bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperativity and Anticooperativity in Ion‐Water Interactions: Implications for the Aqueous Solvation of Ions
Authors: Sauza‐de la Vega Arturo , Rocha‐Rinza Tomás , Guevara‐Vela José Manuel
Published: February 2021

Non‐additive effects in hydrogen bonds (HB) take place as a consequence of electronic charge transfers. Therefore, it is natural to expect cooperativity and anticooperativity in ion‐water interactions. Nevertheless, investigations on this matter are scarce. This paper addresses the interactions of (i) the cations Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+together with (ii) the anions F−, Cl−, Br−, NO3−and SO42−with water clusters (H2O)n, n=1–8, and the effects of these ions on the HBs within the complete molecular adducts. We used quantum chemical topology tools, specifically the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the interacting quantum atoms energy partition to investigate non‐additive effects among the interactions studied herein. Our results show a decrease on the interaction energy between ions and the first neighbouring water molecules with an increment of the coordination number. We also found strong cooperative effects in the interplay between HBs and ion‐dipole interactions within the studied systems. Such cooperativity affects considerably the interactions among ions with their first and second solvation shells in aqueous environments. Overall, we believe this article provides valuable information about how ion‐dipole contacts interact with each other and how they relate to other interactions, such as HBs, in the framework of non‐additive effects in aqueous media.
User‐driven supply chain business model innovation: The role of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Sun Yanhua , Gong Yu , Zhang Yufang , Jia Fu , Shi Yangyan
Published: February 2021

This research explores how focal tea companies facilitate supply chain business model innovation (SCBMI) to meet consumer demands and achieve sustainable development. By applying a case study method and dynamic capability theory, we find that: (1) the end‐user innovation‐driven is the precondition for tea SCBMI; (2) the user‐driven innovation leads to the change of the supply chain focal company dynamic capabilities and the tea supply chain network structure, and thus promote the tea SCBMI; (3) SCBMI will, in turn, enhance the focal company's dynamic capabilities and promote the change of tea supply chain network structure in order to meet the consumers' changing demands. Our research suggests that the supply chain should pay attention to the construction of dynamic capabilities and proactively manage supply chain network structure. Ultimately, the entire supply chain business model will continuously adapt to the external changes and achieve sustainable development in the long term.
The influence of green trust on travel agency intentions to promote low‐carbon tours for the purpose of sustainable development
Authors: Sung Pei Ling , Hsiao Teng Yuan , Huang Leo , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: February 2021

Through corporate social responsibility, tourism companies can contribute to sustainable development by embracing concepts such as low‐carbon tourism and environmental protection. The purpose of this research was to determine the intention of Taiwanese travel agencies to promote low‐carbon tours by incorporating government‐approved eco‐friendly travel products. In total, 427 valid questionnaires were collected and examined by means of PLS‐SEM. The findings showed that green trust not only had a significant and direct impact on intentions to sell low‐carbon tours, but also influenced agency attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The study also demonstrated that the TPB was appropriate for predicting intentions for green decision‐making at an organizational level and that subjective norms (e.g., peers, customers) influenced by green trust displayed more predictive strength (53.4%). The findings provide a method for incorporating low‐carbon tourism into the travel industry.
Deciphering DSC2 arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy electrical instability: From ion channels to ECG and tailored drug therapy
Authors: Moreau Adrien , Reisqs Jean‐Baptiste , Delanoe‐Ayari Helene , Pierre Marion , Janin Alexandre , Deliniere Antoine , Bessière Francis , Meli Albano C. , Charrabi Azzouz , Lafont Estele , Valla Camille , Bauer Delphine , Morel Elodie , Gache Vincent , Millat Gilles , Nissan Xavier , Faucherre Adele , Jopling Chris , Richard Sylvain , Mejat Alexandre , Chevalier Philippe
Published: February 2021

Background

Severe ventricular rhythm disturbances are the hallmark of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), and are often explained by structural conduction abnormalities. However, comprehensive investigations of ACM cell electrical instability are lacking. This study aimed to elucidate early electrical myogenic signature of ACM.

Methods

We investigated a 41‐year‐old ACM patient with a missense mutation (c.394C>T) in the DSC2 gene, which encodes desmocollin 2. Pathogenicity of this variant was confirmed using a zebrafish DSC2 model system. Control and DSC2 patient‐derived pluripotent stem cells were reprogrammed and differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CM) to examine the specific electromechanical phenotype and its modulation by antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Samples of the patient's heart and hiPSC‐CM were examined to identify molecular and cellular alterations.

Results

A shortened action potential duration was associated with reduced Ca2+ current density and increased K+ current density. This finding led to the elucidation of previously unknown abnormal repolarization dynamics in ACM patients. Moreover, the Ca2+ mobilised during transients was decreased, and the Ca2+ sparks frequency was increased. AAD testing revealed the following: (1) flecainide normalised Ca2+ transients and significantly decreased Ca2+ spark occurrence and (2) sotalol significantly lengthened the action potential and normalised the cells’ contractile properties.

