bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between maternal psychological adversity and lung function in South African infants: A birth cohort study
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Gray Diane M. , Newton Charles R. J. C. , Vanker Aneesa , MacGinty Rae P. , Koen Nastassja , Barnett Whitney , Chibnik Lori , Koenen Karestan C. , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather J.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The association of perinatal psychological adversity (ie, stressors and distress) with infant lung function (ILF) and development is not well studied in Africa and elsewhere. We determined the association between maternal perinatal psychological adversity and ILF in African infants.

Design

Prospective longitudinal follow up of the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort.

Participants

Seven hundred and sixty‐two infants aged 6 to 10 weeks and 485 infants who had data for both maternal perinatal psychological adversity and ILF (measured at 6 to 10 weeks and 12 months).

Methods

The main analyses were based on cross‐sectional measures of ILF at each assessment (6 to 10 weeks or 12 months), using generalized linear models, and then on the panel‐data of both longitudinal ILF assessments, using generalised estimating equations, that allowed specification of the within‐group correlation structure.

Results

Prenatal intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure was associated with reduced respiratory resistance at 6 to 10 weeks (beta coefficient [β] = −.131, P = .023); postnatal IPV with reduced ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow over total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) at 12 months (β = −.206, P = .016); and prenatal depression with lower respiratory rate at 6 to 10 weeks (β = −.044, P = .032) and at 12 months (β = −.053, P = .021). Longitudinal analysis found an association of prenatal IPV with reduced tPTEF/tE (β = −.052, P < .0001); postnatal IPV with decreased functional residual capacity (FRC; β = −.086, P < .0001); prenatal posttraumatic stress disorder with increased FRC (β = .017, P < .0001); prenatal depression with increased FRC (β = .026, P < .0001) and postnatal depression with increased FRC (β = .021, P < .0001).

Conclusion

Screening for psychological adversity and understanding the mechanisms involved may help identify children at risk of altered lung development and inform approaches to treatment.
Impact of positive surgical margins on secondary treatment, palliative radiotherapy and prostate cancer‐specific mortality. A population‐based study of 13 198 patients
Authors: Kvåle Rune , Myklebust Tor Å. , Fosså Sophie D. , Aas Kirsti , Ekanger Christian , Helle Svein I. , Honoré Alfred , Møller Bjørn
Published: October 2019

Background

The results of studies evaluating the impact of positive surgical margins on prostate cancer‐specific mortality have been inconsistent. We, therefore, evaluated the impact of surgical margin status on subsequent secondary treatment, palliative radiotherapy, and prostate cancer‐specific mortality.

Methods

A total of 14 837 men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) during the period 2001 to 2015 were identified from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Of those, 13 198 (89%) patients had complete data on the preoperative prostate‐specific antigen level, pathological T‐category, Gleason score in the prostatectomy specimen, and margin status. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the risk, and flexible parametric models for the cumulative incidence were fitted to predict the probabilities of secondary treatment (salvage radiotherapy or prophylactic breast radiation), palliative radiotherapy, and prostate cancer‐specific mortality.

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 5.2 years (3591 patients with ≥8 years of follow‐up), positive surgical margins (PSMs) were independently predictive of secondary treatment (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.21‐2.66) and palliative radiotherapy (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.03‐2.05). After 10 years, the absolute increased risk for palliative radiotherapy in patients with PSMs after RP varied between 0.1% in pT2 tumors with a Gleason score of 6, to 12% for pT3b tumors with a Gleason score of 9 to 10. PSMs were not independently associated with prostate cancer‐specific mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.82‐1.59).

Conclusion

PSMs were associated with increased application of secondary treatment and palliative radiotherapy but were not predictive of prostate cancer‐specific mortality. As the use of palliative radiotherapy was only marginally increased in patients with PSMs and the lowest‐risk disease characteristics, avoiding PSMs may be of greatest prognostic relevance in patients with higher‐risk disease characteristics.
TRPV1 in experimental autoimmune prostatitis
Authors: Roman Kenny , Hall Christel , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Thumbikat Praveen
Published: October 2019

Background

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a disorder that is characterized by persistent pelvic pain in men of any age. Although several studies suggest that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is involved in various pathways of chronic pain, the TRPV1 channel has not been implicated in chronic pelvic pain associated with CP/CPPS.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J (B6) and TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1 KO) mice (5‐7 weeks old) were used to study the development of pelvic allodynia in a murine model of CP/CPPS called experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP). The prostate lobes, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal cord were excised at day 20. The prostate lobes were assessed for inflammation, TRPV1 expression, and mast cell activity. DRG and spinal cord, between the L6‐S4 regions, were analyzed to determine the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p‐ERK 1/2). To examine the therapeutic potential of TRPV1, B6 mice with EAP received intraurethral infusion of a TRPV1 antagonist at day 20 (repeated every 2 days) and pelvic pain was evaluated at days 20, 25, 30, and 35.

