bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptide‐Chain Elongation Using Unprotected Amino Acids in a Micro‐Flow Reactor
Authors: Fuse Shinichiro , Masuda Koshiro , Otake Yuma , Nakamura Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2019

AbstractConventional peptide synthesis requires a deprotection step after each amidation step, which decreases synthetic efficiency. Therefore, peptide synthesis using unprotected amino acids is considered an ideal approach. Here, we report peptide chain elongation using unprotected amino acids via a mixed carbonic anhydride. Micro‐flow technology enabled rapid mixing of an organic layer containing a protected amino acid or dipeptide and an aqueous layer containing an unprotected amino acid or dipeptide to accelerate the desired amidation, and this approach successfully suppressed undesired racemization/epimerization (≤0.4 %). Various di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐peptides were obtained in good to high yields. This is the first report on peptide chain elongation that proceeds without severe racemization from unprotected amino acids using inexpensive, nonexplosive, less wasteful, and less toxic reagents.
Whole‐cell biocatalytic of Bacillus cereus WZZ006 strain to synthesis of indoxacarb intermediate: (S)‐5‐Chloro‐1‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐1H‐indene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester
Authors: Zhang Yinjun , Zhang Hongyun , Cheng Feifei , Xia Ying , Zheng Jianyong , Wang Zhao 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, a newly isolated strain screened from the indoxacarb‐rich agricultural soils, Bacillus cereus WZZ006, has a high stereoselectivity to racemic substrate 5‐chloro‐1‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐1H‐indene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester. (S)‐5‐chloro‐1‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐1H‐indene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester was obtained by bio‐enzymatic resolution. After the 36‐hour hydrolysis in 50‐mM racemic substrate under the optimized reaction conditions, the e.e.s was up to 93.0% and the conversion was nearly 53.0% with the E being 35.0. Therefore, B cereus WZZ006 performed high‐level ability to produce (S)‐5‐chloro‐1‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐2‐hydroxy‐1H‐indene‐2‐carboxylic acid methyl ester. This study demonstrates a new biocatalytic process route for preparing the indoxacarb chiral intermediates and provides a theoretical basis for the application of new insecticides in agricultural production.
Helicity of perfluoroalkyl chains controlled by the self‐assembly of the Ala‐Ala dipeptides
Authors: Zhang Lianglin , Lin Shuwei , Tong Qiyun , Li Yan , Wang Yong , Li Yi , Li Baozong , Yang Yonggang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFour Ala‐Ala dipeptides with a perfluoroalkyl chain at the N‐terminal were synthesized. They were able to self‐assemble into helical nanofibers and/or twisted nanobelts in a mixture of DMSO/H2O. The handedness of nanofibers and nanobelts was controlled by the chirality of the alanine at the N‐terminal. The stacking handedness of the phenylene groups and the helicity of the perfluoroalkyl chain were studied using circular dichroism spectroscopy and vibrational circular dichroism, respectively. The chirality of the alanine at N‐terminal controlled the stacking handedness of the neighboring phenylene groups. Moreover, due to the low potential barrier between M‐ and P‐helices of the perfluorocarbon chain, the handedness of the organic self‐assemblies eventually controlled the helicity of the perfluorocarbon chain. X‐ray diffraction indicated that a lamellar structure was formed by the dimers of the dipeptides.
