bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐140‐5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and post‐fracture healing of mice
Authors: Jiao Jianhang , Feng Guang , Wu Minfei , Wang Yang , Li Rui , Liu Jun
Published: October 2020

MiR‐140‐5p is high expressed in normal fracture healing, but its specific role and mechanism in tissue‐to‐bone healing are rarely reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of miR‐140‐5p on tissue‐to‐bone healing. Clone formation experiment, flow cytometry, Alizarin Red S Staining and Oil Red O Staining were performed to investigate the biological characteristics of mouse embryonic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2. MiR‐140‐5p mimic was transfected into osteogenic medium (OS)‐treated C3H10T1/2 cells to investigate the effects of miR‐140‐5p on osteogenic differentiation. MiR‐140‐5p transgenic mouse model and the transgenic fracture model were established, and the effects of miR‐140‐5p on osteogenic differentiation, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mass of bone tissues were detected by haematoxylin and eosin staining and computed tomography scan. The expressions of osteocalcin, differentiation‐related genes (Runx2, ALP, Spp1 and Bglap3) and miR‐140‐5p were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. C3H10T1/2 cells showed the abilities of forming cloned differentiation of osteogenesis, fat cells, and its phenotypes including CD44, CD90.1 and Sca‐1 but excluding CD45 haematopoietic stem cell marker. Overexpression of miR‐140‐5p promoted the expressions of differentiation‐related genes and calcium deposition of OS‐treated C3H10T1/2 cells. MiR‐140‐5p increased the expression of osteocalcin, BMD and bone mass and promoted bone healing of miR‐140‐5p‐transgenic mice with fracture. MiR‐140‐5p promoted osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and post‐fracture healing in mice.

Significance of the study

C3H10T1/2 cells showed the abilities of forming cloned differentiation of osteogenesis, fat cells and its phenotypes including CD44, CD90.1 and Sca‐1 but excluding CD45 haematopoietic stem cell marker. Overexpression of miR‐140‐5p promoted the expressions of differentiation‐related genes and calcium deposition of osteogenic medium‐treated C3H10T1/2 cells. MiR‐140‐5p increased the expression of osteocalcin and bone mineral density and bone mass and promoted bone healing of miR‐140‐5p‐transgenic mice with fracture. Our results showed that miR‐140‐5p promoted osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and post‐fracture healing in mice, which may be a therapeutic target for treating fractures and promoting bone healing.
Hydrogen Auto‐transfer Synthesis of Quinoxalines from o‐Nitroanilines and Biomass‐based Diols Catalyzed by MOF‐derived N,P Co‐doped Cobalt Catalysts
Authors: Sun Kangkang , Li Dandan , Lu Guo‐Ping , Cai Chun
Published: October 2020

A Co‐based heterogeneous catalyst supported on N,P co‐doped porous carbon (Co@NCP) is prepared via a facile in‐situ doping‐carbonization method. The Co@NCP composite features a large surface area, high pore volume, high‐density and strong basic sites. Furthermore, doping of P atoms can regulate the electronic density of Co. Therefore, Co@NCP exhibits good performance for the synthesis of quinoxalines from o‐nitroanilines and biomass‐derived diols under alkali‐free conditions.
Electrochemical determination of the degree of atomic surface roughness in Pt–Ni alloy nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jeon Tae‐Yeol , Yu Seung‐Ho , Yoo Sung J. , Park Hee‐Young , Kim Sang‐Kyung
Published: October 2020

Pt–Ni alloy nanocrystals with Pt‐enriched shells were prepared by selective etching of surface Ni using sulfuric acid and hydroquinone. The changes in the electronic and geometric structure of the alloy nanoparticles at the surface were elucidated from the electrochemical surface area, the potential of zero total charge (PZTC), and relative surface roughness, which were determined from CO‐ and CO2‐displacement experiments before and after 3000 potential cycles under oxygen reduction reaction conditions. While the highest activity and durability were achieved in hydroquinone‐treated Pt–Ni, sulfuric acid‐treated one showed the lower activity and durability despite its higher surface Pt concentration and alloying level. Both PZTC and /Q
CO ratio (desorption charge of reductively adsorbed CO2 normalized by COad‐stripping charge) depend on surface roughness. In particular, /Q
CO ratio change better reflects the roughness on an atomic scale, and PZTC is also affected by the electronic modification of Pt atoms in surface layers. In this study, a comparative study is presented to find a relationship between surface structure and electrochemical properties, which reveals that surface roughness plays a critical role to improve the electrochemical performance of Pt–Ni alloy catalysts with Pt‐rich surfaces.
Iron Catalyzed Isomerization of α‐Alkyl Styrenes to Access Trisubstituted Alkenes
Authors: Xu Songgen , Liu Guixia , Huang Zheng
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Stereoselective isomerization of α‐alkyl styrenes is accomplished using a new iron catalyst supported by phosphine‐pyridine‐oxazoline (PPO) ligand. The protocol provides an atom‐efficient and operationally simple approach to trisubstituted alkenes in high yields with excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivities under mild conditions. The results of deuterium‐labelling and radical trap experiments are consistent with an iron‐hydride pathway involving reversible alkene insertion and β‐H elimination.
Number of screening rounds attended and incidence of high‐risk prostate cancer in the Finnish Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (FinRSPC)
Authors: Pakarainen Tomi , Nevalainen Jaakko , Talala Kirsi , Taari Kimmo , Raitanen Jani , Kujala Paula , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Auvinen Anssi
Published: October 2020

Background

The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer has shown a 20% reduction in prostate cancer (PC) mortality by prostate‐specific antigen–based screening. In addition, screening has been shown to reduce the risk of advanced PC. The objective of the current study was to analyze the impact of screening participation on the incidence of PC by risk group.

