bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of local strains of Fusarium oxysporium f. Sp. Strigae to control Striga hermonthica on local maize in western Kenya
Authors: Oula Dorah A. , Nyongesah John M. , Odhiambo George , Wagai Samuel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStriga hermonthica weed infestation continues to persist among smallholder poor farmers in Kenya who depend on traditional maize (Zea mays L.) seeds for their livelihood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five local Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Strigae strains (FK1, FK2, FK3, FK4, and FK5) to control Striga on susceptible local maize cultivar “Rachar” in three farmer field sites in Siaya County, Kenya. A complete randomized block design was used in each site. Statistical analysis was done using SAS 9.1 software, and means for different strains were tested with Fisher's LSD. The strains differentially reduced the number of emerged Striga and infected most of the emerged Striga, which affected performance of the local maize. Striga emergence and infection rates were significantly different (p < .05) between different strains of F. oxysporum f. sp. strigae. FK1 and FK2 strains had the least pathogenicity, while FK5 strain had the highest pathogenicity on Striga. Soil and climatic factors influenced the rate of infection for the tested strains and maize performance. Improvement in yield during the short rains was attributed to the persistence of Fusarium strains in the soil. Based on Striga emergence and infection rates, and maize yield, FK5 was the most effective strain to curb Striga menace. Adoption of local F. oxysporum strains will increase maize yield in Siaya County's Striga‐infested fields from a dismal average of 0.95 t/ha to about 1.95 t/ha. The observed significant differences in the tested strains between sites for the infection and emergence rates revealed the importance of considering pathogens on a field‐to‐field basis. Further studies should be carried out to establish the relationship between soil properties and the five fungal strains.
Structural correlates of atypical visual and motor cortical oscillations in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Waldman Amy T. , Sollee John R. , Datta Ritobrato , Lavery Amy M. , Liu Geraldine , Aleman Tomas S. , Banwell Brenda L. , Gaetz William C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) negatively impacts the visual pathway as well as motor processing speed. Relationships between MS‐related diffuse structural damage of gray and white matter (WM) tissue and cortical responses to visual and motor stimuli remain poorly understood. We used magnetoencephalography in 14 POMS patients and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls to assess visual gamma (30–80 Hz), motor gamma (60–90 Hz), and motor beta (15–30 Hz) cortical oscillatory responses to a visual‐motor task. Then, 3T MRI was used to: (a) calculate fractional anisotropy (FA) of the posterior visual and corticospinal motor WM pathways and (b) quantify volume and thickness of the cuneus and primary motor cortex. Visual gamma band power was reduced in POMS and was associated with reduced FA of the optic radiations but not with loss of cuneus volume or thickness. Activity in the primary motor cortex, as measured by postmovement beta rebound amplitude associated with peak latency, was decreased in POMS, although this reduction was not predicted by structural metrics. Our findings implicate loss of WM integrity as a contributor to reduced electrical responses in the visual cortex in POMS. Future work in larger cohorts will inform on the cognitive implications of this finding in terms of visual processing function and will determine whether the progressive loss of brain volume known to occur in POMS ultimately contributes to both progressive dysfunction in such tasks as well as progressive reduction in cortical electrical responses in the visual cortex.
Influence of Fundão Tailings Dam Breach on Water Quality in the Doce River Watershed
Authors: da Cunha Richard Eduardo , de Aguiar Duarte Helvecio , Calderucio Duque Estrada Gustavo , Bechtold Jean-Philippe , Gusso Maioli Brigida , Araujo de Freitas Antonio Henrique , Elizabeth Warner Kara , Melges Figueiredo Luis Henrique 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The Fundão dam (Minas Gerais, Brazil) breach resulted in the transport and deposition of Fe mine tailings and debris for approximately 670 km along the Doce River watershed. Following the event, an extensive water quality monitoring program was implemented. The results generated by this program were used to assess the temporal and spatial impacts of the event on water quality. Data from several sampling sites situated along affected watercourses collected from 6 November 2015 to 27 September 2017 were evaluated. The sampling area was grouped into 4 zones delineated by hydropower plant dams located along the Doce River watershed and divided into 5 distinct time periods related to hydrological seasonality. Data were also compared to the Brazilian standards of water quality and available pre-event conditions. Principal component analysis followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to evaluate the observed temporal and spatial trends and patterns. The results indicated that concentrations of 58 water quality parameters increased with the arrival of the tailings wave released by the breach, generally exceeding pre-event and regulatory levels. Persistent or seasonally recurring concentrations were observed for 30 water quality parameters. Concentrations of total and dissolved forms of Fe, Al, Mn, total P, total suspended solids, and turbidity tended to increase during the wet season and decrease during the dry season, this trend being more pronounced close to the dam. The water quality changes were more pronounced immediately after the arrival of the tailings wave, gradually decreasing over time and returning prebreach conditions, but fluctuated seasonally in response to the natural variation in river flow. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:583–595. © 2020 SETAC
The roles of PAD2‐ and PAD4‐mediated protein citrullination catalysis in cancers
Authors: Wang Yanbin , Chen Riping , Gan Yihan , Ying Shibo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPeptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) catalyze the conversion of arginine residues to citrulline residues on target proteins in the presence of calcium ions. This elaborate type of posttranslational modification is termed citrullination. PADs may regulate gene transcriptional activity via histone citrullination. There has been an increasing appreciation for the roles of PADs in a wide variety of biological processes. In this review article, we summarize recent evidence indicating that PADs and citrullinated proteins are involved in several physiological and pathological processes related to cancer. Of particular interest is that PAD2 and PAD4 exhibit characteristic expression levels, activities and specific biological effects in diverse types of cancer. We also list several PAD inhibitors, propose the possible mechanisms underlying the biological actions of PAD‐mediated protein citrullination in experimental models and discuss the potential therapeutic value of PADs and their inhibitors for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Use of SysML to Generate Failure Modes and Effects Analyses for Microgrid Control Systems
Authors: Hecht Myron 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTIn this article, I present a method for producing a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) from SysML together with an application to a microgrid control system. The significance of the method is the modeling of failure propagation which enables not only an automated approach but also additional results that systems engineers can use to support resiliency, safety, and cybersecurity. I discuss the analysis products and insight they provide.
Defining Critical Communications Networks: Modelling Networks as Systems
Authors: Manley Thomas , Ronning Susan , Scheible William 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTAs a society, we have become exceedingly dependent on our communication devices and the infrastructure networks supporting them. Even short duration network outages can result in chaos within public transport systems (air traffic control of commercial flights, traffic signaling of rail networks); disrupt financial systems (electronic payments, stock market transactions); and reduce business productivity (phone and email). It can also have the potential for loss of life: field utility workers communicating remotely with dispatch controllers to de‐energize and re‐energize lines for repair; law enforcement field personnel communicating needs for crowd control during riots; and alerting the public about dam breaches through emergency notification systems.This article helps explain what critical communications networks are, where these networks fit within a systems‐of‐systems context, and what other systems must also be resilient, redundant, and reliable to ensure communication networks can continue to operate as designed. It also introduces systems engineering principles, techniques, and approaches that we can use to aid in the design of critical wireless and wireline communications networks for normal day‐to‐day operations, and for the protection and recovery of those networks during service disruptions caused by man‐made and natural events.
Unique corneal tomography features of allergic eye disease identified by OCT imaging and artificial intelligence
Authors: Matalia Himanshu , Matalia Jyoti , Pisharody Anchana , Patel Yash , Chinnappaiah Nandini , Salomao Marcella , Ambrosio Renato , Sinha Roy Abhijit 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess unique corneal tomographic parameters of allergic eye disease (AED) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and artificial intelligence (AI). A total of 57 eyes diagnosed with AED were included. The curvature and aberrations of the air‐epithelium (A‐E) and epithelium‐Bowman's layer (E‐B) interfaces were calculated. Random forest AI models were built combing this data with the parameters of healthy, forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) and KC eyes. The AI models were cross‐validated with 3‐fold random sampling. Each model was limited to 10 trees. The AI model incorporating both A‐E and E‐B parameters provided the best classification of AED eyes (area under the curve = 0.958, sensitivity = 80.7%, specificity = 98.5%, precision = 88.2%). Further, the E‐B interface parameters provided the highest information gain in the AI model. A few AED eyes (n = 9) had tomography parameters similar to FFKC and KC eyes and may be at risk of progression to KC.
Application of the Chromosome Image Analyzing System (CHIAS) for Straightening Cation‐treated Bent Chromosomes
Authors: Dwiranti Astari , Arifudin Fendi Sofyan , Takata Hideaki , Ohmido Nobuko , Fukui Kiichi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDivalent cations, mainly calcium and magnesium ions, are known to play a major role in the maintenance of chromosomes. The depletion of both ions using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) results in a bent chromosome structure with extended arms and dispersed chromatin fibers. The importance of divalent cations for the maintenance of chromosome structure has been reported previously; nevertheless, previous studies were limited to qualitative data only. Straightening the bent image of the chromosome would provide quantitative data. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cation depletion by the application of the Chromosome Image Analyzing System (CHIAS) to straighten bent chromosomes. Human HeLa chromosomes were treated with EDTA as a known chelating agent in order to investigate the importance of divalent cations on the maintenance of chromosome structure. Chromosomes were stained and directly observed with a fluorescence microscope. Images were then analyzed using CHIAS. The results revealed that EDTA‐treated chromosomes showed longer arms than those without EDTA treatment, and most of them tended to bend‐out. By straightening the image using CHIAS, the bent chromosomes were successfully straightened. The average lengths of the chromosomes treated with and without EDTA were 4.97 and 0.96 μm, respectively. These results signify the advantages of CHIAS for chromosome analysis and highlight the fundamental effects of cations on chromosome condensation.
