bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory Cortex Learns to Discriminate Audiovisual Cues through Selective Multisensory Enhancement
Authors: Chang Song , Zheng Beilin , Keniston Les , Xu Jinghong , Yu Liping
Published: November 2024

Multisensory object discrimination is essential in everyday life, yet the neural mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. In this study, we trained rats to perform a two-alternative forced-choice task using both auditory and visual cues. Our findings reveal that multisensory perceptual learning actively engages auditory cortex (AC) neurons in both visual and audiovisual processing. Importantly, many audiovisual neurons in the AC exhibited experience-dependent associations between their visual and auditory preferences, displaying a unique integration model. This model employed selective multisensory enhancement for specific auditory-visual pairings, which facilitated improved multisensory discrimination. Additionally, AC neurons effectively distinguished whether a preferred auditory stimulus was paired with its associated visual stimulus using this distinct integrative mechanism. Our results highlight the capability of sensory cortices to develop sophisticated integrative strategies, adapting to task demands to enhance multisensory discrimination abilities.
Zika virus remodels and hijacks IGF2BP2 ribonucleoprotein complex to promote viral replication organelle biogenesis
Authors: Mazeaud Clément , Pfister Stefan , Owen Jonathan E , Pereira Higor Sette , Charbonneau Flavie , Robinson Zachary E , Anton Anaïs , Bemis Cheyanne L , Sow Aïssatou Aïcha , Patel Trushar R , Neufeldt Christopher J , Scaturro Pietro , Chatel-Chaix Laurent
Published: November 2024

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes significant human disease that, with no approved treatment or vaccine, constitutes a major public health concern. Its life cycle entirely relies on the cytoplasmic fate of the viral RNA genome (vRNA) through a fine-tuned equilibrium between vRNA translation, replication, and packaging into new virions, all within virus-induced replication organelles (vROs). In this study, with an RNA interference (RNAi) mini-screening and subsequent functional characterization, we have identified insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) as a new host dependency factor that regulates vRNA synthesis. In infected cells, IGF2BP2 associates with viral NS5 polymerase and redistributes to the perinuclear viral replication compartment. Combined fluorescence in situ hybridization-based confocal imaging, in vitro binding assays, and immunoprecipitation coupled to RT-qPCR showed that IGF2BP2 directly interacts with ZIKV vRNA 3’ nontranslated region. Using ZIKV sub-genomic replicons and a replication-independent vRO induction system, we demonstrated that IGF2BP2 knockdown impairs de novo vRO biogenesis and, consistently, vRNA synthesis. Finally, the analysis of immunopurified IGF2BP2 complex using quantitative mass spectrometry and RT-qPCR revealed that ZIKV infection alters the protein and RNA interactomes of IGF2BP2. Altogether, our data support that ZIKV hijacks and remodels the IGF2BP2 ribonucleoprotein complex to regulate vRO biogenesis and vRNA neosynthesis.
Unveiling chemotherapy-induced immune landscape remodeling and metabolic reprogramming in lung adenocarcinoma by scRNA-sequencing
Authors: Huang Yiwei , Wu Gujie , Bi Guoshu , Cheng Lin , Liang Jiaqi , Li Ming , Zhang Huan , Shan Guangyao , Hu Zhengyang , Chen Zhencong , Lin Zongwu , Jiang Wei , Wang Qun , Xi Junjie , Yin Shanye , Zhan Cheng
Published: November 2024

Chemotherapy is widely used to treat lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients comprehensively. Considering the limitations of chemotherapy due to drug resistance and other issues, it is crucial to explore the impact of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on these aspects.Tumor samples from nine LUAD patients, of which four only received surgery and five received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were subjected to scRNA-seq analysis. In vitro and in vivo assays, including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Seahorse assay, and tumor xenograft models, were carried out to validate our findings.A total of 83,622 cells were enrolled for subsequent analyses. The composition of cell types exhibited high heterogeneity across different groups. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that chemotherapy drove significant metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells and macrophages. We identified two subtypes of macrophages: Anti-mac cells (CD45+CD11b+CD86+) and Pro-mac cells (CD45+CD11b+ARG+) and sorted them by flow cytometry. The proportion of Pro-mac cells in lung adenocarcinoma tissues increased significantly after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pro-mac cells promote tumor growth and angiogenesis and also suppress tumor immunity. Moreover, through analyzing the remodeling of T and B cells induced by neoadjuvant therapy, we noted that chemotherapy ignited a relatively more robust immune cytotoxic response towards tumor cells.Our study demonstrates that chemotherapy induces metabolic reprogramming within the TME of LUAD, particularly affecting the function and composition of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. We believe our findings will offer insight into the mechanisms of drug resistance and provide novel therapeutic targets for LUAD in the future.
Neurotrophic factor Neuritin modulates T cell electrical and metabolic state for the balance of tolerance and immunity
Authors: Yu Hong , Nishio Hiroshi , Barbi Joseph , Mitchell-Flack Marisa , Vignali Paolo DA , Zheng Ying , Lebid Andriana , Chang Kwang-Yu , Fu Juan , Higgins Makenzie , Huang Ching-Tai , Zhang Xuehong , Li Zhiguang , Blosser Lee , Tam Ada , Drake Charles , Pardoll Drew
Published: November 2024