Methods

The participants in the screening arm of the Finnish trial (31,867 men) were classified according to screening attendance in a time‐dependent fashion. Initially, all men in the screening arm were regarded as nonattenders until the first screening attendance; they then remained in the once‐screened group until the second screen and similarly for the possible third round. The control arm formed the reference group. Follow‐up started at randomization and ended at the time of diagnosis of PC, emigration, or the end of 2015. PC cases were divided into risk groups according to European Association of Urology definitions.

Results

The incidence of low‐risk PC increased with the number of screens, whereas no clear relation with participation was noted in the intermediate‐risk and high‐risk cases. For patients with advanced PC, attending screening at least twice was associated with a lower risk.

Conclusions

Screening reduces the risk of advanced PC after only 2 screening cycles. A single screen demonstrated no benefit in terms of PC incidence. Repeated screening is necessary to achieve screening advantages.
Genetic variation in the body mass index of adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Richard Melissa A. , Brown Austin L. , Belmont John W. , Scheurer Michael E. , Arroyo Vidal M. , Foster Kayla L. , Kern Kathleen D. , Hudson Melissa M. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Okcu M. Fatih , Sapkota Yadav , Yasui Yutaka , Morton Lindsay M. , Chanock Stephen J. , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bhatia Smita , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Lupo Philip J. , Kamdar Kala Y.
Published: October 2020

Background

Treatment characteristics such as cranial radiation therapy (CRT) do not fully explain adiposity risk in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. This study was aimed at characterizing genetic variation related to adult body mass index (BMI) among survivors of childhood ALL.

Methods

Genetic associations of BMI among 1458 adult survivors of childhood ALL (median time from diagnosis, 20 years) were analyzed by multiple approaches. A 2‐stage genome‐wide association study in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE) was performed. BMI was a highly polygenic trait in the general population. Within the known loci, the BMI percent variance explained was estimated, and additive interactions (chi‐square test) with CRT in the CCSS were evaluated. The role of DNA methylation in CRT interaction was further evaluated in a subsample of ALL survivors.

Results

In a meta‐analysis of the CCSS and SJLIFE, 2 novel loci associated with adult BMI among survivors of childhood ALL (LINC00856 rs575792008 and EMR1 rs62123082; PMeta < 5E–8) were identified. It was estimated that the more than 700 known loci explained 6.2% of the variation in adult BMI in childhood ALL survivors. Within the known loci, significant main effects for 23 loci and statistical interactions with CRT at 9 loci (P < 7.0E–5) were further identified. At 2 CRT‐interacting loci, DNA methylation patterns may have differed by age.

Conclusions

Adult survivors of childhood ALL have genetic heritability for BMI similar to that observed in the general population. This study provides evidence that treatment with CRT can modify the effect of genetic variants on adult BMI in childhood ALL survivors.
Modelization and analysis of dynamic heterogeneous redundant system
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Guangsong , Gai Keke , Tang Yazhe , Yang Benchao , Si Xueming
Published: October 2020

With the development and popularization of Internet technology, network security has become the focus of attention. Vulnerabilities and back doors are regarded as two of the main reasons of network security problems. Dynamic heterogeneous redundant (DHR) architecture is a typical framework of cyberspace mimic defense. It can make use of untrusted hardware and software components to construct a high reliable and high security information system. In this article, a mathematical model is set up for the DHR architecture, and the system security is characterized by vulnerability consistency rate and success rate of system attack. The antiattack ability of the DHR system is analyzed using the mathematical model.
Identification and molecular characterization of novel Rht‐1 alleles in hard red spring wheat
Authors: Jobson Emma M. , Martin John M. , Sharrock Robert , Hogg Andrew C. , Giroux Michael J.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of the semidwarfing alleles, Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b, into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties significantly increased wheat yields beginning in the 1960s. Despite their agronomic advantage, Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b are also associated with decreased grain protein content and decreased coleoptile length. Furthermore, there is limited allelic diversity available to wheat breeders beyond Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b. We identified 16 ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced Rht‐1 alleles, including a nonsense mutation in each Rht‐1 gene: Rht‐A‐Q555stop, Rht‐B‐Q420stop, and Rht‐D‐W559stop. We focused our attention for this study on stop alleles since the Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b alleles also contain premature stop codons. We evaluated the new nonsense alleles by measuring their impact on coleoptile length, gibberellic acid (GA) sensitivity, and DELLA/GID1 interaction. Rht‐A‐Q555stop reduced coleoptile length 16% compared with Rht‐1a (wild type) and repressed coleoptile GA perception similarly to Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b. Rht‐B‐Q420stop and Rht‐D‐W559stop did not affect coleoptile length. However, Rht‐B‐Q420stop reduced the ability of germinating seeds to perceive GA, but not as much as Rht‐A555stop, Rht‐B1b, or Rht‐D1b. We also tested whether the novel mutations affected the interaction between DELLA/GID1 in the presence and absence of GA. We found that Rht‐A‐Q555stop, Rht‐B‐Q420stop, and Rht‐D‐W559stop inhibited DELLA/GID1 interaction in the absence of GA, but the interaction was restored in the presence of GA. The identification of Rht‐A‐Q555stop, Rht‐B‐Q420stop, and Rht‐D‐W559stop increases the allelic diversity of Rht‐1. This study also indicates that the RHT carboxyl terminus is important for DELLA/GID1 interactions.
Highly Efficient Visible‐Light‐Induced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production via Water Splitting using FeCl3‐Based Ionic Liquids as Homogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Elwan Hosni Ahmed , Morshedy Asmaa S. , El Naggar Ahmed M. A.
Published: October 2020

