bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omaveloxolone and TX63682 are hepatoprotective in the STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Reisman Scott A. , Ferguson Deborah A. , Lee Chun‐Yue I. , Proksch Joel W.
Published: May 2020

Omaveloxolone is a potent activator of Nrf2, a master transcriptional regulator of a multitude of cytoprotective functions, including antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and mitochondrial bioenergetic effects. Some of the most potent known effects of Nrf2 involve hepatoprotective functions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of omaveloxolone and TX63682, a closely related structural analog with similar oral bioavailability, in the STAM mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). C57Bl/6 mice received a single subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin two days after birth and were fed a high‐fat diet from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Omaveloxolone and TX63682 were orally administered at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/d from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Consistent with the beneficial effects of Nrf2 on hepatoprotection and improved lipid handling, both omaveloxolone and TX63682 decreased hepatic fat deposition, hepatocellular ballooning, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Omaveloxolone and TX63682 also improved blood glucose control, as evidenced by reductions in nonfasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1C concentrations. Reductions in liver and serum triglycerides with omaveloxolone and TX63682 treatment were also observed. Both omaveloxolone and TX63682 decreased leptin and increased adiponectin in serum, which is consistent with the anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic effects observed in the liver. These results were associated with significant induction of Nrf2 target gene expression in the liver, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, sulfiredoxin 1, and ferritin heavy chain 1. Overall, these data suggest that omaveloxolone and related Nrf2 activators may be useful for the treatment of NASH.
Zwitterionic amino acids as precursors for nonmetal cation pentaborate salts
Authors: Sizir Ümit , Yurdakul Ömer , Köse Dursun Ali , Içten Okan
Published: May 2020

Nonmetal cation (NMC) pentaborate structures were synthesized using the amino acid molecules as cations precursors. Chemical composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy, mass analysis, boron nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) methods were used for structural characterization. The hydrogen storage efficiency of molecules was also determined experimentally. The recorded infrared spectra support the structural similarities of the molecules. Stretchings of pentaborate rings and characteristic peaks of amino acids were detected in infrared spectra. When the thermal analysis curves were recorded, it was found that the structures showed similar decomposition steps. Due to the result of thermal decay, glassy boron oxide (B2O3) formation was observed as the final decomposition products of all molecules. Peaks associated with boric acid, triborate, and pentaborate were observed in the 11B spectra of these salts. Powder X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy supports the presence of BO3 and BO4− groups regarding the presence of pentaborate rings. It also indicates the high crystallinity of the structures. The molecular cavities detected by brunauer–emmett–teller analysis were found to be 3.586, 1.922, 1.673, and 1.923 g/cm3. Low‐molecular cavities can be attributed to the high hydrogen‐bonding capacity of the structures. The hydrogen capture efficiency of the pentaborate salts was found to be in the range of 0.039‐0.
Some new group divisible designs with block size 4 and two or three group sizes
Authors: Abel R. Julian R. , Bunjamin Yudhistira A. , Combe Diana
Published: May 2020

Group divisible designs (GDDs) with block size 4 and at most 30 points are known for all feasible group types except three, namely , and . In this paper we provide solutions for the first two of these three 4‐GDDs without assuming any automorphisms. We also construct several other 4‐GDDs. These include classes of 4‐GDDs of types for where and solutions for 4‐GDDs of types for a wide range of values of satisfying or , including all cases with . Most of the remaining unknown 4‐GDDs of type have .
Increased levels of long noncoding RNA LINC00691 correlate with poor prognosis in non–small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Xie Yan , Hu Xiuhua
Published: May 2020

Background

Although long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 691 (LINC00691) has been functionally identified in several tumors, the association between LINC00691 and non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been reported. The objective of our study was to explore the clinical significance of LINC00691 in NSCLC.

Methods

RT‐PCR was performed to detect LINC00691 levels in 177 pairs of human NSCLC tissues and matched normal lung specimens. A chi‐squared test was used to analyze the possible influence of LINC00691 on the clinical progress of NSCLC. Kaplan‐Meier methods were used to determine differences in patient survival. The prognostic value of survival variables was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

We found that LINC00691 levels were increased in tumor specimens compared with matched normal lung tissues (P < .01). Increased LINC00691 levels correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .025) and advanced TNM stage (P = .002) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, clinical investigations revealed that NSCLC patients with high LINC00691 expression had a shorter overall survival than those with low LINC00691 expression (P = .0042). Finally, Cox regression assays confirmed LINC00691 as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

The aberrant expression of LINC00691 may function as a reliable marker for the progression and prognosis of NSCLC in patients.
Trauma nation: Exposure to traumatic events among South African university students
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita
Published: May 2020

