bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustaining induced heat shock protein 70 confers biological thermotolerance in a high‐temperature adapted predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes)
Authors: Tian Chuanbei , Li Yaying , Wu Yixia , Chu Wenqiang , Liu Huai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn fluctuating climatic environments, heat acclimation in predatory mites is a superior adaptation strategy for effective agricultural pest management and can be used to enhance the abilities critical in biological control efficiency. We investigated the regulatory mechanism governing the remarkable plastic response of thermotolerance in a high‐temperature adapted strain (HTAS) and discerned the differences in the defensive reactions between the HTAS and the conventional strain (CS) in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri.RESULTSAt 42 °C, the relative expression levels of four identified HSP70 genes increased rapidly in both N. barkeri strains; meanwhile the expression of NbHSP70‐1 and NbHSP70‐2 in CS sharply decreased after 4 h, displaying a distinct contrast with the remaining elevated expression in HTAS. Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of NbHSP70‐1 in CS was dramatically elevated at 0.5 h and decreased at 6 h at 42 °C. Conversely, in HTAS, NbHSP70‐1 was constantly induced and peaked at 6 h at 42 °C. Furthermore, HSP70 suppression by RNAi knockdown had a greater influence on the survival of HTAS, causing a higher mortality under high temperature than CS. Finally, the recombinant exogenous NbHSP70‐1 protein enhanced the viability of E. coli BL21 under a lethal temperature of 50 °C.CONCLUSIONSustained accumulation of HSP70 proteins results in predatory phytoseiid mites with the thermotolerance advantage that could promote their biological control function to pests. The divergent constitutive regulation of HSP70 to a thermal environment is conducive to the flexible adaptability of predators in the higher trophic level to trade off under extremely adversity stress.
Diversity of α‐tubulin transcripts in Lolium rigidum
Authors: Chen Jinyi , Chu Zhizhan , Han Heping , Patterson Eric , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTubulin, the target site of dinitroaniline herbicides, is encoded by small gene families in plants. To better characterize the mechanisms of target‐site resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides in the globally important weedy species Lolium rigidum, attempts were made to amplify and sequence α‐tubulin transcripts.RESULTSFour α‐tubulin isoforms (TUA1, TUA2, TUA3 and TUA4) were identified in L. rigidum. Variations in the number and sequence of transcripts encoding these α‐tubulin proteins were found in individuals from the two L. rigidum populations examined. Within and among populations, differences in the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions of cDNA in TUA3 and TUA4 were identified. Furthermore, a novel double mutation, Arg‐390‐Cys+Asp‐442‐Glu, in the TUA3 transcript was identified and has the potential to confer dinitroaniline resistance.CONCLUSIONThis research reveals the complexity of the α‐tubulin gene family in individuals/populations of the cross‐pollinated weedy species L. rigidum, and highlights the need for better understanding of the molecular architecture of tubulin gene families for detecting resistance point mutations. Although TUA4 is a commonly expressed α‐tubulin isoform containing most frequently reported resistance mutations, other mutant tubulin isoforms may also have a role in conferring dinitroaniline resistance.
The nonlinear optics property of heterodinuclear (Li and Na) sexipyridine helix: A density functional theory study
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Yi , Xu Hong‐Liang , Su Zhong‐Min 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this work, we designed Li‐ and Na‐doped homo‐ and heterodinuclear helical molecules, that is, Li2‐sexipy with two Li atoms, LiNa‐sexipy with Li and Na atoms, and Na2‐sexipy with two Na atoms. LiNa‐sexipy exhibited shorter Li‐L length compared with Li2‐sexipy; longer Na‐L length compared with Na2‐sexipy; and more charge polarization, especially along the vertical direction. Thus, the largest βtot value of LiNa‐sexipy among three molecules was observed. However, the loss of conjugation did not attenuate nonlinear optics (NLO) response. In addition, the maximum absorptions for the three helicates were all at the ultraviolet region, which suggested the performance of their transparency. These results indicated the advantages of heterodinuclear helix in this work and provided a new strategy of alkali metal doping to solve the conflict between transparency and NLO properties and enhance the NLO response of materials.
