bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil and crop management systems that ameliorate damage caused by decades of dryland agroecosystem mismanagement
Authors: Peterson G. A. , Westfall D. G. , Schipanski M. E. , Fonte S. J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSustainable crop production in the Great Plains of North America has been challenging since early settlement times, and mismanagement has severely damaged our dryland agroecosystems. The unintentional damage stemmed from using practices unsuited to dryer climates. In fact, the management practices imported from more humid agricultural areas during the settlement period were considered the best ways to farm. The Dust Bowl era was the disastrous result of creating bare soil surfaces, with aggregates pulverized by excessive tillage on millions of hectares of land. It became obvious to pioneer scientists that retaining cover on the soil surface was critical to sustainability and their early efforts resulted in a widely adopted practice known as stubble mulch. Stubble mulch practices markedly decreased the rate of damage to dryland ecosystems. Advent of herbicidal weed control led to reduced and no‐till practices that not only increased soil cover, but also significantly enhanced soil water conservation. This paper focuses on how and why the coupling of conservation tillage and cropping intensification is ameliorating the damage that accrued over decades of agroecosystem mismanagement. The objectives of this paper are to (a) remind us of fragile nature of the Great Plains ecosystem, (b) review how and why ecosystems were degraded, and (c) identify principles and associated practices for amelioration.
An efficient low‐cost xylem sap isolation method for bacterial wilt assays in tomato
Authors: Longchar Bendangchuchang , Phukan Tarinee , Yadav Sarita , Senthil‐Kumar Muthappa 
Published: April 2020

PremiseA portable, simple, yet efficient method was developed for the rapid extraction of xylem sap from the stems and petioles of tomato plants for diagnostic and quantification assays of the xylem‐colonizing wilt bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum.Methods and ResultsXylem saps were extracted from tomato stem sections using negative pressure generated from handheld needleless syringes. The samples were collected from plants grown under different soil moisture levels at four days after inoculation with the pathogen. Pipette tips were modified to serve as adapters for the stem sections. The quantification of the bacterial load in the extracted sap was performed by plating sap dilutions in Kelman's triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) medium. Pathogen identity was further confirmed by performing a PCR using R. solanacearum‐specific primers.ConclusionsDue to its simplicity, portability, and thoroughness of extraction from predetermined tissue sizes, the method can potentially facilitate high‐throughput onsite sampling from a large number of samples in a short time, which cannot be achieved with other available techniques.
Using a portable hydrogen cyanide gas meter to uncover a dynamic phytochemical landscape
Authors: Smiley John , Morrison Colin R. 
Published: April 2020

PremiseOver 3000 species of plants and animals release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas when their tissues are crushed. To investigate the role of cyanogenesis in Passiflora–herbivore interactions, we developed an inexpensive, rapid, sensitive method for measuring HCN emissions from crushed tissues.MethodsThe method includes crushed tissue confinement in a closed chamber, where cyanogenesis reactions occur, followed by evacuation of gas to a portable HCN meter. Parts per million readings are repeated at 5‐min intervals until HCN is depleted. Three versions of the closed reaction chamber apparatus were tested: plastic cup, airtight combination mortar‐pestle, and glass desiccator jar.ResultsWe calibrated the method by comparing with a closed chamber measurement apparatus. The procedure's repeatability was demonstrated with a standard curve using known quantities of cyanogenic glycoside standard. Data collected with this method were also compared with the conventional colorimetric procedure. We processed over 2000 samples using this technique, revealing diverse elements of cyanogenic variation.ConclusionsThese methods produced well‐defined data with minimal error. Results illustrated a one to four order‐of‐magnitude variation at organizational levels ranging from individual leaves to the entire Passiflora community. We now have a promising tool for uncovering the HCN phytochemical landscape in unprecedented detail.