The current study investigated exposure to past trauma among South African students at a historically disadvantaged institution (HDI). The student population at HDI's are typically from low‐income communities that were marginalized by apartheid‐era policies and few studies have focused on trauma exposure among this population group. Respondents (N=914) completed the Life Events Checklist and a demographic questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify gender differences in exposure. 97.6% of the sample reported trauma exposure. The most frequently experienced traumatic events were physical assault (69.3%) and transportation accidents (64.7%). While men were almost twice as likely to report exposure to physical assault (77.2% vs. 67%; β=.53; odds ratio [OR]=1.70; p<.01) and assault with a weapon (59.7% vs. 44.3%; β=.62; OR=1.86; p<.01), women were twice as likely to report unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experiences (32.3% vs. 19.4%; β=−.69; OR=0.50; p<.01) and sexual assault (19.3% vs. 13.1%; β=−.69; OR=0.50; p<.01). It is recommended that psycho‐education on trauma be included in orientation programmes and mental health screening and early referrals for psychological services be implemented.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of levulinic acid from low‐cost, sustainable feedstocks using organic acids as green catalysts
Authors: Aliko Kinana , Doudin Khalid , Osatiashtiani Amin , Wang Jiawei , Topham Paul D , Theodosiou Eirini
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Modern day scientific endeavour strives towards global sustainability through the smart utilisation of renewable resources as base materials for chemicals. Until now, the most common commercial process to produce levulinic acid (a mass‐produced platform chemical) depends on a two‐stage mineral acid‐catalysed reaction, which generates harmful environmental waste. In this work, an environmentally friendly levulinic acid production route using less harmful organic acids assisted by microwave heating from biomass feedstocks is reported for the first time.

RESULTS

Using aluminum sulfate as a green Lewis acid catalyst and seven organic acids, levulinic acid was successfully produced from barley straw under microwave heating, with maleic acid giving the highest catalytic conversion. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach was used to rapidly and effectively examine the effect of five reaction variables on the productivity of the levulinic acid. A wide range of different biomass wastes (barley straw, brewery waste, olive cake, spent tea leaves and potato, tomato, and mandarin peels) were subsequently screened to produce the levulinic acid. The highest yield of 86 wt% based on cellulose content from mandarin peel (a value comparable to a lengthier ‘non‐green’ route) was achieved under the following optimized reaction conditions: 180 °C, 38 min, 2 M maleic acid concentration, 0.1 g Al2(SO4)3 and 1:22 biomass: maleic acid ratio (g mL−1).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method is a promising new route towards the green, high yield production of levulinic acid from a variety of agricultural and household lignocellulosic biomass wastes, without the need for pre‐treatment. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Main parameters influencing the design of photocatalytic reactors for wastewater treatment: a mini review
Authors: Sacco Olga , Vaiano Vincenzo , Sannino Diana
Published: May 2020

The research in the heterogeneous photocatalysis to remove different types of pollutants in liquid phase has notably increased in the last years. The main objectives of the research dealing with photocatalysis were: (i) to shift the photoactivity of catalysts in the visible light range or to increase the degradation rate; (ii) the use of the artificial light sources (low pressure lamp, high pressure lamp, LEDs, and optical fibers) and solar light; (iii) photocatalysts recovering and deactivation; (iv) photoreactor configuration; (v) photodegradation of contaminants of emerging concern; and (vi) verification of induced effects from the photocatalytic treatment, such as the induction of bacterial resistance. Here, one of the main problems in the practical application of photocatalysis, which is the photoreactors scale‐up, is addressed with the use of mathematical modeling. In this perspective, this mini review reports a literature exam of the main parameters that are important to take into account for the design and the development of photoreactors for wastewater treatment, and through the use of computational fluid dynamics models (CFD). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of urban sewage sludge on soil physico‐chemical properties and phytotoxicity as influenced by soil texture and reuse conditions
Authors: Hechmi Sarra , Hamdi Helmi , Mokni‐Tlili Sonia , Ghorbel Manel , Khelil Mohamed Naceur , Zoghlami Inès Rahma , Benzarti Saoussen , Jellali Salah , Hassen Abdennaceur , Jedidi Naceur
Published: May 2020