The adaptive T cell response is accompanied by continuous rewiring of the T cell’s electric and metabolic state. Ion channels and nutrient transporters integrate bioelectric and biochemical signals from the environment, setting cellular electric and metabolic states. Divergent electric and metabolic states contribute to T cell immunity or tolerance. Here, we report in mice that neuritin (Nrn1) contributes to tolerance development by modulating regulatory and effector T cell function. Nrn1 expression in regulatory T cells promotes its expansion and suppression function, while expression in the T effector cell dampens its inflammatory response. Nrn1 deficiency in mice causes dysregulation of ion channel and nutrient transporter expression in Treg and effector T cells, resulting in divergent metabolic outcomes and impacting autoimmune disease progression and recovery. These findings identify a novel immune function of the neurotrophic factor Nrn1 in regulating the T cell metabolic state in a cell context-dependent manner and modulating the outcome of an immune response.
Muscarinic receptors mediate motivation via preparatory neural activity in humans
Authors: Grogan John P , Raemaekers Matthias , van Swieten Maaike MH , Green Alexander L , Gillies Martin J , Manohar Sanjay G
Published: November 2024

Motivation depends on dopamine, but might be modulated by acetylcholine which influences dopamine release in the striatum, and amplifies motivation in animal studies. A corresponding effect in humans would be important clinically, since anticholinergic drugs are frequently used in Parkinson’s disease, a condition that can also disrupt motivation. Reward and dopamine make us more ready to respond, as indexed by reaction times (RT), and move faster, sometimes termed vigour. These effects may be controlled by preparatory processes that can be tracked using electroencephalography (EEG). We measured vigour in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of trihexyphenidyl (THP), a muscarinic antagonist, with an incentivised eye movement task and EEG. Participants responded faster and with greater vigour when incentives were high, but THP blunted these motivational effects, suggesting that muscarinic receptors facilitate invigoration by reward. Preparatory EEG build-up (contingent negative variation [CNV]) was strengthened by high incentives and by muscarinic blockade, although THP reduced the incentive effect. The amplitude of preparatory activity predicted both vigour and RT, although over distinct scalp regions; frontal activity predicted vigour, whereas a larger, earlier, central component predicted RT. The incentivisation of RT was partly mediated by the CNV, though vigour was not. Moreover, the CNV mediated the drug’s effect on dampening incentives, suggesting that muscarinic receptors underlie the motivational influence on this preparatory activity. Taken together, these findings show that a muscarinic blocker impairs motivated action in healthy people, and that medial frontal preparatory neural activity mediates this for RT.
Klastomycter conodentatus, gen et sp. nov., a small early Permian parareptile with conical teeth from Richards Spur, Oklahoma
Authors: Reisz Robert R. , Rowe Dylan C.T. , Bevitt Joseph J.
Published: November 2024

A small, pristinely preserved specimen recently collected from the Dolese Brothers limestone quarry near Richards Spur, Oklahoma provides evidence for the presence of a new early Permian parareptile at this locality. The specimen includes an articulated, nearly complete skull roof, and with the right premaxilla, right quadratojugal, most of the right palate, as well as the right epipterygoid and the sphenethmoid preserved inside. Although similar in many respects to the other contemporary parareptiles Acleistorhinus, Delorhynchus and Colobomycter, it can be distinguished from other acleistorhinids by the presence of a number of autapomorphies related to its dentition. Phylogenetic analysis places it closer to Delorhynchus and Colobomycter within Acleistorhinidae than to Acleistorhinus pteroticus. Unique aspects of the present specimen include the pronounced anterior extension of the lacrimal bone, largely homodont dentition composed of simple conical crowns with slight recurvature in the premaxillary and anterior maxillary teeth, and simple conical crowns in posterior maxillary dentition. The discovery of this new parareptile along with the surprisingly large number of acleistorhinids at Richards Spur highlights the importance of the unique fissure and vertical cave system at this site. No other early Permian site has provided such a wide diversity of parareptilian taxa, part of a complex community of terrestrial vertebrates. The present specimen highlights the fine niche partitioning that appears to have been present among reptiles of this region.
Development and Quality Evaluation of Cookies from Lima Bean and Emmer Wheat
Authors: Patel Shoyaib , Chavan Sagar , Ingle Vikramsinh , Shete Yogesh , Ghatge Jayant , Prathapan K. , Navale Rushikesh
Published: November 2024

