bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aliphatic Amines are Viable Pro-drug Moieties in Phosphonoamidate Drugs
Authors: Yan Victoria C. , Pham Cong-Dat , Arthur Kenisha , Muller Florian L. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTPhosphate and phosphonates containing a single P-N bond are frequently used pro-drug motifs to improve cell permeability of these otherwise anionic moieties. Upon entry into the cell, the P-N bond is cleaved by phosphoramidases to release the active agent. Here, we apply a novel mono-amidation strategy to our laboratory’s phosphonate-containing glycolysis inhibitor and show that a diverse panel of phosphonoamidates may be rapidly generated for in vitro screening. We show that, in contrast to the canonical L-alanine or benzylamine moieties which have previously been reported as efficacious pro-drug moieties, small aliphatic amines demonstrate greater drug release efficacy for our phosphonate inhibitor. These results expand the scope of possible amine pro-drugs that can be used as second pro-drug leave groups for phosphate or phosphonate-containing drugs.Abstract Figure
On Data-Driven Management of the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Africa
Authors: Mbuvha Rendani , Marwala Tshilidzi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the need for the development of rapid mitigating responses under conditions of extreme uncertainty. While numerous works have provided projections of the progression of the pandemic, very little work has been focused on its progression in Africa and South Africa, in particular. In this work, we calibrate the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) compartmental model to South African data using initial conditions inferred from progression in Hubei, China and Lombardy, Italy. The results suggest two plausible hypotheses - either the COVID-19 pandemic is still at very early stages of progression in South Africa or a combination of prompt mitigating measures, demographics and social factors have resulted in a slowdown in its spread and severity. We further propose pandemic monitoring and health system capacity metrics for assisting decision-makers in evaluating which of the two hypotheses is most probable.
Predicting the number of reported and unreported cases for the COVID-19 epidemics in China, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany and United Kingdom
Authors: Liu Z. , Magal P. , Webb G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe model the COVID-19 coronavirus epidemics in China, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany and United Kingdom. We use early reported case data to predict the cumulative number of reported cases to a final size in each country. The key features of our model are the timing of implementation of major public policies restricting social movement, the identification and isolation of unreported cases, and the impact of asymptomatic infectious cases.
Identification of the Likely Orthologues of RCD1 within the Plant Family Brassicaceae
Authors: Siddiqua Beena , Qamarunnisa Syeda , Azhar Abid 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTRCD1 is a signal transduction factor binding protein that gateways a myriad of developmental and stress-related pathways. It was first reported in the wild plantA. thaliana. Brassica napusis a cultivated member of the family Brassicaceae, in which the presence of this gene was reported. Using the homology data of these two family-related species, gene for this protein was mined within the genomes ofBrassica carinata, Brassica junceaandBrassica oleracea, using sets of degenerate primers designed on homologous portions of theA. thalianaandB. napusorthologues. The newly identified sequences were then compared and studied usingin-silicomeans and their 3D structures were modelled for having an estimate on their functions. Results demonstrate intergeneric conservation of this protein’s domains on structural and functional levels. The newly found orthologues show potential to be regulated under salinity and oxidative stresses apart from being involved in several developmental stages. These homologues are in-stablein-vivoand bear motifs for binding a wide-variety of transcription factors. The structure superimposition studies suggest that these Brassica orthologues bear the WWE domains having transferase activity, the fact that can dramatically increase the survival of these agriculturally important crop plants amid the adverse environmental conditions.
Investigations of the vortex ring state on a helicopter main rotor using the URANS solver
Authors: Stalewski Wienczyslaw , Surmacz Katarzyna 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to present the novel methodology of computational simulation of a helicopter flight, developed especially to investigate the vortex ring state (VRS) – a dangerous phenomenon that may occur in helicopter vertical or steep descent. Therefore, the methodology has to enable modelling of fast manoeuvres of a helicopter such as the entrance in and safe escape from the VRS. The additional purpose of the paper is to discuss the results of conducted simulations of such manoeuvres.

Design/methodology/approach
The developed methodology joins several methods of computational fluid dynamics and flight dynamic. The approach consists of calculation of aerodynamic forces acting on rotorcraft, by solution of the unsteady Reynold-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations using the finite volume method. In parallel, the equations of motion of the helicopter and the fluid–structure-interaction equations are solved. To reduce computational costs, the flow effects caused by rotating blades are modelled using a simplified approach based on the virtual blade model.

Findings
The developed methodology of computational simulation of fast manoeuvres of a helicopter may be a valuable and reliable tool, useful when investigating the VRS. The presented results of conducted simulations of helicopter manoeuvres qualitatively comply with both the results of known experimental studies and flight tests.