Urban sewage sludge (USS) is increasingly applied to agricultural soils, but mixed results have been reported because of variations in reuse conditions. Most field trials have been conducted in cropping systems, which conceal intrinsic soil responses to sludge amendments due to the rhizosphere effect and farming practices. Therefore, the current field study highlights long‐term changes in bare soil properties in strict relationship with soil texture and USS dose. Two agricultural soils (loamy sand [LS] and sandy [S]) were amended annually with increasing sludge rates up to 120 t ha−1 yr−1 for 5 yr under unvegetated conditions. Outcomes showed a USS dose‐dependent variation of all studied parameters in topsoil samples. Soil salinization was the most significant risk related to excessive USS doses. Total dissolved salts (TDS) in saturated paste extracts reached the highest concentrations of 37.2 and 43.1 g L−1 in S soil and LS soil, respectively, treated with 120 t USS ha−1 yr−1. This was also reflected by electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (ECe) exceeding 4,000 µS cm−1 in both treatments. As observed for TDS, fertility indicators and bioavailable metals varied with soil texture due to the greater retention capacity of LS soil owing to higher fine fraction content. Soil phytotoxicity was estimated by the seed germination index (GI) calculated for lettuce, alfalfa, oat, and durum wheat. The GI was species dependent, indicating different degrees of sensitivity or tolerance to increasing USS rates. Lettuce germination was significantly affected by changes in soil conditions showing negative correlations with ECe and soluble metals. In contrast, treatment with USS enhanced the GI of wheat, reflecting higher salinity tolerance and a positive effect of sludge on abiotic conditions that control germination in soil. Therefore, the choice of adapted plant species is the key factor for successful cropping trials in sludge‐amended soils.
Dynamical patterning modules and network motifs as joint determinants of development: Lessons from an aggregative bacterium
Authors: Guzmán‐Herrera Alejandra , Arias Del Angel Juan A. , Rivera‐Yoshida Natsuko , Benítez Mariana , Franci Alessio
Published: May 2020

Development and evolution are dynamical processes under the continuous control of organismic and environmental factors. Generic physical processes, associated with biological materials and certain genes or molecules, provide a morphological template for the evolution and development of organism forms. Generic dynamical behaviors, associated with recurring network motifs, provide a temporal template for the regulation and coordination of biological processes. The role of generic physical processes and their associated molecules in development is the topic of the dynamical patterning module (DPM) framework. The role of generic dynamical behaviors in biological regulation is studied via the identification of the associated network motifs (NMs). We propose a joint DPM–NM perspective on the emergence and regulation of multicellularity focusing on a multicellular aggregative bacterium, Myxococcus xanthus. Understanding M. xanthus development as a dynamical process embedded in a physical substrate provides novel insights into the interaction between developmental regulatory networks and generic physical processes in the evolutionary transition to multicellularity.
MicroRNA‐23 suppresses osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting the MEF2C‐mediated MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Kai , Teng Guo‐Dong , Chen Yan‐Qing
Published: May 2020

Background

The present study aimed to determine the role and mechanism of miR‐23 with respect to regulating the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).

Materials

The expression of miR‐23 and MEF2C was measured in osteoporosis (OP) patients and healthy controls by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The correlation between miR‐23 and MEF2C was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis was performed using public databases. Target gene function and potential pathways were further examined. Then, we used a miR‐23 mimic or inhibitor to further explore the potential mechanism of miR‐23.

Results

miR‐23 is found to be up‐regulated and MEF2C is down‐regulated in OP patients compared to healthy controls. miR‐23 had a negative correlation with MEF2C (r = −0.937, p = 0.001). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that a total of 664 overlapping target genes were found in the TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org), miRDB (http://mirdb.org) and miRanda (http://www.microrna.org/microrna/home.do) databases. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that miR‐23 may regulate the mitogan‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. miR‐23 is down‐regulated and MEF2C is significantly up‐regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. MEF2C was significantly up‐regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Overexpression of miR‐23 significantly down‐regulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition, whereas the miR‐23 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐23 significantly decreased osteoblast‐related markers (Runx2, Osx, ALP and OCN). Further experiments confirmed that MEF2C is a direct target of miR‐23. Moreover, the miR‐23 mimic enhanced the expression of p‐p38 but had no effect on p‐JNK.

Conclusions

miR‐23 decreases the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through the MEF2C/MAPK signaling pathway.
The Relation Between Property Rights, Farm Size and Technical Efficiency for the Developing Countries' Agricultural Sector
Authors: Dourandish Arash , Saghaian Sayed , Shahnoushi Forushani Naser , Mohammadrezazadeh Nazanin , Kuhestani Sina
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have shown that the quality of property rights, farm size and market imperfections significantly affect agricultural efficiency. This article investigates the interaction between the quality of property rights and size when the countries are heterogeneous in degree of market imperfection, using a multilevel statistical approach for a sample of 84 developing countries. The results show a positive relation between technical efficiency and quality of property rights and a negative relation between farm size and quality of property rights. Furthermore, the results reject the regularly stated inverse relation between farm size and technical efficiency. In addition, the results show that market imperfections significantly affect the relations between technical efficiency and the explanatory variables. According to the results, increasing the farm size in countries with well‐defined property rights reduces agricultural efficiency. On the other hand, in the majority of developing countries with low quality of property rights, the relation between farm size and technical efficiency is statistically significant and positive. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI of the Neonatal Brain: A Review of Methodological Challenges and Neuroscientific Advances
Authors: Dubois Jessica , Alison Marianne , Counsell Serena J. , Hertz‐Pannier Lucie , Hüppi Petra S. , Benders Manon J.N.L.
Published: May 2020

In recent years, exploration of the developing brain has become a major focus for researchers and clinicians in an attempt to understand what allows children to acquire amazing and unique abilities, as well as the impact of early disruptions (eg, prematurity, neonatal insults) that can lead to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Noninvasive neuroimaging methods such as MRI are essential to establish links between the brain and behavioral changes in newborns and infants. In this review article, we aim to highlight recent and representative studies using the various techniques available: anatomical MRI, quantitative MRI (relaxometry, diffusion MRI), multiparametric approaches, and functional MRI. Today, protocols use 1.5 or 3T MRI scanners, and specialized methodologies have been put in place for data acquisition and processing to address the methodological challenges specific to this population, such as sensitivity to motion. MR sequences must be adapted to the brains of newborns and infants to obtain relevant good soft‐tissue contrast, given the small size of the cerebral structures and the incomplete maturation of tissues. The use of age‐specific image postprocessing tools is also essential, as signal and contrast differ from the adult brain. Appropriate methodologies then make it possible to explore multiple neurodevelopmental mechanisms in a precise way, and assess changes with age or differences between groups of subjects, particularly through large‐scale projects. Although MRI measurements only indirectly reflect the complex series of dynamic processes observed throughout development at the molecular and cellular levels, this technique can provide information on brain morphology, structural connectivity, microstructural properties of gray and white matter, and on the functional architecture. Finally, MRI measures related to clinical, behavioral, and electrophysiological markers have a key role to play from a diagnostic and prognostic perspective in the implementation of early interventions to avoid long‐term disabilities in children.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Early trends for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in central and north Texas and impact on other circulating respiratory viruses
Authors: Mutnal Manohar B. , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Walker Kimberly , Mohammad Amin , Brigmon Matthew M. , Beaver Ryan M. , Midturi John K. , Rao Arundhati
Published: May 2020

Rapid diagnosis and isolation are key to containing the quick spread of a pandemic agent like severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which has spread globally since its initial outbreak in Wuhan province in China. SARS‐CoV‐2 is novel and the effect on typically prevalent seasonal viruses is just becoming apparent. We present our initial data on the prevalence of respiratory viruses in the month of March 2020. This is a retrospective cohort study post launching of SARS‐CoV‐2 testing at Baylor Scott and White Hospital (BSWH), Temple, Texas. Testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 was performed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay and results were shared with State public health officials for immediate interventions. More than 3500 tests were performed during the first 2 weeks of testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 and identified 168 (4.7%) positive patients. Sixty‐two (3.2%) of the 1912 ambulatory patients and 106 (6.3%) of the 1659 emergency department/inpatients tested were positive. The highest rate of infection (6.9%) was seen in patients aged 25 to 34 years, while the lowest rate of infection was seen among patients aged <25 years old (2%). County‐specific patient demographic information was shared with respective public health departments for epidemiological interventions. Incidentally, this study showed that there was a significant decrease in the occurrence of seasonal respiratory virus infections, perhaps due to increased epidemiological awareness about SARS‐CoV‐2 among the general public, as well as the social distancing measures implemented in response to SARS‐CoV‐2. Data extracted for BSWH from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System site revealed that Influenza incidence was 8.7% in March 2020, compared with 25% in March 2019. This study was intended to provide an initial experience of dealing with a pandemic and the role of laboratories in crisis management. This study provided SARS‐CoV‐2 testing data from ambulatory and inpatient population. Epidemiological interventions depend on timely availability of accurate diagnostic tests and throughput capacity of such systems during large outbreaks like SARS‐CoV‐2.
Evidence of increasing diversification of emerging Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 strains
Authors: Castells Matías , Lopez‐Tort Fernando , Colina Rodney , Cristina Juan
Published: May 2020

On 30th January 2020, an outbreak of atypical pneumonia caused by a novel betacoronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. For this reason, a detailed evolutionary analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains currently circulating in different geographic regions of the world was performed. A compositional analysis as well as a Bayesian coalescent analysis of complete genome sequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains recently isolated in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia was performed. The results of these studies revealed a diversification of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains in three different genetic clades. Co‐circulation of different clades in different countries, as well as different genetic lineages within different clades were observed. The time of the most recent common ancestor was established to be around 1st November 2019. A mean rate of evolution of 6.57 × 10−4 substitutions per site per year was found. A significant migration rate per genetic lineage per year from Europe to South America was also observed. The results of these studies revealed an increasing diversification of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. High evolutionary rates and fast population growth characterizes the population dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 strains.
Best practices for estimating near‐surface air temperature lapse rates
Authors: Lute A. C. , Abatzoglou John T.
Published: May 2020

The near‐surface air temperature lapse rate is the predominant source of spatial temperature variability in mountains and controls snowfall and snowmelt regimes, glacier mass balance, and species distributions. Lapse rates are often estimated from observational data, however there is little guidance on best practices for estimating lapse rates. We use observational and synthetic datasets to evaluate the error and uncertainty in lapse rate estimates stemming from sample size, dataset noise, covariate collinearity, domain selection, and estimation methods. We find that lapse rates estimated from small sample sizes (<5) or datasets with high noise or collinearity can have errors of several °C km−1. Uncertainty in lapse rates due to non‐elevation related large‐scale temperature variability was reduced by correcting for spatial temperature gradients and restricting domains based on spatial clusters of stations. We generally found simple linear regression to be more robust than multiple linear regression for lapse rate estimation. Finally, lapse rates had lower error and uncertainty when estimated from a sample of topoclimatically self‐similar stations. Motivated by these results, we outline a set of best practices for lapse rate estimation that include using quality controlled temperature observations from as many locations as possible within the study domain, accounting for and minimizing non‐elevational sources of climatic gradients, and calculating lapse rates using simple linear regression across topoclimatically self‐similar samples of stations which are roughly 80% of the station population size.
Optimizing root yield of cassava under fertigation and the masked effect of atmospheric temperature
Authors: Omondi John Okoth , Yermiyahu Uri , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Boahen Steve , Ntawuruhunga Pheneas , Sokolowski Eldad , Lazarovitch Naftali
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Fertigation is a rare and an expensive method of fertilizer application to cassava, and hence there is a need to optimize its efficiency for profitability. This study's objective was to optimize root yield of cassava through fertigation using a logistic model.

RESULTS

The field treatments were six fertigation concentrations against three cassava varieties, selected according to their maturity period. The logistic model predicted 52%, 116% and 281% benefit of fertigation for the varieties Mweru, Kampolombo and Nalumino, respectively. Furthermore, only half of the amount of fertilizer applied for Mweru was required to achieve twice the root yield of Kampolombo. During the experiment, an unknown importance of atmospheric temperature to cassava and its relationship to fertigation was observed. An elevation of 3.7 °C in atmospheric temperature led to 226%, 364% and 265% increase in root yield of Mweru, Kampolombo and Nalumino, respectively. Conversely, shoot biomass and root yield declined when the average atmospheric temperatures dropped by 3.6 °C. However, the cold temperatures affected the short‐growth‐duration (Mweru) and medium‐growth‐duration (Kampolombo) varieties earlier, 22 days after the drop, than the long‐growth‐duration variety (Nalumino) – 50 days after the drop.

CONCLUSION

Fertigation induced resilience of the shoot biomass production to cold which was most pronounced in the root yield of Mweru in response to the highest fertigation concentration. Thus, while fertigation improved cassava's resilience to cold, it only did so effectively for short‐growth‐duration variety, Mweru. Also, enhanced performance of cassava under increased atmospheric temperature indicated its importance as a climate‐smart crop. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Polystyrene Nanospheres Modified with a Hydrophilic Polymer Brush through Subsurface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization as Biolubricating Additive
Authors: Feng Haiyan , Ma Zhengfeng , Zhang Yujue , Liu Fengzhen , Ma Shuanhong , Zhang Ran , Cai Meirong , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng
Published: May 2020

Hydration lubrication plays an important role including the cartilage of an organism. Here, polystyrene nanospheres modified with a hydrophilic polymer through subsurface‐initiated grafting as a biolubricating additive is proposed. The material provides good tribological performance when subjected to high load. Compared with surfaced‐initiated grafting polymer brushes, subsurface initiation can form much thicker hydration layers to obtain a lower friction coefficient and better mechanical properties for withstanding prolonged shearing forces with less measurable damage. The polymer brushes penetrate through the covalent network of the polystyrene nanospheres providing a match in mechanical properties between them, so that the additives obtain more excellent lubricity in an aqueous environment under shear pressure, which is expected to become a promising artificial joint biolubricating additive.
Adamantane‐Terminated Polypeptides: Synthesis by N‐Carboxyanhydride Polymerization and Template‐Based Self‐Assembly of Responsive Nanocontainers via Host–Guest Complexation with β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Pottanam Chali Sharafudheen , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: May 2020

The synthesis of adamantane‐terminated polypeptides by N‐carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization and their use in the template‐based self‐assembly of redox‐responsive nanocontainers is described. Cyclodextrin vesicles (CDV) serve as a supramolecular template to anchor adamantane terminated polypeptides on to the surface of CDV and to form polypeptide shelled vesicles (PPSVss) which are stabilized by crosslinking with cystamin. Polypeptides are characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), and gel permeation chromatography, and nanocontainer formation at each step is confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. MALDI confirms the presence of the adamantane at the end of the polymers, and isothermal titration calomatry (ITC) of the adamantane‐terminated polypeptides with β‐cyclodextrin proves the capability of adamantane on the polypeptides to form host–guest inclusion complexes even with the longest polypeptides. Encapsulation of a model dye carboxyfluorescein in PPSVss and its redox‐responsive release demonstrates the potential use of this novel type of completely biodegradable and biocompatible nanocontainer for the purpose of intracellullar delivery.
An oral health optimized diet reduces the load of potential cariogenic and periodontal bacterial species in the supragingival oral plaque: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Tennert Christian , Reinmuth Ann‐Christin , Bremer Katharina , Al‐Ahmad Ali , Karygianni Lamprini , Hellwig Elmar , Vach Kirstin , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Wittmer Annette , Woelber Johan Peter
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an oral health optimized diet on the composition of the supragingival oral plaque in a randomized controlled trial. Participants of the standard diet group (n = 5) had a diet high in processed carbohydrates and did not change their dietary behavior during the observation. The healthy diet group (n = 9) had to change the diet after 2 weeks from a diet high in processed carbohydrates to a diet low in carbohydrates, rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, rich in vitamins C and D, antioxidants and fiber for 4 weeks. Saliva and supragingival plaque samples were taken at the end of week two and eight of the observation period to investigate the composition of microbiota in saliva and supragingival plaque. Data were subjected to an exploratory analysis to identify significant differences. Statistically significant differences were only found in the healthy diet group between the baseline (week 2) and the final sample (week 8) for specific species in plaque and saliva samples. A reduction of the total counts of Streptococcus mitis group, Granulicatella adiacens, Actinomyces spp., and Fusobacterium spp. was found in plaque samples of the healthy diet group. In saliva samples of the healthy diet group, the total counts of Actinomyces spp. and Capnocytophaga spp. decreased. A diet low in carbohydrates, rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, rich in vitamins C and D, and rich in fiber reduced Streptococcus mitis group, Granulicatella adiacens, Actinomyces spp., and Fusobacterium spp. in the supragingival plaque.
Modified acquisition strategy for reduced motion artifact in super resolution FSE multislice MRI: Application to prostate
Authors: Kargar Soudabeh , Borisch Eric A. , Froemming Adam T. , Grimm Roger C. , Kawashima Akira , King Bernard F. , Stinson Eric G. , Riederer Stephen J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To reduce slice‐to‐slice motion effects in multislice
‐weighted fast‐spin‐echo (
FSE) imaging, manifest as “scalloping” in reformats, by modification of the acquisition strategy and to show applicability in prostate MRI.

Methods

FSE images of contiguous or overlapping slices are typically acquired using multiple passes in which each pass is comprised of multiple slices with slice‐to‐slice gaps. Combination of slices from all passes provides the desired sampling. For enhancement of through‐plane resolution with super resolution or for reformatting into other orientations, subtle ≈1 mm motion between passes can cause objectionable “scalloping” artifact. Here we address this by subdivision of each pass into multiple segments. Interleaving of segments from the multiple passes causes all slices to be acquired over substantially the same time, reducing pass‐to‐pass motion effects. This was implemented in acquiring 78 overlapped
FSE axial slices and studied in phantoms and in 14 prostate MRI patients. Super‐resolution axial images and sagittal reformats from the original and new segmented acquisitions were evaluated by 3 uroradiologists.

Results

For all criteria of sagittal reformats, the segmented acquisition was statistically superior to the original. For all sharpness criteria of axial images, although the trend preferred the original acquisition, the difference was not significant. For artifact in axial images, the segmented acquisition was significantly superior.

Conclusions

For prostate MRI the new segmented acquisition significantly reduces the scalloping motion artifact that can be present in reformats due to long time lags between the acquisition of adjacent or overlapped slices while retaining image sharpness in the acquired axial slices.
Surface modification of PET fabric by plasma pre‐treatment for long‐lasting permethrin deposition
Authors: Badaro Adair Divino da Silva , Sousa Rômulo , Naeem Muhammad , Libório Maxwell Santana , Santos Rayane Saory Medeiros dos , de Souza Flaviane camara , Costa Thércio , Feitor Michele , Iqbal Javed
Published: May 2020

The mosquito‐transmitted diseases are of serious concern and are affecting several millions of peoples worldwide. Instead of medication afterward the disease initiated, self‐protection against the mosquito's is preferable, specifically in endemic areas. For this purpose, the permethrin coated clothing is a suitable choice to avoid mosquitos' bites. Unfortunately, the permethrin coating on fabrics is not long‐lasting, and its laundering resistance is very low on hydrophobic fabric. In this study, the effect of plasma surface modification of PET fabric on the adhesion of permethrin and its laundering resistance are evaluated. The plasma processing is carried out in nitrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen–oxygen mixture plasma. The samples are analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and chromatography. The results show that the oxygen plasma pre‐treated samples exhibit the higher residual contents of permethrin after 60 wash cycles as compared with other gasses. Without plasma pre‐treatment, the 95% loss, whereas the sample with oxygen plasma pre‐treatment shows that only 22% loss of initial concentration of permethrin occurs after washing. This study shows that plasma pre‐treatment is valuable to improve the absorption of permethrin in PET and its laundering‐resistance. As plasma treatment is a cost‐effective technique, it needs less processing time and eco‐friendly, thus it is a great choice to deposit long‐lasting permethrin coating by plasma pre‐treatment, instead of conventional binding agents. Remarkably, the plasma treatment technique is a well‐established and industrially acceptable technique, thus expected to be of noteworthy importance for insecticide garments manufacturers.
Evaluation of the Potential Risk of Advanced Peak Determination in Distorting Isobaric Labeling‐Based Single‐Shot Proteome Quantitation
Authors: Wang Jinlong , Zhang Yuanya , Huang Xiahe , Lu Dandan , Wang Yingchun
Published: May 2020

