherapy of cancers.
A Highly Reproducible Micro U‐Well Array Plate Facilitating High‐Throughput Tumor Spheroid Culture and Drug Assessment
Authors: Wu Kuang‐Wei , Kuo Ching‐Te , Tu Ting‐Yuan
Published: November 2020

3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) have recently emerged as a landmark for cancer research due to their inherent traits that are physiologically relevant to primary tumor microenvironments. A facile approach–laser‐ablated micro U‐wells–has been widely adopted in the past decade. However, the differentiation of microwell uniformities and the construction of arrays have all remained elusive. Herein, an improved laser‐ablated microwell array technique is proposed that can not only achieve arrayed MCTSs with identical sizes but can also perform high‐throughput drug assessments in situ. Three critical laser ablation parameters, including frequency, duty cycle, and pulse number, are investigated to generate microwells flexibly with a range from 170 to 400 μm. The choice of microwells is optimally arranged into an array via precise control of horizontal spacing (dx) and vertical spacing (dy) amenable of cell‐loss‐free culture during cell seeding. Harvested T24, A549 and Huh‐7 MCTSs from the microwell array correspond to approximately 75 to 140 μm in diameter. Anticancer drug screening of cisplatin validated IC50 values in 2D and MCTS conditions are 3.5 versus 9.1 μM (T24), 11.8 versus 277.7 μM (A549) and 33.5 versus 52.8 μM (Huh‐7), and the permeability is measured to range from 0.042 to 0.58 μm min−1.
Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of materials used for primary reconstruction of orbital floor defects: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Bourry Maeva , Hardouin Jean‐Benoit , Fauvel Fabien , Corre Pierre , Lebranchu Pierre , Bertin Hélios
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this network meta‐analysis (NMA) was to compare the clinical results obtained after primary reconstruction of orbital floor fractures (OFF) using different materials.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were screened from 1989 to 2019. For a study to be eligible, it had to evaluate two or more materials and report the following clinical parameters: diplopia and/or enophthalmos and/or other complications.

Results

Nine studies involving 946 patients presenting with an OFF were included. After the surgical procedure, 105 patients (11%) had diplopia, while 43 patients (4.5%) suffered from enophthalmos. The NMA revealed that less postoperative diplopia and enophthalmos were obtained either by using polydioxanone (PDS), or a polymer of l‐lactic acid and dl‐lactic acid (P[L/DL]LA), or porous polyethylene, or titanium mesh compared with the use of autologous bone grafts.

Conclusion

P(L/DL)LA and PDS seem to be the best options for small and intermediate defects, whereas the association of porous polyethylene and titanium should be preferred for larger defects.
Effects of adolescent experience of food restriction and exercise on spatial learning and open field exploration of female rats
Authors: Chowdhury Tara G. , Fenton André A. , Aoki Chiye
Published: November 2020

The hippocampus carries out multiple functions: spatial cognition dorsally (DH) and regulation of emotionality‐driven behavior ventrally (VH). Previously, we showed that dendrites of DH and VH pyramidal neurons of female rats are still developing robustly during adolescence and are altered by the experience of food restriction and voluntary exercise on a wheel. We tested whether such anatomical changes during adolescence impact anxiety‐like behavior and spatial cognition. Four groups of female rats were evaluated for these behaviors: those with wheel access in its cage from postnatal day (P) 36–44 (EX); those with food access restricted to 1 hr per day, from P40 to 44 (FR); those with EX from P36 to 44, combined with FR from P40 to 44, which we will refer to as EX + FR; and controls, CON (no EX, no FR). Open field test for anxiety‐like behavior and active place avoidance test for spatial cognition were conducted at P47–49, the age when food restricted animals have restored body weight, or at P54–56, to identify more enduring effects. Anxiety‐like behavior was elevated for the EX and FR groups at P47–49 but not for the EX + FR group. By P54–56, the EX + FR and EX groups exhibited less anxiety‐like behavior, indicating a beneficial delayed main effect of exercise. There was a beneficial main effect of food restriction upon cognition, as the FR group showed cognition superior to CONs' at P44–46 and P54–56, while the EX + FR animals also showed enhanced spatial learning at P54–56. EX + FR animals with best adaptation to the feeding schedule showed the best spatial learning performance but with a delay. The EX group exhibited only a transient improvement. These findings indicate that FR, EX, and EX + FR in mid‐adolescence are all beneficial in reducing anxiety‐like behavior and improving spatial cognition but with subtle differences in the timing of their manifestation, possibly reflecting the protracted maturation of the hippocampus.
Bidirectional modulation of hippocampal and amygdala synaptic plasticity by post‐weaning obesogenic diet intake in male rats: Influence of the duration of diet exposure
Authors: Vouimba Rose‐Marie , Bakoyiannis Ioannis , Ducourneau Eva‐Gunnel , Maroun Mouna , Ferreira Guillaume
Published: November 2020

Obesity is a chronic condition associated with adverse memory and emotional outcomes in humans and animal models. We have recently demonstrated that post‐weaning (i.e., periadolescent) high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity has opposite effect on hippocampal and amygdala‐dependent memory in rodents: while HFD consumption impairs spatial and relational memory, it enhances cue‐dependent emotional memory. However, it is still not clear whether this bidirectional HFD effect on memory is related to bidirectional alterations of hippocampal and amygdala synaptic plasticity and if it is influenced by the duration of diet intake. In the current study, we compared in male rats the impact of 2–3 and 6–7 months of HFD intake starting at weaning, thus covering adolescence, on in vivo long‐term potentiation (LTP) recorded simultaneously in the hippocampal area CA1 and the basolateral amygdala (BLA). As expected, 6–7 months of HFD intake abolished LTP in the CA1 and enhanced LTP in the BLA. However, 2–3 months of of HFD exposure enhanced LTP in both CA1 and BLA suggesting a transient compensatory mechanism in hippocampus. These results indicate that post‐weaning HFD intake progressively leads to bidirectional modulation of hippocampal and amygdala synaptic plasticity, as we previously demonstrated for related memory processes, yet with a different temporal dynamic.
Cytotoxicity of metformin against HT29 colon cancer cells contributes to mitochondrial Sirt3 upregulation
Authors: Khodaei Forouzan , Hosseini Sayed M. , Omidi Mahmoud , Hosseini Seyede F. , Rezaei Mohsen
Published: November 2020

Cancer and diabetes, the two mitochondria‐related diseases, have recently been linked to silent mating‐type information regulation 2 homolog 3 (SIRT3) activity irregularities. In this study, the effect of metformin, an antidiabetic with anticancer properties, has been evaluated on mitochondrial functionality markers, cell death pathways, and SIRT3 enzyme activity in the colon cancer cell line, HT‐29, and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). HT‐29 cells were treated with metformin (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h for measuring the IC50 concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, SIRT3 activity, and expression were evaluated against the colon cancer cell line, HT‐29. Results indicated a higher ROS production at 6 than 12 h with metformin treatment. Metformin modified the mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in cell death induction. Results from SIRT3 activity and expression showed that metformin increased its activity and expression in cancer cells. In conclusion, metformin in HT‐29 cells disturbed the mitochondrial activity via increased ROS levels and SIRT3 activity, and these rapid modifications may play a key role in its cytotoxic property.
Validation of loop‐mediated isothermal amplification to detect Helicobacter pylori and 23S rRNA mutations: A prospective, observational clinical cohort study
Authors: Park Chang‐Geun , Kim Seohyeon , Jeon Hyo‐Sung , Han Seungwoo
Published: November 2020

Background

Identifying point mutations in 23S rRNA closely associated with clarithromycin resistance can increase the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). In this study, we verified the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of a newly developed loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay kit to detect H pylori and 2143G and 2182C mutations in 23S rRNA.

Methods

LAMP assay to detect H pylori and a mutant strain with 2143G and 2182C was conducted with the Isopollo® H pylori & ClaR kit. A prospective, open‐label, observational study was conducted to validate the reliability of the LAMP assay in both a development cohort and a bedside direct LAMP cohort.

Results

The LAMP assay had good sensitivity, as it could detect as few as 10–100 copies of H pylori and mutants with 2143G and 2182C in 23S rRNA, and good specificity, as it did not react with other bacterial species. In the development cohort with 622 participants, the LAMP assay showed good agreement with RUT for detecting H pylori (kappa value 0.923, P < .001) and had exactly the same results as sequencing analysis for 2143G and 2182C point mutations. The direct LAMP cohort including 93 patients had 97.7% (42/43) of concordance in detecting 2143G and 2182C point mutations compared to the PCR‐based sequencing analysis.

Conclusion

The Isopollo® H pylori & ClaR LAMP assay was a valid method for detecting H pylori and for 2143G and 2182C point mutations in 23S rRNA in a clinical setting.
Tissue-specific murine neutrophil activation states in health and inflammation
Authors: Chadwick Jeffrey W , Fine Noah , Khoury William , Tasevski Nikola , Sun Chun-Xiang , Boroumand Parastoo , Klip Amira , Glogauer Michael
Published: November 2020

Neutrophils are quickly recruited to tissues in response to proinflammatory cues; however, little is known about tissue neutrophil phenotypes in health. We employ a multicolor flow cytometric approach to assess surface markers of activation on neutrophils from the bone marrow, blood, peritoneum, spleen, liver, fat, colon, and oral cavity of healthy mice. Cell preparations were promptly fixed to preserve native surface marker expression levels. Peritoneal, colonic, and oral neutrophils were also assessed in the setting of pHrodo-induced peritonitis, dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, and ligature-induced periodontal disease, respectively. Our results demonstrate consistent detectable neutrophil populations in various sterile and nonsterile tissues of healthy mice, and these cells had tissue-specific neutrophil immunophenotypes. Neutrophils derived from biofilm-associated mucosal tissues had 2- to 3-fold higher expression of surface markers of activation, including CD66a, CD11b, and CD62L, compared to neutrophils derived from both sterile healthy tissues as well as tissues in animals treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Furthermore, the unique cluster of differentiation (CD) marker activation signatures of tissue-specific neutrophils from the peritoneum, colon, and oral cavity were altered to a proinflammatory immunophenotype with the presence of an inflammatory stimulus. Based on our results, we propose a model whereby a hierarchy of tissue neutrophil immunophenotypes, based on the differential expression of CD markers of activation, correlates with sterile, healthy commensal biofilm-associated and inflamed tissue states.
Diurnal variability of glucose tetrasaccharide (Glc4) excretion in patients with glycogen storage disease type III
Authors: Young Sarah P. , Khan Aleena , Stefanescu Ela , Seifts Andrea M. , Hijazi Ghada , Austin Stephanie , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: November 2020

Aim

The urinary glucose tetrasaccharide, Glcα1‐6Glcα1‐4Glcα1‐4Glc (Glc4), is a glycogen limit dextrin that is elevated in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) type III. We evaluated the potential of uncooked cornstarch therapy to interfere with Glc4 monitoring, by measuring the diurnal variability of Glc4 excretion in patients with GSD III.

Methods

Voids were collected at home over 24 hours, stored at 4°C and frozen within 48 hours. Glc4 was analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and normalized to creatinine.

Results

Subjects with GSD III (median age: 13.5 years, range: 3.7‐62; n = 18) completed one or more 24‐hour urine collection, and 28/36 collections were accepted for analysis. Glc4 was elevated in 16/18 subjects (median: 13 mmol/mol creatinine, range: 2‐75, reference range: <3). In collections with elevated Glc4 (23/28), two‐thirds (15/23) had low diurnal variability in Glc4 excretion (coefficient of variation [CV%] <25). The diurnal variability was significantly correlated with the Glc4 concentration (Pearson R = .644, P < .05), but not with the dose of uncooked cornstarch. High intraday variability (>25%) was not consistently observed in repeat collections by the same subject.

Conclusions

The extent and variability of Glc4 excretion relative to creatinine was not correlated with cornstarch dose. A majority of collections showed low variability over 24 hours. These findings support the use of single time‐point collections to evaluate Glc4 in patients with GSD III treated with cornstarch. However, repeat sampling over short time‐periods will provide the most accurate assessment of Glc4 excretion, as intraday variability may be increased in patients with high Glc4 excretion.
Examining spring phenological responses to temperature variations during different periods in subtropical and tropical China
Authors: Qian Siwei , Chen Xiaoqiu , Lang Weiguang , Schwartz Mark D.
Published: November 2020

