bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐18a activates Wnt pathway in ER‐positive breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Nair Madhumathy G , Prabhu Jyothi S , Korlimarla Aruna , Rajarajan Savitha , P S Hari , Kaul Roma , Alexander Annie , Raghavan Rohini , B S Srinath , T S Sridhar
Published: June 2020

Despite the established benefits of long‐term endocrine therapy, women with hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer remain at risk for late relapse. The basis of this is multi‐factorial including genetic, epigenetic, and host factors. In this study we have explored the epigenetic regulation of estrogen receptor (ER)‐dependent molecular and cellular phenotype by hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p using well‐established human ER‐positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines. miR‐18a was overexpressed in MCF7 and ZR‐75‐1 and this led to an increase in the proliferative ability of the cells and concurrently resulted in decreased expression of luminal markers and higher expression of the basal marker, cytokeratin 14. The cells became more migratory with a significant repression of E‐cadherin and activation of the Wnt noncanonical pathway. We observed an activation of the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway with increased activation of JNK pathway and eventually change in actin dynamics. There was increased F‐actin polymerization in cells with higher expression of miR‐18a. Examination of miR‐18a expression in a set of human ER+ breast cancer specimens showed a negative correlation between miR‐18a and ESR1 transcripts as well as ER protein. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis of the cohort stratified by tumor hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p levels produced significant differences in disease‐free survival (log rank P < .05). This observation was independently validated in the METABRIC cohort. These data provide support for a role of hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p in altering the proliferative and migratory behavior of ER+ cells and its potential utility as a prognostic marker in clinical ER+ breast cancers.
Reframe how to serve your community in the midst of a pandemic
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2020

When Donald Tarbell went into the Marine Corps, he planned on staying for four years. Instead, he stayed for more than 20. During that time, he also got his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, as well as a master's degree from National University.
Planning and managing a COVID‐19 mobile testing site
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: June 2020

The State University of New York at Albany is contributing to the battle against COVID‐19 in numerous ways, from donations of personal protective equipment to the 3D printing of protective face shields.
Flexible bronchoscopy in diagnosis and management of dual tracheoesophageal fistula: A case series
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Gauld Leanne M. , Masters I. Brent
Published: June 2020

Dual and H‐type tracheoesophageal fistulae can present major diagnostic and management difficulties. A methodological approach with flexible bronchoscopy and a guide wire cannulation technique was used to diagnose, localize, and aid operative surgical management in five children with dual and H‐type tracheoesophageal fistulae. All children had successful outcomes.
Neurologic recovery in systemic nontraumatic fat embolism syndrome in an elderly patient with hemoglobin SC disease: A case report
Authors: Ositelu Ayotunde , Urrutia‐Argueta Samuel , Kapoor Rajat
Published: June 2020

Cerebral fat embolism syndrome is an under‐recognized yet well‐known complication of bone marrow necrosis occurring in patients with sickle cell disease. We highlight a case manifested by multisystem organ failure in an elderly patient who attained neurologic recovery with prompt initiation of hematology consultation, RBC exchange, and supportive measures.
Inference for misclassified multinomial data with covariates
Authors: Wang Shijia , Wang Liangliang , Swartz Tim B.
Published: June 2020

This article considers multinomial data subject to misclassification in the presence of covariates which affect both the misclassification probabilities and the true classification probabilities. A subset of the data may be subject to a secondary measurement according to an infallible classifier. Computations are carried out in a Bayesian setting where it is seen that the prior has an important role in driving the inference. In addition, a new and less problematic definition of nonidentifiability is introduced and is referred to as hierarchical nonidentifiability.
Investigating the impact of the phosphorylation status of tyrosine residues within the TACC domain of TACC3 on microtubule behavior during axon growth and guidance
Authors: Erdogan Burcu , St. Clair Riley M. , Cammarata Garrett M. , Zaccaro Timothy , Ballif Bryan A. , Lowery Laura Anne
Published: June 2020

Axon guidance is a critical process in forming the connections between a neuron and its target. The growth cone steers the growing axon toward the appropriate direction by integrating extracellular guidance cues and initiating intracellular signal transduction pathways downstream of these cues. The growth cone generates these responses by remodeling its cytoskeletal components. Regulation of microtubule dynamics within the growth cone is important for making guidance decisions. TACC3, as a microtubule plus‐end binding (EB) protein, modulates microtubule dynamics during axon outgrowth and guidance. We have previously shown that Xenopus laevis embryos depleted of TACC3 displayed spinal cord axon guidance defects, while TACC3‐overexpressing spinal neurons showed increased resistance to Slit2‐induced growth cone collapse. Tyrosine kinases play an important role in relaying guidance signals to downstream targets during pathfinding events via inducing tyrosine phosphorylation. Here, in order to investigate the mechanism behind TACC3‐mediated axon guidance, we examined whether tyrosine residues that are present in TACC3 have any role in regulating TACC3's interaction with microtubules or during axon outgrowth and guidance behaviors. We find that the phosphorylatable tyrosines within the TACC domain are important for the microtubule plus‐end tracking behavior of TACC3. Moreover, TACC domain phosphorylation impacts axon outgrowth dynamics such as growth length and growth persistency. Together, our results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of TACC3 affects TACC3's microtubule plus‐end tracking behavior as well as its ability to mediate axon growth dynamics in cultured embryonic neural tube explants.
Interplay between endoplasmic reticulum membrane contacts and actomyosin cytoskeleton
Authors: Zhang Dan
Published: June 2020

Eukaryotic membrane‐bound organelles, exhibiting distinctive morphologies, dynamics and functions, are interconnected at membrane contact sites (MCSs) through numerous tethering machineries. MCSs are required for many fundamental cellular processes, such as non‐vesicular lipid transfer, calcium transport and organelle homeostasis. Actin cytoskeleton and myosin motors are known to dynamically interact with different membrane boundaries, facilitating organelle movements and partitioning. Intriguingly, recent studies have pinpointed a special participation of actomyosin at various MCSs involving the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the most extensive membranous organelle in the cell. Here, I summarize emerging roles of ER MCSs in modulating actomyosin structures and discuss feedback functions of such actomyosin regulation at these MCSs.
Reduction of diagnostic error: Following cytopathology’s lead
Authors: Heher Yael K.
Published: June 2020

Diagnostic error is a critical focus of the modern patient safety movement and pathologists are at its core. In this issue, Poller and colleagues tackle the challenging business of diagnostic error in thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology. They provide a developmental framework with thoughtful, clinically oriented ideas for practicing cytopathologists, including a proposed list of safety‐oriented recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and reporting of thyroid fine‐needle aspiration specimens by the cytopathology team.
Measures to reduce diagnostic error and improve clinical decision making in thyroid FNA aspiration cytology: A proposed framework
Authors: Poller David N. , Johnson Sarah J. , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: June 2020

Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNA) and histopathology can be subjective areas of medical diagnosis and subject to different interpretations. On the basis of the authors' personal experience, 12 recommendations with potential to improve clinical decision making, ensure quality, and reduce diagnostic error in thyroid FNAC and histopathology are presented. 1) use a standardized reporting terminology for thyroid FNAC; 2) understand and explain to service users the limitations of cytology and the standardized thyroid FNAC reporting terminology used; 3) the cytopathologist should review all relevant clinical and ultrasound findings, if feasible; 4) include the risk of malignancy in all FNAC reports if feasible; 5) collect data to calculate the local institutional risk of malignancy for FNAC if feasible; 6) accept that nondiagnostic FNAC will include small numbers of carcinomas; 7) use rapid on‐site evaluation and/or educational sessions for aspirators if the nondiagnostic aspiration rate is high; 8) know the diagnostic pitfalls of both cytology and histopathology; 9) use special immunohistochemical and molecular techniques that are evidence‐based; 10) make use of second opinions, either in‐house or interinstitutional; 11) multidisciplinary discussion of cases before surgery or therapy is invaluable; and, finally, 12) manage patient and clinician expectations of thyroid cytology and histopathology. These 12 recommendations may assist in quality‐improvement initiatives and may reduce diagnostic errors in thyroid cytology and histopathology. Thyroid multidisciplinary case discussion remains the principal, overarching method for error reduction and for providing high‐quality clinical decision making.
Nanoengineered Skeleton‐surface of Nickel Foam with Additional Dual Functions of Rate‐capability Promotion and Cycling‐life Stabilization for Nickel Sulfide Electrodes
Authors: Li Yanhong , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Wang Meiri , Wang Wei , Cui Hongtao
Published: June 2020

Battery‐type electrode materials such as NiS applied in Faradaic supercapacitors (FSs) could display poor performance with regard to rate‐capability and cycling stability due to the inappropriate texture of the electrodes. Numerous works focussed on tuning the microscopic structure of electrode materials, but neglected the influence of the microscopic structure of current collectors such as nickel foam on the electrochemical performance of FSs. In this work, the performance of NiS is associated with the microscopic structure of nickel foams by decorating the 2D porous nanostructured NiS on a 2D nanoengineered skeleton‐surface of nickel foams. It could be inferred from the characterization results that the synergistic effect of both 2D nanostructured NiS and nickel foam significantly promotes the rate‐capability and stabilizes the performance of NiS. Asymmetric supercapacitors using the dually nanostructured NiS/nickel foam as positive electrode and AC as negative electrode exhibit both high energy and high power densities.
The effects of the dental methacrylates TEGDMA, Bis‐GMA, and UDMA on neutrophils in vitro
Authors: Alizadehgharib Sara , Östberg Ann‐Karin , Dahlstrand Rudin Agnes , Dahlgren Ulf , Christenson Karin
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The prevalent usage of methacrylates in modern dentistry demands good knowledge of their biological impacts. While there have been several studies demonstrating the effects of different methacrylic monomers on mononuclear white blood cells, very little is known about the effects caused by these monomers on neutrophilic granulocytes. The objective of this study was to add novel knowledge about how neutrophils are affected by exposure to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), and bisphenol A glycol dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA) alone or in combinations.

Materials and Methods

Isolated neutrophils were cultured in the presence or absence of methacrylates. The IL‐8 release was measured using a DuoSet ELISA development kit. Apoptosis and necrosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was investigated using Sytox green DNA staining combined with microscopically examination of released DNA and myeloperoxidase (MPO).

Results

The release of IL‐8 was significantly increased after exposure to TEGDMA, Bis‐GMA, UDMA, or TEGDMA in combination with Bis‐GMA or UDMA compared to the unstimulated controls. Exposure to TEGDMA, UDMA, and Bis‐GMA for 24 hr separately or in combination did not affect apoptosis or necrosis of the exposed neutrophils. NET structures were formed by neutrophils after exposure to the different combinations of the methacrylates.

Conclusion

The combination of TEGDMA and Bis‐GMA had a synergistic proinflammatory effect on neutrophils by increasing the release of IL‐8 and the formation of NET structures. The changes in the normal functions of neutrophils caused by methacrylate exposure may lead to altered inflammatory response and relate to previously reported adverse immune reactions caused by these substances.
Acoustophoresis Enables the Label‐Free Separation of Functionally Different Subsets of Cultured Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Olm Franziska , Lim Hooi Ching , Schallmoser Katharina , Strunk Dirk , Laurell Thomas , Scheding Stefan
Published: June 2020

Culture‐expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for clinical cell‐based therapies. MSC products are heterogeneous and we therefore investigated whether acoustophoresis, an ultrasound‐based separation technology, could be used for the label‐free enrichment of functionally different MSC populations. Acoustophoresis uses an ultrasonic standing wave field in a microchannel that differentially affects the movement of cells depending on their acoustophysical properties, such as size, density, and compressibility. Human bone marrow (BM) MSCs were generated by standard adherent culture in xeno‐free medium and separated by microchip acoustophoresis. MSCs with up to 20% higher proliferation and 1.7‐fold increased clonogenic potential were enriched in the side outlet of the chip compared to the input sample. These cells were significantly smaller (average diameter 14.5 ± 0.4 μm) compared to the center outlet fraction (average diameter 17.1 ± 0.6 μm) and expressed higher levels of genes related to proliferation and stem cell properties (i.e., Ki‐67 [1.9‐fold], Nanog1 [6.65‐fold], Oct4 [2.9‐fold], and CXCL12 [1.8‐fold], n = 3) in the side outlet compared to input. Fractions of MSCs in G0/G1 cell cycle phase were significantly enriched in the side fraction and an up to 2.8‐fold increase of cells in S/G2/M phases were observed in center fractions compared to side fractions and 1.3‐fold increased compared to the input sample. Acoustophoresis did not compromise MSC phenotype, proliferation, clonogenic capacity, and viability (generally 87–98%), nor did it affect differentiation or immunomodulatory capacities. These results demonstrate that label‐free acoustic separation can enrich functionally different MSC subsets which can potentially be employed to produce better‐defined stromal cell products from cultured MSCs. Hence, acoustophoresis is a potentially promising separation technology to provide improved cell products for research and possible future clinical use. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Analysis of erythroid maturation in the nonlysed bone marrow with help of radar plots facilitates detection of flow cytometric aberrations in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Violidaki Despoina , Axler Olof , Jafari Katayoon , Bild Filippa , Nilsson Lars , Mazur Joanna , Ehinger Mats , Porwit Anna
Published: June 2020

Background

Accumulating data support the role of flow cytometry (FCM) in diagnostic work‐up of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Changes in erythropoiesis are less documented than in granulopoiesis. However, most studies were performed on bone marrow samples (BMSs) after red blood cell lysis. We have established a FCM protocol for erythropoiesis, following a no‐lysis approach and live gate acquisition of nucleated cells using DNA dye DRAQ5.

Methods

The ERY tube consisted of CD36, CD71, CD105, CD117, CD13, and CD45. Comparison with cytomorphological differential counts was carried out in a learning cohort of 80 BMS. To detect aberrations, we analyzed 208 BMS from 135 patients and five normal donors, divided into three cohorts: MDS (n = 68), nonclonal cytopenia (n = 43), and normal controls (n = 29). Radar plot (RP) was created for an overview of normal and aberrant patterns.

Results

The proportion of erythropoiesis in the ERY tube showed better agreement with the cytomorphology, compared to FCM panels on lysed BMS. We confirmed that aberrations in coefficient of variation (CV) of CD36 fluorescence intensity (p < .001), mean fluorescence intensity of CD36 (p = .012), and CV of CD105 (p < .001) can distinguish between MDS and nonclonal cytopenia. RP facilitated evaluation of erythropoietic maturation patterns and aberrant patterns were identified in 85% of MDS patients.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that a no‐lysis approach and RP analysis allow a more reliable evaluation of erythropoiesis and erythroid dysplasia, supporting the integration of FCM erythroid panels in the standard work‐up of MDS.
Support students continuing online during campus closures
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2020

Students may have left your campus due to the COVID‐19 crisis, but they still need your support to succeed — probably now more than ever. NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education presented a webinar on how to provide them with the support they need featuring Alicia Battle, Assistant Professor and Director of the Online Master of Public Health Program at Tulane University; Jaimie Hoffman, Ed.D., Vice President for Student Affairs at Noodle Partners, which produces and runs online and hybrid higher ed programs; and James McGhee, Assistant Dean of Students at Randolph‐Macon College.
Reporter mice for isolating and auditing cell type‐specific extracellular vesicles in vivo
Authors: McCann James V. , Bischoff Steven R. , Zhang Yu , Cowley Dale O. , Sanchez‐Gonzalez Veronica , Daaboul George D. , Dudley Andrew C.
Published: June 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant, lipid‐enclosed vectors that contain nucleic acids and proteins, they can be secreted from donor cells and freely circulate, and they can be engulfed by recipient cells thus enabling systemic communication between heterotypic cell types. However, genetic tools for labeling, isolating, and auditing cell type‐specific EVs in vivo, without prior in vitro manipulation, are lacking. We have used CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing to generate mice bearing a CD63‐emGFPloxP/stop/loxP knock‐in cassette that enables the specific labeling of circulating CD63+ vesicles from any cell type when crossed with lineage‐specific Cre recombinase driver mice. As proof‐of‐principle, we have crossed these mice with Cdh5‐CreERT2 mice to generate CD63emGFP+ vasculature. Using these mice, we show that developing vasculature is marked with emerald GFP (emGFP) following tamoxifen administration to pregnant females. In adult mice, quiescent vasculature and angiogenic vasculature (in tumors) is also marked with emGFP. Moreover, whole plasma‐purified EVs contain a subpopulation of emGFP+ vesicles that are derived from the endothelium, co‐express additional EV (e.g., CD9 and CD81) and endothelial cell (e.g., CD105) markers, and they harbor specific miRNAs (e.g., miR‐126, miR‐30c, and miR‐125b). This new mouse strain should be a useful genetic tool for generating cell type‐specific, CD63+ EVs that freely circulate in serum and can subsequently be isolated and characterized using standard methodologies.
A review of subtidal kelp forests in Ireland: From first descriptions to new habitat monitoring techniques
Authors: Schoenrock Kathryn M. , Chan Kenan M. , O'Callaghan Tony , O'Callaghan Rory , Golden Aaron , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Power Anne Marie
Published: June 2020

Aim

Kelp forests worldwide are important marine ecosystems that foster high primary to secondary productivity and multiple ecosystem services. These ecosystems are increasingly under threat from extreme storms, changing ocean temperatures, harvesting, and greater herbivore pressure at regional and global scales, necessitating urgent documentation of their historical to present‐day distributions. Species range shifts to higher latitudes have already been documented in some species that dominate subtidal habitats within Europe. Very little is known about kelp forest ecosystems in Ireland, where rocky coastlines are dominated by Laminaria hyperborea. In order to rectify this substantial knowledge gap, we compiled historical records from an array of sources to present historical distribution, kelp and kelp forest recording effort over time, and present rational for the monitoring of kelp habitats to better understand ecosystem resilience.

Location

Ireland (Northern Ireland and Éire).

Methods

Herbaria, literature from the Linnaean society dating back to late 1700s, journal articles, government reports, and online databases were scoured for information on L. hyperborea. Information about kelp ecosystems was solicited from dive clubs and citizen science groups that are active along Ireland's coastlines.

Results

Data were used to create distribution maps and analyze methodology and technology used to record L. hyperborea presence and kelp ecosystems within Ireland. We discuss the recent surge in studies on Irish kelp ecosystems, fauna associated with kelp ecosystems that may be used as indicators of ecosystem health and suggest methodologies for continued monitoring.

Main Conclusions

While there has been a steady increase in recording effort of the dominant subtidal kelp forest species, L. hyperborea, only recently have studies begun to address other important eco‐evolutionary processes at work in kelp forests including connectivity among kelp populations in Ireland. Further monitoring, using suggested methodologies, is required to better understand the resilience of kelp ecosystems in Ireland.
Analysis of bridge structures crossing strike‐slip fault rupture zones: A simple method for generating across‐fault seismic ground motions
Authors: Yang Shuo , Mavroeidis George P. , Ucak Alper
Published: June 2020

This article presents a simple and effective method for generating across‐fault seismic ground motions for the analysis of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges crossing strike‐slip faults. Based on pulse models available in the literature, two simple loading functions are first proposed to represent the coherent (long‐period) components of ground motion across strike‐slip faults. The loading functions are then calibrated using actual near‐fault ground‐motion records with a forward‐directivity velocity pulse in the fault‐normal direction and a fling‐step displacement in the fault‐parallel direction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing time history responses and seismic demands of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges obtained from nonlinear response history analyses using the actual ground‐motion records and the calibrated loading functions. A comprehensive methodology is also presented for selecting the input parameters of the loading functions based on empirical equations and practical guidelines. Finally, an analysis procedure for bridge structures crossing strike‐slip faults is introduced based on the proposed method for generating across‐fault ground motions and the parameter selection methodology for the loading functions.
Experimental and numerical simulation study on the dynamic fracture of coal by gas expansion
Authors: Wang Qifei , Zhao Yuechao , Li Chengwu , Xie Beijing , Xue Honglai
Published: June 2020

The high‐pressure gas expansion‐induced deformation and dynamic fracture of coal are important parts of coal and gas outburst. To better understand the law of this process, laboratory experiments and numerical simulation are used to study the law of damage. A cavity with different pressures of CH4 or N2 was destroyed by a jack to achieve the rapid expansion of the gas and coal fracture inside. The particle size distribution of the coal particles before and after the experiment was measured, and the breakage ratio and the newly added surface area were calculated. The experimental results indicate that during the gas expansion process, the breakage ratio of coal and the newly added surface area clearly increase with the increase in gas pressure. Finally, a numerical model based on peridynamic theory was developed to simulate crack generation and the propagation of coal induced by the expansion of gases at different pressures. The numerical simulation results show that the higher the initial gas pressure is, the higher the number of failure units. Moreover, only when the gas pressure is large enough will the coal crack in various directions at the same time.
Conjugated linoleic acid loaded nanostructured lipid carrier as a potential antioxidant nanocarrier for food applications
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh Sadat , Farzadnia Farin , Aghajani Abdoreza , Ahmadzadeh NobariAzar Farnaz , Pezeshki Akram
Published: June 2020

The encapsulation of fatty acids in nanocarrier systems is a very effective technique in improving their biological efficiency and controlled delivery. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a major type of lipid‐based nanoparticle. This study is focused on producing nanolipid carrier containing conjugated linoleic acid and fortifying low‐fat milk using this nanoparticle. Nanostructured lipid carriers were produced by hot high‐shear homogenization containing 1.5% Poloxamer 407, cocoa butter as solid lipid, and conjugated linoleic acid as liquid oil in ratio of 10:1. Results showed that the nanoparticles sized 81 nm with monomodular dispersity and the system was stable at 4 and 22°C for 40 days. Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (%EE) were −15.8 mV and 98.2%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the particles are in spiral form and small size and no significant aggregation was observed because of few changes in the system turbidity after storage time. The result of oxidative stability showed that using Nanostructured lipid carriers system resulted in lower malone dialdehyde production. Conjugated linoleic acid was protected at level of 3.9% of milk fatty acids in Nanostructured lipid carrier formulation during storage time. Based on these findings, Nanostructured lipid carriers system is an appropriate and stable nanocarrier system for delivery of nutraceuticals in foods and can be used in protecting them against oxidation, heating, and other processes in order to fortify foods and beverages.
Switching costs in competitive health insurance markets: The role of insurers' pricing strategies
Authors: Lamiraud Karine , Stadelmann Pierre
Published: June 2020

Our article deals with pricing strategies in Swiss health insurance markets and focuses on the relationship between basic and supplementary insurance. We analyzed how firms' pricing strategies (i.e., pricing of basic and supplementary products) can create switching costs in basic health insurance markets, thereby preventing competition in basic insurance from working properly. More specifically, using unique market and survey data, we investigated whether firms use bundling strategies or supplementary products as low‐price products to attract and retain basic insurance consumers. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to analyze these pricing strategies in the context of insurance/health insurance. We found no evidence of bundling in the Swiss setting. We did however observe that firms used low‐price supplementary products that contributed to lock in consumers. A majority of firms offered at least one of such product at a low price. None offered low‐price products in both basic and supplementary markets. Low‐price insurance products differed across firms. When buying a low‐price supplementary product, consumers always bought their basic contract from the same firm. Furthermore, those who opted for low‐price supplementary products were less likely to declare an intention to switch basic insurance firms in the near future. This result was true for all risk category levels.
Entropic Contributions to Protein Stability
Authors: Bigman Lavi S. , Levy Yaakov
Published: June 2020

Thermodynamic stability is an important property of proteins that is linked to many of the trade‐offs that characterize a protein molecule and therefore its function. Designing a protein with a desired stability is a complicated task given the intrinsic trade‐off between enthalpy and entropy which applies for both the folded and unfolded states. Traditionally, protein stability is manipulated by point mutations which regulate the folded state enthalpy. In some cases, the entropy of the unfolded state has also been manipulated by means that drastically restrict its conformational dynamics such as engineering disulfide bonds. In this mini‐review, we survey various approaches to modify protein stability by manipulating the entropy of either the unfolded or the folded states. We show that point mutations that involve elimination of long‐range contacts may have a greater destabilization effect than mutations that eliminate shorter‐range contacts. Protein conjugation can also affect the entropy of the unfolded state and thus the overall stability. In addition, we show that entropy can contribute to shape the folded state and yield greater protein stabilization. Hence, we argue that the entropy component can be practically manipulated both in the folded and unfolded state to modify protein stability.
Isophthalic acid production catalyzed by Co(II) together with phosphotungstic acid loaded on carbon modified with tartaric acid
Authors: Wang Zhi‐hao , Wang Xin‐ning , Wen Di , Long Xiang‐li
Published: June 2020

Background

Isophthalic acid (IPA) is commercially produced using the Co–Mn–Br catalyst system, which suffers from the shortcomings of the discharge of CH3Br and corrosion of equipment. It is necessary to develop a technology to avoid the pollution caused by bromide. The production of IPA from the oxidation of m‐xylene (MX) by air is realized under catalysis with H3PW12O40 (HPW) loaded on carbon and cobalt.

Results

Tartaric acid has been used to improve the catalytic activity of the HPW@C catalyst. Experiments indicate that the best modification condition is calcining the carbon at 450 °C for 4 h after being soaked in a 2.0 mol L−1 tartaric acid solution for 10 h. Surface characterization reveals that the tartaric acid modification leads to an increase in the acid groups and a reduction in the basic groups on the carbon surface.

Conclusions

The MX conversion obtained using the HPW@C catalyst prepared from modified carbon is 6.77% over that obtained using the HPW@C catalyst prepared from the original carbon. The IPA generated using the former is 71.1% over that generated using the latter. The catalytic activity of the HPW@C catalyst relies on its surface chemical characteristics and physical properties. The surface chemistry plays a more important role than the physical properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy of contrast‐enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography to evaluate urinary tract patency in children
Authors: Ključevšek Damjana , Ključevšek Tomaž
Published: June 2020

A novel method known as contrast‐enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography (cePNS), using an ultrasound contrast agent administered through the nephrostomy catheter, has been used to evaluate the urinary tract patency in children. Nine cePNS examinations were performed in seven children to evaluate the urinary tract patency prior to further management. The cePNS results were compared with the clinical evaluation of patent urinary tract cases or with surgery results. Both, the technical success rate and accuracy of cePNS examinations were 100%. CePNS is a radiation‐free method and can be performed as a continuation of an ultrasound examination.
A discriminated rapid‐acquisition laboratory procedure for human continuous choice
Authors: Klapes Bryan , Calvin Olivia L. , McDowell J. J
Published: June 2020

Previous continuous choice laboratory procedures for human participants are either prohibitively time‐intensive or result in inadequate fits of the generalized matching law (GML). We developed a rapid‐acquisition laboratory procedure (Procedure for Rapidly Establishing Steady‐State Behavior, or PRESS‐B) for studying human continuous choice that reduces participant burden and produces data that is well‐described by the GML. To test the procedure, 27 human participants were exposed to 9 independent concurrent random‐interval random‐interval reinforcement schedules over the course of a single, 37‐min session. Fits of the GML to the participants' data accounted for large proportions of variance (median R2: 0.94), with parameter estimates that were similar to those previously found in human continuous choice studies [median a: 0.67; median log(b): ‐0.02]. In summary, PRESS‐B generates human continuous choice behavior in the laboratory that conforms to the GML with limited experimental duration.
Cytotoxicity, tyrosine kinase inhibition of novel pyran, pyridine, thiophene, and imidazole derivatives
Authors: Azzam Rasha A. , Mohareb Rafat M. , Helal Maher H. , Eisa Kholoud K.
Published: June 2020

In this work, we are interested to use multicomponent reactions of cyclohexan‐1,3‐dione with different reagents for synthesizing new derivatives of pyran, pyridine, thiophene, and imidazole with antitumor activities. Twenty‐two newly synthesized derivatives were selected and tested for their anticancer potency. Several of these compounds exhibited quite interesting potencies toward three human tumor cell lines, namely NCI‐H460 (non‐small cell lung cancer), SF‐268 (CNS cancer), and MCF‐7 (breast adenocarcinoma), especially when compared to that of reference drugs, doxorubicin and 5‐Fu.Compounds 5b, 5c, 7b, 9b, 14a, 16c, 18a, 19c, 20b, and 22b, were found to be the most cytotoxic compounds toward the selected cell lines. On the other hand, 7b, 14a, 16c, 19c, and 22b revealed high inhibitions toward the tyrosine kinases. Active compounds against VEGFR‐2, 14a, 16c, and 19c, were docked inside VEGFR‐2enzyme to show the interaction between the tested compounds and the amino acids of the active site.
Combined Denoising and Suppression of Transient Artifacts in Arterial Spin LabelingMRIUsing Deep Learning
Authors: Hales Patrick W. , Pfeuffer Josef , A. Clark Chris
Published: June 2020

Background

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a useful tool for measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the technique, multiple repetitions are required, which results in prolonged scan times and increased susceptibility to artifacts.

Purpose

To develop a deep‐learning‐based algorithm for simultaneous denoising and suppression of transient artifacts in ASL images.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

131 pediatric neuro‐oncology patients for model training and 11 healthy adult subjects for model evaluation.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T / pseudo‐continuous and pulsed ASL with 3D gradient‐and‐spin‐echo readout.

Assessment

A denoising autoencoder (DAE) model was designed with stacked encoding/decoding convolutional layers. Reference standard images were generated by averaging 10 pairwise ASL subtraction images. The model was trained to produce perfusion images of a similar quality using a single subtraction image. Performance was compared against Gaussian and non‐local means (NLM) filters. Evaluation metrics included SNR, peak SNR (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) of the CBF images, compared to the reference standard.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests for group comparisons.

Results

The DAE model was the only model to produce a significant increase in SNR compared to the raw images (P < 0.05), providing an average SNR gain of 62%. The DAE model was also effective at suppressing transient artifacts, and was the only model to show a significant improvement in accuracy in the generated CBF images, as assessed using PSNR values (P < 0.05). In addition, using data from multiple inflow time acquisitions, the DAE images produced the best fit to the Buxton kinetic model, offering a 75% reduction in the fitting error compared to the raw images.

Data Conclusion

Deep‐learning‐based algorithms provide superior accuracy when denoising ASL images, due to their ability to simultaneously increase SNR and suppress artifactual signals in raw ASL images.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
A high throughput approach for determination of dermorphin in human urine using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for doping control purposes
Authors: Castro Juliana de L. , Martucci Maria Elvira P. , Pereira Henrique M.G. , de Sousa Valéria P.
Published: June 2020

Dermorphin is a peptide with analgesic actions similar to morphine, but with greater effect and less potential to cause tolerance. The use of dermorphin has been documented in race horses, and its use in humans has already been reported. Considering the potential advantages from the use of dermorphin over morphine, a method to monitor it, and its main metabolite dermorphin (1‐4) in humans becomes necessary for doping control. Here, we present two orthogonal methods for this purpose: a high‐throughput liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as an initial testing procedure and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) acquisition mode for a confirmation procedure. For urine samples, pretreatment through a mixed‐mode weak cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction emerged as an effective approach to extract peptides from the biological sample. For the HRMS analysis, a full‐MS scan acquisition mode was selected to detect the exact masses of dermorphin and dermorphin (1‐4) at m/z 803.37226 and 457.20816, respectively. The SRM method used in the MS/MS confirmation protocol presented high specificity and sensitivity. The selected product ions for dermorphin were 602.2, 202.1 and 574.3 and for dermorphin (1‐4) were 207.1, 223.1, and 235.1. Both methods were evaluated for specificity, repeatability, carryover, matrix effects, and recovery. No carryover and matrix effects were detected. The limit of detection for initial testing procedure and the limit of identification for confirmation procedure was 2.5 ng/ml. Also, specificity and robustness were acceptable for the application. Together, the developed methods proved to be efficient for the analysis of dermorphin and metabolite for human doping control purpose.
Preparation of supermacroporous cryogels with improved mechanical strength for efficient purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white
Authors: Sun Lifen , Feng Xiyun , Zhong Tianyi , Zhang Xufeng
Published: June 2020

A novel, facile, and robust strategy was proposed to increase the pore size and mechanical strength of cryogels. By mixing the monomers of acrylamide and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the precursor, a monolithic copolymer cryogel with large interconnected pores and thick pore walls was prepared. Hydrogen bonding between the two monomers contributed to the entanglement and aggregation of the copolymers, thickening the pore walls and resulting in larger pore sizes. Analysis via mercury porosimetry demonstrated that the interconnected pore diameter of the copolymer cryogel ranged from 10‐350 µm, which was far larger than that of the cryogels from one monomer (10‐50 µm). Additionally, the thicker pore walls of the copolymer cryogel improved its mechanical strength. Affinity cryogels were prepared through covalent immobilization using Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as a coupling agent, and the affinity binding of lysozymes on Tris‐cryogel was evaluated by the Langmuir isothermal adsorption with the maximum adsorption capacity of 360 mg/g. Compared with that of the Tris‐cryogels produced from one monomer, the copolymer Tris‐cryogel exhibited higher adsorption capacity and lysozyme purity, when the chicken egg white solution flowed solely driven by gravity. This work provides a new avenue for designing and developing supermacroporous cryogels for bioseparation.
Generation and Characterization of a Soybean Line with a Vernonia galamensis Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase‐1 Gene and a myo‐Inositol 1‐Phosphate Synthase Knockout Mutation
Authors: AL‐Amery Maythem , Fowler Ashley , Unrine Jason M. , Armstrong Paul , Maghirang Elizabeth , Su Kai , de Melo Julia , Yuan Feng‐Jie , Shu Qing‐Yao , Hildebrand David
Published: June 2020

Soybean (Glycine max) meal is an important protein source. Soybean meal with lower phytate and oligosaccharides improves meal quality. A single recessive mutation in soybean myo‐inositol 1‐phosphate synthase (Gm‐lpa‐TW75‐1) confers a seed phenotype with low phytate and increased inorganic phosphate. The mutant was crossed with high oil lines expressing a diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT) gene from Vernonia galamensis (VgD). Gm‐lpa‐TW75‐1 X VgD, designated GV, has 21%, and 22% oil and 41% and 43% protein from field and greenhouse seed production, respectively. No significant differences were found in mineral concentrations except for Fe which was 229 μg/g dry mass for GV followed by 174.3 for VgD and 162 for Gm‐lpa‐TW75‐1. Phosphate (Pi) is higher in Gm‐lpa‐TW75‐1 as expected at 5 mg/g, followed by GV at 1.6 mg/g whereas Jack, VgD, and Taiwan75 have about 0.3 mg/g. The Gm‐lpa‐TW75‐1 line has the lowest phytate concentration at 1.4 mg/g followed by GV with 1.8 mg/g compared to Taiwan75, VgD, and Jack with 2.5 mg/g. This work describes a high oil and protein soybean line, GV, with increased Pi and lower phytate which will increase the nutritional value for human and animal feed.
Precision Measurements of Temperature‐Dependent and Nonequilibrium Thermal Emitters
Authors: Xiao Yuzhe , Wan Chenghao , Shahsafi Alireza , Salman Jad , Yu Zhaoning , Wambold Raymond , Mei Hongyan , Perez Bryan E. Rubio , Derdeyn William , Yao Chunhui , Kats Mikhail A.
Published: June 2020

Thermal emission is the radiation of electromagnetic waves from hot objects. The promise of thermal‐emission engineering for applications in energy harvesting, radiative cooling, and thermal camouflage has recently led to renewed research interest in this topic. However, accurate and precise measurements of thermal emission in a laboratory setting can be challenging in part due to the presence of background emission from the surrounding environment and the measurement instrument itself. This problem is especially acute for thermal emitters that have unconventional temperature dependence, operate at low temperatures, or are out of equilibrium. In this paper, general procedures are described, recommended, and demonstrated for thermal‐emission measurements that can accommodate such unconventional thermal emitters.
A classification of surfaces with isotropic Para‐Blaschke tensor
Authors: Li Fengjiang , Fang Jianbo , Li Jianxiang
Published: June 2020

Let be an umbilic‐free surface. Four basic invariants of M2 under the Möbius transformation group of are the Möbius metric g, the Blaschke tensor A, the Möbius second fundamental form B and the Möbius form Φ. A symmetric (0,2) tensor called Para‐Blaschke tensor, where μ is constant, is also Möbius invariant. In this paper, we classify the surfaces with isotropic Para‐Blaschke tensor (, where λ is a function).
Neuropathological Findings in Ephedrone Encephalopathy
Authors: Sanotsky Yanosh , Selikhova Marianna , Fedoryshyn Ludmyla , Kuzyk Petro , Matviyenko Yuriy , Semeryak Orest , Dziewulska Dorota , Holton Janice L. , Lees Andrew J.
Published: June 2020

Background

A number of cases of severe parkinsonism‐dystonia have been recognized and reported following the illicit use of ephedrone prepared from pseudoephedrine and potassium permanganate. The pathology associated with ephedrone neurotoxicity has not been described yet in the scientific literature.

Objectives

To report the first neuropathological study of ephedrone toxicity.

Methods

The brain of a 33‐year‐old Ukrainian female ex‐ephedrone addict with a long history ofl‐dopa‐unresponsive parkinsonism with dysarthria, dystonia, profound postural instability, cock‐gait, and frequent falls, and on antiretroviral treatment, was examined using routine stains and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Neuropathological findings included diffuse pallidal astrogliosis without neuronal depletion. There was also widespread vascular pathology with small vessels occluded by foreign material, associated with giant cell response without any evidence of consequent focal infarction and a cerebellar abscess.

Conclusions

Clinical findings ofl‐dopa‐unresponsive parkinsonism with dystonia, caused by illicit use of ephedrone, are fully consistent with neuropathological changes in the pallidum, lack of change in the SN, and preserved tyrosine hydroxylase activity. The findings in the basal ganglia are compatible with manganese toxicity. The vascular pathology is likely a joint effect of infection and the ephedrone toxicity on the vessels. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Efficiency of noninvasive prenatal testing for the detection of fetal microdeletions and microduplications in autosomal chromosomes
Authors: Pei Yuanyuan , Hu Liang , Liu Jinxing , Wen Lijuan , Luo Xiaojin , Lu Jian , Wei Fengxiang
Published: June 2020

Background

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is commonly used to screen for fetal genetic abnormalities. However, the ability of NIPT to detect copy number variations (CNVs) has not been reported. Accordingly, in this study, we analyzed the efficiency of NIPT for the detection of fetal autosomal CNVs.

Methods

Patients who were positive for autosomal CNVs by NIPT and underwent diagnostic studies by karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray (CMA) were evaluated. Samples were divided into groups according to age, in vitro fertilization, fetal‐free DNA concentration, uniquely mapped reads number, CNV size, and CNV type.

Results

Chromosomal microarray showed that the positive predictive value (PPV) of autosomal CNVs detected by NIPT was 14.89%. Increasing fetal DNA concentrations and uniquely mapped read numbers did not affect the PPV of CNVs detected by NIPT. There were no differences between microduplication and microdeletion PPVs detected by NIPT. The PPV of CNVs less than 10 Mb was significantly higher than that of CNVs greater than 10 Mb detected by NIPT.

Conclusion

The accuracy of NIPT for autosomal CNVs needs to be improved.