Haptic‐based virtual reality simulator for lateral ventricle puncture operation
Authors: Su Xiao H. , Deng Zhen , He Bin W. , Liu Yu Q. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe implementation of lateral ventricle puncture (LVP) operation is challenging due to the complex anatomy structure of human brains. Surgical simulator has been proved to be effective in surgical training. However, few works consider the integration of visual and haptic feedback.MethodsAim at achieving a realistic haptic interaction, this paper proposes a haptic‐based virtual reality (VR) simulator for the LVP operation. In this simulator, we first reconstruct the three‐dimension (3D) model of human brains for tissue/instrument interaction. Then a preoperative planning method based on geometry analysis is introduced to find the feasible entry point of LVP operation. A hierarchical bounding‐box collision detection approach is proposed to render haptic feedback that is transferred to humans. Finally, a set of experiments on the proposed simulator and 3D printed models of human brains is carried out.ResultsTwo sets of experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed haptic‐based simulator: experiments in the simulator and experiments on a 3D printed brain model. The proposed simulator allows neurosurgeons to train the LVP operation by visualizing the 3D virtual human brain and feeling realistic haptic feedback.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the proposed haptic‐based VR simulator can improve the performance of the LVP operation effectively and reduce the operation time.
Effects of estradiol on in vitro maturation of buffalo and goat oocytes
Authors: Maksura Hurum , Akon Narsisa , Islam Md Nuronnabi , Akter Ireen , Modak Avijit Kumar , Khatun Asma , Alam Md Hasanur , Hashem Md Abul , Amin Md Ruhul , Moniruzzaman Mohammad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeThe effects of estradiol on oocyte development seem to be varied among species. The present study investigated the effects of 17β‐estradiol on in vitro maturation of buffalo and goat oocytes.MethodsCumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from large antral follicles of slaughtered buffalo and goat ovaries. COCs were cultured in TCM‐199 medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 µg/mL of 17β‐estradiol for in vitro maturation. Then, oocytes were used for the examination of state of nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion.ResultsIn both species, oocytes treated with 17β‐estradiol showed higher cumulus expansion rate than control (0 µg/mL treated). In buffalo, the percentage of oocytes matured to the metaphase II (MII) stage increased in the concentration‐dependent manner of 17β‐estradiol. Similarly, estradiol positively influenced nuclear maturation of goat oocytes in vitro.ConclusionsEstradiol has promoting effects on normalprogress of in vitro oocyte meiosis in buffalos and goats.
HIV‐1 viral load testing in resource‐limited settings: Challenges and solutions for specimen integrity
Authors: Newman Howard , Hardie Diana 
Published: September 2020

SummaryHIV‐1 viral load (VL) testing is a crucial element in providing an antiretroviral treatment monitoring program. The success of these programs depends on the availability and quality of the VL testing services. There are several pre‐analytic factors which can affect the quality of VL testing. Many of the challenges faced by resource‐limited countries result in a compromise of specimen integrity, thus limiting widespread access to VL monitoring. The various logistic and financial challenges that exist are not insurmountable and several innovative solutions currently exist to overcome these barriers to providing widespread VL testing. This review summarizes the VL testing challenges in resource‐limited settings and provides an overview of potential solutions including testing dried blood spots, dried plasma spots, plasma separation cards and the use of point of care tests.
Autonomous boat driving system using sample‐efficient model predictive control‐based reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Cui Yunduan , Osaki Shigeki , Matsubara Takamitsu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, we propose a novel reinforcement learning (RL) approach specialized for autonomous boats: sample‐efficient probabilistic model predictive control (SPMPC), to iteratively learn control policies of boats in real ocean environments without human prior knowledge. SPMPC addresses difficulties arising from large uncertainties in this challenging application and the need for rapid adaptation to dynamic environmental conditions, and the extremely high cost of exploring and sampling with a real vessel. SPMPC combines a Gaussian process model and model predictive control under a model‐based RL framework to iteratively model and quickly respond to uncertain ocean environments while maintaining sample efficiency. A SPMPC system is developed with features including quadrant‐based action search rule, bias compensation, and parallel computing that contribute to better control capabilities. It successfully learns to control a full‐sized single‐engine boat equipped with sensors measuring GPS position, speed, direction, and wind, in a real‐world position holding task without models from human demonstration.
Phosphate solubilization from adsorbents and precipitates by different AVAIL polymers
Authors: Doydora Sarah , Thompson Margaret , Hesterberg Dean 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLess than 40% of phosphate fertilizer applied to soils is typically taken up by the intended crop within the year of application because of strong soil retention. AVAIL polymers are fertilizer additives that were commercially developed to enhance availability of fertilizer phosphate. Knowledge of underlying mechanisms of phosphate solubilization would help to optimize the effectiveness of these polymers for different soils. This study compared different types and levels of AVAIL polymers in solubilizing (ad)sorbed and precipitated phosphate to gain insights into the mechanisms involved. Varying inputs of four newer forms of polymers and the original AVAIL (Original) were co‐reacted with one level of phosphate (ad)sorbed on ferrihydrite or noncrystalline Al hydroxide in batch (ad)sorption experiments or with Fe and Ca phosphate precipitates in dissolution experiments. Dissolved phosphate increased with increasing levels of co‐added polymers reacted with (ad)sorbents or phosphate precipitates. Across input levels evaluated, the Original AVAIL generally solubilized more phosphate from ferrihydrite than any of the new formulations. The Original and the new Liquid 2 formulation equally solubilized the greatest phosphate from Fe phosphate, whereas Liquid 2 solubilized more phosphate from Al hydroxide and Ca phosphate. (Ad)sorption and dissolution results implied competitive (ad)sorption and complexometric dissolution as key mechanisms. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of AVAIL polymers in soils depends on the level of added polymer charge relative to phosphate adsorption capacities or the types of phosphate minerals present.