Development of a noninvasive tool to preoperatively evaluate the muscular invasiveness of bladder cancer using a radiomics approach
Authors: Zheng Junjiong , Kong Jianqiu , Wu Shaoxu , Li Yong , Cai Jinhua , Yu Hao , Xie Weibin , Qin Haide , Wu Zhuo , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundBladder cancer (BCa) can be divided into muscle‐invasive BCa (MIBC) and non−muscle‐invasive BCa (NMIBC). Whether the tumor infiltrates the detrusor muscle is a critical determinant of disease management in patients with BCa. However, the current preoperative diagnostic accuracy of muscular invasiveness is less than satisfactory. The authors report a radiomic‐clinical nomogram for the individualized preoperative differentiation of MIBC from NMIBC.MethodsIn total, 2602 radiomics features were extracted from whole bladder tumors and the basal part of the lesions on T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Then, a radiomics signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm in the training set (n = 130). Furthermore, a radiomic‐clinical nomogram was developed incorporating the radiomics signature and selected clinical predictors based on a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The performance of the nomogram (discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness) was assessed and validated in an independent validation set (n = 69).ResultsThe radiomics signature, consisting of 23 selected features, showed good discrimination in the training and validation sets (area under the curve [AUC], 0.913 and 0.874, respectively). Incorporating the radiomics signature and magnetic resonance imaging‐determined tumor size, the radiomic‐clinical nomogram showed favorable calibration and discrimination in the training set with an AUC of 0.922, which was confirmed in the validation set (AUC, 0.876). Decision curve analysis and net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement indices (net reclassification improvement, 0.338, integrated discrimination improvement, 0.385) demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the nomogram.ConclusionsThe proposed noninvasive radiomic‐clinical nomogram can increase the accuracy of preoperatively discriminating MIBC from NMIBC, which may aid in clinical decision making and improve patient prognosis.
Genetic and morphological analyses reveal a complex biogeographic pattern in the endemic barbel populations of the southern Italian peninsula
Authors: Zaccara Serena , Quadroni Silvia , De Santis Vanessa , Vanetti Isabella , Carosi Antonella , Britton Robert , Lorenzoni Massimo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Italian peninsula is a biodiversity hotspot, with its freshwater fish fauna characterized by high levels of local endemism. Two endemic fluvio‐lacustrine fishes of the genus Barbus (barbel, family Cyprinidae) have allopatric distributions in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic basins of Italy. Barbus plebejus inhabits the mid‐ to northern Adriatic basins, while B. tyberinus is widespread in all central‐northern basins draining into the Tyrrhenian Sea. For basins in Southern Italy draining into the southern parts of these seas, there remains a knowledge gap on their barbel populations due to no previous genetic and morphological studies, despite their apparent biogeographic isolation. Correspondingly, this study quantified the presence and distribution of barbels in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian basins of Southern Italy through genetic and morphological analyses of 197 fish sampled across eight populations. Testing of how local isolation has influenced the evolution and persistence of these populations was completed by examining sequence variation at two mitochondrial loci (cytochrome b and D‐loop) and performing geometric morphometric analyses of body shape, plus measuring 11 morphometric and meristic characters. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses revealed the presence of two genetically distinct lineages that differed significantly from adjacent B. tyberinus and B. plebejus populations. These two new taxa, here described as SI1 and SI2 Barbus lineages, are highly structured and reflect a complex mosaic biogeographic pattern that is strongly associated with the underlying hydrographical scenarios of the basins. The geographic isolation of these basins thus has high evolutionary importance that has to be considered for maintaining endemism.
Food or furniture: Separating trophic and non‐trophic effects of Spanish moss to explain its high invertebrate diversity
Authors: Borst Annieke C. W. , Angelini Christine , ten Berge Anne , Lamers Leon , Derksen‐Hooijberg Marlous , van der Heide Tjisse 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFoundation species are typically suggested to enhance community diversity non‐trophically by increasing habitat structure and mitigating physical stress, while their trophic role is considered of minor importance. Yet, there is little experimental evidence on the relative importance of trophic and non‐trophic effects and the interaction with patch size. Here, we transplanted different festoon sizes of living Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss) and structural mimics assessing the trophic and non‐trophic roles of this habitat‐forming epiphyte in mediating the invertebrate community. Compared to bare branches, mimics enhanced species and feeding guild richness and abundances, but living festoons even more so, demonstrating that trophic and non‐trophic effects jointly stimulated the community. Specifically, our results show that, independent of patch size, 40% of the total species richness and 46% of total guild richness increase could be contributed to habitat structure alone, while Spanish moss trophically stimulated these metrics by another 60% and 54%. As detritivores were particularly enhanced in living festoons, our findings suggest that trophic stimulation occurred primarily through the provisioning of Spanish moss detritus. Our results highlight that foundation species can facilitate their associated communities through both trophic and non‐trophic pathways, calling for studies addressing their indirect trophic role via the brown food web.
