bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Defense: The Inhibitory Effects of Endophytic Bacillus and Xylaria sp. against Rice Pathogens
Authors: Sushitha  , Sajeena A. , Radhakrishnan N. V. , Johnson Joy Michal , Alex Swapna , Beena R.
Published: October 2024

Aim: Endophytes living inside the plant tissues are known to play a crucial role in the physiology and developmental functioning of host plants. Rice is the major food crop that feeds half of the world population. But pest and diseases lead to drastic yield reduction in rice. Sustainable and eco-friendly disease management strategies are urgently needed to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and mitigate the environmental impact of intensive agriculture.The aim of the study was the selection of natural suppressors of the brown spot and sheath blight diseases in rice. In this study, three bacterial endophytes viz., Bacillus subtilis isolate PAL 11, B. altitudins isolate TSL-4 and B. altitudinis isolate KAM-11 and one endophytic fungal isolate Xylaria sp. isolate KTD-2 were tested for their potential to inhibit Bipolaris oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani under in vitro conditions.
Methodology: In vitro evaluation of endophytes against two major rice pathogens viz., Rhizoctonia solani and Bipolaris oryzae causing sheath blight and brown leaf spot respectively were tested by dual culture technique.
Results: All the tested bacterial and fungal endophytes significantly inhibited both the pathogens under in vitro conditions. Among the bacterial endophytes, B. subtilis isolate PAL-11 exhibited highest inhibition of both the pathogens. The mycelial inhibition of B. oryzae was 56.04 and 74.48 per cent respectively at 5 and 8 days after dual culturing whereas the inhibition of R. solani was 80.31 and 80.22 per cent respectively at 3 and 5 days after dual culturing. The fungal endophyte Xylaria sp. isolate KTD-2 exhibited 63.2 and 67.95 per cent inhibition of mycelial growth of B. oryzae at 5 and 8 days respectively after the pathogen inoculation. The mycelial growth of R. solani was also significantly inhibited (54.95 %) by the fungal endophyte at 5 days after pathogen inoculation.
Conclusion: This research highlights the potential role of endophytes in sustainable agriculture and suggests that integrating beneficial microbes into rice disease management strategies could help enhance plant health, increase crop yields, and contribute to global food security.
Advancements in Rice Biotechnology for Enhanced Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Singh Prabhat Kumar , Prasad Shambhoo , Kushwaha Vandna , Maurya Rahul Kumar , Singh Sumant Pratap , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: October 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital crop globally, crucial for food security. However, its production faces increasing challenges from abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, heat, salinity, and heavy metals, exacerbated by climate change. This review explores biotechnological approaches aimed at enhancing rice's resilience to these stresses. Key strategies include genetic engineering for introducing stress-tolerant genes, modification of regulatory pathways involved in stress response, and enhancement of physiological adaptations. Advances in biotechnology offer promising avenues for developing rice varieties with improved tolerance to abiotic stress, thereby ensuring sustainable production in diverse agricultural environments.
Advances in Anticancer Drug Discovery: Exploring the Untapped Potential of Natural Products for Targeted Therapies
Authors: Nwosu Samuel Nzube , Obagbemisoye Oluwabunmi Victoria , Onuba Christian Otitodilichukwu , Balogun Suliat Eniola
Published: October 2024

Natural products have long been a significant source of structurally diverse and biologically active compounds, making them important for anticancer drug development. Taxol, a natural product isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, is used to treat some cancers; Vincristine, a related compound that was eked out of the Madagascar periwinkle plant, treats leukemia and lymphoma. This review provides recent advances and future perspectives on developing natural-product-derived anticancer agents. We introduce celebrated examples of successfully developed natural-product-derived anticancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin derivatives. We also discuss the hurdles of natural product-derived drug discovery, including limited availability, poor pharmacokinetics, and a lack of specificity to their intended targets.
We will talk about some examples of these types of modification, including new developments in drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery. These show how they could make natural product-derived anti-tumor drugs more effective and less harmful. It is emphasized that researchers from different fields, such as pharmacologists, catalyst chemists, drug delivery experts, rational drug designers, and nanotechnologists, will need to work together and research across disciplines for the project to succeed. This is so that problems and bottlenecks can be solved, and natural products can be used to make new anticancer drugs. Given the continuous and increasing global demand for novel anticancer drugs in the foreseeable future, natural products will remain a critically important source for discovering novel, safe, and effective anticancer drugs.
Assessment of the Bacteriological Quality of Drilling Water in the 8th District of the City of N'Djamena (Chad)
Authors: Allamine Hisseine Mahamat , Nazal Alhadj Markhous , Allamine Yacoub Mahamat , Kanika Mablahi Amina , Mahamat Oumar
Published: October 2024