Research limitations/implications
The continuation of the presented research will primarily include quantitative validation of the developed methodology, with respect to well-documented flight tests of real helicopters.

Practical implications
The VRS is a very dangerous phenomenon that usually causes a sudden decrease of rotor thrust, an increase of the descent rate, deterioration of manoeuvrability and deficit of power. Because of this, it is difficult and risky to test the VRS during the real flight tests. Therefore, the reliable computer simulations performed using the developed methodology can significantly contribute to increase helicopter flight safety.

Originality/value
The paper presents the innovative and original methodology for simulating fast helicopter manoeuvres, distinguished by the original approach to flight control as well as the fact that the aerodynamic forces acting on the rotorcraft are calculated during the simulation based on the solution of URANS equations.
The requisite match between internal resources and network ties to cope with knowledge scarcity
Authors: Thrassou Alkis , Vrontis Demetris , Crescimanno Maria , Giacomarra Marcella , Galati Antonino 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the internationalization strategies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the interaction between network ties and “soft” internal resources at the foundation of knowledge management (KM). Specifically, it identifies the firms’ internal capabilities that affect KM strategies, and their collective influence on the degree of internationalization; verifies the influence of network ties on the internationalization process itself; and develops a conceptual “preliminary theoretical framework of SME internationalization capabilities and networks.”Design/methodology/approachThe primary research and analysis are based on a proportional stratified sample of Sicilian wineries; while the conceptual and implicative developments of the paper rest on the combination of the theoretical with the primary findings of the research, and, it has been designed and tested through eight experts’ interviews/reviews.FindingsFindings underline a strong influence of the internal capabilities of firms on the internationalization process. In addition, an important role in the export process emerges from the acquisition of information and knowledge through the establishment of networks.Research limitations/implicationsThe results need to be interpreted within the context for which this study was designed and cannot be applied generally to all businesses. However, results allow cellars’ managers to better understand the relationships among the influencing factors of SMEs internationalization.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies not only in its above-stated explicit theoretical objectives and findings but also in its comprehensive conceptual framework that theoretically incorporates the “strategic” with the “internal” and “networking” aspects; purposefully also arming the industry with a practicable tool toward managerial implementation.
Quercetin supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hosseinikia Mahboobe , Oubari Farhad , Hosseinkia Roghaye , Tabeshfar Zibaneh , Salehi Mohammad Gharib , Mousavian Zeinab , Abbasi Mehrnaz , Samadi Mehnoosh , Pasdar Yahya 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease which has become a public health concern, whose growing prevalence has been reported as around 33.9% in Iran. As oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, antioxidant compounds such as quercetin could ameliorate the side effect of oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of quercetin on lipid profile, liver enzymes and inflammatory indices in NAFLD patients.

Design/methodology/approach
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted as a pilot study, 90 patients with NAFLD were supplemented with either a quercetin or a placebo capsule twice daily (500 mg) for 12 weeks. Both groups were advised to follow an energy-balanced diet with physical activity recommendations. Blood sample was obtained for laboratory parameters at baseline and the end of week 12.