Results

Our data showed that B6 mice with EAP developed pelvic tactile allodynia at days 7, 14, and 20. In contrast, TRPV1 KO mice with EAP do not develop pelvic tactile allodynia at any time point. Although we observed no change in the levels of TRPV1 protein expression in the prostate from B6 mice with EAP, there was evidence of significant inflammation and elevated mast cell activation. Interestingly, the prostate from TRPV1 KO mice with EAP showed a lack of mast cell activation despite evidence of prostate inflammation. Next, we observed a significant increase of p‐ERK1/2 in the DRG and spinal cord from B6 mice with EAP; however, p‐ERK1/2 expression was unaltered in TRPV1 KO mice with EAP. Finally, we confirmed that intraurethral administration of a TRPV1 antagonist peptide reduced pelvic tactile allodynia in B6 mice with EAP after day 20.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that in a murine model of CP/CPPS, the TRPV1 channel is key to persistent pelvic tactile allodynia and blocking TRPV1 in the prostate may be a promising strategy to quell chronic pelvic pain.
Theoretical Modeling on the Deformation Behavior of Auxetic Tubular Braid Made from Modified Circular Braiding Technique
Authors: Jiang Ning , Chen Yu , Hu Hong
Published: October 2019

Herein, a theoretical analysis of auxetic tubular braid (ATB) formed with three types of component yarns having different diameter and modulus is presented. A simple theoretical model is developed for predicting the deformation behavior of this structure under uniaxial extension. With its accuracy first validated by the experimental data, the developed model is further corrected based on the real condition and thus becomes capable to characterize the auxetic behavior of the ATB. During the analysis, it is found that the stiff wrap yarn cannot be fully straightened in real condition and its helical angle decreasing rate is inconsistent during the stretching. Herein, an effective tool for understanding the deformation behavior is provided, which is meaningful for the braid's improved design and applications.
Planar Direction‐Dependent Interfacial Properties in Monolayer In2Se3–Metal Contacts
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhang Xiuying , Sun Xiaotian , Zhang Han , Tang Hao , Shi Bowen , Pang Hua , Xu Linqiang , Liu Shiqi , Yang Jie , Yan Jiahuan , Xu Lin , Zhang Zhiyong , Yang Jinbo , Yu Dapeng , Lu Jing
Published: October 2019

2D semiconductor materials are promising channel materials in the next generation of field‐effect transistors (FETs). Recently, 2D In2Se3 has been fabricated and predicted to present planar direction‐dependent electrical properties. Herein, ab initio quantum transport simulations are used to explore the interfacial properties between monolayer (ML) In2Se3 and a series of common metal electrodes in a FET. By reversing the planar direction of ML In2Se3, different lateral interfacial properties are obtained: A highly desirable n‐type ohmic contact is shaped between Au and up‐directed ML In2Se3; however, a p‐type Schottky contact appears when the direction is switched. In addition, Ag can generate desirable lateral n‐type ohmic contact with both the directions of ML In2Se3. A reversion from n‐ to p‐type lateral Schottky contact occurs in both In and Sc when the direction switches from up to down. Down‐directed ML In2Se3 is dynamically unstable with the Pt and transforms into up‐direction to form a p‐type ohmic contact. The average pinning factor is 0.12 and 0.09 for up‐and down‐directed ML In2Se3, respectively, implying a strong Fermi‐level pinning. Therefore, the planar direction‐dependent interfacial properties of ML In2Se3–metal contacts are understood deeply, which can be exploited for the ML In2Se3 FET devices.
A framework for high‐resolution meteorological surface reanalysis through offline data assimilation in an ensemble of downscaled reconstructions
Authors: Devers Alexandre , Vidal Jean‐Philippe , Lauvernet Claire , Graff Benjamin , Vannier Olivier
Published: October 2019

The knowledge of historical French weather has recently been improved through the development of the Spatially COherent Probabilistic Extended (SCOPE) climate reconstructions. This high‐resolution ensemble daily reconstruction dataset of precipitation and temperature covers the period 1871–2012 and is derived through a statistical downscaling of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis. Historical surface observations – even though rather scarce and sparse – do exist from at least the beginning of the period considered, and this information does not currently feed SCOPE Climate. We propose to construct a new high‐resolution surface reanalysis over France – called FYRE Climate (French hYdrometeorological REanalysis Climate) – by assimilating daily temperature and precipitation observations into SCOPE Climate through an offline Ensemble Kalman Filter. The goal of the study is to test methodological choices for developing the future FYRE Climate surface reanalysis. The data assimilation scheme is evaluated over the 2009–2012 period with an increasing assimilated observation density reproducing historical densities. A consistent set of independent stations is retained for validation in terms of continuous ranked probability score, daily bias and daily correlation. Results highlight the importance of the localization as well as the Gaussian anamorphosis for precipitation. They show that: (a) the reanalysis has a lower uncertainty than the initial SCOPE Climate reconstructions, (b) its reliability is similar, and (c) the data assimilation allows reaching the performance of the reference Safran surface reanalysis over France, even for a density of observations as low as the one of 1950. These results thus pave the way for a full 140‐year high‐resolution precipitation and temperature surface reanalysis over France.
Functional equivalence of stem cell and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle transplantation to repair the irradiated brain
Authors: Smith Sarah M. , Giedzinski Erich , Angulo Maria C. , Lui Tiffany , Lu Celine , Park Audrey L. , Tang Sharon , Martirosian Vahan , Ru Ning , Chmielewski Nicole N. , Liang Yaxuan , Baulch Janet E. , Acharya Munjal M. , Limoli Charles L.
Published: October 2019