Study is to evaluate the bacteriological quality of borehole water consumed by residents of the 8th district of the city of N'Djamena. Twenty (20) samples were taken and sent to the National Water Laboratory for the research of microbiological parameters. Four microbiological parameters were evaluated: Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Fecal enterococcus and Salmonella spp. The technique used for this analysis is spreading and membrane filtration. The average values obtained in the samples are 0.338 10 4 CFU/100 ml for total coliforms, 0.319 10 3 CFU/100 ml for Escherichia coli, 33.33 CFU/100 ml for fecal Enterococcus and 1.385 10 4 CFU/100 ml Salmonella spp . The results of these analyses, considering the tolerance threshold set by the drinking water standards in Chad, showed that these averages largely exceed the recommended standards for drinking water. These waters must be treated and the environments of water points improved for consumption without impact.
Preferensi Generasi Z Surabaya dalam Memilih Tempat Dining-Out
Authors: Prawira Bernardus Wildan Surya , Lindsay Patrick Reinhart , Kristianto David , Jokom Regina
Published: October 2024

Generasi Z merupakan salah satu generasi yang potensial di bisnis restoran, oleh karena itu penting bagi para pebisnis khususnya di bidang food and beverages di Surabaya untuk memahami preferensi generasi Z dalam memilih tempat makan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat atribut restoran yang penting bagi generasi Z dalam memilih tempat makan. Teknik analisa data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah statistic deskriptif dan Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan facilities related attributes adalah atribut yang paling penting bagi generasi Z Surabaya dalam memilih tempat makan. Selain itu atmosphere and ambiance related attributes, food and drink related attributes, image related attributes, location related attributes dan price related attributes, memiliki kontribusi terhadap preferensi generasi Z Surabaya dalam memilih tempat makan.
Pengaruh Experiential Marketing Terhadap Kepuasan Konsumen di Welabajo Hotel Labuan Bajo
Authors: Harijanto Ferdinand Reynaldi , Lawrence Justin , Aprilia Adriana
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi penerapan strategi experiential marketing pada Welabajo Hotel di Labuan Bajo, sebuah budget hotel. Dengan fokus pada industri perhotelan kelas ekonomi, peneliti bertujuan meningkatkan kepuasan konsumen melalui pendekatan ini. Penelitian ini mengukur 4 dari 5 dimensi experiential marketing, yaitu sense, feel, think dan relate. Metode penelitian dengan penyebaran kuesioner pada konsumen Welabajo Hotel dengan menggunakan alat analisis data regresi linier berganda. Sampel yang dilibatkan pada penilitian ini sebanyak 125 responden yang menginap di Welabajo Hotel. Analisis data perilaku konsumen, dan evaluasi dampak strategi experiential marketing terhadap persepsi konsumen terhadap Welabajo Hotel. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa sense, feel, think mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen di Welabajo Hotel. Sedangkan relate mempunyai pengaruh namun tidak signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen Welabajo Hotel. Temuan penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan wawasan bagi industri perhotelan budget tentang potensi penerapan strategi experiential marketing untuk meningkatkan kepuasan konsumen, dalam konteks anggaran yang terbatas. Implikasi praktis dari penelitian ini dapat membantu hotel-hotel serupa meningkatkan daya saing dan memberikan nilai tambah yang signifikan bagi para konsumen.
The anaerobic biosynthesis of plasmalogens
Authors: Goldfine Howard
Published: June 2017

The biosynthesis of plasmalogens in anaerobic bacteria differs fundamentally from that in animal cells. Firstly, the formation of the alk‐1′‐enyl ether bond in animal cells is oxygen dependent. Secondly, the first step in plasmalogen formation in animal cells is an acylation of dihydroxyacetone phosphate, which has been ruled out as a precursor in anaerobes. In bacteria the alk‐1′‐enyl ether bond is formed after the fully formed acyl glycerolipids are synthesized. Evidence will be presented for the conversion of the sn‐1 acyl‐linked chain to an O‐alk‐1′‐enyl ether by an as yet unknown mechanism.
Phase relationship between ULF waves and drift‐bounce resonant ions: A statistical study
Authors: Ren Jie , Zong Q. G. , Zhou X. Z. , Rankin R. , Wang Y. F. , Gu S. J. , Zhu Y. F.
Published: June 2017

We explore the phase relationship between the poloidal mode ULF wave electric field oscillations and drift‐bounce resonant oxygen ions under the resonant condition of N = 2 at the magnetic equator. Using Cluster data from 2001 to 2004, we identify 55 fundamental poloidal mode wave events, among which 42 show “negative slope” pitch angle dispersion signatures in the southern hemisphere, 11 show “positive slope” dispersion in the northern hemisphere, and two near‐equatorial events are associated with in‐phase field‐aligned signatures. For each event, the off‐equatorial resonant ions are traced along their bouncing trajectories to determine the last time they moved across the equator. The resulting time series of the resonant oxygen ion fluxes at the equator are found to be statistically in antiphase with the wave electric fields. The resonant ion flux variation depends on both ion energy change and radial transportation. This antiphase relationship in statistics suggests two possibilities: (1) the fundamental poloidal mode wave electric fields are generally characterized by electric field intensity peaking near the magnetic equator if the flux variation is mainly caused by energy change and (2) the radial gradient of phase space density is positive if the flux variation caused by radial transportation is dominant.
Development of upwelling on pathway and freshwater transport of Pearl River plume in northeastern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Zhaoyun , Jiang Yuwu , Liu James T. , Gong Wenping
Published: June 2017

