bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of the Gossypol‐Amine Adducts Used for Chromatographic Measurement of Total and Isomeric Gossypol
Authors: Dowd Michael K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe stability of the gossypol amine adducts used for chromatographic determination of gossypol was studied. After extraction and complexation with R‐(−)‐2‐amino‐1‐propanol, the samples were diluted into an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer solution as described in AOCS Recommended Practice Ba 8a‐99. The solutions were then stored under different conditions before being analyzed by reverse‐phase chromatography. Samples stored in the dark at −80 °C or at −20 °C showed little change in peak size over 30 days. Samples stored in the dark at −4 °C or at room temperature showed a measurable reduction in gossypol peak size over the study period. Samples stored in the light at room temperature showed the greatest reduction with only 25% of the initial gossypol detectable after 30 days. The rate of degradation followed first‐order kinetics. The rate of decrease in gossypol peak size did not differ for the different gossypol matrices studied, i.e., cottonseed kernels, cottonseed meal, or pure gossypol‐acetic acid; nor did it differ for the individual gossypol enantiomers. The results indicate that these gossypol Schiff's base adducts can be transported on dry ice before chromatography with minimal concern for their stability.
An exponentially convergent distributed algorithm for resource allocation problem
Authors: Shi Xiasheng , Zheng Ronghao , Lin Zhiyun , Yang Tao , Yan Gangfeng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the distributed resource allocation problem over undirected networks, considering box constraints and demand–supply constraints, is studied. Furthermore, each agent has one private cost function that is only known by itself. The aim is to minimize the sum of all local cost functions in a distributed manner while meeting the constraints. To solve the dispatch problem, a continuous‐time distributed algorithm with fixed step‐size is proposed. After that, a modified distributed algorithm of discrete‐time multi‐agent system is provided. Moreover, the proposed algorithms obtain the global optimal solution with an exponential convergence speed by the conventional Lyapunov methods. Finally, several simulations of IEEE‐14 bus are presented to validate and illustrate the proposed designed algorithm.
TP3, an antimicrobial peptide, inhibits infiltration and motility of glioblastoma cells via modulating the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chen Ying‐Fa , Shih Po‐Chang , Kuo Hsiao‐Mei , Yang San‐Nan , Lin Yen‐You , Chen Wu‐Fu , Tzou Shiow‐Jyu , Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Chen Nan‐Fu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a cancer of the central nervous system with limited therapeutic outcomes. Infiltrating cancer cells are the contributing factor to high GBM malignancy. The intracranial brain cancer cell infiltration is a complex cascade involving adhesion, migration, and invasion. An arsenal of natural products has been under exploration to overcome GBM malignancy. This study applied the antimicrobial peptide tilapia piscidin 3 (TP3) to GBM8401, U87MG, and T98G cells. The cellular assays and microscopic observations showed that TP3 significantly attenuated cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. A live‐cell video clip showed the inhibition of filopodia protrusions and cell attachment. Probing at the molecular levels showed that the proteolytic activities (from secretion), the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 were attenuated. This result strongly evidenced that both invasion and metastasis were inhibited, although metastatic GBM is rare. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of cell‐mobilization regulators focal adhesion kinase and paxillin were decreased. Similar effects were observed in small GTPase (RAS), phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT) and MAP kinases such as extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK), JNK, and p38. Overall, TP3 showed promising activities to prevent cell infiltration and metastasis through modulating the tumor microenvironment balance, suggesting that TP3 merits further development for use in GBM treatments.