The recent development and implementation of the advanced peak determination (APD) algorithm with MS instrument dramatically increased the sampling of low abundance features for MS/MS fragmentation. After in‐depth evaluation, it is found that with APD on, many chimeric spectra are acquired through co‐fragmentation of high abundance contaminants with low abundance targets, and such co‐fragmentations are largely avoided when APD is off. To evaluate whether such a co‐fragmentation could significantly distort the accuracy of the isobaric‐labeling based quantitation of the low abundance target, a single‐shot TMT experiment is performed using a two‐proteome model, whereby each TMT channel contains premixed peptides from human and a cyanobacterium with a known ratio. Unexpectedly, it is found that APD does not significantly distort TMT ratios, probably because the majority of the APD‐specific chimeric spectra are not identifiable. Nevertheless, a few examples of significant distortion of TMT ratios of low abundance peptides caused by APD is found through manual inspection, and suggests that APD should be off in a single‐shot TMT experiment to avoid the laborious and time‐costing manual inspection.
Changing climate and the permafrost environment on the Qinghai–Tibet (Xizang) plateau
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zou Defu , Hu Guojie , Du Erji , Pang Qiangqiang , Xiao Yao , Li Ren , Sheng Yu , Wu Xiaodong , Sun Zhe , Wang Lingxiao , Wang Chong , Ma Lu , Zhou Huayun , Liu Shibo
Published: May 2020

Permafrost on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) has undergone degradation as a result of recent climate change. This may alter the thermo‐hydrological processes and unlock soil organic carbon, and thereby affect local hydrological, ecological, and climatic systems. The relationships between permafrost and climate change have received extensive attention, and in this paper we review climate change for permafrost regions of the QTP over the past 30 years. We summarize the current state and changes in permafrost distribution and thickness, ground temperature, and ground ice conditions. We focus on changes in permafrost thermal state and in active‐layer thickness (ALT). Possible future changes in ground temperature and ALT are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the changes in hydrological processes and to ecosystems caused by permafrost degradation. Air temperature and ground temperature in the permafrost regions of the QTP have increased from 1980 to 2018, and the active layer has been thickening at a rate of 19.5 cm per decade. The response of permafrost to climate change is not as fast as in some reports, and permafrost degradation is slower than projected by models that do not account for conditions deep in permafrost.
Optimization of STEM‐HAADF Electron Tomography Reconstructions by Parameter Selection in Compressed Sensing Total Variation Minimization‐Based Algorithms
Authors: Muñoz‐Ocaña Juan M. , Bouziane Ainouna , Sakina Farzeen , Baker Richard T. , Hungría Ana B. , Calvino Jose J. , Rodríguez‐Chía Antonio M. , López‐Haro Miguel
Published: May 2020

A novel procedure to optimize the 3D morphological characterization of nanomaterials by means of high angle annular dark field scanning‐transmission electron tomography is reported and is successfully applied to the analysis of a metal‐ and halogen‐free ordered mesoporous carbon material. The new method is based on a selection of the two parameters (μ and β) which are key in the reconstruction of tomographic series by means of total variation minimization (TVM). The parameter‐selected TVM reconstructions obtained using this approach clearly reveal the porous structure of the carbon‐based material as consisting of a network of parallel, straight channels of ≈6 nm diameter ordered in a honeycomb‐type arrangement. Such an unusual structure cannot be retrieved from a TVM 3D reconstruction using default reconstruction values. Moreover, segmentation and further quantification of the optimized 3D tomographic reconstruction provide values for different textural parameters, such as pore size distribution and specific pore volume that match very closely with those determined by macroscopic physisorption techniques. The approach developed can be extended to other reconstruction models in which the final result is influenced by parameter choice.
Adaptive neural control for multiagent systems with asymmetric time‐varying state constraints and input saturation
Authors: Yang Bin , Xiao Wenbin , Yin Hao , Zhou Qi , Lu Renquan
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the leader‐follower consensus problem of a class of non‐strict‐feedback nonlinear multiagent systems with asymmetric time‐varying state constraints (ATVSC) and input saturation, and an adaptive neural control scheme is developed. By introducing the distributed sliding‐mode estimator, each follower can obtain the estimation of leader's trajectory and track it directly. Then, with the help of time‐varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function and radial basis function neural networks, the controller is designed based on backstepping technique. Furthermore, the mean‐value theorem and Nussbaum function are utilized to address the problems of input saturation and unknown control direction. Moreover, the number of adaptive laws is equal to that of the followers, which reduces the computational complexity. It is proved that the leader‐follower consensus tracking control is achieved without violating the ATVSC, and all closed‐loop signals are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the control scheme.
Relative rate of change in cognitive score network dynamics via Bayesian hierarchical models reveal spatial patterns of neurodegeneration
Authors: Cespedes Marcela I. , McGree James M. , Drovandi Christopher C. , Mengersen Kerrie , Fripp Jurgen , Doecke James D.
Published: May 2020