How about selling commodity futures losers?
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Kwon Kyung Yoon 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the benefits of extending the investment universe to commodity futures, from the perspective of momentum traders. We find that the growth‐optimal portfolio includes negative (positive) weights on commodity futures losers (stock winners). Motivated by this finding, we construct a joint momentum strategy, buying stock winners and selling commodity futures losers, and show that it generates an average monthly return of up to 1.91% and provides much lower skewness (0.04) and kurtosis (1.27) than a traditional stock momentum strategy. It also greatly improves profitability, especially in unfavorable market states, and thus effectively manages tail risk.
Changes in perceived usability and aesthetics with repetitive use in the first use session
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Ha Taehyun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study examines how repetitive use in a short time period influences perceived usability, aesthetics, and user satisfaction. A mixed design was used, considering usability, aesthetics, and exposure time. Sixty‐four users were tested in a controlled experimental setting. According to the results, the negative effect of low usability on perceived usability and user satisfaction decreased as familiarity with the tasks increased. Also, the negative effect of low aesthetics on perceived usability weakened with repetitive use. These results imply that repetitive use can be an important matter for products with bad designs and promoting repetitive use in a short time period can be an effective strategy to reduce negative user perceptions.
The effect of psychological risk elements on pilot flight operational performance
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Jingyi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study aims to examine the relationship between psychological risk elements and flight operation performance for airline pilots. First, the concept of “risky pilots” is discussed, and the existence of “risky pilots” is verified using a percentage analysis of flight exceedance events. Second, three psychological risk elements for pilots are investigated using an implementation of psychological scales, and the exceedance behaviors of risky pilots are analyzed based on real flight data. Finally, correlation and cluster analyses are used to study the influence of psychological risk elements on the exceedance behaviors of airline transport pilots and their operational performance. The results indicate that approximately one‐third of pilots are more prone to exceedance events than other pilots. A moderate positive linear correlation (R [44] = 0.400; p < .05) existed between hazardous attitudes and severe exceedance rates. For pilots with a high level of risk psychology, of their flights were considered “poor” operational performance level. Finally, it is concluded that hazardous attitude is a psychological risk element that has significant negative effects on severe exceedance behaviors of pilots. In addition, the flight operation performance levels of pilots were also affected by the psychological risk level. Furthermore, it is suggested that special training to improve risky hazardous attitudes of pilots should be conducted for the purpose of reducing exceedance behaviors and improving flight performance. These findings are expected to provide support for airlines to identify and manage flight crew risks.
Solvent Effects on the Selectivity of Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura Couplings
Authors: Reeves Emily K. , Bauman Olivia R. , Mitchem Gunner B. , Neufeldt Sharon R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe use of polar solvents MeCN or dimethylformamide (DMF) was previously shown to induce a selectivity switch in the Pd/PtBu3‐catalyzed Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of chloroaryl triflates. This phenomenon was attributed to the ability of polar solvents to stabilize anionic transition states for oxidative addition. However, we demonstrate that selectivity in this reaction does not trend with solvent dielectic constant. Unlike MeCN and DMF, water, alcohols, and several polar aprotic solvents such as MeNO2, acetone, and propylene carbonate provide the same selectivity as nonpolar solvents. These results indicate that the role of solvent on the selectivity of Suzuki‐Miyaura couplings may be more complex than previously envisioned. Furthermore, this observation has the potential for synthetic value as it greatly broadens the scope of solvents that can be used for chloride‐selective cross coupling of chloroaryl triflates.