Cranial radiotherapy, although beneficial for the treatment of brain tumors, inevitably leads to normal tissue damage that can induce unintended neurocognitive complications that are progressive and debilitating. Ionizing radiation exposure has also been shown to compromise the structural integrity of mature neurons throughout the brain, an effect believed to be at least in part responsible for the deterioration of cognitive health. Past work has shown that cranially transplanted human neural stem cells (hNSCs) or their extracellular vesicles (EVs) afforded long-term beneficial effects on many of these cognitive decrements. To provide additional insight into the potential neuroprotective mechanisms of cell-based regenerative strategies, we have analyzed hippocampal neurons for changes in structural integrity and synaptic remodeling after unilateral and bilateral transplantation of hNSCs or EVs derived from those same cells. Interestingly, hNSCs and EVs similarly afforded protection to host neurons, ameliorating the impact of irradiation on dendritic complexity and spine density for neurons present in both the ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampi 1 month following irradiation and transplantation. These morphometric improvements were accompanied by increased levels of glial cell-derived growth factor and significant attenuation of radiation-induced increases in postsynaptic density protein 95 and activated microglia were found ipsi- and contra-lateral to the transplantation sites of the irradiated hippocampus treated with hNSCs or hNSC-derived EVs. These findings document potent far-reaching neuroprotective effects mediated by grafted stem cells or EVs adjacent and distal to the site of transplantation and support their potential as therapeutic agents to counteract the adverse effects of cranial irradiation.

Significance statement Cranial radiation therapy for the treatment of brain cancers often leads to adverse impacts on cognitive function. This is particularly problematic for childhood cancer survivors who live long post-therapy lives. The past regenerative medicine approaches using human neural stem cells (hNSCs) have shown beneficial neurocognitive effects in the irradiated brain. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective impact of hNSCs and hNSC-derived extracellular vesicles in the irradiated brain, as demonstrated by preservation of host neuronal morphology, reductions in inflammation, and restoration of neurotrophic factors.
Pd Nanoparticle Fabricated Tetrahydroharman‐3‐carboxylic Acid Analog Immobilized CoFe2O4 Catalyzed Fast and Expedient C–C Cross and C–S Coupling
Authors: Tamoradi Taibeh , Veisi Hojat , Karmakar Bikash
Published: October 2019

A novel Pd nanoparticles anchored tryptophan analog ligand immobilized magnetic CoFe2O4 nanocomposite material has been synthesized by post‐functionalization approach. The material has been thoroughly characterized using several advanced analytical techniques. Thereafter, the catalytic application was carried out in the C−C bond formation reactions via Suzuki and Stille cross coupling. Biphenyl derivatives were prepared in both the reactions with high efficiency and short reaction time. The exploration was further continued in the synthesis of aromatic thioethers by C−S coupling using molecular sulfur and haloarenes. The clean ligand‐free protocol, devoid of hazardous chemicals, excellent yields in short reaction time and the reusability of catalyst for several times are the key factors in the methodology.
Template‐Free Cu Electrodeposition to Prepare Cu–Micro‐Brush Electrodes for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Gu Yueyuan , Li Jindong , Wang Luyang , Xie Mengru , Wu Xu , Xie Fang , Ryan Mary P.
Published: October 2019

Copper foams deposited under various conditions are characterized in an airtight three‐electrode H‐cell system. Compared with the smooth copper electrode, the current density obtained on the porous copper electrodes is significantly improved. Using porous copper obtained from 0.2 M CuSO4 and 1.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte with 3 Acm−2 for 30s, the CO2 reduction current density is 27 mAcm−2 at a potential of −0.97 V vs RHE in 0.5 M KHCO3 electrolyte (with CO2 supplied at the flow rate of 15 sccm), tripling that of the smooth copper electrode (8 mAcm−2). The average pore size of the porous copper can be reduced by adding Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in a small amount. Besides, the preferred orientation of crystal faces changed, which may influence the selectivity of the carbon dioxide reduction product. In the flow‐cell test, at constant current 10 mAcm−2, the CO production rate of porous copper with CTAB additive reached 11.91μmolh−1cm−2 and maintained a value more than 8.95 μmolh−1cm−2 during one‐hour electrolysis, which is much higher than smooth copper, 1.38 μmolh−1cm−2.
Macroscopic Carbon Nanotube Structures for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Luo Yufeng , Wang Ke , Li Qunqing , Fan Shoushan , Wang Jiaping
Published: October 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are regarded as one of the most promising materials to manufacture high‐performance lithium batteries. This prospect is closely related to the construction of macroscopic architectures of CNTs. The superaligned CNT (SACNT) array is a unique kind of vertically aligned CNT array. Its highly oriented feature and strong intertube force facilitate the fabrication of macroscopic SACNT structures with various forms, including unidirectional films, buckypapers, and aerogels, etc. The as‐produced SACNT macroscopic architectures are successfully introduced into lithium batteries due to their outstanding electrical and mechanical properties. Herein, an overview of the functions of macroscopic SACNTs in lithium batteries is proposed, including their applications in composite electrodes, current collectors, interlayers, and flexible full cells.
Amplification and Adaptation in the Ethylene Signaling Pathway
Authors: Azhar Beenish J. , Zulfiqar Alveena , Shakeel Samina N. , Schaller G. Eric
Published: October 2019