The ionic liquid (IL) 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide/FeCl3 [OMIM]Br/FeCl3 was prepared with three molar ratios of [OMIM]Br/FeCl3 (0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, and 2 : 1), and fully characterized through 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier‐transform IR, and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The optical properties of the prepared [OMIM]Br/FeCl3 ILs were revealed via diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectra. The photocatalytic activity of [OMIM]Br/FeCl3 ILs as homogenous photocatalysts were investigated towards hydrogen generation from methanol/water mixtures under visible light irradiation. The FeCl3‐based IL with [OMIM]Br/FeCl3 molar ratio of 1 : 1 exhibited the highest visible light photocatalytic activity with a hydrogen productivity of 243.2 mmol h−1 g−1 and a hydrogen purity of 95.5 %; such a high hydrogen yield and purity was reported for the first time. It was proposed that [OMIM] Br acted as an electron acceptor, which delayed the electron‐hole pair recombination of FeCl3. Also, [OMIM] Br could capture the produced carbon dioxide that is released with hydrogen gas. Additionally, [OMIM] Br/FeCl3 could be reused six times with nearly the same photocatalytic activity. These outstanding credits in terms of hydrogen generation rate and purity plus the economic feasibility, through several cycles of reuse, could certify such an IL as a promising photocatalyst for employment in water splitting. This paper suggests ways forward for research to develop the use of ILs as efficient and effective photocatalysts for hydrogen generation via water splitting.
Hydrologic flushing rates drive nitrogen cycling and plant invasion in a freshwater coastal wetland model
Authors: Sharp Sean J. , Elgersma Kenneth J. , Martina Jason P. , Currie William S.
Published: October 2020

Coastal wetlands intercept significant amounts of nitrogen (N) from watersheds, especially when surrounding land cover is dominated by agriculture and urban development. Through plant uptake, soil immobilization, and denitrification, wetlands can remove excess N from flow‐through water sources and mitigate eutrophication of connected aquatic ecosystems. Excess N can also change plant community composition in wetlands, including communities threatened by invasive species. Understanding how variable hydrology and N loading impact wetland N removal and community composition can help attain desired management outcomes, including optimizing N removal and/or preventing invasion by nonnatives. By using a dynamic, process‐based ecosystem simulation model, we are able to simulate various levels of hydrology and N loading that would otherwise be difficult to manipulate. We investigate in silico the effects of hydroperiod, hydrologic residence time, N loading, and the : ratio on both N removal and the invasion success of two nonnative species (Typha × glauca or Phragmites australis) in temperate freshwater coastal wetlands. We found that, when residence time increased, annual N removal increased up to 10‐fold while longer hydroperiods also increased N removal, but only when residence time was >10 d and N loading was >30 g N·m−2·yr−1. N removal efficiency also increased with increasing residence time and hydroperiod, but was less affected by N loading. However, longer hydrologic residence time increased vulnerability of wetlands to invasion by both invasive plants at low to medium N loading rates where native communities are typically more resistant to invasion. This suggests a potential trade‐off between ecosystem services related to nitrogen removal and wetland invasibility. These results help elucidate complex interactions of community composition, N loading and hydrology on N removal, helping managers to prioritize N removal when N loading is high or controlling plant invasion in more vulnerable wetlands.
Evolutionary adaptation of high‐diversity communities to changing environments
Authors: Alekseeva Evgeniia , Doebeli Michael , Ispolatov Iaroslav
Published: October 2020

We use adaptive dynamics models to study how changes in the abiotic environment affect patterns of evolutionary dynamics and diversity in evolving communities of organisms with complex phenotypes. The models are based on the logistic competition model, and environmental changes are implemented as a temporal change of the carrying capacity as a function of phenotype. In general, we observe that environmental changes cause a reduction in the number of species, in total population size, and in phenotypic diversity. The rate of environmental change is crucial for determining whether a community survives or undergoes extinction. Until some critical rate of environmental changes, species are able to follow evolutionarily the shifting phenotypic optimum of the carrying capacity, and many communities adapt to the changing conditions and converge to new stationary states. When environmental changes stop, such communities gradually restore their initial phenotypic diversity.
Elevation of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T and left ventricular remodelling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kubo Toru , Ochi Yuri , Baba Yuichi , Sugiura Kenta , Takahashi Asa , Hirota Takayoshi , Yamanaka Shigeo , Yamasaki Naohito , Doi Yoshinori L. , Kitaoka Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

Aims

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is generally associated with mild disability and normal life expectancy. On the other hand, once the end‐stage phase of HCM characterized by left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction < 50% is established, patients with this subtype have a poor prognosis. This study clarifies the clinical parameters associated with progression to end‐stage HCM.

Methods and results

We retrospectively studied 157 HCM patients (age 59.9 ± 14.2 years, 104 men) with preserved LV systolic function in whom subsequent echocardiographic data were obtained for a period of >1 year. HCM progressed to end‐stage HCM in 13 patients (8.3%) of the 157 patients during a mean follow‐up period of 6.3 ± 2.8 years. Compared with patients who did not reach end‐stage HCM at the last evaluation, patients with progression to the end‐stage phase had lower ejection fraction, larger LV size, more enlarged left atrial diameter, longer follow‐up period, and higher frequency of an elevated concentration of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT; >0.014 ng/mL) at registration. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated hs‐cTnT was a significant predictor independent of lower LV ejection fraction for progression to end‐stage HCM. Furthermore, in patients with elevated hs‐cTnT levels, LV ejection fraction became significantly lower, LV end‐diastolic diameter increased, and LV wall thickness decreased during the follow‐up period, whereas those parameters did not change in the normal hs‐cTnT group.

Conclusions

In patients with HCM, an elevated hs‐cTnT was associated with progression of LV remodelling, and this biomarker can be useful for predicting progression to the end‐stage phase.
Bedside chest ultrasound to distinguish heart failure from pneumonia‐related dyspnoea in older COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Hacquin Arthur , Putot Sophie , Barben Jérémy , Chagué Frédéric , Zeller Marianne , Cottin Yves , Manckoundia Patrick , Putot Alain
Published: October 2020

Aims

In the older population, acute heart failure is a frequent, life‐threatening complication of COVID‐19 that requires urgent specific care. We aimed to explore the impact of point‐of‐care chest ultrasound (CUS) use in older bedridden inpatients during the COVID‐19 pandemic as a tool to distinguish between cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and isolated viral pneumonia‐related dyspnoea.

Methods and results

This prospective series included 16 patients aged 75 or older, hospitalized for acute dyspnoea in an acute geriatric unit of a university hospital and testing positive for a SARS‐Cov2 infection. We collected demographic characteristics, medical history, biological screening, clinical symptoms, CUS findings (n = 16) and chest CT‐scan conclusions (n = 14). Mean age was 89 years (77–97). All patients presented asthenia and dyspnoea, 56% complained of coughing and diarrhoea, and 50% had fever. Acute heart failure was clinically suspected in seven patients. At CUS, evidence of heart failure was confirmed in three patients (including one without clinical suspicion); interstitial syndrome was confirmed in 12 patients on CUS vs. 9 patients with CT.

Conclusions

In older patients with COVID‐19 and acute dyspnoea, the use of point‐of‐care CUS allowed the clinician to quickly rule out heart failure in nearly half of suspected cases while easily identifying virus‐related interstitial syndrome. The use of CUS appears to be suitable for the rapid bedside investigation of dyspnoea in older patients, particularly in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Simultaneous Process Design of a Cooled Tubular Fischer–Tropsch Reactor
Authors: Pretti Evan , Ludy John , Pico Carlos , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: October 2020

Few examples of complex petrochemical industry simultaneous designs exist that address dynamic controllability of exothermal reactors. Herein, a multi‐stage design for a cooled tubular Fischer–Tropsch reactor is presented. This steady‐state design is optimized, and a dynamic control scheme is developed in the context of a larger gas‐to‐liquid synthesis process. It is shown that, for the Fe‐based catalyst considered, this multi‐stage configuration reduces both the required heat transfer area and the active catalyst mass in the reactor when compared with a single‐stage approach using a constant catalyst activity. The issues encountered in the dynamic simulation of the control structure for this system are also addressed.
Optimized Scalable Synthesis of Chiral Iridium Pyridyl‐Phosphinite (Pyridophos) Catalysts
Authors: Müller Marc‐André , Ganić Adnan , Hörmann Esther , Kaiser Stefan , Maywald Matthias , Roseblade Stephen J. , Schrems Marcus G. , Schumacher Andreas , Woodmansee David , Pfaltz Andreas
Published: October 2020

Iridium catalysts with chiral P,N ligands have greatly enhanced the scope of asymmetric olefin hydrogenation because they do not require a coordinating group near the C=C bond like Rh and Ru catalysts. Pyridophos ligands, possessing a conformationally restricted annulated pyridine framework linked to a phosphinite group, proved to be particularly effective, inducing high enantioselectivities in the hydrogenation of a remarkably broad range of substrates. Here we report the development of an efficient scalable synthesis for the two most versatile Ir‐pyridophos catalysts, derived from 2‐phenyl‐8‐hydroxy‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinoline or the analogue with a five‐membered carbocyclic ring, respectively, by modification and optimization of the original synthetic route. The optimized route renders both catalysts readily accessible in multi‐gram quantities in analytically pure form in overall yields of 26–37 %, starting from acetophenone and cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone, respectively. A major advantage of the new synthesis is the efficient and practical kinetic resolution of the late‐stage pyridyl alcohol intermediates with commercial immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B, giving access to both enantiomers of these catalysts as essentially enantiopure compounds. The catalysts are obtained as crystalline solids, which are air‐stable and can be stored for years at −20 °C without notable decomposition.
The pandemic and economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Al‐Thaqeb Saud Asaad , Algharabali Barrak Ghanim , Alabdulghafour Khaled Tareq
Published: October 2020

The events that occurred after the worldwide diffusion of COVID‐19 provide a real‐life example of how uncertainty can severely affect the global economy. This paper reviews literature on the negative impacts of the economic policy uncertainty index (EPU) on individuals, businesses, governments, and economies at the local and international levels. This reveals that a high EPU is associated with adverse effects on households, corporations, and governments, which tend to delay many financial decisions under high uncertainty, which leads to lower consumption, fewer issuances of debt, fewer investments, and higher unemployment. The effects of political and regulatory uncertainty also extend to the commodity markets, such as the adverse effects on both oil and gasoline markets, and can potentially create adverse impacts on the crypto‐currency market and its potential growth. We demonstrate that governmental uncertainty also affects financial, housing, and equity markets; debt issuances; and the entire economy. This underscores the importance of considering EPU as a risk factor. The association with several components of the global economy reflects not only the EPU index's critical influence, but also the importance of risk management. Our results lead us to consider the gravity of economic policy uncertainty and call for innovation across different sectors to mitigate its adverse effects.
Teaching children with autism to tact private events based on public accompaniments
Authors: Rajagopal Sandhya , Nicholson Katie , Putri Tiara Rahadian , Addington Joshua , Felde Ashley
Published: October 2020

We evaluated a method for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder to respond to tactile stimulation of multiple body parts. Various objects (e.g., hairbrush) produced the sensations (e.g., prickly). In a multiple baseline design across participants, participants learned 9 sensation body part tacts and the evaluation concluded with tests of generalization to 3 novel body parts, 6 novel objects, and 3 novel sensations. Participants demonstrated generalization to novel objects, and to a lesser extent, novel body parts, but did not generalize tacts to novel sensations. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for teaching children with autism to tact sensations.
Assessment of chromosomal aberrations among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in Punjab, India
Authors: Ahluwalia Meenakshi , Kaur Anupam
Published: October 2020

Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) are an important tool for assessment of exposure to pesticides. Genotoxic potential of pesticides is a principal risk factor for long‐term health effects. The present study was aimed toward the assessment of CAs among agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and comparison with nonagricultural workers not exposed to pesticides. A total of 296 subjects were enrolled in the study: exposed (n = 148) and nonexposed subjects (n = 148) from Punjab. A significantly high frequency of aberrations was seen in peripheral blood lymphocytes of exposed subjects as compared with nonexposed ones. Most CAs were present as loss (aneuploidy) and were observed significantly in subjects having a history of alcohol consumption. It can be, thus, concluded that agricultural workers exposed to a mixture of pesticides, in addition to being alcoholic, are at a greater risk of genotoxic damage. It is highly recommended that the agricultural workers are educated regarding the potential hazards of occupational exposure to pesticides.
Efficiency Spillovers From Foreign Direct Investment and Domestic‐exporting Firms: The Case of Ethiopian Manufacturing
Authors: Abegaz Melaku , Lahiri Sajal
Published: October 2020

This study examines efficiency spillovers from foreign‐owned and domestic‐exporting firms in the Ethiopian manufacturing sector using a two‐stage econometric approach. We estimate firm‐level technical efficiency using the ‘true’ fixed effects stochastic frontier analysis and apply system generalized methods of moments to examine how spillovers impact the efficiency of local firms. Results show that the presence of domestic‐exporting firms in the same sector increases the efficiency of local non‐exporting firms with a higher absorptive capacity. Furthermore, spillovers from foreign‐owned firms improve the efficiency of vertically linked domestic‐exporting enterprises but negatively impact non‐exporting firms. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variations in precipitation extremes in the arid and semi‐arid regions of China
Authors: Xu Lu , Zheng Chaolei , Ma Yi
Published: October 2020

Precipitation regimes have been predicted to shift to more extreme patterns that are characterized by heavy rainfall events and longer dry intervals. Spatiotemporal variation of precipitation extremes may significantly influence the local ecosystem, especially in the arid and semi‐arid regions. This study investigated the variations in extreme precipitation indices across the arid and semi‐arid land of China from 1960 to 2018. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was also conducted to evaluate spatial autocorrelations within the study area. There was generally an increasing trend of precipitation intensity, however, most stations in the low‐altitude semi‐arid regions showed non‐significant trend. The frequency indices generally showed a decreasing trend in consecutive dry days, and an increasing trend in precipitation days in the arid land and high‐altitude semi‐arid regions, suggesting that the arid and high‐altitude semi‐arid regions are becoming wetter. Signals of decreasing precipitation intensity and frequency were still found, such as increasing trends in consecutive dry days in the stations from the low‐altitude semi‐arid regions, implying the possibility of increased drought risk at small spatial scale. The global Moran's I values indicated that the spatial autocorrelation of the trend in the low‐altitude semi‐arid region is high. The local Moran's I showed that the number of stations with wetting trend in the arid region were much higher than that in the semi‐arid regions. These observations imply that the precipitation extremes in the arid and semi‐arid regions of China are becoming more homogeneous. Hence, this study can serve as a useful reference to the policymakers and stakeholders for framing water resource and ecosystem management strategies in arid regions.
Delayed notochordal cell disappearance through integrin α5β1 mechanotransduction during ex‐vivo dynamic loading‐induced intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Kanda Yutaro , Yurube Takashi , Morita Yusuke , Takeoka Yoshiki , Kurakawa Takuto , Tsujimoto Ryu , Miyazaki Kunihiko , Kakiuchi Yuji , Miyazaki Shingo , Zhang Zhongying , Takada Toru , Hoshino Yuichi , Masuda Koichi , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kakutani Kenichiro
Published: October 2020

The loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) notochordal cells is one of the key initial hallmarks of age‐related intervertebral disc degeneration. Although the transmembrane mechanoreceptor integrin α5β1 is important in the process of disc degeneration, the relationship between integrin α5β1 and notochordal cell disappearance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of integrin α5β1 in the homeostasis of notochordal cells using an ex‐vivo dynamic loading culture system that we developed. Rat tail functional spinal units (n = 80 from 40 rats) were cultured under unloading or 1.3‐MPa, 1.0‐Hz dynamic compressive loading for 48 or 144 h with or without an integrin α5β1 inhibitor. Disc histomorphology, cell viability, apoptosis, senescence, and phenotypic expression were investigated. Consequently, histological degenerative disc changes with decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis and senescence were observed with an extended loading duration. Immunofluorescence revealed that the expression of notochordal cell markers, CD24 and brachyury, and chondrocyte markers, collagen type II and SRY‐box 9, declined with loading. In particular, reduction in notochordal cell marker expression was more dramatic than that in chondrocyte marker expression. Apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling positivity was also higher in brachyury‐positive notochordal cells. Furthermore, all these changes were delayed by inhibiting integrin α5β1. Findings of our dynamic loading regimen with a relatively high pressure suggest reproducibility of the cellularity and phenotypic disappearance of NP notochordal cells during adolescence, the susceptibility of notochordal cells to mechanical stimuli partially through the integrin α5β1 pathway, and future potential treatment of integrin regulation for intervertebral disc disease.
Characterization of synthetic dyes for environmental and forensic assessments: A chromatography and mass spectrometry approach
Authors: Terán Julio E , Millbern Zoe , Shao Dongyan , Sui Xinyi , Liu Yixin , Demmler Morgan , Vinueza Nelson R
Published: October 2020

Dyes have become common substances since they are employed in mostly all objects surrounding our daily activities such as clothing and upholstery. Based on the usage and disposal of these objects, the transfer of the dyes to other media such as soil and water increases their prevalence in our environment. However, this prevalence could help to solve crimes and pollution problems if detection techniques are proper. For that reason, the detection and characterization of dyes in complex matrices is important to determine the possible events leading to their deposition (natural degradation, attempts of removal, possible match with evidence, among others).

Currently, there are several chromatographic and mass spectrometric approaches used for the identification of these organic molecules and their derivatives with high specificity and accuracy. This review presents current chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods that are used for the detection and characterization of disperse, acid, basic, and reactive dyes, and their derivatives.
Transition of Ultrathick Polyamide Tubes into Vesicles with Great Stability
Authors: Wang Lipeng , Zhu Qing , Bai Yongping
Published: October 2020

This work reports on the transition of a polyamide ultrathick wall microtubes to microvesicles through self‐assembly. An amphiphilic polyamide is synthesized first by the solution polycondensation of sodium isophthalate‐5‐sulfonate (SIPA) and poly(propylene glycol) bis(2‐aminopropyl ether) 2000. Then, its self‐assembly in aqueous solution is investigated through direct hydration. The size and morphology of the self‐assemblies is investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and optical microscope (OM) measurements. The result shows that the as‐prepared polyamide first self‐assembles to thick walled tubes, then these tubes can gradually evolve to ultrathick wall microvesicles with an unusually thick membrane above 330 nm. Both the transition pathway and the mechanism are investigated in micromicroscopy. Most importantly, the microvesicles show great thermal and chemical stability. The novel superstable self‐assembly structures as well as the transition mechanism presented here offer a promising perspective for the application in the scope of the biological membrane movements and nanoelectromechanics in medical devices.
Spray Deposition of PDMS/Candle Soot NPs Composite for Self‐Cleaning Superhydrophobic Coating
Authors: Sutar Rajaram S. , Latthe Sanjay S. , Sargar A. M. , Patil C. E. , Jadhav V. S. , Patil A. N. , Kokate K. K. , Bhosale Appasaheb K. , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Mohite Santosh V. , Liu Shanhu , Xing Ruimin
Published: October 2020

The preparation of superhydrophobic coating using cheap candle soot nanoparticles (CS NPs) collected from candle flame is a very novel research topic. A less than 30 nm sized candle soot particles are collected by passing through stainless steel mesh of pore size ̴30 nm. An optimum suspension of CS NPs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in chloroform is sprayed on clean glass substrate and dried at 100°C for 1 hour. The coating surface with water contact angle ̴173° and rolling angle ̴ 4° is achieved by spraying suspension of 100 mg CS NPs and 0.3 mL PDMS in chloroform. The stability of superhydrophobic coating is studied by finger‐wiping, water jet hitting, water dripping, adhesive tape, and sandpaper abrasion test. Result showed that the coatings prepared with an optimum 100 mg CS NPs in suspension are stable under water jet hitting and water dripping test. The superhydrophobicity is destroyed for four cycles of adhesive tape peeling and seven cycles of sandpaper abrasion tests. The coated substrate showed good self‐cleaning performance. The high water repellent and self‐cleaning property of the prepared coating can be adopted for industrial applications.
Superhydrophobic PVC/SiO2 Coating for Self‐Cleaning Application
Authors: Sutar Rajaram S. , Kalel Prashant J. , Latthe Sanjay S. , Kumbhar Deepak A. , Mahajan Smita S. , Chikode Prashant P. , Patil Swati S. , Kadam Sunita S. , Gaikwad V. H. , Bhosale Appasaheb K. , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Liu Shanhu , Xing Ruimin
Published: October 2020

A lotus leaf like self‐cleaning superhydrophobic coating has high demand in industrial applications. Such coatings are prepared by alternative dip and spray deposition techniques. A layer of polyvinyl chloride is applied on glass substrate by dip coating and then spray coated a suspension of hydrophobic silica nanoparticles at substrate temperature of 50 °C. This coating procedure is repeated for three times to achieve rough surface morphology which exhibits a water contact angle of 169 ± 2° and sliding angle of 6°. The superhydrophobic state of the coating is still preserved when water volume of 1.2 L is used to impact the water drops on coating surface. The stability of the wetting state of the coating is analyzed against the water jet, adhesive tape and sandpaper abrasion tests. The prepared superhydrophobic coating strongly repelled the muddy water suggesting its importance in self‐cleaning applications.
Photoluminescence Analytical Study of Ce3+‐Activated Blue‐Emitting SrAl12O19 Lamp Phosphors
Authors: Panse V. R. , Choubey S. R. , Pandey Richa , Dhoble S. J.
Published: October 2020

Because of the favorable spectroscopic properties of Ce3+ and the ability to incorporate trivalent cerium ion into many different host materials, trivalent cerium‐activated materials have received renewed interest for many applications. These prepared materials combine with higher yield, emission wavelength with favorable response, faster decay studies of luminescence, and stable temperature, which makes them attractive for uses in high‐energy physics research area and medical imaging applications. Therefore, based on exceptional properties of luminescence, Ce3+‐activated inorganic materials are applied in displays, lightings applications, and others for radiation ionizing. Cerium ions can be stabilized in host material in trivalent oxidation state. Here, synthesis and photoluminescence (PL) investigation of SrAl12O19:Ce3+ is carried out using combustion synthesis method. The structural and morphological studies and confirmation of phase and purity are done using XRD and morphological terms identified with the help of SEM. PL excitation and emission spectra of SrAl12O19:Ce3+ phosphors, which shows a wide absorption band in the range of 280–380 nm due to the 4f–5d transition of Ce3+ ions peaking at 331 nm. The PL emission spectra of SrAl12O19:Ce3+ phosphor as shown in figure exhibit blue emission band centered at 442 nm. Usually, configuration of Ce3+ ion in ground state is divide into two levels viz., 2F5/2 and 2F 7/2, whereas the 5d1 excited configuration is divided by the crystal playing field ranging from two to five components.
The Effect of Different Surface-Cleaning Devices on the Success of Swim Bladder Inflation in Zander Larvae
Authors: Fazekas Georgina , Vass Vivien , Demény Ferenc , Tóth Flórián , Ljubobratović Uroš
Published: October 2020

The failure of initial swim bladder inflation (SBI) is one of the main obstacles to successful results in Zander (also known as Pikeperch) Sander lucioperca larviculture because the larvae are unable to penetrate the oil layer on the water surface to gulp air. There are numerous technical solutions for cleaning the water surface, including using a sprayer to emulsify the oil contamination and a skimmer for trapping the oil globules on the surface. To investigate the most appropriate method for improving the SBI success rate, three different devices were evaluated in triplicate tanks. In addition to the control tanks, which were not equipped with any surface-cleaning device other than overflow mesh, two sprayer designs (narrow, covering one-third of the tank's diameter, versus wide, covering the tank's entire diameter) and an air-blowing surface skimmer were set for a 16-d trial. Freshly hatched larvae (7,000 per tank) were divided into four treatment groups in twelve 250-L larval nursing tanks that shared a common recirculation system. Significantly higher rates of SBI were found in the tanks that were equipped with a wide-covering sprayer (30.6 ± 13.0%) compared with the control, skimmer, and narrow-covering sprayer groups (14.7 ± 7.5%, 4.8 ± 1.7%, and 12.2 ± 5.1%, respectively). Thus, the results of the present study indicate that the sprayer design that covers a large portion of the tank’s diameter is an appropriate solution for enhancing SBI rates in Zander larviculture.
Considerations for the use of circulating tumor DNA sequencing as a screening tool in cancer predisposition syndromes
Authors: Paramathas Sangeetha , Guha Tanya , Pugh Trevor J. , Malkin David , Villani Anita
Published: October 2020