Zinc Powder Catalysed Formylation and Urealation of Amines Using CO2 as a C1 Building Block†
Authors: Du Chongyang , Chen Yaofeng 
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionTransformation of CO2 into valuable organic compounds catalysed by cheap and biocompatible metal catalysts is one of important topics of current organic synthesis and catalysis. Herein, we report the zinc powder catalysed formylation and urealation of amines with CO2 and (EtO)3SiH under solvent free condition. Using 2 mol% zinc powder as the catalyst, a series of secondary amines, both the aromatic ones and the aliphatic ones, can be formylated into formamides. When primary aromatic amines were used as the substrates, the reactions produce urea derivatives. The electronic and steric effects from the substrates on the formylation and urealation reactions were observed and discussed. The recovery and reusability of zinc powder were investigated, showing the zinc powder can be reused in the formylation reaction without loss of catalytic activity. The analysis on the reactants/products mixture after filtering out the zinc powder showed the zinc concentration in the mixture is low to 1 ppm. The pathways for the formylation and urealation of amines with this catalytic system were also investigated, and related to the different substrates.
Oxidative Dehydrogenative Silylation‐Alkenation Reaction of Alkyl Aromatics with Silanes
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Yongxin , Su Yingpeng , Bao Xiazhen , Fu Ying , Huo Congde 
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionA Cu(OAc)2/DDQ/DTBP/Py system catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenative silylation‐alkenation tandem reaction of readily available alkyl aromatic compounds with silanes was established. A variety of functionalized alkenyl organosilicon compounds were provided in good to high yields with a total β‐(E) selectivity. The control experiments revealed that the transformation might proceed through a radical pathway.
Non‐Aqueous Phospholipid Concentrates for Increasing the Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Compounds
Authors: van Hoogevest Peter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe properties and use of liquid non‐aqueous phospholipid concentrates (NAPC) are reviewed. They are mainly used to solubilize poorly water‐soluble drug substances to enhance their oral bioavailability, but they also find applicability in dietetics and cosmetics. Due to the large‐scale availability of these concentrates at good manufacturing practice quality including Drug Master File (DMF) documentation, they can be used for pre‐clinical screening and clinical testing and as market form, as demonstrated by the product of Wyeth/Pfizer, Rapamune, enabling a cost effective and fast dosage form development. When needed, NAPC can be converted to solid dosage forms by means of a capsule fill or addition of adsorbing excipients. It is concluded that NAPC deserve more attention and a broader use in the life science industry.Practical Applications: NAPCs are suitable as pre‐clinical formulation vehicle for screening of the oral bioavailability of poorly water‐soluble compounds. The same formulation can be used for clinical testing and market introduction, allowing a fast track dosage form development. When needed NAPC can be converted to solid dosage forms. NAPC have also applicability in dietetics and cosmetics to solubilize poorly water‐soluble compounds.
FAM35A/SHLD2/RINN2: A novel determinant of double strand break repair pathway choice and genome stability in cancer
Authors: Fackrell Kylie , Bobins LoriAnn , Parul  , Tomida Junya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFAM35A, alternatively known as SHLD2 and RINN2, was recently characterized as a DNA repair gene, evolutionarily conserved in higher vertebrates. FAM35A is a 53BP1‐pathway factor and a component of the Shieldin/RINN complex. Among 53BP1‐pathway factors, FAM35A has unique domains: an N‐terminal disordered domain and three C‐terminal OB‐fold domains. These C‐terminal domains have homology with the OB‐fold domains of the single‐stranded DNA binding protein, RPA1. With other 53BP1‐pathway factors, FAM35A inhibits DNA end resection. FAM35A defective cell lines are sensitive to DNA double‐strand break inducing agents. Concurrent FAM35A and BRCA1 defects in mammalian cell lines cause resistance to PARP inhibitors and camptothecin. The clinical relevance of this interaction is still unknown, but cancer genomics databases indicate that FAM35A is deleted in 6–13% of prostate cancers and in at least one triple negative breast cancer patient‐derived BRCA1 defective cell line. From meta‐analysis, FAM35A overexpression in patients with triple negative and basal‐like breast cancers is associated with poor survival compared to patients with low expression. From this evidence, clarification of FAM35A's function and the related mechanism of chemoresistance is likely to have clinical implications.