The increasing interest in nutritious and functional foods has led to the investigation of alternative grains with enhanced health benefits. This research centres on developing highly nutritious cookies using lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccon Schrank). These grains are cultivated for their outstanding nutritional qualities, such as high protein, essential minerals and bioactive compounds, making them ideal for creating health-promoting food products. The physical properties and chemical composition of lima bean and emmer wheat seeds were investigated. Five distinct trials with varying blends of lima bean and emmer wheat were carried out, with proportions of emmer wheat to lima bean being 50:50 (T1), 60:40 (T2), 70:30 (T3), 80:20 (T4) and 90:10 (T5). The physical and sensory analysis of the all developed cookies was performed and sample T3 was selected for physical and chemical analysis among all the samples after sensory analysis. Analytical methods were used to evaluate the nutrient composition, including protein, fiber and mineral content. Storage study of 60 days developed cookies also evaluated. It was found that the cookies gained moisture and lost fat, protein, fibre and energy over the storage period, with carbohydrate content showing minor fluctuations. The data obtained in the present investigation are sufficient to conclude that lima bean is an effective substitute for wheat flour in cookies preparation. The cookies prepared using lima bean were found to be acceptable in terms of quality characteristics. This substitution increased the protein content of the cookies. The cookies made with a 30% replacement of wheat flour with lima bean flour were the most acceptable.
Gender Dynamics and Economic Impacts: The Feminization of Indian Agriculture in India
Authors: Mishra Nibedita , Padhy Chitrasena , Mahanta Chandan , Rath Girish Prasad , Mallik Banitamani , Mishra Payal
Published: November 2024

The phenomenon known as feminization of agriculture, which emerged in India after privatisation, refers to a rise in the proportion of women employed in farming. But feminization does not inevitably result in empowerment because female workers receive lower wages than male workers. Gender discrimination, general bias against women, a lack of advancements in technology for women, limited control over resources, and limited market access are some of the barriers that prevent women from progressing in agriculture. The states with a greater number of people working in agriculture saw the smallest shifts in labour participation between men and women. As women become more involved in agriculture, they contribute significantly to household income and food production. This financial contribution can enhance their decision-making power within the family and community.As small-scale farmers contend with growing competition from larger agricultural operations, more men are migrating to urban centres in pursuit of higher-paying jobs. This leaves women responsible for sustaining the family structure and preserving the traditional small-scale farming way of life. As a result, there is rising concern over the disparity between women's actual economic contributions and the public's perception of them. The first step in feminising agriculture and empowering women is to recognise the obstacles that women face in the sector. There are two in particular that are closely related i.e. land and credit. It is imperative to implement policy initiatives and programmes that advance gender equality, facilitate access to resources and training, and foster positive social situations. Social mobilization, collective action, community education, and community-based marketing are necessary. The focus on women's access to land and natural resources has the potential to greatly improve their capacity to produce and obtain food.
An Examination of the Effects of Social Media on Students’ Academic Performance in Geography in Senior Secondary Schools in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Nguru Zanna Mohammed , Abubakar Umar Ahmad , Danfulani Garba , Maimota Yahaya Mohammed
Published: November 2024

This study examines parental attitudes towards girl-child education in Bade Local Government Area, Yobe State, focusing on the barriers to western education. A survey research design was employed, with a target population of 50,000 parents across the Bade Local Government Area. From this population, 200 parents were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was subsequently analyzed using frequency tables and percentage distributions. The results indicate that a significant portion of parents in Bade maintain negative attitudes towards girl-child education. Key factors contributing to this unfavorable outlook include high illiteracy rates, widespread poverty, and the expectation for girl-children to engage in household and agricultural labor. These barriers significantly hinder the enrollment of girls in educational institutions. Based on these findings, the study advocates for targeted mass media campaigns aimed at raising awareness among illiterate parents regarding the benefits of girl-child education for both societal and economic development. Furthermore, it calls for the implementation of free education initiatives for girls, extending from primary school through tertiary levels, to promote greater access to education and empower future generations.
The Effect of Alternative Tillage Practices on Potato Growth and Yield
Authors: Parihar Chitrangda , Harsha  , Chauhan Aman Pratap Singh , Singh S. P. , Gupta Varsha , Singh Dheerendra
Published: November 2024

An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station RS, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment consisted of 7 treatments viz.; Farmer’s practice (T1), CIP Technique (T2), Regional AICRIP/INSTITUTE recommendation/hoeing (T3), Flat-bed planting (T4), Flat-bed planting & mulching (T5), Flat-bed planting & ridging (T6) and Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) with 3 replications. The soil of experimental field was a sandy clay loam with uniform topography. The result showed that CIP Technique (T2) at par with Flat-bed planting, ridging and mulching (T7) were registered superior values of growth parameters viz.; plant height, number of compound leaves per plant and dry weight of haulm per plant (45.67 & 45.43 cm, 49.38 & 49.10 and 24.73 & 24.00 g; respectively), yield attributes viz.; number of tubers per plant and dry weight of tubers per plant (8.72 & 8.65 and 54.97 & 54.50 g; respectively) as well as tuber yield (299.23 & 282.44 qha-1) of potato over rest of the treatments.
Comparative Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Bio-pesticides Against Gram Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Meena Banwari , Tayde Anoorag Rajnikant
Published: November 2024

The experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higgin bottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season in 2023-24. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments viz., Neem oil 2% @ 2ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana 1×1010 conidia/ml @ 2gm/lit, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% @ 3ml/lit, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 2gm/lit, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5ml/lit, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5ml/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 1gm/lit and untreated control, with three replications. The data recorded on larval population of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on third, seventh and fourteen days after two sprays revealed that Emamectin benzoate 5% SG was superior among all treatments with larval population of 2.12 and with highest cost benefit ratio and marketable yield of 1:3.65 and 29.16q/ha, followed by Spinosad 45 SC with a larval population of 2.42 and cost benefit ratio and yield 1:3.14 and 26.66 q/ha, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC with a larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 2.57, 1:3.12 and 25.83 q/ha, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC with a larval population,cost benefit ratio and yield of 2.79, 1:2.81 and 22.5 q/ha, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 5mg/ml with larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 3.04, 1:2.79 and 21.25 q/ha, Beauveria bassiana @ 1×1010 conidia/ml with a larval population, cost benefit ratio and yield of 3.25, 1:2.26, 17.08 q/ha.
Combination therapy targeting the elevated interleukin‐6 level reduces invasive migration of BRAF inhibitor‐resistant melanoma cells
Authors: Mohapatra Purusottam , Prasad Chandra Prakash , Andersson Tommy
Published: December 2018

The identification of novel antimetastatic therapeutic targets is necessary for improved treatment of patients with acquired BRAF inhibitor‐resistant (BRAFi‐R) melanoma, in whom metastasis is a major concern. Our present study focused on the identification of such targets to explore novel antimetastatic therapeutic options for BRAFi‐R melanoma patients. We confirmed the development of BRAFi resistance in our BRAFi‐treated melanoma cell lines by demonstrating reduced sensitivity to BRAF inhibitors, increased ERK1/2 activity and increased WNT5A expression. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that high secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was associated with increased invasive migration of BRAFi‐R melanoma cells. This finding could be readily explained by the increased expression of WNT5A in BRAFi‐R melanoma cells and the presence of an IL‐6/WNT5A positive feedback loop in parental melanoma cells. Surprisingly, however, we found that the IL‐6/WNT5A positive feedback loop present in parental melanoma cells was lost during the development of acquired BRAFi resistance, meaning that IL‐6 and WNT5A signalling were independent events in BRAFi‐R melanoma cells. Despite the absence of an IL‐6/WNT5A loop, we found that both an IL‐6 blocking antibody and the WNT5A antagonist Box5 alone impaired the elevated invasive migration of BRAFi‐R melanoma cells, but combined use of the two was more effective. This impaired invasive migration of BRAFi‐R melanoma cells correlated well with the reduction in Cdc42‐GTPase activity and alterations of the actin cytoskeleton in these cells. In summary, our novel identification of IL‐6 as a key independent promoter of the invasive migration of BRAFi‐R melanoma cells stresses that a combination of a blocking IL‐6 antibody and administration of the WNT5A antagonist Box5 might be an attractive antimetastatic approach for future treatment of BRAFi‐R melanoma patients.
Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography of Small Molecules
Authors: Gama Mariana R. , Bottoli Carla B.G.
Published: December 2018

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) provides an alternative approach to separation of mixtures of polar and hydrophilic compounds that are poorly resolved by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography. This separation mode involves polar stationary phases and an aqueous mobile phase, usually rich in an organic solvent such as acetonitrile (ACN). In addition to the commonly accepted mechanism of analyte liquid–liquid partitioning between the mobile phase and the water‐enriched solvent layer, which is partially immobilized onto the surface of the stationary phase, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and ion‐exchange interactions may also be involved. HILIC applications for the analysis of small polar molecules can be found in pharmaceutical, medicinal, food, and agricultural chemistry. Carbohydrates, amino acids, nucleotides, polar drugs, metabolites, toxins, and other small polar or ionizable compounds are typical HILIC analytes.
Hyphenated Techniques in Thermal Analysis
Authors: Menard Noah R. , Menard Kevin P.
Published: December 2018

Thermal analysis techniques allow the measurement of physical properties of materials as a function of temperature and time but are often limited in their ability to address chemical composition and structure. This often leads to the coupling of thermal instruments to chromatographic or spectral instruments to increase the information collected during a run. These methods are often referred to hyphenated.

Hyphenated techniques can be roughly grouped into three sets: thermal‐spectral analysis, evolved gas analysis (EGA), and sample modification methods. These translate into monitoring the sample in the thermal instrument, monitoring the gases released from the sample, and changing the sample respectively. These methods will be discussed as to their uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
D‐Optimal Designs
Authors: Leardi Riccardo
Published: December 2018

In many cases, it is not possible to perform a ‘standard’ experimental design (such as a factorial design or a central composite design). D‐optimal designs allow to build ‘tailor‐made’ designs producing the best compromise between the information obtained and the experimental effort required, taking into account the specific limitations of the problem under study.

Unfortunately, many commercial softwares define the experiments to be performed by this design in a noncorrect way.

