bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal organophosphate flame‐retardant exposure alters offspring feeding, locomotor and exploratory behaviors in a sexually‐dimorphic manner in mice
Authors: Walley Sabrina N. , Krumm Elizabeth A. , Yasrebi Ali , Wiersielis Kimberly R. , O'Leary Sarah , Tillery Taylor , Roepke Troy A.
Published: October 2020

Increased usage of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) has led to detectable levels in pregnant women and neonates, which is associated with negative neurological outcomes. Therefore, we investigated if maternal OPFR exposure altered adult offspring feeding, locomotor, and anxiety‐like behaviors on a low‐fat (LFD) or high‐fat diet (HFD). Wild‐type C57Bl/6J dams were orally dosed with vehicle (sesame oil) or an OPFR mixture (1 mg/kg combination each of tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl)phosphate, triphenyl phosphate and tricresyl phosphate) from gestation day 7 to postnatal day 14. After weaning, pups were fed either a LFD or HFD until 19 weeks of age. Locomotor and anxiety‐like behaviors were evaluated with the open field test, elevated plus maze, and metabolic cages. Feeding behaviors and meal patterns were analyzed by a Biological Data Acquisition System. Anogenital distance was reduced in OPFR‐exposed male pups, but no effect was detected on adult body weight. We observed interactions of OPFR exposure and HFD consumption on locomotor and anxiety‐like behavior in males, suggesting an anxiogenic effect while reducing overall nighttime activity. We also observed an interaction of OPFR exposure and HFD on weekly food intake and feeding behaviors. OPFR‐exposed males consumed more total HFD than oil‐exposed males during the 72‐hour trial. However, when arcuate gene expression was analyzed, OPFR exposure induced Agrp expression in females, which would suggest greater orexigenic tone. Collectively, the implications of our study are that the behavioral effects of OPFR exposure are modulated by adult HFD consumption, which may influence the metabolic and neurological consequences of maternal OPFR exposure.
Citronellal ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and proangiogenesis in rats
Authors: Liu Xu , Qiu Yue , Liu Yanhua , Huang Ning , Hua Cai , Wang Qianqian , Wu Zeqing , Lu Junxiu , Song Ping , Xu Jian , Li Peng , Yin Yaling
Published: October 2020

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a very effective broad‐spectrum anticancer drug, yet its clinical application is badly restricted due to its serious side effects. Citronellal (CT), a specialized metabolite of plants found in Cymbopogon spp., is proved to exhibit many beneficial properties. In the current study, we intended to investigate the effect of CT on DOX‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats were treated with CT (200 mg/kg b.w./day orally), and given DOX (2.5 mg/kg b.w./week, intraperitoneally) to induce hepatotoxicity for six consecutive weeks. The results showed that CT administration could attenuate the DOX‐induced pathological changes of liver tissues and ameliorated the inappropriate alteration of liver function biomarkers (serum glutamic aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and albumin) in serum and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) in the liver. Moreover, CT mitigated the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression to inhibit cell apoptosis. Further study indicated that CT therapy could enhance the protein levels of p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, and CD31 in the liver. These results demonstrate that CT can ameliorate DOX‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats mediated by antioxidative stress, antiapoptosis, and proangiogenesis.
Effect of long‐term treatment with a mixture of pyrethroids on the expression of genes that govern male germ cell production in rats
Authors: Ravula Anandha R. , Yenugu Suresh
Published: October 2020

Humans are exposed to pyrethroid‐based pesticides through agricultural produce. In this study, male Wistar rats were orally treated for 9 to 12 months with a mixture of pyrethroids that is equivalent to one‐fifth (high dose; HD) or one‐twenty fifth (low dose; LD) of the amount of pyrethroids present in the cereals and rice consumed by an average Indian. In rats treated for 9 months, the spermatogenesis‐associated genes Abp, Ar, Cd9, Dax1, Dazap1, Ddx3y, Gdnf, Gfra1, Grth, Inhb, Ovol1, P1, Plzf, Pygo2, Scf, Tgfb1, Tp1, Tp2, and Vim1 were downregulated in both LD and HD groups. In rats treated for 12 months Gdnf, Hsf2, Inhb, Tgfb1, Thy1, and Ybx2 expression was downregulated in both LD and HD groups. Steroidogenesis‐associated genes 17‐β‐Hsd, Gata4, Hmgcr, Hmgcs1, Pde4b, and Tspo gene expression were reduced in both LD‐ and HD‐treated groups treated for 9 months. In 12‐month‐treated rats, Creb1 expression decreased in both LD and HD groups. The epigenetic reprogramming‐associated genes, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Hdac10, Hp1bp3, Kat3a Kat3b, Mch2ta, Ncoa7, and Sirt1 were downregulated in both HD and LD groups of 9‐months‐treated rats. In rats treated for 12 months, Hdac10, Mch2ta, Ncoa7, and Sirt1 messenger RNA levels decreased in both the HD and LD groups. Thus, we demonstrate that long‐term exposure to a mixture of pyrethroids caused aberrations in the transcriptome of factors involved in sperm production and development.
SCF FBXW17 E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates FBXL19 stability and cell migration
Authors: Dong Su , Wei Jianxin , Bowser Rachel K. , Chen Bill B. , Mallampalli Rama K. , Miao Jiaxing , Ye Qinmao , Tran Kevin C. , Zhao Yutong , Zhao Jing
Published: October 2020

The Skp1‐Cul1‐F‐box protein (SCF) E3 ligase complex is one of the largest ubiquitin E3 ligase families. FBXL19, a F‐box protein in SCFFBXL19 E3 ligase complex, regulates a variety of cellular responses including cell migration. We have shown that FBXL19 is not stable and its degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin–proteasome system, while the ubiquitin E3 ligase for FBXL19 ubiquitination and degradation has not been identified. In the study, we discovered that a new ubiquitin E3 ligase, SCFFBXW17, ubiquitinates and induces FBXL19 degradation. Exogenous FBXW17 targets FBXL19 for its ubiquitination and degradation. Lysine 114 in FBXL19 is a potential ubiquitin acceptor site. Acetylation of FBXL19 attenuated SCFFBXW17‐mediated FBXL19 degradation. SCFFBXL19 E3 ligase reduced Rac1 levels and cell migration, while the effects were attenuated by exogenous FBXW17. Downregulation of FBXW17 attenuated lysophosphatidic acid‐induced lamellipodia formation and Rac1 accumulation at migration leading edge. Taken together with our previous studies, FBXL19 is degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system and its site‐specific ubiquitination is mediated by SCFFBXW17 E3 ligase, which promotes cell migration.
Zebrafish hhatla is involved in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Shi Xingjuan , Zhang Yu , Gong Yijie , Chen Mengying , Brand‐Arzamendi Koroboshka , Liu Xiangdong , Wen Xiao‐Yan
Published: October 2020

Cardiac hypertrophy is a compensatory response to pathological stimuli, ultimately progresses to cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden death. Although many signaling pathways have been reported to be involved in the hypertrophic process, it is still not fully clear about the underlying molecular mechanisms for cardiac hypertrophy. Hedgehog acyltransferase‐like (Hhatl), a sarcoplasmic reticulum‐resident protein, exhibits high expression in the heart and muscle. However, the biological role of Hhatl in the heart remains unknown. In this study, we first found that the expression level of Hhatl is markedly decreased in cardiac hypertrophy. We further studied the role of hhatla, homolog of Hhatl with the zebrafish model. The depletion of hhatla in zebrafish leads to cardiac defects, as well as an enhanced level of hypertrophic markers. Besides, we found that calcineurin signaling participates in hhatla depletion‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. Together, these results demonstrate a critical role for hhatla in cardiac hypertrophy.
Unraveling the mechanisms of lead adsorption and ageing process on high‐temperature biochar
Authors: Encinas‐Vázquez Alfonso , Quezada‐Renteria Javier Alan , Cervantes Francisco J , Pérez‐Rábago Carlos A , Molina‐Freaner Francisco E , Pat‐Espadas Aurora M , Estrada Claudio A
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The synthesis gas or hydrogen‐rich gas, at longer residence times and higher temperatures, is frequently the target of pyrolysis biomass. Biochars obtained at such conditions contain less functional groups but they are more effective for longer‐term soil C storage. The aim of this study was to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms and the effect of the ageing process on high‐temperature biochar towards lead adsorption. The biochars under study were produced from the pyrolysis of almond wood and olive tree pruning.

RESULTS

The almond hardwood biochar was the most susceptible to the oxidation process. This biochar exhibited higher carbon loss than the olive biochar, 22.07% and 11.76%, respectively. The adsorption process was better described by the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity decreased from 40.3 to 24.8 mg g–1 after the oxidation process for almond‐derived biochar and remained unchanged for the olive‐biochar. Analyses demonstrated that 67% of the adsorbed Pb2+ was removed through complexation by oxygen functionalities and phosphorous compounds. After the oxidation process, this fraction accounted for only 45% of the adsorbed Pb2+, ion exchange and cation‐π being the most prominent mechanisms for the adsorption.

CONCLUSION

Biochar oxidation could cause the mobilization of 30% of the adsorbed lead under acid conditions. Special attention should be given to biochar's intrinsic properties, such as O/C and H/C ratio, for the application of these materials in the treatment of contaminated soil. High‐temperature biochars would offer the additional advantage of managing the remediation of scenarios with low pH. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The functions of EZH2 in immune cells: Principles for novel immunotherapies
Authors: Shao Fang-Fei , Chen Bo-Jin , Wu Guo-Qing
Published: October 2020

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is aberrantly expressed or mutated in multiple types of cancer cells and plays an oncogenic role in tumorigenesis and development in most cancers. Results from pilot clinical studies have implied that EZH2 inhibitors have therapeutic potential against some cancers. However, the exact mechanisms by which EZH2 plays oncogenic roles and EZH2 inhibition exerts anticancer effects are incompletely understood. To date, the findings of studies focusing on EZH2 and cancer cells have failed to fully explain the observations in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, recent studies about the roles of EZH2 in cancers have shifted from cancer cells to immune cells. The human immune system is a complex network comprising multiple subpopulations of immune cells. Immune cells communicate and interact with cancer cells during cancer development and treatment, dictating the fate of cancer cells. Elucidating the roles of EZH2 in immune cells, especially in cancer patients, promises the identification of novel immunotherapeutic strategies or priming of existing immunotherapies against cancer. Hence, we reviewed the studies focusing on the involvement of EZH2 in various immune cells, aiming to provide ideas for immunotherapies targeting EZH2 in immune cells.
Frontline Science: COVID-19 infection induces readily detectable morphologic and inflammation-related phenotypic changes in peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Zhang Dan , Guo Rui , Lei Lei , Liu Hongjuan , Wang Yawen , Wang Yili , Qian Hongbo , Dai Tongxin , Zhang Tianxiao , Lai Yanjun , Wang Jingya , Liu Zhiqiang , Chen Tianyan , He Aili , O’Dwyer Michael , Hu Jinsong
Published: October 2020

Excessive monocyte/macrophage activation with the development of a cytokine storm and subsequent acute lung injury, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is a feared consequence of infection with COVID-19. The ability to recognize and potentially intervene early in those patients at greatest risk of developing this complication could be of great clinical utility. In this study, we performed flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood samples from 34 COVID-19 patients in early 2020 in an attempt to identify factors that could help predict the severity of disease and patient outcome. Although we did not detect significant differences in the number of monocytes between patients with COVID-19 and normal healthy individuals, we did identify significant morphologic and functional differences, which are more pronounced in patients requiring prolonged hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Patients with COVID-19 have larger than normal monocytes, easily identified on forward scatter (FSC), side scatter analysis by routine flow cytometry, with the presence of a distinct population of monocytes with high FSC (FSC-high). On more detailed analysis, these CD14+CD16+, FSC-high monocytes show features of mixed M1/M2 macrophage polarization with higher expression of CD80+ and CD206+ compared with the residual FSC-low monocytes and secretion of higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, when compared with the normal controls. In conclusion, the detection and serial monitoring of this subset of inflammatory monocytes using flow cytometry could be of great help in guiding the prognostication and treatment of patients with COVID-19 and merits further evaluation.
3D heart morphological changes in response to developmental temperature in zebrafish: More than ventricle roundness
Authors: Dimitriadi Anastasia , Geladakis George , Koumoundouros George
Published: October 2020

A new, three‐dimensional geometric morphometric approach was assessed to study the effect of developmental temperature on fish heart shape utilizing geometric morphometrics of three‐dimensional landmarks captured on digitally reconstructed zebrafish hearts. This study reports the first three‐dimensional analysis of the fish heart and demonstrates significant shape modifications occurring after three developmental temperature treatments (TD = 24, 28 or 32°C) at two distinct developmental stages (juvenile and adult fish). Elevation of TD induced ventricle roundness in juveniles, males and females. Furthermore, significant differences that have not been described so far in heart morphometric indices (i.e., ventricle sphericity, bulbus arteriosus elongation and relative location, heart asymmetry) were identified. Sex proved to be a significant regulating factor of heart shape plasticity in response to TD. This methodology offers unique benefits by providing a more precise representation of heart shape changes in response to developmental temperature that are otherwise not discernable with the previously described two‐dimensional methods. Our work provides the first evidence of three‐dimensional shape alterations of the zebrafish heart adding to the emerging rationale of temperature‐driven plastic responses of global warming and seasonal temperature disturbances in wild fish populations and in other ectothermic vertebrates as well (amphibians and reptiles).
Effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations on protein structures and intraviral protein–protein interactions
Authors: Wu Siqi , Tian Chang , Liu Panpan , Guo Dongjie , Zheng Wei , Huang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Yang , Liu Lijun
Published: October 2020

Since 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has infected 10 millions of people across the globe, and massive mutations in virus genome have occurred during the rapid spread of this novel coronavirus. Variance in protein sequence might lead to a change in protein structure and interaction, then further affect the viral physiological characteristics, which could bring tremendous influence on the pandemic. In this study, we investigated 20 nonsynonymous mutations in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome in which incidence rates were all ≥ 1% as of September 1st, 2020, and then modeled and analyzed the mutant protein structures. The results showed that four types of mutations caused dramatic changes in protein structures (RMSD ≥ 5.0 Å), which were Q57H and G251V in open‐reading frames 3a (ORF3a), S194L, and R203K/G204R in nucleocapsid (N). Next, we found that these mutations also affected the binding affinity of intraviral protein interactions. In addition, the hot spots within these docking mutant complexes were altered, among which the mutation Q57H was involved in both Orf3a–S and Orf3a–Orf8 protein interactions. Besides, these mutations were widely distributed all over the world, and their occurrences fluctuated as time went on. Notably, the incidences of R203K/G204R in N and Q57H in Orf3a were both over 50% in some countries. Overall, our findings suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations could change viral protein structure, binding affinity, and hot spots of the interface, thereby might have impacts on SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID‐19.
Responses of the East Asian summer monsoon to aerosol forcing in CMIP5 models: The role of upper‐tropospheric temperature change
Authors: Mu Junyu , Wang Zhili
Published: October 2020

We quantitatively distinguish the fast and slow responses of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) to aerosol forcing using the outputs from 16 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The mechanism of the EASM change due to aerosol forcing is then evaluated from the perspective of upper‐tropospheric temperature change. The results show that aerosol forcing leads to the weakening of the EASM circulation and decreases in precipitation. The aerosol‐induced fast atmospheric response dominates the weakening of EASM and the decreased precipitation over the eastern China. In the fast response, upper‐tropospheric cooling in the mid‐latitudes of East Asia during summer changes the circulation structure, thereby causing the weakening of the EASM. The formation of upper‐tropospheric cooling is closely related to the eastward propagation of atmospheric cooling caused by aerosol forcing in Europe and the resulting change in local meridional heat transport. The slow ocean‐mediated response to aerosol forcing partially offsets the weakening of the EASM over the eastern China in the fast response. In the slow response, southwesterly wind is enhanced and precipitation is increased over the eastern China, while southwesterly wind is weakened over the northwestern Pacific and the South China Sea, which dominates the decrease in precipitation over the oceans. The aerosol‐induced changes of land–sea thermal contrasts further confirm that the decrease of upper‐tropospheric land–sea thermal contrasts over East Asia in the fast response plays a key role in driving the weakening of the EASM.
Neanderthal last stand? Thoughts on Iberian refugia in late MIS 3
Authors: Straus Lawrence Guy
Published: October 2020

The history of the idea of Neanderthal/Mousterian refugia on the Iberian Peninsula over the past three decades is reviewed. Despite the recent re‐datings of several key sites that have cast doubt on late survivals, it continues to seem to be the case that Aurignacian (sensu lato) industries appeared relatively early in northern Spain, but not in southern Spain or Portugal. Although arguments for extremely late survival in Gibraltar are questioned, new information from sites in Murcia and a more conservative reading of the Gorham's Cave record seem to support the thesis of late Middle Paleolithic survival and late early Upper Paleolithic arrival in the south. Major problems continue to be the lack of either Neanderthal or Cro‐Magnon human remains of late Middle Paleolithic or early Upper Paleolithic age in Iberia and the ambiguity of the Châtelperronian record in northern Spain.
Decreased drug resistance of bladder cancer using phytochemicals treatment
Authors: Cho Chun‐Jung , Yu Cheng‐Ping , Wu Chia‐Lun , Ho Jar‐Yi , Yang Ching‐Wei , Yu Dah‐Shyong
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study is to investigate the ability of phytochemicals to overcome the multiple drug resistance (MDR) of bladder cancer. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic sensitivity of T24‐GCB cells, a GCB resistant cell line, to different phytochemicals, including capsaicin, quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol, and their combination with gemcitabine. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of membranous ABCC2 and metabolic proteins, DCK, TK1, and TK2 in tumor cells. Animal models were used to confirm the treatment efficacy of phytochemicals in combination with gemcitabine to bladder cancer. The observed/expected ratio of cytotoxicity analysis revealed that capsaicin has synergistic effect with gemcitabine to T24‐GCB cells in a dose‐dependent pattern. Quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol have additive effect with gemcitabine to T24‐GCB cells. Capsaicin and quercetin alone and combination with gemcitabine decreased the expression of ABCC2 and DCK and TKs, in T24‐GCB cells. On the contrary, resveratrol and curcumin alone and combination with gemcitabine increased the expression of ABCC2 but decreased cytoplasmic kinases simultaneously. In xenografted subcutaneous tumor model on nude mice, combination treatment of capsaicin and gemcitabine demonstrated the highest tumor suppression effect when compared to capsaicin or gemcitabine treatment alone. The MDR of bladder cancer is closely related to membranous ABCC2, cytoplasmic DCK, and TKs expression. Capsaicin owns the strongest synergistic cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine to T24‐GCB cells. This combination regimen may provide as an adjunctive treatment for overcoming MDR in bladder cancer.
miR‐885‐5p inhibits proliferation and metastasis by targeting IGF2BP1 and GALNT3 in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lixin Sun , Wei Sun , Haibin Song , Qingfu Lang , Tiemin Pei
Published: October 2020

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) continues to increase worldwide, however its molecular pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Recent studies have implicated microRNAs in iCCA progression. In this study, we demonstrated that miR‐885‐5p was significantly decreased in iCCA tissues. Downregulation of miR‐885‐5p was correlated with vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, unfavorable overall survival, and shorter disease‐free survival. Silencing or overexpressing miR‐885‐5p by lentiviral approaches significantly influenced iCCA cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR‐885‐5p inhibited iCCA metastasis and proliferation by directly inhibiting GALNT3 as well as by indirectly promoting the downregulation of insulin‐like growth factor‐2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). Furthermore, miR‐885‐5p inhibited iCCA metastasis by downregulating the PI3K/AKT/MMPs signaling pathway via targeting GALNT3. Collectively, we demonstrated that miR‐885‐5p was an important mediator of iCCA proliferation and metastasis by regulating GALNT3 and IGF2BP1, thus offering a potential target for iCCA treatment.
Pilot Evaluation of a Pragmatic Network for Integrated Care and Self‐Management in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Kessler Dorothy , Côté Diane , Liddy Clare , Thavorn Kednapa , Taljaard Monica , Grimes David
Published: October 2020

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that challenges care provision. A multidisciplinary care model needs to be impactful, feasible, and viable economically for widespread utilization. Supportive evidence is lacking.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation and impact of a pragmatic network for PD care, the Integrated Parkinson Care Network (IPCN).

Methods

A 6‐month, pre–post design, single‐center, phase 2 study for complex interventions for patients with newly diagnosed (<1 year) and advanced (diagnosis >8 years) PD was used to assess a patient‐centered care model based on integrated care, self‐management support, and technology‐enabled care. We comprehensively assessed the implementation of care paths, change in selected health and care quality outcomes after the Integrated Parkinson Care Network program, and costs analyses.

Results

We recruited 100 participants in 6 months. Overall, the top care priorities were speech and communication (33.7%), anxiety and depression (31.6%), and mobility, balance, and falls (29.6%), and the most commonly (>45%) used resources were speech‐language pathology, community seniors services, and physiotherapy. Care priorities were met successfully in 90.6% of the cases, and there was a positive change in the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–8 (2.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4–5.0; statistically significant in the advanced group), the perception of support for chronic care (Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Case score, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.9–1.4), and self‐management (5As score, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.4). The total cost of the Integrated Parkinson Care Network was C$1367 per patient.

Conclusions

A pragmatic development of a care delivery network based on integrated care and self‐management support is promising for its feasibility, impact, and a sustainable cost. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A novel approach to the Jensen gap through Taylor's theorem
Authors: Adil Khan Muhammad , Khan Shahid , Ullah Inam , Ali Khan Khuram , Chu Yu‐Ming
Published: October 2020

This article presents a new bound for the Jensen gap in classical as well as in generalized form through an integral identity deduced from Taylor's theorem. A discussion on the accuracy of the classical bound, through a numerical experiment, is a part of the paper. Also, the proposed bounds generate a bound for the Hermite–Hadamard gap and some reverses of the Hölder inequality. Finally, the paper deals with estimations of the Csiszár divergence and of some of its special cases.
Development of an Integrated Framework for Multiscale, Multiphase Modeling of Industrial Slurry‐Phase Reactors for Polyethylene Production
Authors: Zhou Yi , Alizadeh Arash , Liu Boping , Soares João B. P.
Published: October 2020

A framework based on the Monte Carlo/random‐pore polymeric flow model is proposed to simulate both single‐particle and continuous slurry reactor industrial polymerizations. The Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state describes the distributions of components in the different phases of these systems. The developed process model is applied to describe heterogeneously catalyzed polymerizations of ethylene in n‐hexane diluent with or without 1‐hexene as a comonomer, but the proposed methodology is applicable to any ethylene/1‐olefin copolymerization in slurry reactors. In addition to the effects of catalyst particle size and reactor residence time distributions, the proposed hybrid model is used to investigate the impact of several catalyst characteristics under different process conditions on polymer yield and microstructure. Particular attention is paid to the catalyst fragmentation process and active center distribution through the particle. These simulations demonstrate the versatility and thoroughness of combining Monte Carlo simulation with single‐particle models to analyze and predict the behavior of commercial polyolefin reactors.
Will detrusor acontractility recover after medical or surgical treatment? A longitudinal long‐term urodynamic follow‐up
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Fu , Peng Chung‐Hsin , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: October 2020

Aims

Patients with urinary retention due to detrusor acontractility (DA) might regain voiding efficiency (VE) after treatment. This study investigated the long‐term outcomes and predictors of recovery following treatment.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with DA were retrospectively identified and enrolled. DA was defined by Pdet.Qmax = 0 cmH2O and postvoid residual (PVR) > 300 ml determined through videourodynamic study (VUDS). All patients received medical or surgical treatment and were followed up for at least 3 months, during which repeat VUDS was conducted. Detrusor contractility recovery was confirmed when patients were able to void with a Pdet.Qmax ≥ 10 cmH2O after treatment.

Results

Our patients comprised 22 women and 10 men (mean age, 73.2 ± 9.7 years; mean follow‐up duration, 1.6 ± 1.8 [0.3–7.4] years). Follow‐up VUDS revealed that 14 (43.9%) patients recovered from detrusor contractility, with five patients recovering within 1 year and nine after 1 year. Pdet.Qmax, voided volume, PVR, maximum flow rate, and VE significantly improved in both the recovery and nonrecovery groups. The recovery group had significantly better VE (p = .039) and significantly lower bladder compliance (74.2 ± 83.2 vs. 119 ± 82.6; p = .007) than the nonrecovery group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an optimum bladder compliance cutoff value of <80 ml/cmH2O for predicting detrusor contractility recovery with an area under the ROC curve of 0.780.

Conclusions

Among the included patients with DA, 43.9% had detrusor contractility recovery after treatment, with bladder compliance of <80 ml/cmH2O predicting bladder function recovery.
A robust affinity chromatography system based on ceramic monoliths coated with poly(amino acid)‐based polymeric constructs
Authors: Santiago Javier Sánchez , Cerro Ramón L , Scholz Carmen
Published: October 2020

Traditional chromatographic separation systems are disadvantaged by low flow rates, a high pressure drop across the column, low capacity and poor reusability. Searching for more efficient separation systems we introduced the use of a ceramic monolith as robust support in bioseparations. A coating consisting of l‐asparagine as ligand, poly(l‐lysine) as spacer arm and a commercial poly(ethylene acrylic acid) film forming copolymer network (Michem 4983‐40R) was developed as a coating for these ceramic monoliths. Poly(l‐lysine) was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐trifluoroacetyl‐l‐lysine N‐carboxyanhydride and coupled to a commercial film‐forming poly(ethylene acrylic acid) network. This construct was then ‘decorated’ with l‐asparagine via the terminal amino functional groups of poly(L‐lysine) and coated onto the ceramic monolith to selectively bind l‐asparaginase. Adsorption/elution experiments showed reversible binding between l‐asparagine and l‐asparaginase, and the subsequent release of l‐asparaginase, and between 83% and 94% of the active enzyme was recovered by elution with d‐asparagine and NaCl solutions. The functional activity of the eluted l‐asparaginase was verified by a Nessler's assay. While traditional separation processes (adsorption and elution) using gel bead packings take many hours, the ceramic monolith system achieves the same of level of separation in about 1 h. This new system served as a proof of concept for its application in protein separation and purification. This work paves the way to a better understanding of the use of ceramic monoliths as stationary phase coated with a stable polymer construct for more robust and efficient supports in affinity chromatography. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Genetic data inform Yosemite National Park's apple orchard management guidelines
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Magby Jonathan , Henk Adam , Miller Steven , Mazur Rachel
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Yosemite National Park, California, USA has hundreds of apple trees in orchards that were planted in the 1800s by local settlers. These orchards played a cultural role in the early history of the land that was to become a national park. Most of Yosemite’s orchards are well over one hundred years old and have reached the end of their lifespan. Genetic data has facilitated the assignment of cultivar names to historic apple trees within Yosemite and this information will be used to develop an Orchard Management Plan. Yosemite will use this Plan to balance orchard conservation with other necessities such as reducing human‐wildlife conflict from bears that enter developed areas to consume fruit from the trees.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA has hundreds of historic apple trees that were planted within orchards in the 1800s, prior to the establishment of the park. These apple trees have been a concern within Yosemite for decades because their fruit attracts bears and other wildlife into visitor recreation areas, causing undesirable wildlife–human interactions.

Herein, 361 of Yosemite's apple trees were genotyped to determine cultivar identities. The cultivar names of 117 apple trees were identified by matching genotypic data with genetic data available for an apple cultivar reference dataset for the United States Department of Agriculture‐Agricultural Research Service (USDA‐ARS) National Plant Germplasm System as well as collections maintained by other sources.

An additional 92 trees were determined to be likely cultivars because they matched genotypes in a reference set of trees whose identities are not known. A total of 152 trees had unique genotypes that did not match reference datasets.

Cultivar information, made possible by having digital genetic information available, will allow for the preparation of a more comprehensive Orchard Management Plan. As such, park managers will be able use the Plan to more effectively make decisions about balancing orchard conservation with other park necessities, including eliminating the human–wildlife conflict that results from bears entering developed areas to feed on the fruit trees.
The Hodge Numbers of Divisors of Calabi‐Yau Threefold Hypersurfaces
Authors: Braun Andreas P. , Long Cody , McAllister Liam , Stillman Michael , Sung Benjamin
Published: October 2020

We prove a formula for the Hodge numbers of square‐free divisors of Calabi‐Yau threefold hypersurfaces in toric varieties. Euclidean branes wrapping divisors affect the vacuum structure of Calabi‐Yau compactifications of type IIB string theory, M‐theory, and F‐theory. Determining the nonperturbative couplings due to Euclidean branes on a divisor D requires counting fermion zero modes, which depend on the Hodge numbers . Suppose that X is a smooth Calabi‐Yau threefold hypersurface in a toric variety V, and let D be the restriction to X of a square‐free divisor of V. We give a formula for in terms of combinatorial data. Moreover, we construct a CW complex such that . We describe an efficient algorithm that makes possible for the first time the computation of sheaf cohomology for such divisors at large h1, 1. As an illustration we compute the Hodge numbers of a class of divisors in a threefold with . Our results are a step toward a systematic computation of Euclidean brane superpotentials in Calabi‐Yau hypersurfaces.
Practical dynamic reconstruction of control flow graphs
Authors: Rimsa Andrei , Nelson Amaral José , Pereira Fernando M. Q.
Published: October 2020

The automatic recovery of a program's high‐level representation from its binary version is a well‐studied problem in programming languages. However, most of the solutions to this problem are based on purely static approaches: techniques such as dataflow analyses or type inference are used to convert the bytes that constitute the executable code back into a control flow graph (CFG). This article departs from such a modus operandi to show that a dynamic analysis can be effective and useful, both as a standalone technique, and as a way to enhance the precision of static approaches. The experimental results provide evidence that completeness, that is, the ability to conclude that the entire CFG has been discovered, is achievable on many functions that are part of industry‐strong benchmarks. Experiments also indicate that dynamic information greatly enhances the ability of DynInst, a state‐of‐the‐art binary reconstructor, to deal with code stripped of debugging information. These results were obtained with CFGgrind, a new implementation of a dynamic code reconstructor, built on top of Valgrind. When applied to cBench, CFGgrind is 9% faster than callgrind, Valgrind's tool used to track targets of function calls; and 7% faster in Spec Cpu2017. CFGgrind recovers the complete CFG of 40% of all the procedures invoked during the standard execution of programs in Spec Cpu2017, and 37% in cBench. When combined with CFGgrind, DynInst finds 15% more CFGs for cBench, and 7% more CFGs for Spec Cpu2017. Finally, CFGgrind is more than 7 times faster than DCFG, a CFG reconstructor from Intel, and 1.30 times faster than bfTrace, a CFG reconstructor used in research. CFGgrind is also more precise than these two tools, handling operating system signals, shared code in functions, and unaligned instructions; besides supporting multithreaded programs, exact profiling and incremental refinements.
Plumb: Efficient stream processing of multi‐user pipelines
Authors: Qadeer Abdul , Heidemann John
Published: October 2020

Operational services run 24×7 and require analytics pipelines to evaluate performance. In mature services such as domain name system (DNS), these pipelines often grow to many stages developed by multiple, loosely coupled teams. Such pipelines pose two problems: first, computation and data storage may be duplicated across components developed by different groups, wasting resources. Second, processing can be skewed, with structural skew occurring when different pipeline stages need different amounts of resources, and computational skew occurring when a block of input data requires increased resources. Duplication and structural skew both decrease efficiency, increasing cost, latency, or both. Computational skew can cause pipeline failure or deadlock when resource consumption balloons; we have seen cases where pessimal traffic increases CPU requirements 6‐fold. Detecting duplication is challenging when components from multiple teams evolve independently and require fault isolation. Skew management is hard due to dynamic workloads coupled with the conflicting goals of both minimizing latency and maximizing utilization. We propose Plumb, a framework to abstract stream processing as large‐block streaming (LBS) for a multi‐stage, multi‐user workflow. Plumb users express analytics as a DAG of processing modules, allowing Plumb to integrate and optimize workflows from multiple users. Many real‐world applications map to the LBS abstraction. Plumb detects and eliminates duplicate computation and storage, and it detects and addresses both structural and computational skew by tracking computation across the pipeline. We exercise Plumb using the analytics pipeline for B‐Root DNS. We compare Plumb to a hand‐tuned system, cutting latency to one‐third the original, and requiring 39% fewer container hours, while supporting more flexible, multi‐user analytics and providing greater robustness to DDoS‐driven demands.
Probabilistic modeling of leakage through tension‐cracked reinforced concrete water retaining structures considering autogenous self‐sealing
Authors: Way Andrew C. , Viljoen Celeste
Published: October 2020

The beneficial effect of the autogenous self‐sealing of cracks has been relied upon implicitly in the design of concrete water retaining structures for many years. The degree to which it can be relied upon to retard leakage through cracks in water retaining structures has, to date, not been quantified in probabilistic terms. Previous research identified the crack width as a critical parameter in the autogenous self‐sealing of flow through cracks in tension‐cracked, reinforced concrete. In this research, two experimental databases are collected and compiled, and are used to probabilistically model the prediction of initial flow through, and the subsequent leakage through tension cracks considering the effects of self‐sealing. The total leakage is characterized as a function of crack width range, identifying the notable effect of increasing crack width on increased leakage duration and magnitude. This research is a first step toward quantifying the achieved SLS reliability for water retaining structures.
Acid‐Acid‐Catalyzed Tandem Reactions Driven by an Additive‐Like Component
Authors: Chen Shaomin , Bai Rongxian , Li Minghao , Liu Ping , Gu Yanlong
Published: October 2020

Acid‐catalyzed tandem reactions with auto‐tandem catalysis are effective for simplifying organic synthesis. However, some of the reported reactions were established based on the use of well‐designed substrate with complex structure. In some cases, owing to the existence of a big gap between each catalytic cycle, it is hard to bind all the individual reaction steps to be a peaceful sequence. To enrich the diversity and also to strengthen the practical usefulness of the methodology developed by auto‐tandem catalysis, an additive‐like component was added to induce acid‐acid‐catalyzed tandem reaction. During the reaction, the additive‐like component acted either as an activator to increase the reactivity of the starting material or a hided reagent to enable successful transformation of the intermediate. Many novel tandem reactions were established in a one‐pot manner with the aid of this strategy. Importantly, this strategy not only allows the use of simple and commercially available chemicals as substrates, but also possesses multiple merits, such as simplifying operation, lowering waste generation and enhancing synthetic efficiency and atom‐economy. A summarization of the additive‐like component‐induced auto‐tandem catalysis with an acid catalyst was given in this review, in which many acid‐acid‐catalyzed tandem reactions were discussed. The reported additive‐like components were classified as three types: oxidative type, reductive type and neutral type depending on their mechanisms in assisting the establishment of acid‐acid‐catalyzed tandem reactions. Many examples were collected and analyzed from the viewpoints of simplifying the synthesis and manifesting their superior and distinct functionalities of the additives. A perspective of this concept was also given at the end of this review.
Evaluation of tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) dried leaves as a substitution for concentrate mixture on biological performance and socioeconomic of Washera sheep fed on desho grass hay
Authors: Hailecherkos Shewaye , Asmare Bimrew , Mekuriaw Yeshambel
Published: October 2020

Background

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tree lucerne dried leaves (TLDL) as a substituting supplement for noug seed cake, and wheat bran concentrate mixtures (CM) on feed intake, digestibility, growth, carcass characteristics and economic benefits using Washera sheep fed desho grass hay as a basal diet.

Methods

Twenty‐five male Washera sheep with an initial body weight of 16 ± 4.01 kg (mean ± SD) were used for both growth and digestibility trials which lasted for 90 and 10 days, respectively The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design having five blocks with five treatments (T1 = 0% TLDL + 100% CM; T2 = 25% TLDL + 75% CM; T3 = 50% TLDL + 50% CM; T4 = 75% TLDL + 25% CM and T5 = 100% TLDL + 0% CM).

Results

Significant (p < .05) differences were observed among treatments in total dry matter (DM), nutrients and metabolizable energy (ME) intake; as the level of TLDL increases total DM and nutrient intake decreased (p < .05) except neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI) and acid detergent fibre intake (ADFI). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) were significantly reduced (p < .001) among the treatments increasing the substitution level of TLDL for local concentrate mixture, but non‐significant for fibre fractions digestibility. Similarly, body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly different (p < .01) and highest in T1 than other treatments, whereas lowest values of the same parameters were observed for T5. Non‐significant difference among treatments was observed in almost all of the carcass characteristics except for rib‐eye area that showed significant difference among treatment and was highest in T1 and T2 (low level of TLDL inclusion). The economic analysis showed that supplementation TLDL was economically feasible in which the net return of the treatments were 31.66 (T1), 30.68 (T2) and 30.34 (T3), 27.88 (T4) and 26.32 (T5) USD (United States Dollar).

Conclusions

It was concluded that TLDL could be used as alternative feed source by replacing concentrate mixture up to 75% (T4) which enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Washera sheep. Finally, TLDL supplementation is recommended as replacement of CM up to 75% for its biological and economic feasibility.
The Modalities of Media II: An Expanded Model for Understanding Intermedial Relations
Authors: Elleström Lars
Published: October 2020

This chapter is a significantly expanded and improved version of ‘The Modalities of Media: A Model for Understanding Intermedial Relations’ from 2010. It suggests an elaborated theoretical framework for distinguishing the multimodal character of media products, which are understood as those entities and phenomena that make inter-human communication possible. It offers a foundational model for describing and analysing the most basic similarities, differences and interrelations among all conceivable forms of media. The chapter also explains some basic mechanisms for categorising media products into media types and the intricate nature of media borders: how they are identified, construed and crossed. Finally, it broadly discusses two general intermedial perspectives: media integration and media transformation.
Federated Ensemble Regression Using Classification
Authors: Orhobor Oghenejokpeme I. , Soldatova Larisa N. , King Ross D.
Published: October 2020

Ensemble learning has been shown to significantly improve predictive accuracy in a variety of machine learning problems. For a given predictive task, the goal of ensemble learning is to improve predictive accuracy by combining the predictive power of multiple models. In this paper, we present an ensemble learning algorithm for regression problems which leverages the distribution of the samples in a learning set to achieve improved performance. We apply the proposed algorithm to a problem in precision medicine where the goal is to predict drug perturbation effects on genes in cancer cell lines. The proposed approach significantly outperforms the base case.
Explaining Sentiment Classification with Synthetic Exemplars and Counter-Exemplars
Authors: Lampridis Orestis , Guidotti Riccardo , Ruggieri Salvatore
Published: October 2020

We present xspells, a model-agnostic local approach for explaining the decisions of a black box model for sentiment classification of short texts. The explanations provided consist of a set of exemplar sentences and a set of counter-exemplar sentences. The former are examples classified by the black box with the same label as the text to explain. The latter are examples classified with a different label (a form of counter-factuals). Both are close in meaning to the text to explain, and both are meaningful sentences – albeit they are synthetically generated. xspells generates neighbors of the text to explain in a latent space using Variational Autoencoders for encoding text and decoding latent instances. A decision tree is learned from randomly generated neighbors, and used to drive the selection of the exemplars and counter-exemplars. We report experiments on two datasets showing that xspells outperforms the well-known lime method in terms of quality of explanations, fidelity, and usefulness, and that is comparable to it in terms of stability.