An efficient ψ‐v scheme for two‐dimensional laminar flow past bluff bodies on compact nonuniform grids
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kalita Jiten C. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryWe recently proposed a second‐order accurate ψ‐v formulation of the steady‐state Navier‐Stokes (N‐S) equations on compact Cartesian nonuniform grids. In the current work, we extend the ideas of the aforesaid formulation and propose a second‐order spatially compact, implicit, stable ψ‐v formulation for the unsteady incompressible N‐S equations. Contrary to the existing ψ‐v finite difference formulations which use grid transformation, the proposed scheme is developed for nonuniform Cartesian grids without transformation specifically designed for two‐dimensional laminar flow past bluff bodies. It has been implemented on problems of internal flows inside curved regions as well as those involving fluid‐embedded body interaction. However, the robustness of the scheme is highlighted by the accurate resolution of a host of complex flows past bluff bodies with different physical set‐ups and boundary conditions. It was seen to handle problems involving both uniform and accelerated flows across a wide range of structures of varied shape, namely, a flat plate, a circular cylinder, inclined square cylinder, and a wedge in channel hinged to the wall. Apart from elegantly capturing all the details of the shedded vortex structures under different circumstances, the scheme was also able to handle both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary with equal ease. In all the cases, our results are found to be extremely close to the available numerical and experimental results.
Childhood body mass index is associated with the risk of adult hematologic malignancies in men—The best Gothenburg cohort
Authors: Celind Jimmy , Ohlsson Claes , Bygdell Maria , Martikainen Jari , Lewerin Catharina , Kindblom Jenny M 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHematologic malignancies are common and the incidence is increasing. Adult obesity has been associated with hematologic malignancies (HM), but the importance of body mass index (BMI) in childhood and during puberty has not been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative contribution of BMI and height in childhood and during puberty for the risk of adult HM. 37 669 men born in 1946 to 1961 who had weight and height measured at 8 (childhood) and 20 (young adult age) years of age available from the BMI Epidemiology Study were included in the study. Pubertal BMI change was calculated as BMI at 20 years of age minus BMI at 8 years of age. Information on HM was retrieved from Swedish registers (459 cases of HM). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by Cox regressions. Childhood BMI (HR 1.11 per SD increase [95% CI 1.02‐1.23]), but not pubertal BMI change, was associated with hematologic malignancies in a linear manner. Childhood BMI was, independent of childhood height, associated with the diagnostic entities Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 1.14 [95% CI 1.00‐1.30]) and its largest subgroup diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.03‐1.67]). Childhood height was associated with multiple myeloma (HR 1.30 [95% CI 1.04‐1.64]) independent of childhood BMI. We conclude that childhood but not puberty is the critical developmental period regarding future risk of HM and we suggest that elevated childhood BMI is a determinant of Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.
Cancer cell‐specific protein delivery by optoporation with laser‐irradiated gold nanorods
Authors: Yao Cuiping , Rudnitzki Florian , He Yida , Zhang Zhenxi , Hüttmann Gereon , Rahmanzadeh Ramtin 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe delivery of macromolecules into living cells is challenging since in most cases molecules are endocytosed and remain in the endo‐lysosomal pathway where they are degraded before reaching their target. Here, a method is presented to selectively improve cell membrane permeability by nanosecond laser irradiation of gold nanorods (GNRs) with visible or near‐infrared irradiation in order to deliver proteins across the plasma membrane, avoiding the endo lysosomal pathway. GNRs were labeled with the anti‐EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) antibody Erbitux to target human ovarian carcinoma cells OVCAR‐3. Irradiation with nanosecond laser pulses at wavelengths of 532 nm or 730 nm is used for transient permeabilization of the cell membranes. As a result of the irradiation, the uptake of an anti‐Ki‐67 antibody was observed in about 50 % of the cells. The results of fluorescence lifetime imaging show that the GNR detached from the membrane after irradiation.