In situ observations, satellite images, and numerical modeling results have shown that the Pearl River plume axis extends alongshore and passes through two separate upwelling regions—one off the Guangdong and Fujian coasts (the Yuedong upwelling) and the other in the Taiwan Bank during the initial and medium stages of the Yuedong upwelling, while it is directed offshore when the Yuedong upwelling is strong. Model experiments are conducted to examine the effects of wind strength and baroclinicity on the upwelling and the corresponding pathway and freshwater transport of the Pearl River plume. The baroclinic effect is important to intensifying the horizontal velocity at the upwelling front and freshwater transport in the northeastern South China Sea. The freshwater transport flux is further decomposed into advection, vertical shear, and tidal pumping components, and advection is the dominant contributor. As the Yuedong upwelling develops, the zone with a relatively high‐pressure gradient moves offshore due to offshore Ekman transport and the shift in the upwelling front, which is responsible for the offshore transport of the river plume. When the river plume is transported to the outer‐shelf, sometimes it can be further entrained into eddies, allowing its export to the open sea.
Mineralogy of an active eolian sediment from the Namib dune, Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Achilles C. N. , Downs R. T. , Ming D. W. , Rampe E. B. , Morris R. V. , Treiman A. H. , Morrison S. M. , Blake D. F. , Vaniman D. T. , Ewing R. C. , Chipera S. J. , Yen A. S. , Bristow T. F. , Ehlmann B. L. , Gellert R. , Hazen R. M. , Fendrich K. V. , Craig P. I. , Grotzinger J. P. , Des Marais D. J. , Farmer J. D. , Sarrazin P. C. , Morookian J. M.
Published: June 2017

The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, is using a comprehensive scientific payload to explore rocks and soils in Gale crater, Mars. Recent investigations of the Bagnold Dune Field provided the first in situ assessment of an active dune on Mars. The Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) X‐ray diffraction instrument on Curiosity performed quantitative mineralogical analyses of the <150 μm size fraction of the Namib dune at a location called Gobabeb. Gobabeb is dominated by basaltic minerals. Plagioclase, Fo56 olivine, and two Ca‐Mg‐Fe pyroxenes account for the majority of crystalline phases along with minor magnetite, quartz, hematite, and anhydrite. In addition to the crystalline phases, a minimum ~42 wt % of the Gobabeb sample is X‐ray amorphous. Mineralogical analysis of the Gobabeb data set provides insights into the origin(s) and geologic history of the dune material and offers an important opportunity for ground truth of orbital observations. CheMin's analysis of the mineralogy and phase chemistry of modern and ancient Gale crater dune fields, together with other measurements by Curiosity's science payload, provides new insights into present and past eolian processes on Mars.
Decarboxylative Aminocatalytic Cascade for the Synthesis of Dihydroxanthones
Authors: Albrecht Anna , Bojanowski Jan
Published: June 2017

A novel decarboxylative aminocatalytic strategy for the synthesis of 4,4a‐dihydroxanthones is described. It was realized by employing dienamine activation and utilizes readily available β,β‐disubstituted enals and chromone‐3‐carboxylic acids as starting materials. A decarboxylation reaction is the key step of the cascade making the aminocatalyst turnover possible.

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Development and characterisation of functionalised AL‐MCM‐41 reinforced caprolactam toughened DGEBA epoxy‐cyanate ester polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Jayasree Muthu Rajamani , Anandakumar Srinivasan , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: June 2017

The present work aims at the toughening of DGEBA epoxy‐cyanate ester hybrid with caprolactam and its subsequent reinforcement with different weight percentages of (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) 3‐glycidylpropoxytrimethoxysilane functionalized Al‐MCM‐41 (F‐Al‐MCM‐41) to fabricate F‐Al‐MCM‐41 reinforced caprolactam toughened DGEBA epoxy‐cyanate ester polymer nanocomposites. 1H NMR and 13C NMR data confirmed the formation of epoxy cyanate ester. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results ascertained the curing behaviour of polymer composites. Data from thermal and dielectric studies reveal that 7 wt% F‐Al‐MCM‐41 reinforced caprolactam toughened DGEBA epoxy‐cyanate ester exhibits superior thermal stability and dielectric constant than that of a neat composite. The SEM‐ EDAX analysis investigated the surface morphology of polymer composites. Data obtained from DMA showed that 7 wt% polymer nanocomposite possesses the highest storage modulus among the samples.
Decarboxylation of Lactones over Zn/ZSM‐5: Elucidation of the Structure of the Active Site and Molecular Interactions
Authors: Ye Lin , Song Qi , Lo Benedict T. W. , Zheng Junlin , Kong Dejing , Murray Claire A. , Tang Chiu C. , Tsang S. C. Edman
Published: June 2017

Herein, we report the catalytic decarboxylation of γ‐valerolactone (GVL) over Zn/ZSM‐5 to butene, followed by aromatization at high yield with co‐feeding of water. An evaluation of the catalytic performance after prolonged periods of time showed that a water molecule is essential to maintain the decarboxylation and aromatization activities and avoid rapid catalyst deactivation. Synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement were then used to elucidate the structures of adsorbed GVL and immobilized Zn species in combination with EXAFS and NMR spectroscopy. A new route for the cooperative hydrolysis of GVL by framework Zn−OH and Brønsted acidic sites to butene and then to aromatic compounds has thus been demonstrated. The structures and fundamental pathways for the nucleophilic attack of terminal Zn−OH sites are comparable to those of Zn‐containing enzymes in biological systems.
Flow Asymmetric Propargylation: Development of Continuous Processes for the Preparation of a Chiral β‐Amino Alcohol
Authors: Li Hui , Sheeran Jillian W. , Clausen Andrew M. , Fang Yuan‐Qing , Bio Matthew M. , Bader Scott
Published: June 2017