In this article, the rationale behind the D‐optimal designs will be presented.
Coumarins: Analytical and Preparative Techniques
Authors: Luca Simon Vlad , Głowniak Kazimierz , Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna
Published: December 2018

Coumarins are nowadays an important group of organic compounds from natural and synthetic sources, possessing a wide range of pharmacological activities. Coumarins comprise a large group of phenolic substances, which occur in plants as secondary metabolites. On account of the significance of this group of compounds, the development of effective methods for their extraction, separation, qualitative, and quantitative analysis, as well as for purification remains of high importance. The purpose of the article is to present information about methods of analysis and separation of this important group of naturally occurring compounds.
Hominin vertebrae and upper limb bone fossils from Sterkfontein Caves, South Africa (1998–2003 excavations)
Authors: Pickering Travis Rayne , Heaton Jason L. , Clarke R. J. , Stratford Dominic
Published: December 2018

Objectives

We provide descriptions and functional interpretations of 11 >2.0 Ma hominin vertebral and upper limb fossils from Sterkfontein.

Materials and methods

We employed taphonomic methods to describe postmortem damage observed on the fossils. We used osteometric tools and measurements to generate quantitative descriptions, which were added to qualitative descriptions of the fossils. These observations were then interpreted using published data on the same skeletal elements from extant and extinct hominoid taxa.

Results

Six of the fossils carry carnivore tooth marks. Two vertebrae show morphologies that are consistent with fully developed lordosis of the lumbar spine, but which are not completely consistent with bipedal loading of the same intensity and/or frequency as reflected in the lumbars of modern humans. A clavicle shows a combination of humanlike and apelike features, the latter of which would have endowed its hominin with good climbing abilities. When combined, analyses of fragmentary radius and ulna fossils yield more ambiguous results.

Discussion

The new fossil collection presents a mix of bipedal and climbing features. It is unclear whether this mix indicates that all Sterkfontein hominins of >2.0 Ma were terrestrial bipeds who retained adaptations for climbing or whether the collection samples two differently adapted, coeval hominins, Australopithecus africanus and Australopithecus prometheus, both of which are represented at Sterkfontein by skull remains. Regardless, the significant frequency of tooth‐marked fossils in the sample might indicate that predation was a selection pressure that maintained climbing adaptations in at least some Sterkfontein hominins of this period.
Effects of different segments in polyurethane on the performance of sand stabilization
Authors: Zang Yunxiao , Gong Wei , Liu Bailing , Chen Hualin
Published: December 2018

Synthetic polymers have recently drawn increasing attention to chemical sand stabilization (CSS). The relationship between the molecular structure and the fixing effect, however, is rarely reported aside from the performance. In this article, different segments of waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) are discussed with respect to their influence on stabilizing sand. We prepared five PUDs by controlling parameters including the diisocyanate‐to‐polyol ratio (R) and the molecular weight and characterized them with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and laser particle analysis. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS), a key criterion in CSS, was used to evaluate the performance of the PUDs. We found that a biggerRgave the polyurethane (PU) film a higher strength than the smallerRbut did not do the same to the sand mold. This indicated that homogeneity was a primary property of the sand mold. Taking the details of the crushed sand molds and the PU films into account, we concluded that the soft segments played a major role in the homogeneity. Force analysis showed that four modes of breaking occurred at the interface of the sand and cured PU. We concluded that whereas the hard segments in PU determined the ceiling of the UCS, the soft segments determined the floor by benefiting adsorption. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47267.
Big effects of small nanoparticles on hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide in an aqueous solution
Authors: Peng Fangfang , Ke Yangchuan , He Jing , Lu Shichao , Hu Xu
Published: December 2018

In this study, we investigated the self‐assembly properties of small‐sized (3–5 nm) oppositely charged SiO2nanoparticles (NPs) and hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide (hm‐PAM) in aqueous solutions by rheological and structural analysis. The results show that the addition of small NPs to the hm‐PAM solution remarkably enhanced its viscosity and viscoelasticity, and the viscosity remained high at elevated temperatures. Specifically, the low shear rate viscosity of the NP–hm‐PAM solutions increased by up to three orders of magnitude at a very low loading of NPs (10−2wt %). Moreover, there appeared to be no sediment in the dispersed system after over 18 months of storage. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements indicated that additional physical crosslinks were formed after the addition of the small silica NPs to the hm‐PAM solutions. With the experiments and published results combined, we proposed a simple model of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions for the crosslinking structure of the NP–hm‐PAM composite. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47269.
Molecular dynamics simulation study on the structure and properties of polyimide/silica hybrid materials
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Li Yang , Yang Wenlong , Liu Xinmei , Huang Wei , Wang Yu , Sun Hongguo
Published: December 2018