Plants are exquisitely sensitive to the ethylene signal and also respond to a much wider range of ethylene concentrations than would seem possible based on the simple circuitry of its primary signal transduction pathway, suggesting the existence of mechanisms for amplification and adaptation to ethylene signals. Here, such regulatory systems are considered within the context of what is known about the plant ethylene signaling pathway as well as signaling by the animal G‐protein coupled receptors, and the bacterial methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins. Magnitude amplification and sensitivity amplification mechanisms are considered as strategies for amplification of the ethylene signal. Several families of negative feedback regulators that desensitize plants to ethylene and thereby facilitate the ethylene adaptation response of plants are described. These negative feedback regulators include the ethylene receptors themselves, the RTE1/GR family, and the ARGOS family, all of which function at the level of the ethylene receptors to desensitize plants to ethylene. These negative regulators also include the EBF family of F‐box proteins, which target the EIN3/EIL family of transcription factors for degradation. Ethylene signal amplification and adaptation employ both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation.
Efficient interest‐aware data dissemination in mobile opportunistic networks
Authors: Yu Sui , Zhang Lichen , Li Peng , Li Lixia , Yan Bin , Cai Zhipeng
Published: October 2019

In mobile opportunistic networks, the high mobility of humans and the resource limitation of smart mobile devices pose a great challenge to the design of efficient data dissemination, in which data packets generated from publishers need to be delivered to the subscribers via opportunistic encounters. The current data dissemination schemes generally concentrate on the similarity among nodes while ignoring the similarity between nodes and data packets, which leads to that data packets move back and forth among the nodes with similar social features instead of reaching to the subscribers efficiently. In this paper, an efficient interest‐aware data dissemination approach is proposed in mobile opportunistic networks, in which the similarity between nodes and data packets is used to determine whether a node is a potential destination. Moreover, both the social feature and the residual energy are considered to choose an appropriate relay node, and then determine the number of packet's replicas. The simulation results show that efficient interest‐aware data dissemination provides high efficiency and less transmission overheads compared with the traditional approaches.
Automatic determination of the coarse aggregate distribution in concrete based on the statistical characteristics of ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhao Weigang , Li Rongzhe
Published: October 2019

The coarse aggregate distribution is an important factor that affects the mechanical properties of concrete. To detect the aggregate distribution in concrete, an automatic statistical method based on ground penetration radar (GPR) is proposed. First, a concrete segregation model was built to describe the coarse aggregate distribution, and the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic (EM) wave in the coarse aggregate were analyzed. Then, the relationship between the echo of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and the distribution of coarse aggregate was revealed. A rising‐stable‐decaying three‐stage model of the GPR echo is proposed. In addition, the statistical characteristic of the stable stage is advocated as the evaluation index for concrete segregation. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method for the detection of the coarse aggregate distribution was verified using a forward simulation and field experiment, and a reasonable number of sample traces were used for statistical analysis. The result indicated that this method could automatically detect the coarse aggregate distribution, and it is suitable for the detection of the aggregate distribution in plain concrete.
Time and exposure to serotonin affect releasability of recycled vesicles at crayfish claw opener muscle synapses
Authors: Bilkey Jessica , Nahirney Patrick C. , Delaney Kerry R.
Published: October 2019

The crayfish claw opener neuromuscular junction is a biological model for studying presynaptic neuromodulation by serotonin (5HT) and synaptic vesicle recycling. It has been hypothesized that 5HT enhances release by recruiting a population of either previously nonrecycling or “reluctant” vesicles to increase the readily releasable pool. To determine if 5HT activates a distinct population of synaptic vesicles, recycling membranes were labeled with the membrane dye, FM1‐43. Unloading (destaining) protocols could not resolve a population of vesicles that were only releasable in the presence of 5HT. Instead, we conclude synaptic vesicles change behavior in axon terminals independent of 5HT, becoming less likely to exocytose and unload dye over periods of >1 hr after recycling. We hypothesized this to be due to the slow conversion of a portion of recycled vesicles to a difficult to release state. The possibility that vesicles in these pools were spatially separated within the terminal was tested using photoconversion of FM1‐43 and transmission electron microscopy. The location of FM1‐43‐labeled vesicles fixed 2 min following 3 min of 20‐Hz stimulation did not reveal preferential localization of recycling vesicles specifically near release sites and the distribution of labeled vesicles was not significantly different between early (2 min) and late (180 min) time points. Terminals fixed 30 s following stimulation contained a significant proportion of vesicular structures equivalent in diameter to 2–5 regular vesicles, with multivesicular bodies and calveoli rarely seen, suggesting that endocytosis during sustained release at crayfish terminals occurs via multiple routes, most commonly through large “vesicle” intermediates.
A simulation on neutralization performance of a corona discharge air ionizer by using an equivalent circuit
Authors: Okano Makoto , Ikehata Takashi , Suzuki Seiya , Terashige Takashi
Published: October 2019