Liquid biopsy, specifically circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection, has started to revolutionize the clinical management of patients with cancer by surpassing many limitations of traditional tissue biopsies, particularly for serial testing. ctDNA sequencing has been successfully utilized for cancer detection, prognostication, and assessment of disease response and evolution. While the applications of ctDNA analysis are growing, the majority of studies to date have primarily evaluated its use as a tool for tracking a known cancer, and in most cases at advanced stage. Herein, we discuss the potential application of ctDNA for surveillance and early cancer detection in patients with a cancer predisposition syndrome.
Comparison of myelosuppression using the D‐index between children and adolescents/young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction chemotherapy
Authors: Matsushima Satoru , Kobayashi Ryoji , Sano Hirozumi , Hori Daiki , Yanagi Masato , Kodama Koya , Suzuki Daisuke , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: October 2020

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are more likely to have chemotherapy‐related complications than children. In addition, several reports have shown that infections account for most of the therapy‐related mortality during cancer treatment in AYAs. Thus, we hypothesized that chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression is more severe in AYAs than in children, and the state of neutropenia was compared between children and AYAs using the D‐index, a numerical value calculated from the duration and depth of neutropenia.

Procedure

This study retrospectively analyzed 95 patients newly diagnosed with ALL at our institution between 2007 and 2019. Of these, 81 were children (<15 years old) and 14 were AYAs (≥15 years old). The D‐index and duration of neutropenia during induction chemotherapy for ALL were compared between children and AYAs.

Results

The median D‐index of children was significantly higher than that of AYAs (8187 vs 6446, respectively, P = .017). Moreover, the median duration of neutropenia was also significantly longer in children than in AYAs (24.0 days vs 11.5 days, respectively, P = .007).

Conclusion

Contrary to our expectations, myelosuppressive toxicity during induction chemotherapy for ALL was more severe in children than in AYAs.
Randomized pilot trial of ipratropium versus placebo in children with critical asthma
Authors: Murphy Kaitlyn , Mahmood Nabihah , Craven Daniel , Gallagher John , Ross Kristie , Speicher Richard , Rotta Alexandre T. , Shein Steven L.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To test the effects of inhaled ipratropium on clinical outcomes of critical asthma in the first randomized trial of this adjunctive therapy in critically ill children.

Design

Pilot, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, and randomized‐controlled trial

Patients

Thirty children (15 per group) with critical asthma receiving high‐intensity albuterol per a standardized pathway utilizing objective assessments to wean patients to less frequent albuterol administration.

Interventions

Subjects were randomized to receive either nebulized ipratropium bromide (500 µg in 0.9% saline per dose) or an equivalent volume of nebulized 0.9% saline every 6 h until the patient was successfully weaned to albuterol doses every 2 h (“q2 albuterol”).

Measurements and Main Results

Demographics, initial clinical severity score, and asthma histories were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in the median duration of high‐intensity albuterol between the treatment group (17.5 [10.3–22.1] h) and placebo group (14.6 [12.7–24.5] days; p = .56). Similarly, there was no significant difference in pediatric intensive care unit length of stay (22.6 [21.1–33.6] vs. 21.4 [16.1–35.8] h; p = .74) or hospital length of stay (48.0 [41.8–59.8] vs. 47.3 [37.2–63.1] h; p = .67). In multivariate linear regression adjusting for identified confounders, treatment with ipratropium was not significantly associated with any of the three outcomes. Side effects were rare and occurred with equally between both groups

Conclusions

Adjunctive therapy with ipratropium was not associated with decreased duration of high‐intensity albuterol or shortened length of stay when compared to placebo. A larger, multicenter trial is warranted to confirm that ipratropium does not improve clinical outcomes.
Gravity, Superselection Rules and Axions
Authors: Gómez César
Published: October 2020

It is generally accepted that consistent coupling to quantum gravity implies that any low energy free parameter is in reality the vacuum expectation value of some local quantum field. In this note we present a modest attempt to prove this general claim using as key example the θ parameter of QCD and the Peccei‐Quinn axion solution of the strong CP problem. The gravitational emergence of the local axion field associated with the superselection θ parameter is worked out using as basic ingredients the quantum representation of classical geometries in terms of coherent states and the interpretation of the θ QCD superselection rule in quantum information terms as the lack of a quantum reference frame for topological charge. The formal connection with the model independent axion in string theory is briefly discussed.