Diagnostic value of serum D‐dimer,CA125, and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in differentiating ovarian cancer and endometriosis
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Wang Xinyan , Shu Jing , Xu Sheng , Wu Qing , Yu Yan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the utility of hematologic, inflammatory, and immunologic biomarkers for differentiating between ovarian cancer and endometriosis.MethodsData were retrospectively reviewed from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and endometriosis after ovarian cyst surgery in Zhejiang, China, 2014–2016. Serologic and hematologic biomarkers, including white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, and D‐dimer, albumin, globulin, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) andCA199 serum levels recorded pre‐operatively were assessed byROCcurve and logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 49 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 192 with endometriosis. For predicting ovarian cancer, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–0.99); sensitivity, 93.2%; specificity, 87.5%) for log(D‐dimer), 0.95 (95%CI, 0.91–0.98; sensitivity, 81.3%; specificity, 96.3%) for log(CA125), and 0.92 (95%CI, 0.86–0.98; sensitivity, 92.6%; specificity, 79.2%) for neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR). TheAUCfor the combination of D‐dimer,NLR, andCA125 was 0.96 (95%CI, 0.94–0.99; sensitivity, 91.6%; specificity, 89.6%).ConclusionSerum D‐dimer,NLR, andCA125 were found to be potential diagnostic factors for ovarian cancer. Combined measurement of D‐dimer,NLR, andCA125 might offer a convenient screening method.
Feasibility of Controlled Drainage in Saline Vertisols of TBP Command Area of Karnataka, India
Authors: Karegoudar A.V. , Vishwanath J. , Anand S.R. , Rajkumar R.H. , Ambast S.K. , Kaledhonkar M.J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSubsurface drainage (SSD) improves crop productivity in canal command areas suffering from waterlogging and salinity problems. However, excessive drainage of paddy fields under conventional SSD is known to cause irrigation water shortage during critical growth stages of rice and also results in excessive leaching of nitrogenous fertilizers particularly at the tail end of the irrigation command. To overcome these problems farmers of the Tungabhadra Project (TBP) irrigation command used to block the outlets of lateral drains of the SSD system. In order to provide a lasting solution to this problem through a controlled drainage approach, a comparative field study was conducted on clay loam soil at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Gangavathi, over four seasons. In general, there was a reduction in drain discharge depth of 64% in the case of controlled drainage over conventional SSD, with an average irrigation water saving of about 17%. Average nitrogen loss was also reduced by 50.4% compared to conventional drainage. Paddy grain yield improvement was slightly higher (from 3.84 to 5.14 t ha−1) for conventional compared to controlled conditions (3.76–4.83 t ha−1). © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contact‐free endoscopic photoacoustic sensing using speckle analysis
Authors: Lengenfelder Benjamin , Mehari Fanuel , Hohmann Martin , Löhr Cita , Waldner Maximilian J. , Schmidt Michael , Zalevsky Zeev , Klämpfl Florian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPhotoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) is an emerging imaging modality, which offers a high imaging penetration and a high optical contrast in soft tissue. Most of the developed endoscopic photoacoustic sensing systems use miniaturized contact ultrasound transducers or complex optical approaches. In this work, a new fiber‐based detection technique using speckle analysis for contact‐free signal detection is presented. Phantom and ex vivo experiments are performed in transmission and reflection mode for proof of concept. In summary, the potential of the technique for endoscopic photoacoustic signal detection is demonstrated. The new technique might help in future to broaden the applications of PAE in imaging or guiding minimally invasive laser procedures.
Gastrodin alleviates Tourette syndrome via Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway
Authors: Long Hongyan , Ruan Jie , Zhang Mengjiao , Wang Chunyan , Huang Yaruo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim is to study the effects of gastrodin (GA) on striatal inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with Tourette syndrome (TS). The rat model of TS was induced by 3,3′‐iminodipropionitrile. Behavioral tests were carried out by stereotype experiment. The concentrations of amino acid transmitters glutamic acid (Glu) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in striatum were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and striatum were detected by commercial kits. Cytokines in serum and striatum were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Western blot analysis was used to detect striatum nuclear erythroid factor 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1)/high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1)/nuclear factor‐кB (NF‐кB) pathway‐related proteins. The expressions of Nrf‐2 and P‐NF‐кBp65 in striatum were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the stereotype scores of rats in the model group significantly increased, and the contents of Glu and GABA in striatum obviously increased. GA significantly reduced the stereotype scores and decreased the contents of Glu and GABA. The levels of SOD in serum and striatum were decreased and the content of MDA in serum and striatum were increased compared with the control group, while GA significantly restored the changes. GA significantly adjusted Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway‐related proteins changes consistent with immunohistochemical changes. GA may protect striatum of rats with TS by regulating Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway protein changes in striatum.