Using ground observed Melia azedarach budburst, first leaf unfolding, and first flowering dates and daily mean temperature data (1981 to 2014) at 37 stations in China's subtropical and tropical zones, we identified the positive and negative temperature effects on spring phenology from winter and spring, and their spatial and seasonal variations. Then, we grouped the spatial variations into temperature effect phases. Lastly, we examined relationships between mean temperature during the positive effect phase and effective accumulated temperature during the negative effect phase. Results show that Melia azedarach spring phenology is positively influenced (delayed) by preseason winter temperatures and negatively influenced (advanced) by preseason spring temperatures. The negative spring temperature effect on the three phenophases was detected at all stations, while the positive winter temperature effect was apparent only at 51%–78% of stations. The number of stations with the positive winter temperature effect is larger in colder areas and for earlier occurring phenophases, and smaller in warmer areas and for later occurring phenophases. In addition, either negative responses of spring phenology to spring temperature or positive responses of spring phenology to winter temperature are more sensitive at warmer locations than colder locations. Further analyses indicate that the lower the mean temperature during the positive winter temperature effect phase at a specific station, the less the effective accumulated temperature needed for budburst, first leaf unfolding, and first flowering during the negative spring temperature effect phase at the same station. This implies that effective accumulated temperature during the negative effect phase depends on temperature status during the positive effect phase. Our study highlights that the interannual variation of Melia azedarach spring phenology is triggered by the net interaction impacts of winter and spring temperatures.
Optimization of film over nanosphere substrate fabrication for SERS sensing of the allergen soybean agglutinin
Authors: Styles Matthew J. , Rodriguez Rebeca S. , Szlag Victoria M. , Bryson Samuel , Gao Zhe , Jung Seyoung , Reineke Theresa M. , Haynes Christy L.
Published: November 2020

Metal film over nanosphere (FON) substrates are a mainstay of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements because they are inexpensive to fabricate, have predictable enhancement factors, and are relatively robust. This work includes a systematic investigation of how the three major FON fabrication parameters—nanosphere size, deposited metal thickness, and metal choice—impact the resulting localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). With these three parameters, it is quite simple to fabricate FONs with an optimal LSPR for SERS experiments with various excitation wavelengths. Some SERS experiments require that the substrates be incubated in organic solvents that have the potential to damage the substrate; as such, this work also explores how solvent incubation impacts the physical and optical properties of the FON substrate. Although no significant increase in physical damage is obvious, the LSPR does shift significantly. Finally, these optimized FONs were employed for the sensing of an important allergen, soybean agglutinin. The FONs were modified with a glycopolymer that has affinity for soybean agglutinin and clear Raman bands demonstrate detection of 10 μg/ml soybean agglutinin. Overall, this work serves the dual purpose of both sharing critical details about FON design and demonstrating detection of an important lectin analyte.
Robust Superhydrophobic Fabric for Durability, Self‐Cleaning, and Oil/Water Separation via Thiol–Acrylate Polymerization
Authors: Fu Xihan , Wang Shuang , Liu Zheng , Luo Yaofa , Du Xiaosheng , Wang Haibo , Zhou Mi , Cheng Xu , Du Zongliang
Published: November 2020

In recent years, highly efficient oil/water separation materials have brought much attention. It requests superhydrophobic surfaces with a rapid and facile separation process, excellent durability, and large‐scale fabrication. Herein, a facile vapor‐liquid sol‐gel, and free radical polymerization reaction method to prepare the durable and robust superhydrophobic cotton fabric is proposed. Moreover, the fabric can be used for highly efficient and various oil/water separation. It is prepared via a simple two‐step process, including a vapor‐liquid sol‐gel process to deposit with thiols particles, and then followed a free radical polymerization reaction to graft 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluorobutyl methacrylate. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry prove that the rough structures are generated from the hydrolysis condensation reaction between tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3‐mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane. As a result, the synthetic chemical composition provided by the natural fabric and silica nanoparticles synergistically construct a superhydrophobic surface with water contact angles and shedding angle of 158° and 9°, respectively. Additionally, the treated fabric exhibits excellent chemical resistance and self‐cleaning ability. Remarkably, the fabric still retains superhydrophobic and excellent mechanical robustness after 30 cycles of various oil/water separation. In summary, the resultant fabrics with excellent chemical resistance, remarkable mechanical robustness, and versatile separation abilities have potential applications in various oil/water separations.