The development of a flow chemistry process for asymmetric propargylation using allene gas as a reagent is reported. The connected continuous process of allene dissolution, lithiation, Li‐Zn transmetallation, and asymmetric propargylation provides homopropargyl β‐amino alcohol 1 with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivity in high yield. This flow process enables practical use of an unstable allenyllithium intermediate. The process uses the commercially available and recyclable (1S,2R)‐N‐pyrrolidinyl norephedrine as a ligand to promote the highly diastereoselective (32:1) propargylation. Judicious selection of mixers based on the chemistry requirement and real‐time monitoring of the process using process analytical technology (PAT) enabled stable and scalable flow chemistry runs.
Tribological performance of filled PTFE‐based friction material for ultrasonic motor under different temperature and vacuum degrees
Authors: Song Fuzhi , Yang Zenghui , Zhao Gai , Wang Qihua , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Tingmei
Published: June 2017

In this work, a glass fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐based friction material with good properties for ultrasonic motor was fabricated. The effects of temperature and vacuum degree on the tribological behavior of the PTFE‐based friction material were investigated; the evolutions of friction‐wear modes and mechanisms were also discussed as function of temperature and vacuum degree. The results show that the delamination and fatigue wear are predominant under the effects of repeated shearing and dynamic contact under atmospheric environment. While wear mechanisms change from adhesive to abrasive and fatigue wear as it is cooled from 30 to −60 °C at vacuum environment. Under high vacuum, adhesive wear was prone to taking place at room temperature for high frictional heat which increased the wear rate and extended the running‐in period. Experiment shows that the highest no‐load speed, output power, and holding torque of ultrasonic motor at room temperature under atmospheric environment are 220 rpm, 9.9 W, and 1.21 N m, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45358.
PLA/SiO2 composites: Influence of the filler modifications on the morphology, crystallization behavior, and mechanical properties
Authors: Hakim R. H. , Cailloux J. , Santana O. O. , Bou J. , Sánchez‐Soto M. , Odent J. , Raquez J. M. , Dubois P. , Carrasco F. , Maspoch M. Ll.
Published: June 2017

Films of an architecturally modified poly(lactic acid) (PLAREx) with three different types of fumed silica nanofillers (SiO2) were processed through reactive extrusion‐calendering in a pilot plant. The effects of the SiO2 type on both the dispersion and the crystallization behavior under dynamic and isothermal conditions are investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical properties are assessed by tensile testing. TEM micrographs showed that the improved chemical affinity of both surface‐treated SiO2 toward PLAREx end groups did not improve particle dispersion. DSC results revealed that untreated SiO2 nucleated PLAREx more efficiently than both surface‐modified silicas. The activation energy for the isothermal crystallization process, as determined by an Arrhenius method, suggests that addition of untreated SiO2 enhances the crystallization rate of PLAREx. However, it seems that the tensile behavior remained unchanged whether silicas were added or not. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45367.
Silencing of a lipase maturation factor 2‐like gene by wheat‐mediated RNAi reduces the survivability and reproductive capacity of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae
Authors: Xu Lanjie , Hou Qiling , Zhao Yanjie , Lu Lihua , Li Baoyun , Ni Zhongfu , Liang Rongqi
Published: June 2017

Lipase maturation factor (LMF) family proteins are required for the maturation and transport of active lipoprotein lipases. However, the specific roles of LMF2 remain unknown. In this study, a grain aphid lmf2‐like gene fragment was cloned and was highly similar in sequence to a homologous gene in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. An RNAi vector was constructed with this fragment and used for wheat transformation. The expression of the lmf2‐like gene in aphid, as well as the growth and reproduction of the aphids, was analyzed after feeding on the transgenic wheat. There were no significant differences in the expression of the lmf2‐like gene over development. The expression of the lmf2‐like gene was significantly reduced by 27.6% on the fifth day, and 57.6% on the 10th day after feeding. The total number of aphids produced on the transgenic plants was less than the number produced on control plants, and the difference became significant or after 2 weeks. The molting numbers were also reduced in the aphids reared on the transgenic plants. Our findings indicate that lmf2‐like genes may have potential as a target gene for the control of grain aphids and show that feeding aphids with wheat expressing lmf2‐like RNAi resulted in significant reductions in survival and reproduction.
Removal of sensor tilt noise in fluxgate gradiometer survey data by applying one‐dimensional wavelet filtering
Authors: Note Nicolas , De Smedt Philippe , Saey Timothy , Gheyle Wouter , Stichelbaut Birger , Van den Berghe Hanne , Bourgeois Jean , Van Eetvelde Veerle , Van Meirvenne Marc
Published: June 2017

Archaeological prospection with magnetometer instruments is performed in a wide range of field configurations, ranging from single probe setups to mobile arrays that allow combining multiple sensors. The latter type, whereby instruments are mounted onto a cart system, are particularly prone to motion‐induced noise. Sensor tilt, for example, causes in‐line noise that can obscure magnetic variations present. To remediate these effects, image processing techniques are the most frequently applied. However, while efficient in producing more levelled data plots, these procedures are often associated with a smoothing penalty whereby low‐intensity or small‐scale anomalies are masked. We propose a one‐dimensional signal processing approach, based on discrete wavelet analysis. By selecting wavelets that correspond to the motion‐induced noise patterns, such effects can be targeted more precisely, reducing the risk of feature masking or artefact creation. Evaluation of the proposed procedure on three fluxgate gradiometer datasets collected with a hand‐propelled push‐cart system, proved it a valid and more dedicated method to reduce the impact of motion induced noise in magnetometry data collected with cart mounted array setups.
Geochemical insight during archaeological geophysical exploration through in situ X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Booth Adam D. , Vandeginste Veerle , Pike Dominic , Abbey Russell , Clark Roger A. , Green Chris M. , Howland Nathan
Published: June 2017

Geophysical techniques are widely applied in archaeological exploration, providing rapid and non‐invasive site appraisal. Geochemical analyses contribute significantly in archaeometry, but conventional laboratory apparatus requires that samples are removed from their in situ context. Recent advances in field‐portable apparatus facilitate in situ geochemical analysis, and this apparatus is deployed in this paper alongside conventional geophysical analysis to characterize the archaeological prospectivity of a site. The target is subsurface debris at the crash site of a World War II Mosquito aircraft.

A 100 m long transect of magnetic, electromagnetic (EM) and in situ X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements was acquired in November 2014, with soil samples also collected for laboratory validation. A subset of XRF measurements was repeated in August 2015 alongside a targeted grid, 900 m2 in area, of magnetic gradiometry profiles. Built chiefly from wood, the Mosquito responds weakly in magnetic and EM data; magnetic gradient anomalies of ±10 nT/m are instead attributed to thermoremanence in a burnt layer at 0.2–0.4 m depth, produced by the impact fire following the crash. XRF spectrometry reveals co‐located enrichments in copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) ions (400% and 200%, respectively, above background). These metals are alloyed into brass, present in abundance in the ammunition on board the Mosquito.

Records from the in situ XRF sampling compare well with laboratory validated data, although a bespoke calibration for the local soil type would improve the reliability of absolute geochemical concentrations. XRF responses vary significantly with ground conditions: the November 2014 acquisition was performed soon after ploughing at the site, potentially providing a fresh charge of metallic contaminants to the ground surface. Where the chemistry of a target is anomalous with respect to host soil and a source‐to‐surface transport mechanism is present, in situ XRF analysis offers improved understanding of a target compared to geophysical interpretation alone.
Exponential Synchronization of Memristive Chaotic Recurrent Neural Networks Via Alternate Output Feedback Control
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Fang Jian‐an , Li Huiyuan
Published: June 2017

This paper considers the global exponential synchronization problem of two memristive chaotic recurrent neural networks with time‐varying delays using periodically alternate output feedback control. First, the periodically alternate output feedback control rule is designed for the global exponential synchronization of two memristive chaotic recurrent neural networks. Then, according to the Lyapunov stability theory, we construct an appropriate Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional to derive several new sufficient conditions guaranteeing exponential synchronization of two memristive chaotic recurrent neural networks under periodically alternate output feedback control. Compared with existing results on synchronization conditions on the basis of linear matrix inequalities of memristive chaotic recurrent neural networks, the derived results complement, extend earlier related results, and are also easy to validate in this paper. An illustrative example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the synchronization criteria.
Ambient and Dosed Exposure to Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Causes Neural Tube Defects in Rodents
Authors: Hrubec Terry C. , Melin Vanessa E. , Shea Caroline S. , Ferguson Elizabeth E. , Garofola Craig , Repine Claire M. , Chapman Tyler W. , Patel Hiral R. , Razvi Reza M. , Sugrue Jesse E. , Potineni Haritha , Magnin‐Bissel Geraldine , Hunt Patricia A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Quaternary ammonium compounds are a large class of chemicals used for their antimicrobial and antistatic properties. Two common quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), are combined in common cleaners and disinfectants. Introduction of a cleaner containing ADBAC+DDAC in the vivarium caused neural tube defects (NTDs) in mice and rats.

Methods

To further evaluate this finding, male and female mice were dosed in the feed at 60 or 120 mg/kg/day, or by oral gavage at 7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg ADBAC+DDAC. Mice also received ambient exposure to ADBAC+DDAC from the disinfectant used in the mouse room. Embryos were evaluated on gestational day 10 for NTDs, and fetuses were evaluated on gestational day 18 for gross and skeletal malformations.

Results

We found increased NTDs with exposure to ADBAC+DDAC in both rats and mice. The NTDs persisted for two generations after cessation of exposure. Notably, male exposure alone was sufficient to cause NTDs. Equally significant, ambient exposure from disinfectant use in the vivarium, influenced the levels of NTDs to a greater extent than oral dosing. No gross or significant axial skeletal malformations were observed in late gestation fetuses. Placental abnormalities and late gestation fetal deaths were increased at 120 mg/kg/day, which might explain the lack of malformations observed in late gestation fetuses.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that ADBAC+DDAC in combination are teratogenic to rodents. Given the increased use of these disinfectants, further evaluation of their safety in humans and their contribution to health and disease is essential. Birth Defects Research 109:1166–1178, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Birth Defects Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative bioanalysis of bavachalcone in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS and its application in a pharmacokinetics study
Authors: Zhou Dan , An Lianhua , Xia Yan , Wang Yuanyi , Li Xingliang
Published: June 2017

This study aims to develop and validate a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for investigating the pharmacokinetic characteristics of bavachalcone. Liquid–liquid extraction was used to prepare plasma sample. Chromatographic separation of bavachalcone and IS was achieved using a Venusil ASB C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 5 μm) column with a mobile phase of methanol (A)–water (B) (70:30, v/v). The detection and quantification of analytes was performed in selected‐reaction monitoring mode using precursor → product ion combinations of m/z 323.1 → 203.2 for bavachalcone, and m/z 373.0 → 179.0 for IS. Linear calibration plots were achieved in the range of 1–1000 ng/mL for bavachalcone (r2 > 0.99) in rat plasma. The recovery of bavachalcone ranged from 84.1 to 87.0%. The method was precise, accurate and reliable. It was fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of bavachalcone.
Deferasirox associated with liver failure and death in a sickle cell anemia patient homozygous for the −1774delG polymorphism in the Abcc2 gene
Authors: Braga Caroline C. B. , Benites Bruno Deltreggia , de Albuquerque Dulcineia M. , Alvarez Marisa C. , Seva‐Pereira Tiago , Duarte Bruno K. L. , Costa Fernando F. , Gilli Simone C. O. , Saad Sara T. O.
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical Message

This manuscript describes the case of a patient with sickle cell anemia who died of fulminant hepatitis after therapy with the iron chelator Deferasirox. The patient was homozygous for the −1774delG polymorphism in the Abcc2 gene, which raises the concern about the use of hepatotoxic drugs in this specific context.
Dual‐Mode Optical Sensing of Histamine at Nanomolar Concentrations in Complex Biological Fluids and Living Cells
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Ali Asfa , Podder Santosh , Majumdar Shamik , Nandi Dipankar , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: June 2017

An easily synthesized fluorescein‐based luminescent dye has been utilized for the dual‐mode detection of histamine at nanomolar concentrations at pH 7.0 in water. The specific response to histamine was achieved by imidazole‐catalyzed ‘imine formation’ reaction. The protocol was subsequently applied for the estimation of histamine in complex biological milieu such as human blood serum and urine samples. Furthermore, the dose‐dependent cellular uptake of histamine and de novo synthesis (by thapsigargin treatment) was visualized in RAW 264.7, a mouse macrophage cell line. We have also developed portable paper strips for rapid, on‐site detection of histamine without involving costly instruments.
Amorphous MnO2 as Cathode Material for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Yirong , Chen Tong , Zhang Junxi , Liu Yao , Ren Ping
Published: June 2017

Amorphous MnO2 has been prepared from the reduction of KMnO4 in ethanol media by a facile one‐step wet chemical route at room temperature. The electrochemical properties of amorphous MnO2 as cathode material in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are studied by galvanostatic charge/discharge testing. And the structure and morphologies of amorphous MnO2 are investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectra. The results reveal that as‐synthesized amorphous MnO2 electrode material exhibits a spherical morphology with a diameter between 20 and 60 nm. The first specific discharge capacity of the amorphous MnO2 electrode is 123.2 mAh•g−1 and remains 136.8 mAh•g−1 after 100 cycles at the current rate of 0.1 C. The specific discharge capacity of amorphous MnO2 is maintained at 139.2, 120.4, 89, 68 and 47 mAh•g−1 at the current rate of 0.1 C, 0.2 C, 0.5 C, 1 C and 2 C, respectively. The results indicate that amorphous MnO2 has great potential as a promising cathode material for SIBs.
Subclonal analysis in a lobular breast cancer with classical and solid growth pattern mimicking a solid‐papillary carcinoma
Authors: Christgen Matthias , Bartels Stephan , van Luttikhuizen Jana Lisa , Schieck Maximilian , Pertschy Stefanie , Kundu Sudip , Lehmann Ulrich , Sander Bjoern , Pelz Enrico , Länger Florian , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Steinemann Doris , Kreipe Hans
Published: June 2017

Recently, a new variant of invasive lobular breast cancer (ILBC) with solid‐papillary‐like growth pattern has been described. We present a case of ILBC with solid‐papillary‐like growth pattern in the main tumour mass and classical invasive lobular growth pattern in adjacent satellite foci. The two tumour components were subjected to comprehensive molecular analyses. Both components were ER/PR‐positive, HER2‐negative, and showed a complete loss of E‐cadherin and beta‐catenin protein expression, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression profiling classified the main tumour and a satellite focus as luminal‐B and luminal‐A subtypes, respectively. Whole‐genome copy number profiles were highly similar in both tumour components. Shared copy number alterations (CNAs) included gains of chromosome 1q21.1–q43 and losses of chromosome 16q11.2–q24.3, the locus of the CDH1/E‐cadherin tumour suppressor gene. CNAs detected only in the main tumour included a gain of chromosome 20q12–q13.33 and a loss of chromosome 1p36.33–p34.3, which has recently been associated with the solid variant of ILBC. Next generation sequencing revealed an identical, truncating CDH1 mutation (p.G169fs*5) in both tumour components confirming a common clonal ancestry. In conclusion, we confirm the recently described variant of ILBC with solid‐papillary‐like growth pattern and provide evidence that it evolves from classical ILBC by subclonal evolution.
Real‐time viability and apoptosis kinetic detection method of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids using the Celigo Image Cytometer
Authors: Kessel Sarah , Cribbes Scott , Bonasu Surekha , Rice William , Qiu Jean , Chan Leo Li‐Ying
Published: June 2017