Conclusions

Thorough analysis of hiPSC‐CM derived from the DSC2 patient revealed abnormal repolarization dynamics, prompting the discovery of a short QT interval in some ACM patients. Overall, these results confirm a myogenic origin of ACM electrical instability and provide a rationale for prescribing class 1 and 3 AADs in ACM patients with increased ventricular repolarization reserve.
Aptamer‐SH2 superbinder‐based targeted therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu An‐Dong , Zhou Jie , Bi Xiao‐Yang , Hou Guo‐Qing , Li Shawn Shun‐Cheng , Chen Qing , Xu Hui , Cao Xuan
Published: February 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits the poorest prognosis of all solid tumors with a 5‐year survival rate of less than 10% and a median survival of 6 months after diagnosis. Numerous targeted agents have been developed and evaluated to improve the survival benefit in patients with PDAC. Unfortunately, most agents have been proven futile mainly owing to the dense stroma and the sophisticated signaling pathways of PDAC. Here, we show the potent effectiveness of Aptamer‐SH2 superbinder‐(Arg)9 conjugate on the treatment of PDAC. In this conjugate, DNA aptamer selected against PDAC cell line confers the function of specifically recognizing and binding to the PDAC cells and activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in stroma; cell penetrating peptide (Arg)9 facilitates the intracellular delivery of fused proteins; SH2 superbinder conducts the drastic blockade of multiple phosphotyrosines (pY)‐based signaling pathways in tumor cells.

Methods

PDAC‐associated pY were reanalyzed by bioinformatics screen. XQ‐2d and SH2 superbinder‐(Arg)9 were crosslinked with BMH to form XQ‐2d‐SH2 CM‐(Arg)9 conjugate. Immunofluorescence was utilized to assess the potency of the conjugate entering cells. MTT and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation or migration of PANC‐1 and BxPC‐3 cells, respectively. Western blot and Pulldown assays revealed that conjugate influenced several pY‐based signaling pathways. Tumor‐bearing mice were used to validate XQ‐2d‐SH2 CM‐(Arg)9, which restrained the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.

Results

XQ‐2d‐His‐SH2 CM‐(Arg)9 conjugate restrained proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PDAC cells with potent efficacy via blocking the activity of several pY‐related signaling cascades. XQ‐2d‐His‐SH2 CM‐(Arg)9 could eliminate the dense stroma of PDAC and then arrive at tumor tissues.

Conclusions

XQ‐2d‐SH2 CM‐(Arg)9 conjugate may efficiently destroy the pancreatic stroma and show potent antitumor efficacy with minimal toxic effect by regulating tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, which makes it to be a promising targeted therapy of PDAC.
Optimal relay and channel selection schemes for multiconstrained QoS multicast routing in cognitive radio ad hoc networks
Authors: Indumathi G. , Vaithianathan V.
Published: February 2021

During multicasting in cognitive radio ad hoc network (CRAHN), apart from energy consumption, interchannel interference, path delay, and channel switching delay should be minimized. The channel selection should be done, based on spectrum opportunities and channel quality. Hence, the multicast routing problem becomes a multiconstrained QoS routing problem. This paper proposes optimal relay and channel selection schemes (ORCS) for multiconstrained QoS multicast routing in CRAHNs. For multicast tree construction, distributed minimum spanning tree (DMST) is used. For meeting the delay, energy, and interference constraints, relay nodes are chosen with minimum path delay, less energy consumption, and minimum interference. For effective channel assignment, channels with good channel quality, maximum spectrum accessibility, and sufficient common slots are selected. By simulation results, it has been shown that the proposed ORCS minimize the energy consumption and end‐to‐end delay.
Getting under the skin: Physiological stress and witnessing paternal arrest in young children with incarcerated fathers
Authors: Muentner Luke , Kapoor Amita , Weymouth Lindsay , Poehlmann‐Tynan Julie
Published: February 2021

U.S. jails see nearly 11 million annual admissions, rates that disproportionately affect men of color—more than half of whom are fathers. An estimated 7% of U.S. children experience the incarceration of a parent, increasing their risk for poor developmental and health outcomes. Although stress processes are often suggested as an underlying mechanism linking paternal incarceration to child well‐being, few studies have examined such links. To study how witnessing a father's arrest prior to incarceration in jail relates to children's stress processes, we collected data on 123 individuals from 41 families with young children whose father was in jail, including collecting hair from 41 children, and analyzed their cumulative stress hormones, cortisol, and cortisone. Results indicate that children had higher cumulative stress hormone concentrations when they witnessed their father's arrest. Moreover, there was evidence of a blunted stress reaction in children who witnessed the arrest and who also had high levels of ongoing behavioral stress symptoms, similar to findings in Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder studies. Long‐term exposure to stress can have deleterious effects on children's brain development, further increasing risk for developmental psychopathology. Findings have implications for criminal justice approaches that safeguard children during parental arrest.
Simultaneous testing for anabolic steroids in human hair specimens collected from various anatomic locations has several advantages when compared with the standard head hair analysis
Authors: Kintz Pascal , Gheddar Laurie , Raul Jean‐Sébastien
Published: February 2021