The degeneration of the human brain is a complex process, which often affects certain brain regions due to healthy aging or disease. This degeneration can be evaluated on regions of interest (ROI) in the brain through probabilistic networks and morphological estimates. Current approaches for finding such networks are limited to analyses at discrete neuropsychological stages, which cannot appropriately account for connectivity dynamics over the onset of cognitive deterioration, and morphological changes are seldom unified with connectivity networks, despite known dependencies. To overcome these limitations, a probabilistic wombling model is proposed to simultaneously estimate ROI cortical thickness and covariance networks contingent on rates of change in cognitive decline. This proposed model was applied to analyze longitudinal data from healthy control (HC) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) groups and found connection differences pertaining to regions, which play a crucial role in lasting cognitive impairment, such as the entorhinal area and temporal regions. Moreover, HC cortical thickness estimates were significantly higher than those in the AD group across all ROIs. The analyses presented in this work will help practitioners jointly analyze brain tissue atrophy at the ROI‐level conditional on neuropsychological networks, which could potentially allow for more targeted therapeutic interventions.
Sensitivity analysis for clinical trials with missing continuous outcome data using controlled multiple imputation: A practical guide
Authors: Cro Suzie , Morris Tim P. , Kenward Michael G. , Carpenter James R.
Published: May 2020

Missing data due to loss to follow‐up or intercurrent events are unintended, but unfortunately inevitable in clinical trials. Since the true values of missing data are never known, it is necessary to assess the impact of untestable and unavoidable assumptions about any unobserved data in sensitivity analysis. This tutorial provides an overview of controlled multiple imputation (MI) techniques and a practical guide to their use for sensitivity analysis of trials with missing continuous outcome data. These include δ‐ and reference‐based MI procedures. In δ‐based imputation, an offset term, δ, is typically added to the expected value of the missing data to assess the impact of unobserved participants having a worse or better response than those observed. Reference‐based imputation draws imputed values with some reference to observed data in other groups of the trial, typically in other treatment arms. We illustrate the accessibility of these methods using data from a pediatric eczema trial and a chronic headache trial and provide Stata code to facilitate adoption. We discuss issues surrounding the choice of δ in δ‐based sensitivity analysis. We also review the debate on variance estimation within reference‐based analysis and justify the use of Rubin's variance estimator in this setting, since as we further elaborate on within, it provides information anchored inference.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Potency of Butyl‐Pyridone Based Azo Dyes
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Keshavayya J. , Matada Mallikarjuna N. , Srinivasa Sudhanva M. , Rangappa S.
Published: May 2020

A series of heterocyclic disperse azo dyes having pyridone architecture was prepared by a simple, economical and highly efficient diazo‐coupling method. In this method, butyl pyridone was used as a common coupling component by changing the five heterocyclic amine moieties. The structural investigations of the analogous compounds were accomplished by various spectroscopic techniques. Further, all the azo dyes were examined for their potency towards antibacterial, antituberculosis and anticancer activities. The results revealed that all the dye molecules exhibited excellent tuberculosis activity and also very promising anticancer activity. In the case of the antibacterial assay, only a few azo dyes displayed good inhibition effect towards the tested bacterial strains.
Facile Synthesis of Cu Quantum Dots‐TiO2 Nanosheets Schottky Junction and Improved Photocatalytic Degradation Activity
Authors: Zhai Siyu , Yang Xiaoman , Tang Maoyuan , Gu Wenhao , Teng F.
Published: May 2020

Cu quantum dots (CuQDs), which are about 2–4‐nm large, are successfully loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanosheet by a mild and simple method. Under UV light irradiation (λ≤400 nm), CuQDs (10 wt %)‐TiO2 shows a photocatalytic activity 1.9 times higher than TiO2 for the degradation of RhB, although with a lower surface area than TiO2. The trapping experiment shows that the main oxidation species is .O2−, which due to the obvious electron migration from TiO2 to CuQDs. The CuQDs loading efficiently improves the photocatalytic activity of CuQDs‐TiO2, which is mainly ascribed to the enhanced charge transfer and separation efficiency by the formation of Schottky junction between CuQDs and TiO2.