Spirometry use in patients with sickle cell disease with and without asthma and acute chest syndrome: A multicenter study
Authors: Duckworth Laurie , Black Lucien Vandy , Ezmigna Dima , Green Jeanette , Yao Yingwei , Grannis Shaun , Klann Jeff , Applegate Reuben , Lipori Gigi , Wallace Tanya , Wilkie Diana J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA de‐identified data repository of electronic medical record data, i2b2 (Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside), including four geographically diverse academic medical centers, was queried to determine the use of diagnostic spirometry testing in African American children and young adults 5‐34 years of age with sickle cell disease (SCD) with or without a documented history of asthma and/or acute chest syndrome (ACS). A total of 2749 patients were identified with SCD, of these 577 had asthma and 409 had ACS. Cross‐referencing the CPT code for diagnostic spirometry showed that for patients identified as having SCD, a history of ACS, and a diagnosis of asthma, only 31% across all four centers had spirometry. Having an asthma diagnosis was associated with ACS. Among SCD patients with asthma, the proportion with ACS for the four centers was 47%, 75%, 38%, and 36% respectively. The bivariate association between asthma and ACS for each Center was significant for each (P < .001). To summarize, only one third of patients with co‐morbid SCD, ACS, and asthma received the spirometry procedure as recommended in evidence‐based guidelines, suggesting limited testing for changes in pulmonary function. Future studies to determine barriers and facilitators to implementation of pulmonary testing in SCD are warranted.
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium in strawberry juice enriched with strawberry polyphenols
Authors: Vallejo Claudia Verónica , Minahk Carlos Javier , Rollán Graciela Celestina , Rodríguez‐Vaquero María José 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDLow molecular‐weight phenolic fractions (LMPFs) were extracted from Albion (LMPF‐A) and Camarosa (LMPF‐C) strawberry cultivars. Their antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium cocktails in vitro and in vivo was investigated using strawberry juice as a food model. This study also sought to determine their antibacterial mechanism.RESULTSQuercetin was identified as a principal compound in both phenolic fractions. The minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) values were 750 and 850 μg mL−1 (LMPF‐C) and 800 and 950 μg mL−1 (LMPF‐A) against S.Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes, respectively. The possible antibacterial activity of the phenolic extracts could be related to the release of phosphate and potassium ions, the effect of the disruption of membrane integrity on L. monocytogenes, and the effect of the inhibition of dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase activity on S. Typhimurium. Quercetin and kaempferol were the most active compounds in producing bacterial damage. Strawberry juice supplemented with the phenolic fractions and incubated at 37, 20, and 4 °C reduced bacterial viability; moreover, after treatment with the phenolic fraction at the lowest temperature, no viable cells were detected after 7 days’ incubation. Salmonella was more sensitive to the supplements than Listeria in strawberry juice.CONCLUSIONSThis study could form the basis for the development of natural antibacterial agents that could be included in natural juice or used by the pharmaceutical industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing method modulates the effectiveness of black beans for lowering blood cholesterol in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Loader Tara B , Zahradka Peter , Ahmadi Shokoufeh , Taylor Carla G 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDVarious foods are known to have beneficial effects on health when consumed whole; however, there is a trend towards preparing foods from processed ingredients, and it remains unclear whether the benefits of the whole food are retained. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine whether different processing techniques affect the lowering of cholesterol and the vascular effects of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).RESULTSBeans were prepared by overnight soaking and boiling – the standard method – and by micronization, extrusion, or dehulling and boiling, and they were then fine milled. Beans prepared by the standard method were also coarse milled. These five materials were incorporated into semi‐purified diets (30% wt/wt) and fed to spontaneously hypertensive rats for 4 weeks. Body weight, blood pressure, and aorta morphology were unaltered by the diets. Fasting total cholesterol was significantly reduced in rats fed micronized beans compared with extruded beans (both fine‐milled) or the bean‐free diet, while boiling combined with coarse milling lowered low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The lack of cholesterol lowering in rats fed extruded bean compared to micronized was not explained by the amount or composition of dietary fiber or resistant starch. Differences in the polyphenolic profile as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were also unable to explain the variations in cholesterol‐lowering capacity.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrates that processing of black beans alters the health effects observed with the whole pulse, and suggests that products prepared with processed ingredients will need to be tested empirically to establish whether the biological effects are maintained in vivo. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Kaolin, Ascophyllum nodosum and salicylic acid mitigate effects of summer stress improving hazelnut quality