Findings
At the end of the follow-up, quercetin group had significantly greater reduction in anthropometric parameters, cholesterol (−15 ± (−41, 0.00) in Q group versus −1± (−8, 2) in control group, p = 0.004), TG (−56.7 ± 22.7) in Q group versus −13.4 ± 27.7 in control group, p = 0.04), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (−49.5 ± (−99, 21) in Q group versus −5 ± (−21, 0.30) in the control group, p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. However, changes in fatty liver grade, liver enzymes, as well as high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were not significantly different between the two groups.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first study which assessed the effect of quercetin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile and inflammatory indices of NAFLD patients as a double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study.
Temporal and spatial localisation of general movement complexity and variation—Why Gestalt assessment requires experience
Authors: Wu Ying‐Chin , van Rijssen Ilse M. , Buurman Maria T. , Dijkstra Linze‐Jaap , Hamer Elisa G. , Hadders‐Algra Mijna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimGeneral movements’ assessment (GMA), based on Gestalt perception, identifies infants at risk of cerebral palsy. However, the requirement of ample experience to construct the assessor's inner criteria for abnormal movement hampers its widespread clinical use. This study aims to describe details of general movements (GMs) in various body parts and to investigate their association with GMA‐Gestalt.MethodsParticipants were 24 typically developing infants and 22 very‐high‐risk infants. GMs were assessed during the writhing (0‐8 weeks) and/or fidgety GM phase (2‐5 months) by GMA‐Gestalt and a semi‐quantification of the duration of simple movements and complex movements in various body parts.ResultsDuring both GM phases, the quality of movement often varied within a single assessment, but the degree of complexity and variation of movements in trunk, arms and legs were interrelated (ρ = 0.32‐0.84). Longer durations of complex movements in arms and legs (P < .042) were further associated with a better quality in GMA‐Gestalt. Head movement was associated with movements in other body parts only in the writhing phase and not associated with GMA‐Gestalt during both GM phases.ConclusionInfants did not show consistently over time and across body parts simple or complex movements. Detailed description of movement characteristics may facilitate the development of computer‐based GMA.
Aims of the Childhood Myasthenia Gravis Study Group in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Masatoshi , Nomura Yoshiko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA Japanese epidemiological study about the age of onset of myasthenia gravis (MG) showed the highest peak at ages <5 years, besides the peak observed in adults, which was confirmed in east Asian populations, such as Korea, China and Hong Kong, and is different from that observed in white populations. The Childhood MG Study Group in Japan held an annual workshop for 12 years (from 2006 to 2017), in which the participants debated and obtained information about the clinical problems and related basic sciences of childhood MG. This workshop featured two kinds of presentations: research and clinical experiences. For the case presentation, 42 cases were reported, of which 14 were ocular MG and 28 were generalized MG, including nine cases of latent generalized MG. Seronegative MG was reported in eight cases, muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase‐positive MG in one case and congenital myasthenic syndrome in four cases. Treatment of MG patients was various; tacrolimus was used for 23 cases, cyclosporine for two, a high dose of gamma‐globulin for 13 and thymectomy for 10. For the research presentation, various points of view were reported about the pathogenetic mechanism or treatment by top neurologists and scientists in Japan. This workshop will contribute to continued efforts of clinicians to treat patients, and researchers further progressing in their studies.
Perspectives on donor lung allocation from both sides of the Atlantic: The United States
Authors: Tsuang Wayne M. , Snyder Laurie D. , Budev Marie M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDonor lung allocation in the United States focuses on decreasing waitlist mortality and improving recipient outcomes. The implementation of allocation policy to match deceased donor lungs to waitlisted patients occurs through a unique partnership between government and private organizations, namely the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network under the Department of Health and Human Services and the United Network for Organ Sharing. In 2005, the donor lung allocation algorithm shifted toward the prioritization of medical urgency of waitlisted patients instead of time accrued on the waitlist. This led to the Lung Allocation Score, which weighs over a dozen clinical variables to predict a 1‐year estimate of survival benefit, and is used to prioritize waitlisted patients. In 2017, the use of local allocation boundaries was eliminated in favor of a 250 nautical mile radius from the donor hospital as the first unit of distance used in allocation. The next upcoming iteration of donor allocation policy is expected to use a continuous distribution algorithm where all geographic boundaries are eliminated. There are additional opportunities to improve donor lung allocation, such as for patients with high antibody titers with access to a limited number of donors.
Renal arteriolar hyalinosis, not intimal thickening in large arteries, is associated with cardiovascular events in people with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Morimoto K. , Matsui M. , Samejima K. , Kanki T. , Nishimoto M. , Tanabe K. , Murashima M. , Eriguchi M. , Akai Y. , Iwano M. , Shiiki H. , Yamada H. , Kanauchi M. , Dohi K. , Tsuruya K. , Saito Y. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsDiabetic nephropathy, a pathologically diagnosed microvascular complication of diabetes, is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular events, which mainly involve arteries larger than those affected in diabetic nephropathy. However, the association between diabetic nephropathy pathological findings and cardiovascular events has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate whether the pathological findings in diabetic nephropathy are closely associated with cardiovascular event development.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analysed 377 people with type 2 diabetes and biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy, with a median follow‐up of 5.9 years (interquartile range 2.0 to 13.5). We investigated how cardiovascular events were impacted by two vascular diabetic nephropathy lesions, namely arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial intimal thickening, and by glomerular and interstitial lesions.ResultsOf the 377 people with diabetic nephropathy, 331 (88%) and 295 (78%) had arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial intimal thickening, respectively. During the entire follow‐up period, those with arteriolar hyalinosis had higher cardiovascular event rates in the crude Kaplan–Meier analysis than those without these lesions (P = 0.005, log‐rank test). When fully adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, arteriolar hyalinosis independently predicted cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 3.86], but we did not find any relationship between arterial intimal thickening and cardiovascular events (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.60, 1.37). Additionally, neither glomerular nor interstitial lesions were independently associated with cardiovascular events in the fully adjusted model.ConclusionsArteriolar hyalinosis, but not intimal thickening of large arteries, was strongly associated with cardiovascular events in people with diabetic nephropathy.
Influence of school environment on occurrence of traumatic dental injuries in 12 years old children
Authors: Quezada‐Conde Maritza Del Carmen , Alvarez‐Velasco Patricia de Lourdes , Lopez Edisson Fernando , Medina Marco Vinicio , Marques Renata Pereira de Samuel , Wanderley Marcia Turolla , Michel-Crosato E. , Pannuti Claudio Mendes , Frias Antonio Carlos , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Mendes Fausto Medeiros 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground/AimSince children spend most of their time in school, some environmental characteristics of the schools may influence the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI). Therefore, the aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the prevalence of TDI in 12 years old children in Quito, Ecuador, and its association with some school environmental aspects.Material and methodsSix calibrated examiners evaluated 998 children from 31 public schools of Quito, to evaluate the occurrence of TDI in anterior teeth. School coordinators answered questionnaires on school physical conditions, promotion of health practices and the occurrence of negative episodes in school. The occlusion and socioeconomic status of the participants were also evaluated. Prevalence of TDI, unadjusted and adjusted by the design effect was calculated. Association between individual and contextual explanatory variables and presence of TDI were evaluated using multilevel Poisson regression analysis (P < .05).ResultsTDI prevalence adjusted by design effect was 20.7%. Children studying in schools with patio floor of grass and with access ramps had significantly lower prevalence of TDI than children studying in schools with patio floor of cement and with only stairs, respectively. The prevalence of TDI was also lower in children from schools that offered healthy meals or that had a proper place for oral hygiene.ConclusionsSchools with adequate physical structures and that promote health practices to their students have a lower prevalence of TDI.
Ageing culturally significant relic trees in southeast Queensland to support bushfire management strategies
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Knight Jon , Hua Quan , Dowling Ralph , Kington David , Burns Darren 
Published: April 2020