Corona‐discharge air ionizers have been used to neutralize static electricity on electronic devices during manufacturing and/or inspection processes. The neutralization performance, that is, the neutralizing current density (JW) and the electric field (EW), in work area depends on the operating conditions. Methods for estimating the neutralization performance are required to check them without stopping the production lines. In this paper, we propose an estimation method using an equivalent circuit simulation called the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) for estimating the behavior of positive and negative ions in the generation, transportation, and work areas. In the simulation, the ion generation characteristics are simulated by diodes and resistors. The transportation and accumulation of the ions are simulated by resistors and capacitors, respectively. The annihilation of ions by recombination is simulated by a circuit composed of capacitors and resistors. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results when the distance between the emitter of the air ionizer and the work area is varied. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ginseng aqueous extract ameliorates lambda‐cyhalothrin‐acetamiprid insecticide mixture for hepatorenal toxicity in rats: Role of oxidative stress‐mediated proinflammatory and proapoptotic protein expressions
Authors: El‐Bialy Badr E. S. , Abd Eldaim Mabrouk A. , Hassan Azza , Abdel‐Daim Mohamed M.
Published: October 2019

This study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of Panax ginseng aqueous extract (GAE) against hepatorenal toxicity induced by lambda‐cyhalothrin‐acetamiprid insecticide mixture in rats. A total of 32 male albino rats were assigned into four groups. Normal control group received distilled water. Insecticide control group intoxicated with the insecticide at a dose of 2.14 mg/kg b.wt orally day after day for 45 days. GAE control group was treated with GAE at a dose 200 mg/kg b.wt orally. GAE experimental group was administered GAE 1 hour before insecticide administration. Intoxication of rats with the insecticide caused a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and urea and creatinine levels as well as malondialdehyde concentration and proteins expression of caspase‐3 and induced nitric oxide synthase in hepatic and renal tissues. However, it decreased the serum levels of total protein and globulin and reduced the glutathione content and catalase activity in hepatic and renal tissues. In addition, insecticide induced histopathological alterations in both hepatic and renal tissues. In contrast, GAE modulated insecticide‐induced alterations in liver and kidney functions and structures as it ameliorated the effects of insecticide on the above mentioned parameters. These results indicated that GAE was a potent antioxidant agent that could protect rats against insecticide‐induced hepatorenal toxicity.
Insight into the efficiency of oxygen introduced photodynamic therapy (PDT) and deep PDT against cancers with various assembled nanocarriers
Authors: Zhao Jie , Duan Li , Wang Anhe , Fei Jinbo , Li Junbai
Published: October 2019

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used in the treatment of cancers and other benign diseases for several years in clinic. However, the hypoxia of tumors and the penetration limitation of excitation light to tissues can dramatically reduce the efficacy of PDT to cancers. To overcome these drawbacks, various assembled nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanocrystals, and so on were introduced. The assembled nanocarriers have the ability of loading photosensitizers, delivering O2 into tumors, generating O2 in situ in tumors, as well as turning near‐infrared (NIR) light, X‐rays, and chemical energy into ultraviolet or visible light. Therefore, it is easy for the nanocarriers to improve the hypoxia microenvironment or increase the treatment depth of cancers, which will improve the efficiency of PDT to some degree. In recent years, a number of investigations were focused on these subjects. We will summarize the advances of nanocarriers in PDT, especially in O2 introduction PDT and deep PDT. The perspectives, challenges, and potential in translation of PDT will also be discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Dependence of the Compton to Rayleigh intensity ratio on the scatterer atomic number in the range of 4(Be) to 31(Ga)
Authors: Mikhailov I.F. , Baturin A.A. , Mikhailov A.I. , Borisova S.S. , Surovitskiy S.V.
Published: October 2019

Compton to Rayleigh scattering intensity ratios (IC/IR) have been measured using X‐rays with energy 17.44 keV for single‐component materials with atomic number Z from 4 (Be) to 31 (Ga) and binary compounds of stoichiometric composition. The measurements have been performed using two optical schemes: an energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence scheme with a molybdenum secondary target and wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence one. The processing of the spectra was carried out by fitting with Pearson VII functions. For single‐component and binary standards, the experimental dependence of the scattering intensity ratio on the atomic number was found to be the same. This confirms the additivity of the contribution of different atoms to the scattering. The dependence has a complex shape but is well described by the theoretical relationship for IC/IR with correction on the difference between Compton and Rayleigh radiation absorption coefficients. Two ranges of atomic number values are defined, in which the effective atomic number Zeff can be determined by the calibration method using this dependence: for Z from 4 to 7 with low error of ΔZeff =±0.15 and for Zeff from 10 to 18 with low error of ΔZeff =±0.69. A change in the shape of the Compton peak and an overestimated value of the of the Compton and Rayleigh peak intensity ratio when passing from a single‐component scatterer (Al or Si) to their oxides Al2O3 or SiO2, respectively, have been revealed.
Live Imaging of the Skin Immune Responses
Authors: Chow Zachary , Egawa Gyohei , Kabashima Kenji
Published: October 2019