Authors: Cabo Sandra , Aires Alfredo , Carvalho Rosa , Vilela Alice , Pascual‐Seva Núria , Silva Ana Paula , Gonçalves Berta 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDVarious strategies are needed to mitigate the negative impact on or to increase fruit quality. The effect of spraying kaolin (K), Ascophyllum nodosum (An) and salicylic acid (SA), in trees with and without irrigation, on quality and sensorial attributes of hazelnut (Grada de Viseu cultivar) was investigated during two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) in a commercial orchard located in Moimenta da Beira, Portugal.RESULTSThe treatments affected positively the biometric parameters nut and kernel weight, length, width, thickness and volume as well as the vitamin E level, antioxidant activity and content of some individual phenolics, such as protocatechuic acid, gallocatechin, catechin and epicatechin. The levels of amino acids in hazelnut kernels decreased in all the assayed treatments, while the kernel colour and sensorial attributes were not affected by the treatments. Hazelnut physical properties (nut and kernels), chemical and phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities were positively related.CONCLUSIONSThe application of K, An and SA improved the hazelnut tree response to climate change, without compromising the hazelnut chemical and sensorial quality. Furthermore, due to the similar observations for the same treatments with and without irrigation, it can be stated that K, An and SA can be efficient and cost‐effective tools to mitigate summer stress in rain‐fed orchards. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement of Strain‐Sensing Performance through Gas Phase Incorporation of Siloxane into Thermoplastic Polyurethane‐Conducting Polymer Composite
Authors: Losaria Pauline May , Yim Jin‐Heong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)‐conducting polymer (CP)–SiO2 hybrid strain sensors are fabricated via the simultaneous co‐vaporization of a CP monomer with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and polypyrrole (PPy) hybrids prepared using the oxidant, iron (III) p‐toluenesulfonate hexahydrate (FTS) with TPU as the substrate are explored along with the effect of hybridization on their sensing performance and mechanical properties. The SiO2 is mostly formed on the surface and the CP is successfully polymerized within the TPU matrix. The sensor can be stretched further by up to 290% more than the pristine counterpart. Moreover, stretch‐release cycles show an increase in the relative resistance of the sensor by up to 89%, thereby improving its sensitivity. The sensors can detect motion at various strain levels, different speeds, and continuous deformation at different strains. The sensor’s reliability is tested by up to 1000 cycles at 10% strain, as well as other kinds of distortion such as bending and twisting. The created organic‐inorganic hybrid sensor exhibits a synergistic enhancement of both its mechanical properties and electromechanical performance. Furthermore, the processability of the elastomer and the versatility of the incorporated siloxane component have allowed the homogeneous distribution of the active elements (PEDOT, PPy).
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly to Produce Prodrug Nanoparticles with Reduction‐Responsive Camptothecin Release and pH‐Responsive Charge‐Reversible Property
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Chen Miao , Zhang Wei‐Guo , Wang Chang‐Hui , Wang Fei , You Ye‐Zi , Zhang Wen‐Jian , Hong Chun‐Yan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPolymerization‐induced self‐assembly has been demonstrated to be a powerful strategy for fabricating polymeric nanoparticles in the last two decades. However, the stringent requirements for the monomers greatly limit the chemical versatility of PISA‐based functional nanoparticles and expanding the monomer family of PISA is still highly desirable. Herein, a camptothecin analogue (CPTM) is first used as the monomer in PISA. Prodrug nanoparticles with reduction‐responsive camptothecin release behavior are fabricated at 10% solid concentration (100 mg g−1). Poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA) and poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) are used as the macro RAFT agents to comediate the RAFT dispersion polymerization of CPTM in ethanol to produce the PHPMA/PDEAEMA‐stabilized nanoparticles. The PDEAEMA chains become hydrophobic and are in the collapsed state at physiological pH values. In contrast, in the vicinity of an acidic tumor, the tertiary amine groups of PDEAEMA chains are rapidly protonated, leading to fast hydrophobic‐hydrophilic transitions and charge reversal. Such fast charge‐reversal results in enhanced cancer cell internalization of the prodrug nanoparticles, thus achieving superior anticancer efficacy.