Since the late 90s, hair testing for anabolic steroids in humans has found numerous forensic, clinical, and anti‐doping applications. In most cases, analyses were performed on head hair, collected in the vertex regions. However, for various reasons (shaved subject, bald subject, religious belief, cosmetic treatment and aesthetic reason), hair collectors can face the lack of head hair, and therefore, body hair can be the unique alternative choice. Although there is no possibility to perform segmental analyses with body hair, their use has two major advantages: (1) In most cases, anabolic steroids are more concentrated in body hair when compared with head hair, which allows detecting abuse at lower frequency and for lower dosages; and (2) the window of drug detection is generally much longer in body hair when compared with head hair, particularly in male athlete presenting short head hair. To document the relevance of simultaneous collection of head and body hair, the authors present eight authentic cases of anabolic steroids abuse, including clostebol (one case), drostanolone (one case), metandienone (one case), 19‐norandrostenedione (one case), stanozolol (two cases) and trenbolone (three cases). In all cases, body hair concentrations were higher than head hair concentrations. Even in three cases, no steroid was identified in head hair, although present in body hair.
Lithium Hydroxide AssistedEndo‐Selective [4+4]‐Photocycloaddition of Pyran‐2‐ones
Authors: Li Lei , Turnbull William L. , McDonald Robert , West F. G.
Published: February 2021

3‐Acyl‐4‐hydroxypyan‐2‐ones with pendent furans, readily available from dehydroacetic acid, are substrates for intramolecular [4+4]‐photocycloaddition. In the presence of stoichiometric lithium base, these substrates undergo conversion to lactone‐bridged cyclooctenones in moderate to good yields upon irradiation in THF at 0 °C. In contrast to other crossed [4+4]‐photocycloadditions of pyran‐2‐ones, these examples proceed with complete diastereoselectivity for theendocycloadducts.
Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with High Open Circuit Voltage containing Fullerene and New Thieno[3',2',6,7][1]Benzothieno[3,2‐b]Thieno[3,2‐g][1]Benzothiophene‐based Non‐fullerene Small Molecule Acceptor
Authors: Keshtov Muhammed L. , Konstantinov Igor O. , Kuklin Sergei A. , Khokhlov Alexsei R. , Ostapov Ilya E. , Peregudov Aleksander S. , Buzin Mikhail I. , Dou Chuandong , Dahiya Hemraj , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: February 2021

Herein, the synthesis of a new medium bandgap nonfullerene acceptor DBTBT‐IC consisting of di‐benzothieno [3,2‐b][1]‐benzothiophene DBTBT as the central donor unit and IC as terminal acceptor units and its use as the acceptor for the fabrication of single binary and ternary polymer solar cells is reported. DBTBT‐IC exhibits a medium optical bandgap of about 1.65 eV. When paired with the wide bandgap‐conjugated polymer PDTNIT as donor, the polymer solar cells based on the optimized PDTNIT:DBTBT‐IC active layer realized a power conversion efficiency of 12.34% (short‐circuit current = 8.06 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage = 1.12 V, and fill factor (FF) = 0.62) which is higher than that for the PDTNIT:PC71BM counterpart, i.e., 9.08 % (short‐circuit current=14.58 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage = 0.93 V, and FF = 0.67). When a small amount of PC71BM was introduced into the host PDTNIT:DBTBT‐IC binary layer, the polymer solar cell based on the optimized PDTNIT:PC71BM:DBTBT‐IC (1:0.3:0.9) ternary active layer attained an excellent power conversion efficiency of about 15.92 %, mainly due to the increase in short‐circuit current and FF. The increase in the short‐circuit current may be associated with the broader absorption profile of the ternary active layer as compared with the binary counterparts and more efficient exciton utilization, due the partial energy transfer from PC71BM to DBTBT‐IC.
Analysis of the synergistic effects of air pollutant emission reduction and carbon emissions at coal‐fired power plants in China
Authors: Du Lili , Zhao Haijun , Tang Haoyue , Jiang Ping , Ma Weichun
Published: February 2021

Due to ongoing urbanization and industrialization, the energy and electricity demand and consumption are rapidly growing in China, resulting in large air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. The coal‐fired power industry is a key to achieving synergistic reduction of air pollutant and carbon emissions. This paper quantifies and compares synergistic effects of technology and policy reduction measures in the coal‐fired power industry. Using 2158 coal‐fired power generators of different types at 833 coal‐fired power plants in 24 Chinese provinces as research samples, this study quantifies and assesses the synergistic effects of structural and technical emission reductions at coal‐fired power plants through top‐down analysis of structural emission reduction and bottom‐up analysis of technical emission reduction. Comparing the synergy coefficients of both types of emission reduction measures, it is determined that structural emission reduction has a significant positive synergistic effect on energy consumption, pollutant and carbon emissions, with no extra emissions and energy consumption. On the other hand, technical emission reduction results in the negative synergistic effect of CO2 emissions due to electric power consumption and chemical reactions emissions in end‐of‐pipe measures of emission control, which demonstrated that prevalent desulfurization measure WFDG synergistically led to 0.688 tons of CO2 and 5.132 MWh electric power consumption for 1 ton of SO2 removed. Therefore, the structural emission reduction is an important means for multi‐target energy conservation and emission reduction. It is necessary for technical emission reduction to reduce related negative synergistic effects while enhancing target pollutant removal.
Unbalanced intakes of sodium and potassium among Tunisian adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Doggui Radhouene , El Ati Jalila , Sassi Sonia , Ben Gharbia Houda , Al‐Jawaldeh Ayoub , El Ati‐Hellal Myriam
Published: February 2021

The prevention and management of hypertension are untimely associated with a lowering of sodium intake. The present study aimed to evaluate the sodium and potassium intake levels of Tunisian population through measurement of 24‐hr urinary sodium excretions. A randomly, multistage, cross‐sectional study was conducted in an urban region (Bizerte) in Tunisia during 2015. The target population involved adults aged from 25 to 64 years. Sodium, potassium, and creatinine concentrations were determined in each urine sample using indirect potentiometric method. From the 420 selected participants, only 194 gave urine samples complying completeness criteria. A multivariate regression model was used to assess the variables related to sodium and potassium excretion. The daily mean excretion of sodium and potassium was 138.3 ± 46.5 mmol/d (corresponding to 8.1 ± 2.7 g/d of salt intake) and 61.0 ± 22.7 mmol/d, respectively. More than 87.1% of the participants (89.8% for men vs. 84.9% for women; p = .31) exceeded the WHO recommendation of 5 g/d. The upper limit of 10 g salt intake per day was still exceeded by 26.3%. After adjusted analysis, sex (for women, coef = −1.6; (95% CI: −2.4, −0.7)), level of instruction (≥30 kg/m2, coef = +1.1; (95% IC: 0.4–2.0)), and body mass index (≥30 kg/m2, coef = +1.1; (95% CI: 0.1, 2.0)) were associated with the sodium excretion. High sodium intake and inadequate potassium intake were found among participants. This consumption profile complies with the diet westernization context occurring in Tunisia. The initiated strategy focused on the downward of sodium in bread (the main source of salt intake) seems to be promising.
Sirtuin 2 Prevents Liver Steatosis and Metabolic Disorders by Deacetylation of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α
Authors: Ren Huihui , Hu Fuqing , Wang Dan , Kang Xiaonan , Feng Xiaohui , Zhang Lu , Zhou Bowen , Liu Siyue , Yuan Gang
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase, is involved in various cellular processes regulating metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses; however, its role in hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorders is unknown.

Approach and Results

Integrating the published genomic data on NAFLD samples from humans and rodents available in the Gene Expression Omnibus, we found that SIRT2 was significantly down‐regulated in livers from patients with advanced NAFLD and high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced NAFLD mice. This study further revealed that SIRT2 was markedly decreased in obese (ob/ob) mice and in palmitate‐treated HepG2 cells. Restoration of hepatic SIRT2 expression in ob/ob or HFD‐fed mice largely alleviated insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and systematic inflammation, whereas SIRT2 liver‐specific ablation exacerbated these metabolic dysfunctions in HFD‐fed C57BL/6J mice. Mechanistically, SIRT2 stabilized the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) protein by binding to and deacetylating HNF4α on lysine 458. Furthermore, HNF4α was sufficient to mediate SIRT2 function, and SIRT2‐HNF4α interaction was required for SIRT2 function both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

Collectively, the present study provided evidence that SIRT2 functions as a crucial negative regulator in NAFLD and related metabolic disorders and that targeting the SIRT2‐HNF4α pathway may be a promising strategy for NAFLD treatment.
Male Sex Is Associated With Higher Rates of Liver‐Related Mortality in Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Cirrhosis
Authors: John Binu V. , Aitcheson Gabriella , Schwartz Kaley B. , Khakoo Nidah S. , Dahman Bassam , Deng Yangyang , Goldberg David , Martin Paul , Taddei Tamar H. , Levy Cynthia , Kaplan David E.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

The impact of sex on the postcirrhosis progression of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has not been well defined. Prior studies have suggested that men have worse outcomes but present at more advanced stages of fibrosis than women. This observation, however, has been limited by small numbers of men and even fewer patients with cirrhosis.

Approach and Results

We investigated the association of sex with the development of all‐cause and liver‐related mortality or transplantation, decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using competing‐risk time‐updating Cox proportional hazards models in a large cohort of predominantly male patients with PBC cirrhosis assembled from the Veterans Health Administration. In a cohort of 532 participants (418 male) with PBC‐related cirrhosis with a total follow‐up of 3,231.6 person‐years (PY) from diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis, male participants had a higher unadjusted rates of death or transplantation (8.5 vs. 3.8 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001), liver‐related death or transplantation (5.5 vs. 2.7 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001), decompensation (5.5 vs. 4.0 per 100 PY; P = 0.002), and HCC (0.9 vs. 0.3 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, male sex was associated with a higher risk of death or transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.01‐3.19; P = 0.046), and liver‐related death or transplantation (subhazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.15‐4.08; P = 0.02). A sensitivity analysis that defined ursodeoxycholic acid response as normalization of alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin revealed similar findings.

Conclusions

In patients with PBC and well‐compensated cirrhosis, male sex is associated with a higher risk of both death and liver‐related death or transplantation.
Double‐diffusive natural convective stream due to moving vertical plate with nonlinear thermal radiation and Newton's boundary constraint
Authors: Nandeppanavar Mahantesh M. , Kemparaju M. C. , Nagaraj Raveendra
Published: February 2021

This article investigates the heat and mass transmission of the double‐diffusive convective stream over a moving vertical plate with nonlinear thermal radiation and newton boundary conditions. The governing partial differential equations of the stream, heat, and concentration profiles were transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equation by utilizing resemblance transformation. This system was then resolved numerically by applying the fourth order Runge‐Kutta method with most efficient shooting technique. The effect of convection, buoyancy ratio, nonlinear thermal radiation, Prandtl number, Rayleigh number and Schmidt number are graphically scrutinized. The numerical results are obtained for velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. It is found that when the velocity profile increases, heat and mass transfer rate decreases with an increase in the parametric value of buoyancy ratio parameter. It is found that the effect of nonlinear thermal radiation stabilizes the thermal boundary layer growth. The skin friction coefficient decreases with an increase in Prandtl number. However, the Nusselt number increases with an increase in the local convective heat transfer rate. The present results are very much promising, and further, there is a very good agreement of results when compared with earlier published results for some limiting conditions.
Numerical assessment of heat transfer coefficient for preterm infant nursed under a radiant warmer
Authors: Baghel Devesh Kumar , Sinha Shobha Lata , Dewangan Satish Kumar
Published: February 2021

Body heat loss management is the primary concern with respect to a newborn, as excess heat loss or gain leads to hypo‐ or hyperthermia, respectively. The aim of this article is to numerically investigate the convection and radiation heat transfer coefficient of a newborn nursed under a radiant warmer. The preterm neonate manikin has five body segments (head, trunk, leg, arms, and back) placed in a relaxed spine position. In the present study, numerical simulations are carried out for body temperature ranging between 32.5°C and 40.1°C. Ambient air temperature is chosen from 22.77°C to 30°C as preferred room temperature in the analysis. Airflow and heat transfer under the radiant warmer are analyzed in two operational modes, that is, power‐off and power‐on modes. In the power‐on mode, the convective heat transfer coefficient varies between 1.45 and 4.06 W/m2 K, whereas the radiative heat transfer coefficient varies between 0.08 and 3.28 W/m2 K under various operating conditions. The results obtained are numerically validated and found to be in fair agreement with the experimental results available in the open literature.
Role of suction/injection and slip flow on hydromagnetic free convective flow in a vertical coaxial cylinder under the influence of radial magnetic field
Authors: Gambo Dauda , Gambo Jeremiah J.
Published: February 2021

This investigation attempts to address heat and mass transfer behavior exhibited by a steady fully developed natural convective flow of a viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting fluid in a vertical porous annulus in the presence of radially applied magnetic field and velocity slip. The motion of the fluid in the annular gap is triggered by the buoyancy forces due to temperature gradient of the inner and outer cylinders. The governing momentum and energy equations responsible for the flow are transformed into dimensionless forms using the appropriate dimensionless parameters. Accordingly, analytical solutions of the energy and momentum fields are derived with the appropriate boundary conditions. The effects of the controlling parameters involved in the flow on the temperature field, velocity field, and drag on the walls of the cylinders are illustrated graphically and with the aid of tables. Findings affirm that fluid temperature can be decreased/increased by increasing suction/injection on the porous wall. Furthermore, the fluid flow in the annular gap can be enhanced by increasing Grashof number, fluid injection, and velocity slip.
Exact, analytical heat transfer from longitudinal radiating fins of rectangular profile in a tube/fin ensemble
Authors: Shivanian Elyas , Campo Antonio
Published: February 2021

In this technical note, the problem concerning the quantification of heat transfer rates from an array of longitudinal radiating fins of rectangular profile in a tube/fin ensemble to a nonzero temperature sink is investigated. Radiating fins constitute essential elements in the thermal control of spacecrafts and satellites. We consider quasi one‐dimensional heat conduction in the longitudinal radiating fins and neglect radiative exchange between the fins and the tubes carrying a hot fluid. It is demonstrated that the governing nonlinear differential equation of second order with constant coefficients and nonhomogeneous can be solved in exact, analytical implicit form. The pertinent temperature distributions eventually provide the magnitudes of heat transfer rates and fin efficiencies influenced by the radiation–conduction parameter and the sink temperature.
Neoadjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A propensity score‐weighted analysis
Authors: Marqueen Kathryn E. , Moshier Erin , Buckstein Michael , Ang Celina
Published: February 2021

Retrospective and single‐arm prospective studies have reported clinical benefit with neoadjuvant imatinib for GISTs. In the absence of randomized Phase III data, the impact of neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAT) on survival compared to upfront resection (UR) remains unknown. We identified N = 16 308 patients within the National Cancer Database (2004‐2016) who underwent resection of localized GIST of the stomach, esophagus, small bowel and colorectum, with or without ≥3 months of NAT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting adjusted for covariable imbalance among treatment groups. We estimated the effect of NAT on overall survival with a weighted time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards model, and on 90‐day postoperative mortality and R0 resection with weighted logistic regressions. Eight hundred sixty‐five (5.3%) patients received NAT compared to 15 443 (94.7%) who underwent UR. Median NAT duration was 6.3 months. 53.7% of NAT patients were male vs 48.6% of UR patients, 67.3% vs 65.1% had primary gastric GIST and 72.8% vs 49.7% were at high risk. NAT patients had larger tumors and higher mitotic index. >3 months of NAT was associated with a significant survival benefit (weighted HR 0.85 [0.80‐0.91]). 90‐day postoperative mortality rate was 4/865 (0.5%) among NAT patients vs 346/15443 (2.2%). NAT was associated with lower odds of 90‐day postoperative mortality. R0 resection rate was not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, despite higher risk features among NAT patients, this analysis suggests that NAT for localized GIST is associated with a modest survival benefit and lower risk of 90‐day postoperative mortality, with no difference in likelihood of achieving an R0 resection.
Land suitability and surface water resources potential for irrigation in Becho Plain, upper Awash basin, Ethiopia*
Authors: Gonfa Berhanu Gadissa , Hatiye Samuel Dagalo , Finssa Mekuanent Muluneh
Published: February 2021

In this study, an assessment of the land and surface water resources potential of the Becho Plain was conducted. Land suitability for irrigated agriculture was evaluated by considering the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) criteria. The land suitability parameters such as soil properties, slope, land use and land cover were used to identify the suitable irrigable land. The analytical hierarchy process was employed to obtain parameter weights, and later the weighted overlay analysis in the geographic information system was employed to obtain the overall suitability of land resources for irrigation. The surface water availability and amount were evaluated by using the calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The water requirement of dominant crops was estimated following the FAO procedure and compared with the available water. Nearly 70% of the land area is identified as suitable for surface irrigation, while the remaining 30% of the land area is restricted for irrigation development. The water supply and demand analysis revealed that there is sufficient water available in the Becho Plain for irrigation development. The physically possible irrigation area and diversion sites were also identified. The Becho Plain has ample land and water resources for irrigation development. However, future developments shall also consider downstream water use to implement sustainable irrigation development.
Amino acid derivative reactivity assay–organic solvent reaction system: A novel alternative test for skin sensitization capable of assessing highly hydrophobic substances
Authors: Yamaga Hiroaki , Watanabe Shinichi , Fujita Masaharu , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kasahara Toshihiko , Kataoka Shinsuke
Published: February 2021

The amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA) is an in chemico alternative to animal testing that focuses on protein binding. The ADRA is a skin sensitization test that solves problems associated with the direct peptide reactivity assay. However, when utilizing the ADRA to evaluate highly hydrophobic substances with octanol/water partition coefficients (logKow) of >6, the test substances may not dissolve in the reaction solution, which can prevent the accurate assessment of skin sensitization. Therefore, we developed the ADRA–organic solvent (ADRA‐OS) reaction system, which is a novel skin sensitization test that enables the assessment of highly hydrophobic substances with a logKow of >6. We discovered that the organic solvent ratio, the triethylamine concentration, and the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate concentration participate in reactions with the nucleophile N‐(2‐(1‐naphthyl)acetyl)‐l‐cysteine (NAC) and sensitizers that are used in ADRA and in stabilizing NAC. Thus, we determined the optimal reaction composition of the ADRA‐OS according to L9 (33) orthogonal array experiments. Using this test, we assessed 14 types of highly hydrophobic substances. When we compared the results with ADRA, we found that ADRA‐OS reaction system has high solubility for highly hydrophobic substances and that it has a high predictive capacity (sensitivity: 63%, specificity: 100%, accuracy: 79%). The implication of the results is that the novel ADRA‐OS reaction system should provide a useful method for assessing the skin sensitization of highly hydrophobic substances with a logKow of >6.
Making the best out of youth—The Improve the Youth project
Authors: Gaspar de Matos Margarida , Kleszczewska Dorota , Gaspar Tania , Dzielska Anna , Branquinho Cátia , Michalska Agnieszka , Mazur Joanna
Published: February 2021

Adolescents' mental health determines their general health and their mental health as adults. Improve the Youth project (ITY) was created and implemented among Polish and Portuguese adolescents. The aim of the project was to investigate the well‐being of Portuguese and Polish adolescents, and to evaluate differences between them in self‐rated health, life satisfaction and perceived psychosomatic health. A mixed‐method approach was applied. The quantitative part was based on Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) 2014 data, including adolescents aged 11–15 years (6026 in Portugal; 4545 in Poland). This study meets the issues raised by the HBSC results, regarding mental health in adolescence, and it is aimed to improve adolescents' social participation and active citizenship. In most study areas, findings in Poland were less favourable than in Portugal. The qualitative part was developed to recognize the main threats for adolescent's well‐being. In this, they emphasised that every opportunity to talk about their feelings and needs resulted in improvement of their mental health. Elevated levels of stress were connected to environmental pressure and high expectations that they were often unable to cope with. Nervousness, perceiving that it was impossible to meet expectations, the desire to keep up with their peers, fatigue, and uncertainty of the future increased the feelings of frustration. The differences found between countries may be due to cultural roots, surfacing the relevance of assessing adolescents' mental health needs in the social context of family, school and peers. This study also aims to raise awareness among educators and stakeholders to the importance of youth engagement.
Mechanical stretch induces osteogenesis through the alternative activation of macrophages
Authors: Dong Lili , Song Yang , Zhang Yajie , Zhao Weikang , Wang Chunli , Lin Hungchun , Al‐ani Mohanad Kh. , Liu Wanqian , Xue Ruyue , Yang Li
Published: February 2021

For reconstructive surgeons, critically skeletal damage represents a major challenge. Growing evidence indicate that bone repair is dynamically regulated by the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐macrophage interaction. Mechanical strain plays a fundamental role in bone repair and regeneration by influencing MSCs differentiation. Recently, a few findings indicate that macrophages may be mechanically sensitive and their phenotype can be regulated, in part, by mechanical cues. However, how macrophages subjected mechanical stretch influence the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the effect of macrophages stimulated with mechanical stretch on MSCs osteogenesis. By using a coculture system, we discover that macrophages efficiently induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs under specific stretch conditions. A synergy mechanism between M2 polarization and YAP/BMP2 axis are identified through molecular and genetic analyses. Macrophages are activated by cyclic stretch and polarized to M2 phenotype that produce anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐10 and TGF‐β to regulate the local inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, mechanical stretch induces YAP activation and nuclear translocation, subsequently regulates downstream BMP2 expression to facilitate MSCs osteogenesis. These findings not only advance our understanding of the complex influence among the mechanical strain, macrophage inflammatory response as well as the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but also reveal a control system from mechanical signals to chemical response then to cell behaviors during bone repair and regeneration.
Visfatin: An emerging adipocytokine bridging the gap in the evolution of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Dakroub Ali , Nasser Suzanne A. , Kobeissy Firas , Yassine Hadi M. , Orekhov Alexander , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Iratni Rabah , El‐Yazbi Ahmed F. , Eid Ali H.
Published: February 2021

Visfatin/nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is an adipokine expressed predominately in visceral fat tissues. High circulating levels of visfatin/NAMPT have been implicated in vascular remodeling, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis, all of which pose increased risks of cardiovascular events. In this context, increased levels of visfatin have been correlated with several upregulated pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as IL‐1, IL‐1Ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. Furthermore, visfatin is associated with leukocyte recruitment by endothelial cells and the production of adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1, and E‐selectin, which are well known to mediate the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, diverse angiogenic factors have been found to mediate visfatin‐induced angiogenesis. These include matrix metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and fibroblast growth factor 2. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pro‐inflammatory and angiogenic actions of visfatin, with a focus on the pertinent signaling pathways whose dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Most importantly, some hypotheses regarding the integration of the aforementioned factors with the plausible atherogenic effect of visfatin are put forth for consideration in future studies. The pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating visfatin's roles could be important in the management of cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide.
Deep Learning Whole‐Gland and Zonal Prostate Segmentation on a Public MRI Dataset
Authors: Cuocolo Renato , Comelli Albert , Stefano Alessandro , Benfante Viviana , Dahiya Navdeep , Stanzione Arnaldo , Castaldo Anna , De Lucia Davide Raffaele , Yezzi Anthony , Imbriaco Massimo
Published: February 2021

Background

Prostate volume, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a useful biomarker both for distinguishing between benign and malignant pathology and can be used either alone or combined with other parameters such as prostate‐specific antigen.

Purpose

This study compared different deep learning methods for whole‐gland and zonal prostate segmentation.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 204 patients (train/test = 99/105) from the PROSTATEx public dataset.

Field strength/Sequence

A 3 T, TSE T2‐weighted.

Assessment

Four operators performed manual segmentation of the whole‐gland, central zone + anterior stroma + transition zone (TZ), and peripheral zone (PZ). U‐net, efficient neural network (ENet), and efficient residual factorized ConvNet (ERFNet) were trained and tuned on the training data through 5‐fold cross‐validation to segment the whole gland and TZ separately, while PZ automated masks were obtained by the subtraction of the first two.

Statistical Tests

Networks were evaluated on the test set using various accuracy metrics, including the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Model DSC was compared in both the training and test sets using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. Parameter number, disk size, training, and inference times determined network computational complexity and were also used to assess the model performance differences. A P < 0.05 was selected to indicate the statistical significance.

Results

The best DSC (P < 0.05) in the test set was achieved by ENet: 91% ± 4% for the whole gland, 87% ± 5% for the TZ, and 71% ± 8% for the PZ. U‐net and ERFNet obtained, respectively, 88% ± 6% and 87% ± 6% for the whole gland, 86% ± 7% and 84% ± 7% for the TZ, and 70% ± 8% and 65 ± 8% for the PZ. Training and inference time were lowest for ENet.

Data Conclusion

Deep learning networks can accurately segment the prostate using T2‐weighted images.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of dengue viral disease: Involvement of immune system and newer therapeutic strategies
Authors: Niranjan Rituraj , Kishor Sumitha , Kumar Ashwani
Published: February 2021

Globally, the burden due to dengue infection is increasing with a recent estimate of 96 million progressing to the disease every year. Dengue pathogenesis and the factors influencing it are not completely known. It is now widely speculated that there is an important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the initiation and progression of dengue pathogenesis; however, their exact roles are not fully understood. Overactivation of matrix metalloproteinases may contribute to the severity of dengue pathogenesis. Cytokines and various other mediators of inflammation interact with the vascular endothelium and matrix metalloproteinases may be one of the components among them. Extensive plasma leakage into tissue spaces may result in a shock. It is evident in the literature that MMP2 and MMP9 increase in dengue patients is correlated with the severity of the disease; however, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Activation of innate cells and adaptive immune cells which include, B and T cells, macrophages or monocytes and dendritic cells also contribute to the dengue pathology. Newer therapeutic strategies include microRNAs, such as miR‐134 (targets MMP3 and MMP1) and MicroRNA‐320d, (targets MMP/TIMP proteolytic system). The use of antibodies‐based therapeutics like (Andecaliximab; anti‐matrix metalloproteinase‐9 antibody) is also suggested against MMPs in dengue. In this review, we summarize some recent developments associated with the involvement of immune cells and their mediators associated with the matrix metalloproteinases mediated dengue pathogenesis. We highlight that, there is still very little knowledge about the MMPs in dengue pathogenesis which needs attention and extensive investigations.
Sea‐level rise drives wastewater leakage to coastal waters and storm drains
Authors: McKenzie Tristan , Habel Shellie , Dulai Henrietta
Published: February 2021

Sea‐level rise (SLR) is expected to compromise coastal wastewater infrastructure (WIS) via groundwater inundation (GWI). We conducted a field‐based study in urban Honolulu, Hawai'i using spring tides as a proxy for future sea levels to quantify the hydrologic connection of WIS. This study focused on two possible pathways: (1) direct GWI of WIS and subsequent discharge into the coastal ocean and (2) indirect inundation of WIS evidenced in storm drains. We used geochemical tracers and emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) to monitor groundwater discharge and its wastewater content. Groundwater discharge and EOCs fluctuated with tides for coastal and canal groundwater and surface water samples, and storm drains, indicating tidally driven GWI and wastewater discharge. This study presents some of the first field‐based evidence for GWI of coastal WIS and demonstrates that SLR is creating additional risks to environmental and human health.
Atomically Thin van der Waals Semiconductors—A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Gies Christopher , Steinhoff Alexander
Published: February 2021

2D semiconductors and their heterostructures have developed into a flourishing research field. A more or less simultaneous start of experimental and theoretical developments has led to continuous advancements in both branches of physics that continue to benefit from one another in an exemplary manner. This article gives an overview of the theoretical advancements that have resulted from a decade of research on 2D van der Waals materials and reviews current theoretical methods, focussing on exciton‐plasma balance, excited‐state optics, and laser physics.
Effect on the Impact Properties of Adding Long‐Chain Branched Polypropylene in Polypropylene‐Polyolefin Elastomer Cellular Polymers Produced by Core‐Back Injection Molding
Authors: Muñoz‐Pascual Santiago , Saiz‐Arroyo Cristina , Vananroye Anja , Moldenaers Paula , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel Angel
Published: February 2021

Different blends of a linear polypropylene (L‐PP), a long‐chain branched polypropylene (LCB‐PP), and a polyolefin elastomer (POE) are prepared and foamed using core‐back injection molding. The objective is to analyze the use of POE and LCB‐PP as complementary strategies to improve cellular polymers’ impact response. Different parameters are then studied in blends and injection molded plaques to understand the samples’ mechanical behavior. Parameters such as the interfacial tension, elastomer morphology, extensional rheology, cellular structure, and crystallization behavior are characterized in detail. The addition of POE allows improving the impact response of both the solids and cellular polymers, but the stiffness is reduced. On the other hand, the substitution of L‐PP by LCB‐PP, in blends containing POE, results in solids and cellular materials with both better stiffness and better impact properties, due to the different crystalline morphology comprising the samples, a different cellular orientation, and thicker solid skin.