Long‐term and in vivo assessment of Aβ protein‐induced brain atrophy in a zebrafish model by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lin Yanping , Chen Tingru , Mao Guangjuan , Qiu Ting , Lan Yintao , Xiang Xiang , Huang Jie , Huang Jing , Lu Ting , Gan Shuqi , Sun Xiang‐Dong , Zhang Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, a neurotoxicity model of zebrafish induced by amyloid beta (Aβ) protein was developed and evaluated in vivo by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Aβ protein and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were separately injected into the head of two groups of adult zebrafish (n = 6 per group). Congo‐red staining results confirmed that Aβ protein had penetrated into brain tissue. All zebrafish were imaged with OCT on the 0th, 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th day postinjection. OCT images showed that PBS is not toxic to brain tissue. However, significant brain atrophy could be seen in the OCT images of zebrafish injected with Aβ‐protein that was verified by histological consequences. In addition, zebrafish in the model group showed memory decline in behavioral tests. This study verified the feasibility of in vivo long‐term assessment of Aβ protein‐induced brain atrophy in adult zebrafish by OCT that has great potential to be applied in the neurological diseases research.
Euryhalinity of subtropical marine and estuarine polychaetes evaluated through carbonic anhydrase activity and cell volume regulation
Authors: Castellano Giovanna C. , Lana Paulo da Cunha , Freire Carolina A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPolychaete worms are widespread and diverse in marine and estuarine habitats subject to varying salinity, in areas influenced by tides, demanding physiological adjustment for internal homeostasis. They are typically considered and reported to be osmoconformers, but they are not often studied for their osmoregulation. Here, three species of polychaete worms from distinct coastal habitats have been investigated: the spionidScolelepis goodbody(intertidal in saline, exposed sandy beaches), the nereididLaeonereis culveri(estuarine polyhaline), and the nephtyidNephtys fluviatilis(estuarine oligohaline). The general objective here was to relate ecological aspects and physiology of the studied species. Constitutive whole body osmolality and carbonic anhydrase activity (CAA, relevant for osmoregulation, acid‐base balance and respiration) have been assayed. In addition, cell volume regulatory capacity (from whole body cell dissociation) was challenged under hypoosmotic and hyperosmotic shocks (50% intensity), with respect to isosmotic control.S. googdbodyandL. culveri, the two species from most saline environments (marine/estuarine), showed higher CAA thanN. fluviatilis, which, in turn, displayed a hyperosmotic gradient to water of salinity 15. Cells fromS. goodbodyandL. culverishowed regulatory volume decrease upon swelling, withS. goodbodyshowing the largest volume increase. As in other more studied marine invertebrate groups, polychaetes also show variability in their osmoregulatory physiology, related to distinct saline challenges faced in their coastal habitats.
Red Wine Extract Disrupts Th17 Lymphocyte Differentiation in a Colorectal Cancer Context
Authors: Chalons Pauline , Courtaut Flavie , Limagne Emeric , Chalmin Fanny , Cantos‐Villar Emma , Richard Tristan , Auger Cyril , Chabert Philippe , Schini‐Kerth Valérie , Ghiringhelli François , Aires Virginie , Delmas Dominique 
Published: April 2020

ScopeScope: It is well established that immune response and inflammation promote tumoral progression. Immune cells communicate through direct contact or through cytokine secretion, and it is the pro‐inflammatory status that will tip the balance toward tumor progression or anti‐tumor immunity. It is demonstrated here that a red wine extract (RWE) can decrease inflammation through its action on the inflammasome complex. This study determines whether an RWE could impact other key actors of inflammation, including T helper 17 (Th17) immune cells in particular.Methods and resultsMethods and results: Using an RWE containing 4.16 g of polyphenols/liter of wine, it is shown that RWE decreases colorectal cancer cells in vitro and induces a reduction in colorectal tumor growth associated with a decrease in tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in vivo. The process of T‐lymphocyte differentiation in Th17 cells is altered by RWE, as revealed by the decrease in the expression of key actors controlling this process, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and retinoid acid‐related orphan receptor γt. This disruption is associated with an inhibition of inflammatory interleukin 17 secretion.ConclusionThe data highlights the major involvement of Th17 immune cells in the biological effects of an RWE.