As a barrier to the harsh environment, the skin is a key organ that protects the body from external pathogens. This protection is conferred by a diverse range of immune cells that work in concert to mount an immune response against invading pathogens. Over the last two decades, advancements in microscopic imaging systems have enabled intravital imaging to document the dynamic behavior of immune cells in cutaneous immune responses. This has provided insight into the roles that these immune cells play in the response, and this knowledge can be used in developing therapeutic strategies. In this chapter, we will review a variety of skin immune responses and their corresponding immune cell types that have been studied via the live imaging of mouse skin. In addition, we will cover the different tools that are utilized for the live imaging of skin immune responses.
Electromagnetic Gauge Choice for Scattering of Schrödinger Particle
Authors: Herdegen Andrzej
Published: October 2019

We consider a Schrödinger particle placed in an external electromagnetic field of the form typical for scattering settings in the field theory: $$F=F^\mathrm {ret}+F^\mathrm {in}=F^\mathrm {adv}+F^\mathrm {out}$$

F
=

F
ret

+

F
in

=

F
adv

+

F
out

, where the current producing $$F^{\mathrm {ret}/\mathrm {adv}}$$

F

ret
/
adv

has the past and future asymptotes homogeneous of degree $$-3$$

-
3

, and the free fields $$F^{\mathrm {in}/\mathrm {out}}$$

F

in
/
out

are radiation fields produced by currents with similar asymptotic behavior. We show that with appropriate choice of electromagnetic gauge the particle has ‘in’ and ‘out’ states reached with no further modification of the asymptotic dynamics. We use a special quantum mechanical evolution ‘picture’ in which the free evolution operator has well-defined limits for $$t\rightarrow \pm \infty $$

t
→
±
∞

, and thus the scattering wave operators do not need the free evolution counteraction. The existence of wave operators in this setting is established, but the proof of asymptotic completeness is not complete: more precise characterization of the asymptotic behavior of the particle for $$|\mathbf {x}|=|t|$$

|
x
|
=
|
t
|

would be needed.
Measuring phase scintillation at different frequencies with conventional GNSS receivers operating at 1 Hz
Authors: Nguyen Viet Khoi , Rovira-Garcia Adria , Juan José Miguel , Sanz Jaume , González-Casado Guillermo , La The Vinh , Ta Tung Hai
Published: October 2019

Ionospheric scintillation causes rapid fluctuations of measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), thus threatening space-based communication and geolocation services. The phenomenon is most intense in equatorial regions, around the equinoxes and in maximum solar cycle conditions. Currently, ionospheric scintillation monitoring receivers (ISMRs) measure scintillation with high-pass filter algorithms involving high sampling rates, e.g. 50 Hz, and highly stable clocks, e.g. an ultra-low-noise Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator. The present paper evolves phase scintillation indices implemented in conventional geodetic receivers with sampling rates of 1 Hz and rapidly fluctuating clocks. The method is capable to mitigate ISMR artefacts that contaminate the readings of the state-of-the-art phase scintillation index. Our results agree in more than 99.9% within ± 0.05 rad (2 mm) of the ISMRs, with a data set of 8 days which include periods of moderate and strong scintillation. The discrepancies are clearly identified, being associated with data gaps and to cycle-slips in the carrier-phase tracking of ISMR that occur simultaneously with ionospheric scintillation. The technique opens the door to use huge databases available from the International GNSS Service and other centres for scintillation studies. This involves GNSS measurements from hundreds of worldwide-distributed geodetic receivers over more than one Solar Cycle. This overcomes the current limitations of scintillation studies using ISMRs, as only a few tens of ISMRs are available and their data are provided just for short periods of time.
Spawning time of Acanthaster cf. solaris on the Great Barrier Reef inferred using qPCR quantification of embryos and larvae: do they know it’s Christmas?
Authors: Uthicke Sven , Fisher Eric E. , Patel Frances , Diaz-Guijarro Beatriz , Doyle Jason R. , Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Morgan S.
Published: October 2019

Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns seastars (CoTS;Acanthasterspp.) are a major contributor to degradation of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Understanding the dispersal and fate of planktonic life stages is crucial to understand and manage outbreaks, but visual detection of CoTS larvae is challenging. We apply a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to enumerate CoTS larvae in a 3-year time series of plankton samples from two reefs (Agincourt and Moore Reefs) on the Great Barrier Reef. Plankton surveys were complemented with settlement assays, and benthic surveys of juvenile and adult densities over time. Only one out of 109 plankton samples from Agincourt Reef had detectable CoTS mtDNA compared to 41 out of 575 samples from Moore Reef. This may be explained by differences in adult densities, or differences in connectivity and larval retention. Detections of larval CoTS were restricted to summer (November–February), with first detections each year coinciding with water temperatures reaching 28 °C and peak detections late December. A disproportionate number of larval detections occurred in 7 days around full moon. Complementary sampling of settlement and post-settlement life stages confirmed that elevated densities of CoTS larvae at Moore Reef translated to high rates of settlement adding to infestations at this reef. Moreover, there were declines in the detection of larvae, as well densities of juvenile and adult CoTS at Moore Reef, in 2017 and 2018. This study demonstrates that qPCR for genetic identification and quantification of larvae can assist to elucidate life history parameters of nuisance species difficult to obtain with other tools.
Correction to: Extreme rainfall in Mediterranean France during the fall: added value of the CNRM‑AROME Convection‑Permitting Regional Climate Model
Authors: Fumière Quentin , Déqué Michel , Nuissier Olivier , Somot Samuel , Alias Antoinette , Caillaud Cécile , Laurantin Olivier , Seity Yann
Published: October 2019

Unfortunately, the article “Extreme rainfall in Mediterranean France during the fall: added value of the CNRM‑AROME Convection‑Permitting Regional Climate Model”, written by Quentin Fumière was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 24 July 2019 without open access with incorrect copyright holder as “© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2019”.
Maternal high-protein diet modulates hepatic growth axis in weaning piglets by reprogramming the IGFBP-3 gene
Authors: Cong Rihua , Qu Xiaoli , Zhang Hui , Hu Yongling , Ye Silin , Cai Demin , Li Xian , Liu Hao-Yu
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal high dietary protein intake on the hepatic growth axis in offspring.

Methods

Fourteen primiparous purebred Meishan sows were fed either a standard-protein (SP, n = 7) diet or a high-protein (HP, 150% of SP, n = 7) diet during pregnancy. Offspring (one male and one female per group, n = 14) on day 70 of the embryonic stage and on days 1, 35 and 180 after birth were selected, weighed and killed. Serum samples were analyzed for Tch, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Liver samples were analyzed for IGFBP-3 and IGF-I mRNA expression by qRT-PCR and for IGFBP-3, IGF1R and growth hormone receptor (GHR) protein expression by Western blotting. The underlying mechanism of IGFBP-3 regulation was determined by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

Results

High-protein exposure resulted in significantly higher body and liver weights of piglets, and it increased their serum T3 and T4 levels at birth and/or at weaning. Furthermore, the IGFBP-3 protein content in the liver and serum was significantly reduced in the HP-exposed weaning piglets, whereas at the transcriptional level IGFBP-3 mRNA expression was downregulated in the livers of HP group piglets. Finally, DNA hypermethylation and higher enrichment of the histone repressive marks H3K27me3 and H3K9me3 were observed.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that a maternal high-protein diet during gestation epigenetically reprograms IGFBP-3 gene expression to modulate the hepatic growth axis in weaning piglets.
Intra-annual stem size variations converge across marginal populations of European beech
Authors: Klisz Marcin , Buttò Valentina , Rossi Sergio , Morin Hubert , Jastrzębowski Szymon
Published: October 2019

Key message

The intra-annual variability in stem size of marginal beech population from south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland is higher within than between populations.

One of the key issues of the distribution of tree species is their ability to track environmental changes. European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) is a species highly sensitive to extreme climatic events, because of its high phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we aim to determine the variability in stem size between and within marginal beech populations. Marginal populations of beech growing under uniform environmental conditions of provenance trial offer unique opportunity to detect adaptive differentiations driven by natural selection. In this work, we studied stem size variation recorded by automatic band dendrometers in four beech marginal populations growing in a common garden in the south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland over the period 2016–2018. Strong climatic effects and weak provenance differences in seasonal stem size variation were observed. The provenances exhibited similar climate-related seasonal stem circumference variation. A high within-provenance variation was confirmed. Temperature of spring as well as temperature and precipitation of autumn were detected as key climatic parameters mostly for onset and end of stem size variation. Maximum stem size was mostly affected by the later end of its variation, which positively affected its duration. Climatic distance between beech provenances and provenance trial had a negligible effect on the variability in seasonal stem size variation between provenances. The evidence of weak inter-provenance and high intra-provenance variation in stem size changes observed in the south-eastern distribution range indicates that an individual-based approach could be a suitable strategy, when selecting for phenotypic plasticity.
Bacteria: back pain, leg pain and Modic sign—a surgical multicentre comparative study
Authors: Fritzell Peter , Welinder-Olsson Christina , Jönsson Bodil , Melhus Åsa , Andersson Siv G. E. , Bergström Tomas , Tropp Hans , Gerdhem Paul , Hägg Olle , Laestander Hans , Knutsson Björn , Lundin Anders , Ekman Per , Rydman Eric , Skorpil Mikael
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To compare bacterial findings in pain-generating degenerated discs in adults operated on for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and mostly also suffering from low back pain (LBP), with findings in adolescent patients with non-degenerated non-pain-generating discs operated on for scoliosis, and to evaluate associations with Modic signs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) has been found in painful degenerated discs, why it has been suggested treating patients with LDH/LBP with antibiotics. As multidrug-resistant bacteria are a worldwide concern, new indications for using antibiotics should be based on solid scientific evidence.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2017, 40 adults with LDH/LBP (median age 43, IQR 33–49) and 20 control patients with scoliosis (median age 17, IQR 15–20) underwent surgery at seven Swedish hospitals. Samples were cultured from skin, surgical wound, discs and vertebrae. Genetic relatedness of C. acnes isolates was investigated using single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. DNA samples collected from discs/vertebrae were analysed using 16S rRNA-based PCR sequencing. MRI findings were assessed for Modic changes.