MicroRNA‐218‐5p relieves postmenopausal osteoporosis through promoting the osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kou Jianqiang , Zheng Xiujun , Guo Jianwei , Liu Yang , Liu Xiangyun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRs) are short noncoding RNAs that play key regulatory roles in osteoblast differentiation. In this study, the specific regulatory roles of miR‐218‐5p on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) were investigated. The mouse model of PMOP was established by bilateral ovariectomy, and the injection of miR‐218‐5p mimics significantly relieved PMOP degree. Then, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) isolated from PMOP mice were induced into osteoblasts. When compared with normal BMMSCs, PMOP BMMSCs exhibited significantly lower alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and less mineralized nodules, as well as downregulated miR‐218‐5p, Runx2, Osterix, COL1A1, and OCN after induction (P < .05). The transfection of miR‐218‐5p mimics, and inhibitor significantly promoted, inhibited the osteoblast differentiation of PMOP BMMSCs, respectively. In addition, COL1A1 was a target of miR‐218‐5p. The transfection of miR‐218‐5p mimics into PMOP BMMSCs significantly upregulated COL1A1 at 14th and 21st day post‐induction, but not at 7th day. Our findings suggest miR‐218‐5p may relieve PMOP through promoting the osteoblast differentiation of BMMSCs.
α‐Amylase expressed in human small intestinal epithelial cells is essential for cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Date Kimie , Yamazaki Tomomi , Toyoda Yoko , Hoshi Kumi , Ogawa Haruko 
Published: September 2019

Abstractα‐Amylase, which plays an essential role in starch degradation, is expressed mainly in the pancreas and salivary glands. Human α‐amylase is also detected in other tissues, but it is unclear whether the α‐amylase is endogenously expressed in each tissue or mixed exogenously with one expressed by the pancreas or salivary glands. Furthermore, the biological significance of these α‐amylases detected in tissues other than the pancreas and salivary glands has not been elucidated. We discovered that human α‐amylase is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and analyzed the effects of suppressing α‐amylase expression. α‐Amylase was found to be expressed at the second‐highest messenger RNA level in the duodenum in human normal tissues after the pancreas. α‐Amylase was detected in the cell extract of Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial cells but not secreted into the culture medium. The amount of α‐amylase expressed increased depending on the length of the culture of Caco‐2 cells, suggesting that α‐amylase is expressed in small intestine epithelial cells rather than the colon because the cells differentiate spontaneously upon reaching confluence in culture to exhibit the characteristics of small intestinal epithelial cells rather than colon cells. The α‐amylase expressed in Caco‐2 cells had enzymatic activity and was identified as AMY2B, one of the two isoforms of pancreatic α‐amylase. The suppression of α‐amylase expression by small interfering RNA inhibited cell differentiation and proliferation. These results demonstrate for the first time that α‐amylase is expressed in human intestinal epithelial cells and affects cell proliferation and differentiation. This α‐amylase may induce the proliferation and differentiation of small intestine epithelial cells, supporting a rapid turnover of cells to maintain a healthy intestinal lumen.
Group divisible 3‐designs with block size four and group type 1ns1
Authors: Li Xiangqian , Chang Yanxun , Zhou Junling 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this article, we mainly consider the existence problem of a group divisible design GDD of type . We present two recursive constructions for this configuration using candelabra systems and construct explicitly a few small examples admitting given automorphism groups. As an application, several new infinite classes of GDDs of type are produced. Meanwhile a few new infinite families on candelabra quadruple systems with group sizes being odd and stem size greater than one are also obtained.