Stress coping strategies and stress reactivity in adolescents with overweight/obesity
Authors: Ajibewa Tiwaloluwa A. , Adams Tessa A. , Gill Amaanat K. , Mazin Lauren E. , Gerras Julia E. , Hasson Rebecca E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study explored the associations between the frequency and effectiveness of habitual stress coping strategies on physiological and psychological stress responses to an acute laboratory stressor in adolescents with overweight/obesity (51 adolescents; 47% female; ages 14–19 years). Coping strategies were assessed using the Schoolager's Coping Strategies Inventory. Acute physiological stress responses were measured as salivary cortisol and α‐amylase output during the Trier Social Stress Test and during a control condition. Acute psychological stress was measured using a Likert‐type scale, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were measured at baseline. Results revealed that higher coping effectiveness was associated with lower log‐based α‐amylase during the stress (β = −0.025, p = 0.018) and control (β = −0.030, p = 0.005) conditions, but not with cortisol across either condition (all ps > 0.05). SBP moderated the association between coping effectiveness and α‐amylase during the stress condition, with higher coping effectiveness associated with lower α‐amylase only among individuals with lower SBP (β = 0.002, p = 0.027). Coping frequency was not associated with cortisol responses, neither was habitual stress coping strategies associated with psychological stress (all ps > 0.05). These findings provide preliminary evidence that effective use of stress coping strategies may provide a dampening effect on sympathetic activity in an at‐risk adolescent population.
Patterns of coping with work‐related stress: A person‐centred analysis with text data
Authors: Somers Mark John , Casal Jose 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis purpose of this study was to apply the person‐centred model to better understand how employees cope with work‐related stress. It builds on earlier person‐centred studies of coping and work‐related stress by using advanced analytics and text data, and establishes the person‐centred model as a viable complement to variable‐centred coping research. Five profile coping groups, spanning individually‐focused and socially‐focused coping strategies were identified. Individually‐focused profile groups included: avoidance coping based on escapism, active coping associated with physical activity, and passive coping emphasizing relaxation techniques. Socially‐focused coping groups include confiding in friends and family, and engaging in social leisure activities. Implications of these findings were discussed as was the value of latent class cluster analysis with text input in person‐centred coping research.
Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel for Agriculture Application
Authors: Das Dipankar , Prakash Priyambada , Rout Prasanta K. , Bhaladhare Sachin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHydrogels are 3D network formed by linear (or branched) hydrophilic polymer molecules that are chemically or physically crosslinked. Hydrogels can absorb a prominent amount of water and biological fluids and release them at a controlled rate. This study deals with the synthesis and characterization of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (CMCNa) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)‐based biodegradable hydrogels using citric acid (CA) as a crosslinker. The chemical analysis of synthesized hydrogels is performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are synthesized by an acid hydrolysis process and are incorporated into the hydrogel matrix and the effects of CNCs on hydrogel properties are assessed. The effects of the CA on hydrogels swelling properties are also studied and about 600% swelling is observed for the hydrogel synthesized using 2% of the CA crosslinker. Using CNCs as reinforcing agents for hydrogel composites decreases the tensile strength of hydrogels because of poor CNC dispersion within the hydrogel matrix is observed that can be seen in the scanning electron microscope images. The optimum use of crosslinkers and proper distribution of CNCs in the hydrogel matrix can provide a promising hydrogel material that can absorb and release water in a controlled manner to improve utilization of available water resources for agricultural applications.