Results

No bacterial growth was found in 6/40 (15%) LDH patients, compared with 3/20 (15%) scoliosis patients. Most positive samples in both groups were isolated from the skin and then from subcutis or deep within the wound. Of the four disc and vertebral samples from each of the 60 patients, 235/240 (98%) were DNA negative by bacterial PCR. A single species, C. acnes, was found exclusively in the disc/vertebra from one patient in each group. In the LDH group, 29/40 (72%) patients had at least one sample with growth of C. acnes, compared to 14/20 (70%) in the scoliosis group. Bacterial findings and Modic changes were not associated.

Conclusions

Cutibacterium acnes found in discs and vertebrae during surgery for disc herniation in adults with degenerated discs may be caused by contamination, as findings in this group were similar to findings in a control group of young patients with scoliosis and non-degenerated discs. Furthermore, such findings were almost always combined with bacterial findings on the skin and/or in the wound. There was no association between preoperative Modic changes and bacterial findings. Antibiotic treatment of lumbar disc herniation with sciatica and/or low back pain, without signs of clinical discitis/spondylitis, should be seriously questioned.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Oxyethylated Isononylphenols in Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Arkhipov Ruslan V. , Kuzina Natalia A. , Filippov Andrei
Published: October 2019

Translational diffusion coefficients of ethoxylated isononylphenol molecules C9H19C6H4O(C2H4O)nH in carbon tetrachloride were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry. The hydrodynamic radii of the molecules were determined within the framework of the Stokes–Einstein relation. We showed that ethoxylated isononylphenols in carbon tetrachloride do not form micelles, and the dependence of the diffusion coefficients and, accordingly, the hydrodynamic radii of the nonionic surfactants on the number of oxyethylene groups have a kink in the region n = 6–8.
Triple Contrast CT Method Enables Simultaneous Evaluation of Articular Cartilage Composition and Segmentation
Authors: Honkanen Miitu K. M. , Saukko Annina E. A. , Turunen Mikael J. , Xu Wujun , Lovric Goran , Honkanen Juuso T. J. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Töyräs Juha
Published: October 2019

Early degenerative changes of articular cartilage are detected using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with a cationic contrast agent (CA). However, cationic CA diffusion into degenerated cartilage decreases with proteoglycan depletion and increases with elevated water content, thus hampering tissue evaluation at early diffusion time points. Furthermore, the contrast at synovial fluid-cartilage interface diminishes as a function of diffusion time hindering accurate cartilage segmentation. For the first time, we employ quantitative dual-energy CT (QDECT) imaging utilizing a mixture of three CAs (cationic CA4+ and non-ionic gadoteridol which are sensitive to proteoglycan and water contents, respectively, and bismuth nanoparticles which highlight the cartilage surface) to simultaneously segment the articulating surfaces and determine of the cartilage condition. Intact healthy, proteoglycan-depleted, and mechanically injured bovine cartilage samples (n = 27) were halved and imaged with synchrotron microCT 2-h post immersion in triple CA or in dual CA (CA4+ and gadoteridol). CA4+ and gadoteridol partitions were determined using QDECT, and pairwise evaluation of these partitions was conducted for samples immersed in dual and triple CAs. In conclusion, the triple CA method is sensitive to proteoglycan depletion while maintaining sufficient contrast at the articular surface to enable detection of cartilage lesions caused by mechanical impact.
Biocontrol yeasts: mechanisms and applications
Authors: Freimoser Florian M. , Rueda-Mejia Maria Paula , Tilocca Bruno , Migheli Quirico
Published: October 2019

Yeasts occur in all environments and have been described as potent antagonists of various plant pathogens. Due to their antagonistic ability, undemanding cultivation requirements, and limited biosafety concerns, many of these unicellular fungi have been considered for biocontrol applications. Here, we review the fundamental research on the mechanisms (e.g., competition, enzyme secretion, toxin production, volatiles, mycoparasitism, induction of resistance) by which biocontrol yeasts exert their activity as plant protection agents. In a second part, we focus on five yeast species (Candida oleophila, Aureobasidium pullulans, Metschnikowia fructicola, Cryptococcus albidus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that are or have been registered for the application as biocontrol products. These examples demonstrate the potential of yeasts for commercial biocontrol usage, but this review also highlights the scarcity of fundamental studies on yeast biocontrol mechanisms and of registered yeast-based biocontrol products. Yeast biocontrol mechanisms thus represent a largely unexplored field of research and plentiful opportunities for the development of commercial, yeast-based applications for plant protection exist.