The development of three‐dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroid models for cancer drug discovery research has increased in the recent years. The use of 3D tumor spheroid models may be more representative of the complex in vivo tumor microenvironments in comparison to two‐dimensional (2D) assays. Currently, viability of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids has been commonly measured on standard plate‐readers using metabolic reagents such as CellTiter‐Glo® for end point analysis. Alternatively, high content image cytometers have been used to measure drug effects on spheroid size and viability. Previously, we have demonstrated a novel end point drug screening method for 3D multicellular tumor spheroids using the Celigo Image Cytometer. To better characterize the cancer drug effects, it is important to also measure the kinetic cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on 3D multicellular tumor spheroids. In this work, we demonstrate the use of PI and caspase 3/7 stains to measure viability and apoptosis for 3D multicellular tumor spheroids in real‐time. The method was first validated by staining different types of tumor spheroids with PI and caspase 3/7 and monitoring the fluorescent intensities for 16 and 21 days. Next, PI‐stained and nonstained control tumor spheroids were digested into single cell suspension to directly measure viability in a 2D assay to determine the potential toxicity of PI. Finally, extensive data analysis was performed on correlating the time‐dependent PI and caspase 3/7 fluorescent intensities to the spheroid size and necrotic core formation to determine an optimal starting time point for cancer drug testing. The ability to measure real‐time viability and apoptosis is highly important for developing a proper 3D model for screening tumor spheroids, which can allow researchers to determine time‐dependent drug effects that usually are not captured by end point assays. This would improve the current tumor spheroid analysis method to potentially better identify more qualified cancer drug candidates for drug discovery research. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Correlation between vegetation and environment at different levels in an arid, mountainous region of China
Authors: Gao Nannan , Zhou Jihua , Zhang Xiaolong , Cai Wentao , Guan Tianyu , Jiang Lianhe , Du Hui , Yang Dawen , Cong Zhentao , Zheng Yuanrun
Published: June 2017

Vegetation patterns and spatial organization are influenced by the changing environmental conditions and human activities. However, the effect of environment on vegetation at different vegetation classification levels has been unclear. We conducted an analysis to explore the relationship between environment and vegetation in the land use/land cover (LULC), vegetation group, vegetation type, and formation and subformation levels using redundancy analysis with seven landscape metrics and 33 environmental factors in the upper reaches of the Heihe River basin in an arid area of China to clarify this uncertainty. Atmospheric counter radiation was the most important factor at the four levels. The effect of soil was the second determinant factor at three levels (except in vegetation formation and subformation level). The number of variables whose relationship to vegetation reached significant levels varied from 26 to 28, and 20 variables were the same at all four levels. The factors affecting vegetation were basically the same at vegetation group level and vegetation‐type level. It was sufficient to analyze the relationship between environmental and vegetation patterns only in LULC, vegetation group and vegetation formation and subformation level in mountainous regions; different factors should be considered at different vegetation levels.
Pattern and control of biomass allocation across global forest ecosystems
Authors: Jiang Yongtao , Wang Limei
Published: June 2017

The underground part of a tree is an important carbon sink in forest ecosystems. Understanding biomass allocation between the below‐ and aboveground parts (root:shoot ratios) is necessary for estimation of the underground biomass and carbon pool. Nevertheless, large‐scale biomass allocation patterns and their control mechanisms are not well identified. In this study, a large database of global forests at the community level was compiled to investigate the root:shoot ratios and their responses to environmental factors. The results indicated that both the aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB) of the forests in China (medians 73.0 Mg/ha and 17.0 Mg/ha, respectively) were lower than those worldwide (medians 120.3 Mg/ha and 27.7 Mg/ha, respectively). The root:shoot ratios of the forests in China (median = 0.23), however, were not significantly different from other forests worldwide (median = 0.24). In general, the allocation of biomass between the belowground and aboveground parts was determined mainly by the inherent allometry of the plant but also by environmental factors. In this study, most correlations between root:shoot ratios and environmental factors (development parameter, climate, altitude, and soil) were weak but significant (p < .01). The allometric model agreed with the trends observed in this study and effectively estimated BGB based on AGB across the entire database.
Diastereoconvergent Synthesis of (–)‐Paroxetine
Authors: Chamorro‐Arenas Delfino , Fuentes Lilia , Quintero Leticia , Cruz‐Gregorio Silvano , Höpfl Herbert , Sartillo‐Piscil Fernando
Published: June 2017