Benzopyran Derivatives and an Aliphatic Compound from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF‐22
Authors: Yang Wencong , Chen Yan , Cai Runlin , Zou Ge , Wang Bo , She Zhigang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTwo new benzopyran derivatives, (2R,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol and (2S,4R,2′S,4′R)‐4,4′‐oxybis(5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran), and a new aliphatic compound, (3E,5Z,8S,10E)‐8‐hydroxytrideca‐3,5,10,12‐tetraen‐2‐one, together with three known benzopyran derivatives, were obtained from a mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF‐22 collected in Hainan island. Their structures were determined by analysis of spectroscopic data and the relative configuration of (2R,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol was also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of four compounds were established by comparison of ECD spectra to calculations. The configuration of (3E,5Z,8S,10E)‐8‐hydroxytrideca‐3,5,10,12‐tetraen‐2‐one was confirmed by comparison of optical value to the similar compound. The configurations of the compounds (2S,4S)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol and (2R,4R)‐5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐ol were first determined. (3R,4S)‐3,4,8‐Trihydroxy‐3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells with IC50 of 44.7 μM, and without cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells within 50 μM.
Quantitative Formation of Monomeric G‐Quadruplex DNA from Multimeric Structures of c‐Myc Promoter Sequence
Authors: Rauser Valerie , Weinhold Elmar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractG‐Quadruplex (G4)‐forming DNA sequences have a tendency to form stable multimeric structures. This can be problematic for studies with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides. Herein, we describe a method that quantitatively converts multimeric intermolecular structures of the Pu27 sequence from the c‐myc promoter into the desired monomeric G4 by alkaline treatment and refolding.
Surgically placed radiopaque markers: Proof‐of‐concept of a novel technique to facilitate percutaneous interventions in neonates and infants
Authors: Hummel Johanna , Kubicki Rouven , Pingpoh Clarence , Stiller Brigitte , Sigler Matthias , Siepe Matthias , Grohmann Jochen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesAim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and benefit of self‐designed, radiopaque markers as a novel technique in neonates and infants with shunt‐ or duct‐dependent lesions.BackgroundSurgically placed radiopaque markers have the potential to facilitate postoperative percutaneous interventions.MethodsAll consecutive children with surgically placed radiopaque markers involving systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery connections or arterial ducts in the context of hybrid palliation and subsequent cardiac catheterization between January 2013 and March 2019 were included in this analysis. Our primary endpoint was our concept's feasibility, which we defined as a combination of surgical feasibility and the percutaneous intervention's success. Secondary endpoint was the rate of complications resulting from the surgical procedure or during catheterization.ResultsRadiopaque markers that reveal the proximal entry of a surgical shunt or the arterial duct proved to be a feasible and beneficial approach in 25 postoperative catheterizations. The markers' high accuracy enabled easy probing and proper stent positioning in 13 neonates with a median age and weight of 121 days (range 9–356) and 4.7 kg (1.6–9.4) at the intervention. No procedural complications or unanticipated events associated with the radiopaque marker occurred. The markers were never lost, never migrated, and caused no local obstructive lesion. Surgical removal was straightforward in all patients.ConclusionsRadiopaque markers are a promising and refined technique to substantially facilitate target vessel access and enabling the accurate positioning of stents during postoperative percutaneous procedures.
Tuning Interactions of Surface‐adsorbed Species over Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 Catalyst by Different K Contents: Selective CO2 Hydrogenation to Light Olefins
Authors: Numpilai Thanapha , Chanlek Narong , Poo‐Arporn Yingyot , Cheng Chin Kui , Siri‐Nguan Nuchanart , Sornchamni Thana , Chareonpanich Metta , Kongkachuichay Paisan , Yigit Nevzat , Rupprechter Günther , Limtrakul Jumras , Witoon Thongthai 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSelective CO2 hydrogenation to light olefins over Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 catalysts was enhanced by tuning bonding strengths of adsorbed species by varying the content of the K promotor. Increasing the K/Fe atomic ratio from 0 to 0.5 increased the olefins/paraffins (O/P) ratio by 25.4 times, but then slightly raised upon ascending K/Fe to 2.5. The positive effect of K addition is attributed to the strong interaction of H adsorbed with the catalyst surface caused by the electron donor from K to Fe species. Although the Fe−Co/K−Al2O3 catalyst with K/Fe=2.5 reached the highest O/P ratio of 7.6, the maximum yield of light olefins of 16.4 % was achieved by the catalyst promoted with K/Fe of 0.5. This is explained by the considerable reduction of amount of H2 adsorbed on the catalyst surface with K/Fe=2.5.