Preparation and Properties of Polyacrylic Acid/Soluble Starch Complex Nanoparticles by Surfactant‐Free Polymerization
Authors: Huang Yadi , Wu Juan , Deng Shengsong , Li Fenghe , Bian Xialing , Li Xiaowen , Yao Risheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPolymer nanoparticles have made progress in pharmaceutical nanotechnologies due to their efficient drug delivery. However, considerable amounts of surfactant are required during polymerization, which inevitably brings some potential problems. Herein, template polymerization is utilized to synthesize polyacrylic acid/soluble starch (PAA/SS) complex nanoparticles by surfactant‐free polymerization. As a template, soluble starch (S‐starch, SS) nanoparticles are obtained by nanoprecipitation due to their polyhydroxy structure. The resultant complex nanoparticles with pH sensitivity have core–shell structures, which facilitates their use as nanoparticles in preparation of gelatin‐like materials. Another interesting property of PAA/SS complex nanoparticles is that the SS template can be removed by α‐amylase, then PAA nanocapsules are obtained. A hypothesis for the mechanisms of PAA/SS complex nanoparticles formation and PAA nanocapsules preparation with α‐amylase is also proposed.
Moderate Vinyl Acetate Acetylation Improves the Pasting Properties of Oxidized Corn Starch
Authors: Ma Lei , Xiong Feiyang , Kong Haocun , Gu Zhengbiao , Li Zhaofeng , Hong Yan , Cheng Li , Li Caiming 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIt is generally believed that acetylation can enhance the hydrophilicity of starch, resulting in increased viscosity. However, moderate vinyl acetate acetylation is interestingly found to decrease the peak viscosity of oxidized starch during pasting in this study. This low viscosity of starch paste is extremely desirable in paper surface sizing and textile sizing. Corn starches are oxidized by NaClO (4.0% chlorine) and then acetylated using vinyl acetate at different levels. The peak viscosity of oxidized starch modified by vinyl acetate is reduced by 67.1%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of acetyl groups with a peak at 1730 cm−1. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the intensity of crystalline peaks of oxidized–acetylated starches is decreased compared with that of oxidized or acetylated starch. Granule morphology observations further reveal extensive surface damage of the granules resulting from moderate acetylation. Molecular size distribution analysis also shows that the moderate vinyl acetylation can significantly reduce (≈60%) the average molecular weight of oxidized starch. These results show that moderate acetylation can change the structural and morphological properties of oxidized starch, leading to a considerable drop in paste viscosity and shows great application potential in the starch industry.
Functional, Rheological, Morphological, and Micro‐Structural Properties of Extrusion‐Processed Corn and Potato Starches
Authors: Gandhi Neeraj , Singh Baljit , Singh Parminder , Sharma Savita 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of twin‐screw extrusion conditions on the properties and quality attributes of corn starch (CS) and potato starch (PS). Extrusion processing conditions used are—feed moisture level of 17% and 18%, screw speed level of 414 and 533 rpm, and barrel temperature of 131 and 135 °C for CS and PS, respectively. When compared with native starches, it is demonstrated that extrusion has a positive effect on the functional properties, that is, bulk density decreases, but water absorption index, water solubility index, degree of gelatinization, and in vitro digestibility increase significantly, and transform its native structure to a honeycomb‐like fine meshwork. Extrusion also results in a significant decrease in pasting temperature, peak viscosity, hold viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and setback viscosity of both the starches. In color profile, a decrease in luminosity, but increase in redness and yellowness are observed in extruded starches. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry studies show that extrusion leads to complete destruction of structure along with reduced crystallinity and formation of V‐type polymorphs in starches. Compared to CS, PS shows more surface protrusions and formation of air cells leading to formation of a much more microporous structure.
Antinociceptive activity of the novel RAGE inhibitor, papaverine, in a mouse model of chronic inflammatory pain
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazumi , Takeuchi Kota , Nakamura Toka , Ukai Saki , Takahashi Yukino , Sato Akira , Takasawa Ryoko , Tanuma Sei‐ichi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExtracellular high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is known to mediate the inflammatory response through pattern recognition receptors, including the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) or the toll‐like receptors (TLRs). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether papaverine, a novel RAGE inhibitor, could suppress inflammatory pain in mice after several time points, which was induced by the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). We also investigated the influence of redox modulation during a state of chronic inflammatory pain. Although papaverine did not suppress CFA‐induced mechanical allodynia on Day 7, papaverine significantly suppressed CFA‐induced mechanical allodynia on Days 14 and 28. In contrast, the radical scavenger N‐tert‐Butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone (PBN) suppressed mechanical allodynia in mice on Days 7 and 14, but not on Day 28. We demonstrated that the RAGE inhibitor improves mechanical allodynia in chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, we also found that high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributed to the early phase of CFA‐induced mechanical allodynia. Precisely, lower ROS levels contributed to the inflammatory pain response via the all‐thiol HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway during the chronic state. These findings led us to propose that ROS levels modulate RAGE and/or TLR4‐mediated inflammatory allodynia by regulating the concentrations of disulfide HMGB1 or all‐thiol HMGB1.