A diastereoconvergent approach to (–)‐paroxetine from diastereomeric 3,4‐epoxy‐2‐piperidones is reported. For this synthesis, a regioselective and stereodivergent CuI‐catalyzed epoxide‐ring‐opening reaction of epoxyamide precursors to give the 4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐piperidone skeleton with the correct absolute configuration is crucial. Using CuBr·SMe2 as a catalyst, the epoxide‐ring‐opening reaction takes place with inversion of configuration; the configuration is retained when CuI is used.
Distributed device association for multiservice heterogeneous cellular networks with QoS provisioning
Authors: Elhattab M. K. , Elmesalawy Mahmoud M. , Ibrahim I. I.
Published: June 2017

Heterogeneous cellular network offers a promising architecture for supporting multiservice traffic generated by Internet of thing (IoT) paradigm and human‐to‐human (H2H) communications. In this paper, a distributed device association algorithm is proposed to consider the diverse quality of service requirements for H2H devices and IoT devices coexisted in heterogeneous cellular network. In this context, the traffic generated by H2H devices and IoT devices is categorized into 2 main classes, ie, primary service class (PSC) requiring low outage probability and secondary service class (SSC) with a minimum long‐term rate requirement. Primary service class is principally used to model H2H traffic, while SSC is mainly used to model IoT traffic. The association problem is formulated to maximize the system revenue in terms of the number of devices belonging to the SSC while minimizing the global outage probability for devices modeled to PSC under quality of service guarantee. Since the proposed optimization problem is an NP combinatorial problem, an efficient solution is derived by relaxing the association constraints and adopting the Lagrange dual decomposition method. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm outperforms the comparable schemes especially on outage performance for PSC‐modeled devices and number of accommodated SSC‐modeled devices.
Interferon‐β regulates the production of IL‐10 by toll‐like receptor‐activated microglia
Authors: Lobo‐Silva Diogo , Carriche Guilhermina M. , Castro A. Gil , Roque Susana , Saraiva Margarida
Published: June 2017

Pattern recognition receptors, such as toll‐like receptors (TLRs), perceive tissue alterations and initiate local innate immune responses. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, encode TLRs which primary role is to protect the tissue integrity. However, deregulated activation of TLRs in microglia may lead to chronic neurodegeneration. This double role of microglial responses is often reported in immune‐driven neurologic diseases, as in multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, strategies to manipulate microglia inflammatory responses may help to ameliorate disease progression. In this context, the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10 appears as an attractive target. In this study, we investigated how activation of microglia by TLRs with distinct roles in MS impacts on IL‐10 production. We found that activation of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 induced the production of IL‐10 to a greater extent than activation of TLR3. This was surprising as both TLR3 and IL‐10 play protective roles in animal models of MS. Interestingly, combination of TLR3 triggering with the other TLRs, enhanced IL‐10 through the modulation of its transcription, via interferon (IFN)‐β, but independently of IL‐27. Thus, in addition to the modulation of inflammatory responses of the periphery described for the axis TLR3/IFN‐β, we now report a direct modulation of microglial responses. We further show that the presence of IFN‐γ in the microenvironment abrogated the modulation of IL‐10 by TLR3, whereas that of IL‐17 had no effect. Considering the therapeutic application of IFN‐β in MS, our study bears important implications for the understanding of the cytokine network regulating microglia responses in this setting.
Schwann cell‐specific deletion of the endosomal PI 3‐kinase Vps34 leads to delayed radial sorting of axons, arrested myelination, and abnormal ErbB2‐ErbB3 tyrosine kinase signaling
Authors: Logan Anne M. , Mammel Anna E. , Robinson Danielle C. , Chin Andrea L. , Condon Alec F. , Robinson Fred L.
Published: June 2017

The PI 3‐kinase Vps34 (Pik3c3) synthesizes phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate (PI3P), a lipid critical for both endosomal membrane traffic and macroautophagy. Human genetics have implicated PI3P dysregulation, and endosomal trafficking in general, as a recurring cause of demyelinating Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy. Here, we investigated the role of Vps34, and PI3P, in mouse Schwann cells by selectively deleting Vps34 in this cell type. Vps34‐Schwann cell knockout (Vps34SCKO) mice show severe hypomyelination in peripheral nerves. Vps34–/– Schwann cells interact abnormally with axons, and there is a delay in radial sorting, a process by which large axons are selected for myelination. Upon reaching the promyelinating stage, Vps34–/– Schwann cells are significantly impaired in the elaboration of myelin. Nerves from Vps34SCKO mice contain elevated levels of the LC3 and p62 proteins, indicating impaired autophagy. However, in the light of recent demonstrations that autophagy is dispensable for myelination, it is unlikely that hypomyelination in Vps34SCKO mice is caused by impaired autophagy. Endosomal trafficking is also disturbed in Vps34–/– Schwann cells. We investigated the activation of the ErbB2/3 receptor tyrosine kinases in Vps34SCKO nerves, as these proteins, which play essential roles in Schwann cell myelination, are known to traffic through endosomes. In Vps34SCKO nerves, ErbB3 was hyperphosphorylated on a tyrosine known to be phosphorylated in response to neuregulin 1 exposure. ErbB2 protein levels were also decreased during myelination. Our findings suggest that the loss of Vps34 alters the trafficking of ErbB2/3 through endosomes. Abnormal ErbB2/3 signaling to downstream targets may contribute to the hypomyelination observed in Vps34SCKO mice.