Stakeholder perception on corporate reputation and management efficiency: Evidence from the Spanish Defence sector
Authors: Solana‐Ibáñez José , Caravaca‐Garratón Manuel , Teruel‐Sánchez Ricardo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between the concepts of efficiency and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The main aim is to discuss if CSR policy has an effective influence which leads to a high degree of technical efficiency. Accordingly, the image projected to society should be strengthened. Under this scenario, an equivalent level of confidence in the public sector should be expected. Otherwise public decision‐makers should reformulate their SR strategy, since the impact would not only be economic but would also lead to a negative externality in relation to the image that the sector projects to society. Accordingly, a case study for the Defence sector in Spain is part of this article. Given a set of discretionary variables, the Spanish Defence Delegations efficiency for the 2015–2017 period is assessed by means of data envelopment analysis technique. A bootstrap procedure is used to eliminate the bias of the estimates and obtain a robust ranking. The results show that efficient management does not have the expected positive effect on the Army's corporate reputation as measured by the image perceived by the stakeholders. Implications for practice and limitations of this study conclude the article.
Seasonal dietary shifts enhance parasite transmission to lake salmonids during ice cover
Authors: Prati Sebastian , Henriksen Eirik H. , Knudsen Rune , Amundsen Per‐Arne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractChanges in abiotic and biotic factors between seasons in subarctic lake systems are often profound, potentially affecting the community structure and population dynamics of parasites over the annual cycle. However, few winter studies exist and interactions between fish hosts and their parasites are typically confined to snapshot studies restricted to the summer season whereas host‐parasite dynamics during the ice‐covered period rarely have been explored. The present study addresses seasonal patterns in the infections of intestinal parasites and their association with the diet of sympatric living Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Lake Takvatn, a subarctic lake in northern Norway. In total, 354 Arctic charr and 203 brown trout were sampled from the littoral habitat between June 2017 and May 2018. Six trophically transmitted intestinal parasite taxa were identified and quantified, and their seasonal variations were contrasted with dietary information from both stomachs and intestines of the fish. The winter period proved to be an important transmission window for parasites, with increased prevalence and intensity of amphipod‐transmitted parasites in Arctic charr and parasites transmitted through fish prey in brown trout. In Arctic charr, seasonal patterns in parasite infections resulted mainly from temporal changes in diet toward amphipods, whereas host body size and the utilization of fish prey were the main drivers in brown trout. The overall dynamics in the community structure of parasites chiefly mirrored the seasonal dietary shifts of their fish hosts.
Neuropathic pain after thoracotomy: Tracking signs and symptoms before and at monthly intervals following surgery
Authors: Gandhi Wiebke , Pomares Florence B. , Naso Lina , Asenjo Juan‐Francisco , Schweinhardt Petra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs the development of neuropathic symptoms contributes to pain severity and chronification after surgery, their early prediction is important to allow targeted treatment.ObjectivesWe longitudinally investigated trajectories of signs and symptoms in patients undergoing thoracotomy and assessed whether and at which time they were related to the development of neuropathic pain symptoms 6 months after surgery.MethodsPresurgical and 6 monthly postsurgical assessments included questionnaires for mental and physical well‐being (e.g., depression/anxiety, pain catastrophizing, sleep quality, neuropathic pain symptoms), and quantitative sensory testing (QST).ResultsQST trajectories indicated nerve impairment of the surgery site with predominant loss of function. Signs of recovery towards the end of the assessment period were observed for some tests. Unsupervised cluster analysis with NPSI scores 6 months after surgery as clustering variable identified one group with no/low levels of neuropathic symptoms and one with moderate levels. The two groups differed w.r.t. several signs and symptoms already at early time points. Notably, neuropathic pain anywhere in the body differed already preoperatively and sleep impairment differentiated the two groups at all time points. Regression analysis revealed three factors that seemed particularly suited to predicted 6 months NPSI scores, namely preoperative neuropathic pain symptoms, with contributions from sleep impairment 1 month after surgery and the presence of dynamic mechanical allodynia 3 months after surgery.ConclusionsClinical routine should focus on the individual's physiological state, including pre‐existing neuropathic pain and sleep quality to identify patients early who might be at risk to develop chronic post‐surgical neuropathic pain.SignificanceDevelopment of neuropathies contributes to pain severity and pain chronification after surgery. Here we demonstrate trajectories of quantitative sensory tests (assessed at monthly intervals for 6 months after surgery) that reveal accurate time courses of gain/loss of nerve function following thoracotomy. Independent of the degree of neuropathic signs after surgery, the main predictors for post‐surgical neuropathic pain are self‐reported neuropathic pain before surgery and sleep quality shortly after surgery.
Aquaponics production of catfish and pumpkin: Comparison with conventional production systems
Authors: Oladimeji Sunday Abraham , Okomoda Victor Tosin , Olufeagba Samuel Olabode , Solomon Shola Gabriel , Abol‐Munafi Ambok Bolong , Alabi Korede Isaiah , Ikhwanuddin Mhd , Martins Chukwumeka Onwuka , Umaru Joshua , Hassan Anuar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAquaponics is known to be a smart way of producing fish and crops simultaneously; however, there is a paucity of information about the extents of this system's efficiency over other conventional methods of food production. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the performance of a catfish–pumpkin aquaponics system in comparison with recirculatory and static aquaculture systems (for fish performance), as well as irrigated and nonirrigated systems (for pumpkin performance). Results obtained showed that the production of fish in the aquaponics system was 29% and 75% more efficient than recirculatory and static aquaculture systems, respectively. The survival of the fish was also significantly improved probably due to better water quality in the aquaponics system. With respect to pumpkin production, yield in the aquaponics system was about five times the performance in irrigated land and eleven times those in nonirrigated land. This study gives definitive evidence to support the efficiency of the aquaponics system over other conventional food production methods.
Hydrological regulation of chemical weathering and dissolved inorganic carbon biogeochemical processes in a monsoonal river
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhong Jun , Ding Hu , Yue Fu‐Jun , Li Cai , Xu Sen , Li Si‐Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo better understand the mechanisms relating to hydrological regulations of chemical weathering processes and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) behaviours, high‐frequency sampling campaigns and associated analyses were conducted in the Yu River, South China. Hydrological variability modifies the biogeochemical processes of dissolved solutes, so major ions display different behaviours in response to discharge change. Most ions become diluted with increasing discharge because of the shortened reactive time between rock and water under high‐flow conditions. Carbonate weathering is the main source of major ions, which shows strong chemostatic behaviour in response to changes in discharge. Ions from silicate weathering exhibit a significant dilution effect relative to the carbonate‐sourced ions. Under high temperatures, the increased soil CO2 influx from the mineralisation of organic material shifts the negative carbon isotope ratios of DIC (δ13CDIC) during the high‐flow season. The δ13CDIC values show a higher sensitivity than DIC contents in response to various hydrological conditions. Results from a modified isotope‐mixing model (IsoSource) demonstrate that biological carbon is a dominant source of DIC and plays an important role in temporal carbon dynamics. Furthermore, this study provides insights into chemical weathering processes and carbon dynamics, highlighting the significant influence of hydrological variability to aid understanding of the global carbon cycle.
Lactoferricin B like peptide triggers mitochondrial disruption‐mediated apoptosis by inhibiting respiration under nitric oxide accumulation inCandida albicans
Authors: Kim Suhyun , Hwang Jae Sam , Lee Dong Gun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is a potentially powerful weapon againstCandida albicans, and the regulation of intracellular NO levels is therefore important for controlling its physiological functions. Lactoferricin B like peptide (LBLP) is a 23‐mer antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from theScolopendra subspinipes mutilans. We confirmed that LBLP treatment led to the generation of endogenous NO inC. albicans, which was associated with the NO synthase pathway. Here, we examined the antifungal activity of LBLP with focus on intracellular NO. Total glutathione levels were measured to evaluate cellular defense capacity against NO. LBLP decreased total glutathione levels, leading to nitrosative stress. LBLP also inhibited mitochondrial respiration and altered the NAD+/NADH ratios. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, thus leading to calcium homeostasis disruption and mitochondrial superoxide anion accumulation. Consequently, treatment ofC. albicanswith LBLP resulted in apoptosis. These physiological changes were attenuated when NO generation was inhibited. Our data strongly indicate that LBLP mediates apoptosis by affecting intracellular NO homeostasis. These results on antifungal activity of LBLP and its mechanism indicate the therapeutic promise of this AMP and support the role of NO in cell death regulation.
Malvidin prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Bastin Ali R. , Sadeghi Asie , Abolhassani Moslem , Doustimotlagh Amir H. , Mohammadi Abbas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt is indicated that malvidin has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects on various cells, although the function of malvidin in preventing inflammatory reactions caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is still not known. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of malvidin on inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in PBMCs as caused by LPS. The present findings showed that LPS significantly increased the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 mRNA and protein release from PBMCs 22 hr after treatments. It was also revealed that increased levels in cytokine expression coincided with increased phosphorylation of JNK, P65‐NF‐κB, and IKKα/IKKβ. Also, the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 mRNA induced by LPS as well as secretion of protein in PBMC has been significantly decreased by pretreatment of malvidin. Importantly, pretreatment of the cells with malvidin completely abrogated the phosphorylation of P65‐NF‐κB, JNK, and IKKα/IKKβ in LPS treated cells. Malvidin protection against LPS‐induced inflammation was coupled with a decline in the levels of nitric oxide metabolite and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in the ferric reducing antioxidant power, total thiol activity, and also superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. In accordance with this finding, malvidin may represent a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of inflammation in PBMCs.
Deregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism associated with insulin resistance in rats subjected to chronic monocrotophos exposure
Authors: Nagaraju Raju , Joshi Apurva K. R. , Vamadeva Sowmya G. , Rajini Padmanabhan S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn our previous study, we demonstrated the potential of monocrotophos (MCP), an organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), to induce glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (IR), and dyslipidemia with hyperinsulinemia in rats after chronic exposure. As hyperinsulinemia is likely to exert an impact on hepatic lipid metabolism, we carried out this study to establish the effect of chronic MCP exposure (0.9 and 1.8 mg/kg/day for 180 days) on hepatic lipid metabolism in rats. The state of IR induced by MCP in rats was associated with an increase in the liver lipid content (triglyceride and cholesterol) and expression levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins, PPARγ, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase in the liver. Similarly, activities of key enzymes (acetyl‐COA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, lipin 1, malic enzyme, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase), which regulate lipogenesis, were enhanced in livers of pesticide‐treated rats. A strong correlation was observed between insulin levels, hepatic lipid content, and plasma lipid profile in treated rats. Our study suggests that long‐term exposure to OPIs not only has a propensity to induce a state of hyperinsulinemic IR, but it is also associated with augmented hepatic lipogenesis, which may explain dyslipidemia induced by chronic exposure to MCP.
Investigating Regional Inequalities in India: Are Indian Districts Converging?
Authors: Tiwari Chhavi , Bhattacharjee Sankalpa , Chakrabarti Debkumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe study examines the regional inequalities in India across 315 districts during 1999/2000–2010/2011. For examining convergence, parametric and non‐parametric tests are employed. Findings reveal that absolute and conditional convergences hold for the entire time period. Analysis of intra‐period convergence reveals an overall divergence during 1999–2005 and convergence during 2005–2011. Conditional variables included the number of bank branches, literacy rate and pupil–teacher ratio. Results for σ convergence reveal a higher level of dispersion during 1999–2005 and a sharp decline thereafter. These results are supported by Kernel density plots. The study reveals that Indian districts exhibited convergent behaviour only after 2005. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.