A type of polyimide/silica (PI/SiO2) copolymer model was established through the dehydration of tetraethyl orthosilicate molecules (TEOS) and bonding to a silane coupling agent. The content of SiO2 was controlled by adjusting the number of molecules which bound to the TEOS. Finally, the silica was formed into a hybrid model (hybrid PI/SiO2) with a small molecule embedded in the PI. The model was optimized by geometric and molecular dynamics and the changes in the model structure, Young's modulus, shear modulus, and glass‐transition temperature (T
g) were analyzed. The results showed that the density and cohesive energy density of the composites could be improved by doping SiO2 in PI. Young's modulus and shear modulus of PI/SiO2 hybrid materials were higher than undoped PI. The tensile strength reached 568.15 MPa when the doping content was 9%. Therefore, the structure design and content control of SiO2 was an effective way to improve the performance of a PI/SiO2 composite. The variation of T
g and tensile strength of PI/SiO2 hybrid composites is consistent with that of PI/SiO2 composite synthesized in real experiment, which will be a convenient method for new material design and performance prediction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47335.
Structural effects of the hydrolysis of poly(methylene oxide) and poly(glycolic acid) exposed to completion and acidizing fluids in an oil well environment
Authors: Pereira Alexandre Zacarias Ignácio , Delpech Marcia Cerqueira , da Costa Francileide Gomes , da Cruz Flávio Bittencourt , Tavares Pedro Rocha
Published: December 2018

Two hydrolyzable polymers, poly(methylene oxide) (PMO) and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), were tested for association with mechanical systems to promote diversion of formation acid treatments in oil wells. Samples were confined to chemical products commonly employed in oil well completion processes, HCl 15% w/w and NaCl 23% w/w aqueous solutions, in separate metallic cylindrical cells, under conditions observed in southeastern Brazilian offshore fields (50 and 75°C and pressure of 41.4 MPa). Pristine samples were characterized by 13C‐NMR. Hydrolytic influences were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, wide angle X‐ray diffraction, and computerized microtomography. The intense effects observed showed a specific correspondence with each tested polymer and were evidenced by postexposure analysis. The results indicate that both polymers can be used in association with mechanical diverting systems to promote chemical treatment distribution and, therefore, improve oil well productivity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47362.
Biocompatible thermoresponsive polyurethane bionanocomposites with chitin nanocrystals
Authors: Calvo‐Correas Tamara , Garrido Patricia , Alonso‐Varona Ana , Palomares Teodoro , Corcuera M. Angeles , Eceiza Arantxa
Published: December 2018

In this work, different thermoresponsive biobased polyurethane (PU) bionanocomposites with chitin nanocrystals (CHNCs) are prepared. The behavior of the biobased PU used as matrix differs from common polyurethanes, since hard segment is constituted by the macrodiol and soft segment by a biobased diisocyanate and chain extender. The effect of CHNC content on shape‐memory behavior is studied. It is observed that CHNCs tend to interact with diisocyanate/chain extender rich domain. In addition, an increase of the overall crystallinity of the material is also observed. Therefore, the addition of CHNCs contributes to the shape recovery of the bionanocomposites, as well as to shape fixity at high CHNC content. Finally, the cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and cell adhesion analysis reveals that the prepared bionanocomposites show potential to be used in biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47430.
ERP/MMR Algorithm for Classifying Topic‐Relevant and Topic‐Irrelevant Visual Shots of Documentary Videos
Authors: Kim Hyun Hee , Kim Yong Ho
Published: December 2018

We propose and evaluate a video summarization method based on a topic relevance model, a maximal marginal relevance (MMR), and discriminant analysis to generate a semantically meaningful video skim. The topic relevance model uses event‐related potential (ERP) components to describe the process of topic relevance judgment. More specifically, the topic relevance model indicates that N400 and P600, which have been successfully applied to the mismatch process of a stimulus and the discourse‐internal reorganization and integration process of a stimulus, respectively, are used for the topic mismatch process of a topic‐irrelevant video shot and the topic formation process of a topic‐relevant video shot. To evaluate our proposed ERP/MMR‐based method, we compared the video skims generated by the ERP/MMR‐based, ERP‐based, and shot boundary detection (SBD) methods with ground truth skims. The results showed that at a significance level of 0.05, the ROUGE‐1 scores of the ERP/MMR method are statistically higher than those of the SBD method, and the diversity scores of the ERP/MMR method are statistically higher than those of the ERP method. This study suggested that the proposed method may be applied to the construction of a video skim without operational intervention, such as the insertion of a black screen between video shots.
A clinical, proteomics, and artificial intelligence‐driven model to predict acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Ibrahim Nasrien E. , McCarthy Cian P. , Shrestha Shreya , Gaggin Hanna K. , Mukai Renata , Magaret Craig A. , Rhyne Rhonda F. , Januzzi James L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Standard measures of kidney function are only modestly useful for accurate prediction of risk for acute kidney injury (AKI).

Hypothesis

Clinical and biomarker data can predict AKI more accurately.

Methods

Using Luminex xMAP technology, we measured 109 biomarkers in blood from 889 patients prior to undergoing coronary angiography. Procedural AKI was defined as an absolute increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL, a percentage increase in serum creatinine of ≥50%, or a reduction in urine output (documented oliguria of <0.5 mL/kg per hour for >6 hours) within 7 days after contrast exposure. Clinical and biomarker predictors of AKI were identified using machine learning and a final prognostic model was developed with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO).

Results

Forty‐three (4.8%) patients developed procedural AKI. Six predictors were present in the final model: four (history of diabetes, blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio, C‐reactive protein, and osteopontin) had a positive association with AKI risk, while two (CD5 antigen‐like and Factor VII) had a negative association with AKI risk. The final model had a cross‐validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.79 for predicting procedural AKI, and an in‐sample AUC of 0.82 (P < 0.001). The optimal score cutoff had 77% sensitivity, 75% specificity, and a negative predictive value of 98% for procedural AKI. An elevated score was predictive of procedural AKI in all subjects (odds ratio = 9.87; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We describe a clinical and proteomics‐supported biomarker model with high accuracy for predicting procedural AKI in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway genomic alterations in 60,991 diverse solid tumors informs targeted therapy opportunities
Authors: Millis Sherri Z. , Jardim Denis L. , Albacker Lee , Ross Jeffrey S. , Miller Vincent A. , Ali Siraj M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: December 2018

Background

The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently altered in cancer. This report describes the landscape of PI3K alterations in solid tumors as well as co‐alterations serving as potential resistance/attenuation mechanisms.

Methods

Consecutive samples were analyzed in a commercial Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment‐certified laboratory using comprehensive genomic profiling performed by next‐generation sequencing (315 genes). The co‐alterations evaluated included the Erb‐B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2),ERBB3,ERBB4,RAS, MET proto‐oncogene tyrosine kinase (MET), and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MAP2K) genes as well as tumor protein 53 (TP53), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and androgen receptor (AR).

Results

Alterations in any of 18 PI3K‐pathway associated genes were identified in 44% of 60,991 tumors. Although single base and insertions/deletions (indels) were the most frequent alterations, copy number changes and rearrangements were identified in 11% and 0.9% of patients, respectively. Overall, the most frequently altered genes were PIK3 catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) (13%), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) (9%), and serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) (5%). Tumor types that frequently harbored at least 1 PI3K alteration were uterine (77%), cervical (62%), anal (59%), and breast (58%) cancers. Alterations also were discerned frequently in tumors with carcinosarcoma (89%) and squamous cell carcinoma (62%) histologies. Tumors with a greater likelihood of co‐occurring PI3K pathway and MAPK pathway alterations included colorectal cancers (odds ratio [OR], 1.64;P < .001), mesotheliomas (OR, 2.67;P = .024), anal cancers (OR, 1.98;P = .03), and nonsquamous head and neck cancers (OR, 2.03;P = .019). The co‐occurrence ofESR1and/orARalterations with PI3K alterations was statistically significant in bladder, colorectal, uterine, prostate, and unknown primary cancers.

Conclusions

Comprehensive genomic profiling reveals altered PI3K‐related genes in 44% of solid malignancies, including rare disease and histology types. The frequency of alterations and the co‐occurrence of resistance pathways vary by tumor type, directly affecting opportunities for targeted therapy.
Granular cell tumor of the lung
Authors: Finer Elizabeth B. , Villalba Julian A. , Pitman Martha B.
Published: December 2018

A 46‐year‐old female with history of asthma, active smoking (20 pack‐years), and schizophrenia was evaluated for a persistent asymptomatic pulmonary nodule. Her past medical history was notable for hypertension, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, abnormal uterine bleeding, multinodular thyroid gland, and vitamin D deficiency. Seven months before presentation, a chest radiograph (CXR) was obtained to evaluate unintended weight loss, and showed a 3 cm spiculated mass in the left lower lobe concerning for a primary lung malignancy. Follow‐up computed tomography (CT) suggested that the left lower lobe mass corresponded to rounded atelectasis; however, at 6 month follow‐up, low‐dose chest CT scan revealed a 2.1 × 1.2 cm nodule within the central portion of the left lower lobe, with pleural thickening, and arising from or extending into the left lower lobe bronchus. The patient had no recent history of appetite change, exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, wheeze, fever, or other chest complaints. Her examination showed normal vital signs, oxygen saturation of 98% while inspiring room air, and an entirely normal lung and general physical examination, except for diminished breath sounds at the left base with no wheeze. An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and endobronchial biopsy was performed.
Cytomorphological spectrum and immunochemistry of cutaneous tuberculosis
Authors: Murry Wonchibeni T. , Sharma Sonal , Arora Vinod Kumar , Bhattacharya Sambit Nath , Singal Archana
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis is challenging due to its diverse clinical manifestations, paucibacillary state and lack of proper diagnostic tests. Clinico‐pathological correlation is still frequently used for diagnosis. There is paucity of literature on cytomorphological features. Immunochemistry can help as an ancillary test.

Methods

Clinical diagnosis was made after thorough history and physical examination. Modified Fine Needle Aspiration technique was used to collect cytology samples and 3 mm punch biopsy for histological examination. Findings on histopathology were compared with cytomorphology. Immunochemical staining with anti‐TB polyclonal antibody using standard Polymer‐based‐HRP immunochemistry technique and comparison of cytology and histology findings.

Results

The morphological spectrum of biopsy and cytology showed high correlation using nine parameters: necrosis, granulomas, giant cells, AFB, neutrophilic infiltrate, presence of lymphocytes, histiocytes, collagen bundles, and immunochemistry. Diagnostic correlation of FNA compared to biopsy was found to be 90.3%. On comparing cytomorphology of scrofuloderma and lupus vulgaris, all the parameters were found more frequently in scrofuloderma except for granulomas, giant cells and immunochemistry. Immunochemistry showed sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 70% on biopsy, respectively, compared to 67.7% and 60% on FNA, respectively. Combined sensitivity of IHC and ICC was 96.8%.

Conclusions

The cytomorphological spectrum of cutaneous tuberculosis is comparable to clinicohistopathology with a high correlation of 90.3%. However, sub classification on FNA is difficult on cytology alone. While FNAC is a better diagnostic tool for finding AFBs hence confirming the diagnosis, biopsy is better for immunochemistry. Thus, biopsy and FNA complement each other.
STarT Back Tool risk stratification is associated with changes in movement profile and sensory discrimination in low back pain: A study of 290 patients
Authors: Rabey Martin , Kendell Michelle , Godden Chris , Liburd Jermaine , Netley Hayley , O’Shaughnessy Ciaran , O’Sullivan Peter , Smith Anne , Beales Darren
Published: December 2018

Background

Investigation of movement and sensory profiles across STarT Back risk subgroups.

Methods

A chronic low back pain cohort (n = 290) were classified as low, medium or high risk using the STarT Back Tool, and completed a repeated spinal bending task and quantitative sensory testing. Pain summation, time taken and the number of protective behaviours with repeated bending were measured. Sensory tests included two‐point discrimination, temporal summation, pressure/thermal pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation. Subgroups were profiled against movement and sensory variables.

Results

The high‐risk subgroup demonstrated greater pain summation following repeated forward bending (p < 0.001). The medium‐risk subgroup demonstrated greater pain summation following repeated backward bending (p = 0.032). Medium‐ and high‐risk subgroups demonstrated greater forward/backward bend time compared to the low‐risk subgroup (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, respectively). Medium‐ and high‐risk subgroups demonstrated a higher number of protective behaviours per forward bend compared to the low‐risk subgroup (p = 0.008). For sensory variables, only two‐point discrimination differed between subgroups, with medium‐ and high‐risk subgroups demonstrating higher thresholds (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

This study showed altered movement characteristics and sensory discrimination across SBT risk subgroups in people with CLBP. Membership of the high SBT risk subgroup was associated with greater pain and disability levels, greater pain summation following repeated bending, slower bending times, a greater number of protective behaviours during forward bending, and a higher TPD threshold. Treatment outcomes for higher risk SBT subgroups may be enhanced by interventions specifically targeting movement and sensory alterations.

Significance

In 290 people with chronic low back pain movement profile and two‐point discrimination threshold differed across risk subgroups defined by the STarT Back Tool. Conversely, pain sensitivity did not differ across these subgroups. These findings may add further guidance for targeted care in these subgroups.
Neonatal seizures: Is there a relationship between ictal electroclinical features and etiology? A critical appraisal based on a systematic literature review
Authors: Nunes Magda L. , Yozawitz Elissa G. , Zuberi Sameer , Mizrahi Eli M. , Cilio Maria Roberta , Moshé Solomon L. , Plouin Perrine , Vanhatalo Sampsa , Pressler Ronit M. ,   Task Force on Neonatal Seizures, ILAE Commission on Classification & Terminology
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether specific etiologies of neonatal seizures have distinct ictal electroclinical features. A systematic review of English articles using the PubMed database since 2004 (last update 9/26/16). Search terms included text words and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)terms related to neonatal seizures. Eligible articles included reports of neonates with seizures with a full description of seizure semiology and electroclinical findings. Independent extraction of data was performed by 2 authors using predefined data fields, including study quality indicators. Data were collected for every individual patient described in the articles. The dataset was analyzed with the Fisher exact test. The initial search led to 8507 titles; using filters, 2910 titles and abstracts were identified, with 177 full texts selected to be read. Fifty‐seven studies were included in the analysis with 151 neonates (37.7 male and 62.9% term). Genetic etiologies (51%) and sequential seizures (41.1%) predominated in this sample and hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) accounted for only 4%. The low prevalence ofHIEobserved was probably due to a publication bias. A significant association was found between etiology and seizure type: hemorrhage with autonomic seizures (P = 0.003),central nervous system (CNS)infection and stroke with clonic seizures (P = 0.042,P < 0.001, respectively), metabolic/vitamin‐related disorders, and inborn errors of metabolism with myoclonic seizures (P < 0.001). There were also specific electroencephalography (EEG)patterns seen with certain etiologies: vascular disorders and electrolyte imbalance with focal ictal discharges (P < 0.001,P = 0.049 respectively), vitamin‐related disorders with multifocal (P = 0.003), and all categories of genetic disorders with burst‐suppression (P < 0.001). Clonic and autonomic seizures were more frequently present with focalEEGabnormalities (P = 0.001 andP < 0.001), whereas tonic and myoclonic seizures present with burst‐suppression (P = 0.001,P = 0.005). In conclusion, our data suggest that specific associations of etiologies of neonatal seizures with distinct clinical features andEEGpatterns might help in the decision to establish appropriate treatment.