SummaryAppropriate fire management strategies are needed to protect forests and large old ecologically and culturally significant trees in natural landscapes. The aim of this study was to determine the age of large old and relic trees of cultural significance that included Cypress Pine (Callitris columellaris F. Muell.), a species that is sensitive to crown scorching fires in a fire‐prone landscape, and to calibrate a tree‐growth‐rate method for estimating tree age. Twelve large trees were dated using radiocarbon (14C) dating. The trees are located on North Stradbroke Island (Indigenous name: Minjerribah), southeast Queensland (Australia) in a fire‐prone landscape where recent wildfires have destroyed many large trees. The median tree ages ranged from 155 to 369 years. These results suggest an important role of past Indigenous land management practices in protecting Cypress Pine from crown scorching fires. The tree‐growth‐rate‐based method for estimating tree age generally overestimated the age derived from radiocarbon dating. Bias correction factors were developed for correcting various measures of periodic growth rates. This study provides evidence that appropriate low‐intensity fire strategies have the potential to contribute to the survival of forests and conserve large old trees.
Early developmental electroencephalography abnormalities, neonatal seizures, and induced spasms in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Rensing Nicholas , Johnson Kevin J. , Foutz Thomas J. , Friedman Joseph L. , Galindo Rafael , Wong Michael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Seizures in TSC typically first present in infancy or early childhood, including focal seizures and infantile spasms. Infantile spasms in TSC are particularly characteristic in its strong responsiveness to vigabatrin. Although a number of mouse models of epilepsy in TSC have been described, there are very limited electroencephalographic (EEG) or seizure data during the preweanling neonatal and infantile‐equivalent mouse periods. Tsc1GFAPCKO mice are a well‐characterized mouse model of epilepsy in TSC, but whether these mice have seizures during early development has not been documented. The objective of this study was to determine whether preweanling Tsc1GFAPCKO mice have developmental EEG abnormalities or seizures, including spasms.MethodsLongitudinal video‐EEG and electromyographic recordings were performed serially on Tsc1GFAPCKO and control mice from postnatal days 9‐21 and analyzed for EEG background abnormalities, sleep‐wake vigilance states, and spontaneous seizures. Spasms were also induced with varying doses of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA).ResultsThe interictal EEG of Tsc1GFAPCKO mice had excessive discontinuity and slowing, suggesting a delayed developmental progression compared with control mice. Tsc1GFAPCKO mice also had increased vigilance state transitions and fragmentation. Tsc1GFAPCKO mice had spontaneous focal seizures in the early neonatal period and a reduced threshold for NMDA‐induced spasms, but no spontaneous spasms were observed.SignificanceNeonatal Tsc1GFAPCKO mice recapitulate early developmental aspects of EEG abnormalities, focal seizures, and an increased propensity for spasms. This mouse model may be useful for early mechanistic and therapeutic studies of epileptogenesis in TSC.