Inhibition of 5‐Lipoxygenase‐Derived Leukotrienes and Hemiketals as a Novel Anti‐Inflammatory Mechanism of Urolithins
Authors: Giménez‐Bastida Juan Antonio , González‐Sarrías Antonio , Espín Juan Carlos , Schneider Claus 
Published: April 2020

ScopeUrolithins (Uro), gut microbial metabolites derived from ellagic acid (EA), reach significant concentrations in the human colon. Uro‐A exerts anti‐inflammatory activity in animal models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). It is hypothesized that Uro can modulate the biosynthesis of leukocyte‐derived inflammatory eicosanoids from the 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and 5‐LOX/COX‐2 pathways, relevant in the onset and progression of IBDs, including 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5‐HETEs), leukotriene‐B4 (LTB4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and hemiketals (HKE2 and HKD2).Methods and resultsLeukocytes, obtained from six healthy donors, are stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and calcium ionophore A23187. Uro, at concentrations found in the human colon (1–15 µm), decrease eicosanoid biosynthesis and COX‐2 levels in the activated leukocytes. In contrast, EA and conjugated Uro (glucuronides and sulfates) are inactive. Uro‐A and isourolithin‐A reduce the formation of the 5‐LOX/COX‐2 products HKE2 and HKD2 through the COX‐2 pathway (down‐regulation of COX‐2 and PGE2), whereas Uro‐C reduces 5‐HETE and LTB4 via inhibition of 5‐LOX.ConclusionsThe results show that physiologically relevant colonic Uro target eicosanoid biosynthetic pathways. The effect on HKs and LTB4 formation is unprecedented and expands the knowledge on anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of Uro against IBDs.
Insulin hypersensitivity in type 1 diabetes: investigation and treatment with immunodepletion
Authors: Harvey John N , Cronin Michael , Arkwright Peter 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA 12‐year‐old girl presented with type 1 diabetes which was well controlled for the first two years. Glycaemic control then markedly deteriorated with a very large increase in insulin requirement and the appearance of inflammatory nodules at injection sites. Immunoprecipitation studies showed this to be due to a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction with the generation of IgG autoantibodies binding to insulin itself. Trials of a wide range of different insulins and treatment with a hyposensitisation protocol provided no benefit. Following treatment with rituximab, antibody generation subsided. Since the clinical response was only partial she also received intravenous immunoglobulin. A reduced insulin requirement and better glycaemic control were achieved over time. These parameters have subsequently deteriorated again. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Tertiary‐amine‐free, non‐planar, sulfone‐containing, tetrafunctional epoxy and its application as a high temperature matrix
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Miao Xuepei , Fu Jianwei , Bao Fei , An Xing , He Lifan , Li Xiaoyu , Meng Yan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNon‐amine‐derived tetrafunctional epoxies have several advantages over the amine‐derivedN,N,N′,N′‐tetraglycidyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (TGDDM) in high temperature applications. Although two non‐amine‐derived tetrafunctional epoxies were developed in our laboratory, further improvements in toughness using less loading amount is still desirable. Thus, a tertiary‐amine‐free, non‐planar and triphenylmethane‐containing tetrafunctional epoxy (STFE) with a sulfone spacer was synthesized. When it was mixed with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS), both thermal and mechanical performances outperformed TGDDM. Moreover, STFE modified system shows the highest toughness (35.7 kJ m–2) among three amine‐free and triphenylmethane‐containing epoxies at merely 5 wt% loading. Molecular simulation and thermomechanical analysis results suggest that the improved mechanical properties could be related to the geometry of the molecule and larger free volume. Despite a marginal drop inTg, the thermal degradation temperature is better than that of TGDDM/DDS. In addition, the moisture resistance of STFE/DGEBA/DDS is much better than that of TGDDM/DDS. Thus, STFE modified DGEBA could be a potential replacement for TGDDM in some high temperature applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry