bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actomyosin‐dependent invasion of endothelial sprouts in collagen
Authors: Vaeyens Marie‐Mo , Jorge‐Peñas Alvaro , Barrasa‐Fano Jorge , Shapeti Apeksha , Roeffaers Maarten , Van Oosterwyck Hans
Published: June 2020

During sprouting angiogenesis—the growth of blood vessels from the existing vasculature—endothelial cells (ECs) adopt an elongated invasive form and exert forces at cell–cell and cell–matrix interaction sites. These cell shape changes and cellular tractions require extensive reorganizations of the actomyosin network. However, the respective roles of actin and myosin for endothelial sprouting are not fully elucidated. In this study, we further investigate these roles by treating 2D‐migrating and 3D‐sprouting ECs with chemical compounds targeting either myosin or actin. These treatments affected the endothelial cytoskeleton drastically and reduced the invasive response in a compound‐specific manner; pointing toward a tight control of the actin and myosin activity during sprouting. Clusters in the data further illustrate that endothelial sprout morphology is sensitive to the in vitro model mechanical microenvironment and directs future research toward mechanical substrate guidance as a strategy for promoting engineered tissue vascularization. In summary, our results add to a growing corpus of research highlighting a key role of the cytoskeleton for sprouting angiogenesis.
A New Potent and Selective Monoamine Oxidase‐B Inhibitor with Extended Conjugation in a Chalcone Framework: 1‐[4‐(Morpholin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐5‐phenylpenta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐one
Authors: Maliyakkal Naseer , Eom Bo Hyun , Heo Jeong Hyun , Abdullah Almoyad Mohammad Ali , Thomas Parambi Della Grace , Gambacorta Nicola , Nicolotti Orazio , Beeran Asmy Appadath , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo
Published: June 2020

The general blueprint for the design of monoamine oxidase‐B (MAO‐B) inhibitors has been based on two phenyl or heteronuclei linked via a spacer of appropriate length. In this study, 1‐[4‐(morpholin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐5‐phenylpenta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐one (MO10) was prepared by the condensation of 4′‐morpholinoacetophenone and cinnamaldehyde in basic alcoholic medium. MO10 was assessed for inhibitory activity against two human MAO isoforms, MAO‐A and MAO‐B. Interestingly, MO10 showed a remarkable inhibition against MAO‐B with an IC50 value of 0.044 μM along with a selectivity index of 366.13. The IC50 value was better than that of lazabemide (IC50 value of 0.063 μM), which was used as a reference. Kinetics studies revealed that MO10 acted as a competitive inhibitor of MAO‐B, with a Ki value of 0.0080 μM. The observation of recovery of MAO‐B inhibition, compared to reference levels showed MO10 to be a reversible inhibitor. MTT assays showed that MO10 was nontoxic to normal VERO cells with an IC50 value of 195.44 μg/mL. SwissADME predicted that MO10 provided advantageous pharmacokinetics profiles for developing agents acting on the central nervous system, that is, high passive human gastrointestinal absorption and blood–brain barrier permeability. Molecular docking simulations showed that MO10 properly entered the aromatic cage formed by Y435, Y398, and FAD of the active site of MAO‐B. On the basis of these results, MO10 can be considered a promising starting compound in development of agents for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders.
System performance analysis of cooperative multihop relaying network applying approximation to dual‐hop relaying network
Authors: Panajotović Aleksandra , Sekulović Nikola , Cvetković Aleksandra , Milović Daniela
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the closed‐form expressions for outage probability, channel capacity, and average symbol error probability are derived for amplify‐and‐forward multihop relay network. Based on approximation of multihop relay by dual‐hop relay systems, the analytical expressions are obtained for the case when maximal ratio combining technique is employed at each relay while destination node uses selection combining technique. The impact of system and channel parameters on the system performances is investigated, and numerical results are graphically presented. The derived analytical expressions are verified by numerical simulation.
Cycloalkyl Groups as Subunits of Artificial Carbohydrate Receptors: Effect of Ring Size of the Cycloalkyl Unit on the Receptor Efficiency
Authors: Stapf Manuel , Seichter Wilhelm , Mazik Monika
Published: June 2020

1,3,5‐Trisubstituted 2,4,6‐triethylbenzenes consisting of isopropyl groups as recognition units have previously been shown to have interesting binding properties towards selected carbohydrates. The design of such artificial carbohydrate receptors was inspired by the mode of action of carbohydrate‐binding proteins, namely by the participation of the isopropyl side chain of valine in the formation of van der Waals interactions with the carbohydrate substrate. This study aimed to investigate how the replacement of the isopropyl groups by other structural motifs, such as cycloalkyl groups of varying sizes (three to seven‐membered rings), influences the binding properties of the acyclic compounds towards carbohydrates. The cyclopropyl moiety represents a cyclic analog of the isopropyl group, whereas the other cycloalkyl units can be regarded as structural elements, which differ from the structure of the isopropyl group by a –(CH2)n‐bridge (n = 1–4) between the two methyl groups. Furthermore, according to the natural interactions, the cyclopentyl group should be able to participate in the formation of van der Waals contacts in a similar way as that observed for the pyrrolidine ring of proline in some protein‐carbohydrate complexes. Such systematic binding studies allow the identification of interesting structure‐activity relationships, which are very useful for the development of artificial carbohydrate receptors with predictable binding properties.
Dendrites issues and advances in Zn anode for aqueous rechargeable Zn‐based batteries
Authors: Li Qing , Zhao Yuwei , Mo Funian , Wang Donghong , Yang Qi , Huang Zhaodong , Liang Guojin , Chen Ao , Zhi Chunyi
Published: June 2020

Rechargeable Zn‐based batteries (RZBs) have attracted much attention and been regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage featured with high safety, low costs, environmental friendliness, and satisfactory energy density. The aqueous electrolyte system exhibits great potential to power the future wearable electronics. Apart from the achievements of high capacity cathode and stable electrolyte, the anode suffers from problems of dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and passivation with limited attention. The dendrite formation strongly restricts the battery lifespan. Therefore, strategies focused on dendrite suppression are carefully categorized and summarized in this review, including crystallographic orientation manipulation, electric field control, ion flux regulation, and mechanical shield. Each strategy and the detailed approaches are critically dissected. Finally, remaining challenges are emphasized in this review, expecting to supply further research with potential directions to fulfill the high performance of the Zn anodes.

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Comparison between paramagnetic and CD71 magnetic activated cell sorting of fetal nucleated red blood cells from the maternal blood
Authors: Nemescu Dragos , Constantinescu Daniela , Gorduza Vlad , Carauleanu Alexandru , Caba Lavinia , Navolan Dan Bogdan
Published: June 2020

Background

Fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) from maternal circulation are rare events but can be enriched and used to evaluate the genetics of the fetus. We compared two simplified selection methods of the fetal cells from the maternal blood.

Methods

We isolated fetal cells from maternal blood through double‐density gradient centrifugation followed either by magnetic cell selection, based on the paramagnetic proprieties of the NRBC hemoglobin, converted to methemoglobin, or by a positive magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) enrichment, using anti‐CD71 monoclonal antibodies. Finally, the cells were identified through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with specific chromosome X and Y probes.

Results

We processed 10 mL of peripheral blood samples from 27 pregnant women with singleton normal male fetuses. Hemoglobin‐based enrichment isolated significantly more NRBCs: 29.7 × 104 cells than anti‐CD71 MACS: 10.1 × 104 cells (P < .001). The FISH analysis found at least one XY cell in 81.5% and 61.5% of cases, respectively, for paramagnetic and anti‐CD71 selection. Also, the average number of XY cells identified through paramagnetic selection was 5.09 ± 2.5, significantly higher than those observed through CD71 sorting: 3.38 ± 1.7 cells (average ± SE) (P = .03).

Conclusion

The combination of density gradient centrifugation with paramagnetic selection has the advantage of simplicity and achieves a minimal manipulation and treatment of cells. It yields an increased number of NRBCs and FISH confirmed fetal cells, compared to the anti‐CD71 sorting.
Synergistic PXT3003 therapy uncouples neuromuscular function from dysmyelination in male Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) rats
Authors: Prukop Thomas , Wernick Stephanie , Boussicault Lydie , Ewers David , Jäger Karoline , Adam Julia , Winter Lorenz , Quintes Susanne , Linhoff Lisa , Barrantes‐Freer Alonso , Bartl Michael , Czesnik Dirk , Zschüntzsch Jana , Schmidt Jens , Primas Gwenaël , Laffaire Julien , Rinaudo Philippe , Brureau Anthony , Nabirotchkin Serguei , Schwab Markus H. , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Hajj Rodolphe , Cohen Daniel , Sereda Michael W.
Published: June 2020

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease 1 A (CMT1A) is caused by an intrachromosomal duplication of the gene encoding for PMP22 leading to peripheral nerve dysmyelination, axonal loss, and progressive muscle weakness. No therapy is available. PXT3003 is a low‐dose combination of baclofen, naltrexone, and sorbitol which has been shown to improve disease symptoms in Pmp22 transgenic rats, a bona fide model of CMT1A disease. However, the superiority of PXT3003 over its single components or dual combinations have not been tested. Here, we show that in a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) co‐culture system derived from transgenic rats, PXT3003 induced myelination when compared to its single and dual components. Applying a clinically relevant (“translational”) study design in adult male CMT1A rats for 3 months, PXT3003, but not its dual components, resulted in improved performance in behavioral motor and sensory endpoints when compared to placebo. Unexpectedly, we observed only a marginally increased number of myelinated axons in nerves from PXT3003‐treated CMT1A rats. However, in electrophysiology, motor latencies correlated with increased grip strength indicating a possible effect of PXT3003 on neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and muscle fiber pathology. Indeed, PXT3003‐treated CMT1A rats displayed an increased perimeter of individual NMJs and a larger number of functional NMJs. Moreover, muscles of PXT3003 CMT1A rats displayed less neurogenic atrophy and a shift toward fast contracting muscle fibers. We suggest that ameliorated motor function in PXT3003‐treated CMT1A rats result from restored NMJ function and muscle innervation, independent from myelination.
Impact of pulse sequence, analysis method, and signal to noise ratio on the accuracy of intervertebral disc T2 measurement
Authors: Meadows Kyle D. , Johnson Curtis L. , Peloquin John M. , Spencer Richard G. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: June 2020

Noninvasive assessments of intervertebral disc health and degeneration are critical for addressing disc degeneration and low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is exceptionally sensitive to tissue with high water content, and measurement of the MR transverse relaxation time, T2, has been applied as a quantitative, continuous, and objective measure of disc degeneration that is linked to the water and matrix composition of the disc. However, T2 measurement is susceptible to inaccuracies due to Rician noise, T1 contamination, and stimulated echo effects. These error generators can all be controlled for with proper data collection and fitting methods. The objective of this study was to identify sequence parameters to appropriately acquire MR data and to establish curve fitting methods to accurately calculate disc T2 in the presence of noise by correcting for Rician noise. To do so, we compared T2 calculated from the typical monoexponential (MONO) fits and noise corrected exponential (NCEXP) fits. We examined how the selected sequence parameters altered the calculated T2 in silico and in vivo. Typical MONO fits were frequently poor due to Rician noise, and NCEXP fits were more likely to provide accurate T2 calculations. NCEXP is particularly less biased and less uncertain at low SNR. This study showed that the NCEXP using sequences with data from 20 echoes out to echo times of ~300 ms is the best method for calculating T2 of discs. By acquiring signal data out to longer echo times and accounting for Rician noise, the curve fitting is more robust in calculating T2 despite the noise in the data. This is particularly important when considering degenerate discs or AF tissue because the SNR of these regions is lower.
Survival of Adult Female Bighorn Sheep Following a Pneumonia Epizootic
Authors: Dekelaita Daniella J. , Epps Clinton W. , Stewart Kelley M. , Sedinger James S. , Powers Jenny G. , Gonzales Ben J. , Abella‐Vu Regina K. , Darby Neal W. , Hughson Debra L.
Published: June 2020

Beginning in the early 1900s, poly‐factorial, poly‐microbial pneumonia was identified as a disease affecting bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and it continues to threaten bighorn populations, posing an ongoing management challenge. In May and June 2013, a pneumonia outbreak linked to the pathogen Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae led to an all‐age die‐off of desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni) at Old Dad Peak in the Kelso Mountains of the Mojave Desert in California, USA. Subsequently, we observed clinical signs of respiratory disease among bighorn sheep in multiple neighboring ranges. Our objective was to investigate post‐outbreak survival of adult female bighorn across 9 populations from 2014 to 2017 in the Mojave Desert and evaluate the relationship between M. ovipneumoniae infection and survival, while testing effects of range factors that could potentially influence differences in adult female survival (i.e., forage quality, winter precipitation, population abundance). We fitted adult females with radio‐collars following the outbreak and collected serum and nasal swab samples for competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to determine exposure and infection status at time of capture. We tracked survival of 115 adult females with radio‐collars and used the known‐fate model in Program MARK to evaluate effects and estimate survival from November 2013 to March 2017. Annual survival was negatively correlated with positive infection status at capture but varied across populations with respect to differences in range conditions. Summer and autumn forage quality, as represented by mean normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values for summer and autumn, was positively correlated with overwinter survival, whereas winter precipitation (a proxy for winter severity) was negatively correlated with overwinter survival. Population abundance was negatively correlated with annual survival, suggesting a potential density‐dependent effect. Model‐averaged annual survival estimates ranged from 0.700 ± 0.07 (SE) to 0.945 ± 0.026 for infected individuals and 0.896 ± 0.03 to 0.983 ± 0.011 for uninfected individuals. We conclude that summer and autumn forage quality, indexed by NDVI, may partially offset the negative effect associated with M. ovipneumoniae infection on host survival. Our survival modeling results suggest that chronic infection may have afflicted adult females that were PCR‐positive (i.e., infected with M. ovipneumoniae) at time of capture. We propose programmatic re‐testing of infected individuals to assess pathogen persistence at the individual level and evaluate whether selective culling might potentially help to reduce prevalence and transmission within populations. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Anticorrosion property enhancement of Al–Li alloy 2A97 by lowering machined surface roughness
Authors: Niu Jintao , Liu Zhanqiang , Wang Guijie , Huang Weimin , Xu Ying
Published: June 2020

In this study, after face‐milling Al–Li alloy 2A97 under dry machining condition, the machined surface roughness Sa and Sz are dealt with statistical analyses. Then, the supplementary face‐milling trials are conducted to verify the analyses and gain the effect of the feed rate per tooth (fz) on Sa and Sz. Lastly, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests are conducted on the machined surfaces to determine their corrosion resistance. The variance analyses show that although fz and the depth of cut are more important than the width of cut and the cutting speed, each of the four parameters is individually insignificant to Sa and Sz. Therefore, the quadratic regression models that take the interaction effects of the parameters into consideration are established. The validity of the models is proved with the comparisons between the measured and calculated Sa and Sz. The equivalent circuit models are proposed on the basis of the shape characteristics of the impedance spectra for machined surfaces. The estimations from the circuit models reveal the superiority in the corrosion resistances of face‐milled surfaces with the optimized surface roughness.
A novel splicing pathogenic variant in COL1A1 causing osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type I in a Chinese family
Authors: Han Yaxin , Wang Dongming , Guo Jinli , Xiong Qiuhong , Li Ping , Zhou Yong‐An , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2020

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare autosomal inheritable disorder characterized by bone fragility and skeletal deformity, is caused by pathogenic variants in genes impairing the synthesis and processing of extracellular matrix protein collagen type I. With the use of next‐generation sequencing and panels approaches, an increasing number of OI patients can be confirmed and new pathogenic variants can be discovered. This study sought to identify pathogenic gene variants in a Chinese family with OI I.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was used to identify pathogenic variants in the proband, which is confirmed by Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analysis; MES, HSF, and Spliceman were used to analyze this splicing variant；qRT‐PCR was performed to identify the mRNA expression level of COL1A1 in patient peripheral blood samples; Minigene splicing assay was performed to mimic the splicing process of COL1A1 variants in vitro; Analysis of evolutionary conservation of amino acid residues and structure prediction of the mutant protein.

Results

A novel splicing pathogenic variant (c.3814+1G>T) was identified in this OI family by using whole‐exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and cosegregation analysis. Sequencing of RT‐PCR products from the COL1A1 minigene variant reveals a 132‐nucleotide (nt) insertion exists at the junction between exons 48 and exon 49 of the COL1A1 cDNA. Splicing assay indicates that the mutated minigene produces an alternatively spliced transcript which may cause a frameshift resulting in early termination of protein expression. The molecular analysis suggested that the altered amino acid is located at the C‐terminus of type I procollagen.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the pathogenesis of a novel COL1A1 splicing pathogenic variant c.3814+1G>T in a Chinese family with OI I.
Incomplete block‐matrix factorization of M‐matrices using two‐step iterative method for matrix inversion and preconditioning
Authors: Buranay S.C. , Iyikal O.C.
Published: June 2020

Using the general method of Owe Axelsson given in 1986 for incomplete factorization of M‐matrices in block‐matrix form, we give a recursive approach to construct incomplete block‐matrix factorization of M‐matrices by proposing a two‐step iterative method for the approximation of the inverse of diagonal pivoting block matrices at each stage of the recursion. For various predescribed tolerances in the accuracy of the approximation of the inverses, the obtained incomplete block‐matrix factorizations are used to precondition the iterative methods as one‐step stationary iterative (OSSI) method and biconjugate gradient stabilized method (BI‐CGSTAB). Certain applications are conducted on M‐matrices occurring from the discretization of two Dirichlet boundary value problems of Laplace's equation on a rectangle using finite difference method. Numerical results justify that the given incomplete block‐matrix factorization of M‐matrices using the two‐step iterative method to approximate the inverse of diagonal pivoting block matrices at each stage of the recursion give robust preconditioners. The obtained results are presented through tables and figures.
An edge dislocation in a bilayer elastic film
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: June 2020

We investigate the plane problem of an edge dislocation inside a bilayer elastic film in which an elastic film of infinite thickness is perfectly bonded to one of finite thickness fixed on a rigid substrate. The two elastic films have identical shear moduli but distinct Poisson's ratios. Under this assumption, analytical expressions of the two pairs of analytic functions (characterizing the corresponding stress and displacement fields) in the bilayer elastic film are derived. In addition, an explicit expression of the image force acting on the edge dislocation is obtained. We find that the mismatch in Poisson's ratios makes it possible for an unstable equilibrium position for the edge dislocation to emerge. The analytical solution developed here can be expediently employed as a Green's function in the analysis of a nanocrack via an enhanced continuum‐based model of fracture which incorporates surface effects in the bilayer elastic film.
Transport equations and perturbations of boundary conditions
Authors: Tyran‐Kamińska Marta
Published: June 2020

We provide a new perturbation theorem for substochastic semigroups on abstract AL spaces extending Kato's perturbation theorem to nondensely defined operators. We show how it can be applied to piecewise deterministic Markov processes and transport equations with abstract boundary conditions. We give particular examples to illustrate our results.
Protein Requirements during Hypocaloric Nutrition for the Older Patient With Critical Illness and Obesity: An Approach to Clinical Practice
Authors: Dickerson Roland N.
Published: June 2020

Current guidelines recommend a hypocaloric, high protein nutrition regimen for patients with obesity and critical illness. The impact of advancing age presents with unique challenges in which a greater protein intake is required to overcome the anabolic resistance associated with aging in the face of presumed decreased renal function. The primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the impact of obesity and advancing age on protein requirements for patients with critical illness and review the scientific evidence supporting the rationale for hypocaloric, high protein nutrition for this subpopulation, as well as provide some practical suggestions for their clinical management.
Revealing the flexoelectric‐like response of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) thin films
Authors: Saadeh Maria , Frère Pierre , Guiffard Benoit
Published: June 2020

In the last decade, the polymeric poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) semiconductor has been widely studied for their electrical and electrochemical properties and used in various applications such as flexible and transparent electrodes, optoelectronics and thermoelectric devices. Here, we report the intrinsic electromechanical coupling in trilayered stainless steel/PEDOT:PSS/Aluminum composites. The PEDOT:PSS thin film integrated in the multi‐layer serves as the transduction material itself and yields a remarkable flexoelectric‐like response when the cantilever shaped‐ device assembly is subjected to beam bending. Two orders of magnitude larger flexoelectric coefficients (up to μ′12 = 6 μC/m) were obtained for semiconducting PEDOT:PSS thin films, in comparison with those measured for insulating polymers. Besides, it is observed that flexoelectric effect may be enhanced when the conductivity of the trilayer device increases to a certain extent, especially after a simple dilution treatment that induces partial removal of excess hydrophilic PSS. These first results may open a new avenue for simply preparing flexible and highly sensitive curvature sensors with single electroactive semiconducting polymer layer between metal electrodes.
Substance use disorders and criminal justice contact among those with co‐occurring antisocial and borderline personality disorders: Findings from a nationally representative sample
Authors: Howard Richard , Hasin Deborah , Stohl Malki
Published: June 2020

One variant of borderline personality disorder (BPD), frequently encountered in forensic and correctional samples, is the ‘dissocial’ subtype that combines borderline and antisocial traits. We tested the hypothesis that this subtype, defined by the co‐occurrence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and BPD (ASPD + BPD), would be associated with high rates of substance use disorder and contact with the criminal justice (CJ) system in a large nationally representative sample of North American adults (N = 36 309). Results suggested that the dissocial variant of BPD was associated with a high risk for substance use disorders and CJ contact. The odds of these outcomes were significantly raised about fivefold in ASPD + BPD individuals in comparison with those who lacked either an ASPD or BPD diagnosis. ASPD + BPD, compared with BPD alone, was also associated with significantly (p < 0.0001) greater severity of borderline symptoms. Although CJ contact appears to be strongly driven by ASPD, substance use, primarily driven by severity of borderline symptoms, added to the risk of CJ contact. It is suggested that, in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases terms, the dissocial borderline variant is a severe form of personality disorder characterized by high levels of traits within domains of negative emotionality and dissociality. Further studies will be required to verify this suggestion. © 2020 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Unilateral pleural effusion with capillary haemangioma
Authors: Kadota Nozomi , Murakami Manabu , Imai Ryosuke , Jinta Torahiko , Tamura Tomohide
Published: June 2020

Here, we report a case of haemangioma on middle mediastinum accompanied by unilateral pleural effusion, which was initially suspected to be lung cancer and pleurisy. During annual check‐up, chest radiography of a 30‐year‐old female showed homogeneous opacity in the left lower pulmonary field. Excision was performed, and the mass was pathologically diagnosed as benign mediastinal vascular tumour with exudative pleural effusion. To our knowledge, this presentation occurs in <0.5% of tumours of the mediastinum, and furthermore, the presence of pleural fluid is extremely rare, and the underlying mechanism is unknown. Although mediastinal haemangioma is hard to diagnose without surgery, we should include it in the differential diagnosis of a tumour with unilateral pleural effusion.
Correlation between the bath composition and nanoporosity of DC‐electrodeposited Ni‐Fe alloy
Authors: Maizza Giovanni , Pero Renato , Kaciulis Saulius , Bolli Eleonora , Eom Hyeonjin , Lee Minsu , Yim Tai Hong
Published: June 2020

The outstanding mechanical strength of as‐deposited DC‐electrodeposited nanocrystalline (nc) Ni‐Fe alloys has been the subject of numerous researches in view of their scientific and practical interest. However, recent studies have reported a dramatic drop in ductility upon annealing above 350°C, associated with a concomitant abnormal rapid grain growth. The inherent cause has been ascribed to the presence of a detrimental product or by product in the bath, which affects either the microstructure or causes defects in the concentration and/or distribution of the as‐deposited films. The present work has been inspired by the observed abnormal behaviour of annealed electrodeposited nc Ni‐Fe alloy, which has here been addressed by considering the relationship between the composition of the bath (iron‐chloride, nickel‐sulphate solution, saccharin and ascorbic acid) and deposition defects (e.g. grain boundary pores) in the case of an nc Ni‐Fe (Fe 48 wt%) alloy. The current investigations have included X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in both as‐deposited and post‐annealed conditions (300°C–400°C). XPS depth profiling with Ar ion sputtering showed a significant amount of C and O impurities entrapped in the foils during deposition. As such impurities are often overlooked in common analytical techniques, new scenarios may need to be rationalised to explain the observed drop in tensile ductility of the as‐deposited Ni‐Fe alloys.
Relative sensitivity factors for hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy with photon energies of 3.0, 5.9, 7.9, and 9.9 keV
Authors: Yasuno Satoshi , Oji Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoshio , Hirosawa Ichiro
Published: June 2020

Empirical relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) for the 1s, 2p3/2, and 3d5/2 levels relative to O1s were derived from the hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with photon energies of 3.00, 5.95, 7.94, and 9.92 keV. The data for 5.95, 7.94, and 9.92 keV were obtained at BL46XU in SPring‐8, and those for 3.00 keV were obtained at BL6N1 in AichiSR (note that the measurement conditions, i.e., electron spectrometer and measurement geometry, at the two beamlines were different; for details, see Section >3). It was found that the empirical RSFs showed the linear behaviors as a function of the binding energy on a log–log plot. Also, from the comparison of the empirical RSFs and the theoretical RSFs calculated from Hartree–Slater cross sections reported by Scofield combined with the energy dependence on the spectrometer function and the inelastic mean free path, it is observed that there is an agreement between the empirical and the theoretical RSF values with several exceptions.
High‐energy diet improves growth performance, meat quality and gene expression related to intramuscular fat deposition in finishing yaks raised by barn feeding
Authors: Kang Kun , Ma Jian , Wang Hongze , Wang Zhisheng , Peng Quanhui , Hu Rui , Zou Huawei , Bao Shanke , Zhang Wenhua , Sun Baozhong
Published: June 2020

This research aimed to investigate the effects of dietary energy concentration (combined net energy, Nemf) on growth performance and meat quality of yaks raised by barn feeding. In all, 30 male yaks (3‐year old and 114.57 ± 21.56 kg of body weight) were allocated to one of three isonitrogenous dietary treatments that had different Nemf concentrations (low 3.72 MJ/kg, middle 4.52 MJ/kg and high 5.32 MJ/kg, respectively). The yaks were fed for 120 days. The results showed that the final weight, average daily gain, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and loin muscle area were significantly improved (p < .05) with the increase in dietary energy concentration. However, an opposite trend of feed:gain ratio, cooking loss, driage, shear force and moisture content was found. A significant improvement (p < .05) of intramuscular fat content was observed in the high‐energy group. Additionally, the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acid was increased (p < .05) at the expense of the saturated fatty acids. The mRNA expressions of lipogenic genes fatty acid synthase, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, lipoprotein lipase and heart fatty acid‐binding proteins increased (p < .05) in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the mRNA expressions of lipolytic genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 and hormone‐sensitive lipase correspondingly decreased (p < .05) with increased dietary energy level. In summary, the growth performance, meat production and meat quality improvement of finishing yaks can be achieved by increasing the dietary energy concentration. The intramuscular fat accumulation of yaks was achieved through up‐regulation of intramuscular lipogenic gene expression as well as fatty acid transport gene expression and down‐regulation of lipolytic gene expression by promoting dietary energy concentration.
Functional methods for Heavy Quark Effective Theory
Authors: Cohen Timothy , Freytsis Marat , Lu Xiaochuan
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We use functional methods to compute one-loop effects in Heavy Quark Effective Theory. The covariant derivative expansion technique facilitates the efficient extraction of matching coefficients and renormalization group evolution equations. This paper pro- vides the first demonstration that such calculations can be performed through the algebraic evaluation of the path integral for the class of effective field theories that are (i) constructed using a non-trivial one-to-many mode decomposition of the UV theory, and (ii) valid for non-relativistic kinematics. We discuss the interplay between operators that appear at intermediate steps and the constraints imposed by the residual Lorentz symmetry that is encoded as reparameterization invariance within the effective description. The tools presented here provide a systematic approach for computing corrections to higher order in the heavy mass expansion; precision applications include predictions for experimental data and connections to theoretical tests via lattice QCD. A set of pedagogical appendices comprehensively reviews modern approaches to performing functional calculations algebraically, and derives contributions from a term with open covariant derivatives for the first time.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging can exclude prostate cancer progression in patients on active surveillance: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ullrich T. , Arsov C. , Quentin M. , Mones F. , Westphalen A. C. , Mally D. , Hiester A. , Albers P. , Antoch G. , Schimmöller L.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To assess the ability of multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) of the prostate to exclude prostate cancer (PCa) progression during monitoring patients on active surveillance (AS).

Methods

One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients on AS with mp-MRI (T2WI, DWI, DCE-MRI) at 3T were initially enrolled. Fifty-five received follow-up mp-MRI after a minimum interval of 12 months and subsequent targeted MR/US fusion-guided biopsy (FUS-GB) plus concurrent systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS-GB) biopsy as reference standard. Primary endpoint was the negative predictive value (NPV) of the follow-up mp-MRI to exclude histopathologic tumor progression using PRECISE recommendations. Secondary endpoints were the positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, specificity, Gleason score (GS) upgrades, and comparison of biopsy method.

Results

Of 55 patients, 29 (53%) had a GS upgrade on re-biopsy. All 29 patients showed a tumor progression on follow-up mp-MRI. Fifteen of 55 patients (27%) displayed signs of tumor progression, but had stable GS on re-biopsy. None of the 11 patients (20%) without signs of progression on follow-up mp-MRI had a GS upgrade on re-biopsy. The NPV was 100%, PPV was 66%, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity 42%. FUS-GB resulted in GS upgrade significantly more often (n = 28; 51%) compared with TRUS-GB (n = 12; 22%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

(Follow-up) Mp-MRI can reliably exclude PCa progression in patients on AS. Standard serial re-biopsies might be waived if follow-up mp-MRIs are stable. Over 60% of patients with signs of tumor progression on mp-MRI during AS had a GS upgrade on re-biopsy. Targeted re-biopsies should be performed if cancer progression or higher-grade PCa is suspected on mp-MRI.

Key Points

• None of the patients with unsuspicious mp-MRI had a GS upgrade in re-biopsy and mp-MRI might replace serial biopsies in these cases

• More than 60% of patients with mp-MRI signs of tumor progression had subsequent Gleason score (GS) upgrades

• Targeted re-biopsies should be performed in case of higher GS cancer suspicion on mp-MRI
Conchixes: organic scaffolds which resemble the size and shapes of mollusks shells, their isolation and potential multifunctional applications
Authors: Ehrlich Hermann , Martinović Rajko , Joksimović Danijela , Petrenko Iaroslav , Schiaparelli Stefano , Wysokowski Marcin , Tsurkan Dmitry , Stelling Allison L. , Springer Armin , Gelinsky Michael , Joksimović Aleksandar
Published: June 2020

Molluscan shells are an example of a mineral-based biocomposite material, and most studies to date have focused on understanding their biomineralization mechanisms. Meanwhile, large amounts of these shells are produced as waste globally by seafood which is used by other industries as a source of biogenic calcium carbonates. In this study, we propose a simple methodological approach for isolation ofConchixes, the organic scaffolds that resemble the size and shapes of mollusks shells, using gentle EDTA-based demineralization of the shells. Such mineral-free biological materials have been extracted from selected representatives of marine and fresh water bivalves, as well as from marine and terrestrial gastropods under study. Key pathways to practical applications of molluscanconchixeswith regards to pharmacy, cosmetics, feed and feed additives, biomedicine and bioinspired materials science are also discussed.
Prevalence and distribution of occult fractures on skeletal surveys in children with suspected non-accidental trauma imaged or reviewed in a tertiary Dutch hospital
Authors: Loos Marie-Louise H. J. , Ahmed Tayiba , Bakx Roel , van Rijn Rick R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the rate of occult fractures (without clinical symptoms) per presenting clinical injury i.e., children presenting with a fracture, bruise, abusive head trauma and the types of fracture most likely to be found, in a series of infants and young children suspected of being victims of NAT.

Methods

Skeletal surveys done between 2008 and 2018 of children (< 5 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Both radiographs of admitted children and reassessment images from all over the country were included and reviewed by a forensic paediatric radiologist. Deceased children were excluded. Variables as gender, age, initial clinical injury and occult fractures were collected. Occult fractures on the follow-up skeletal survey were collected.

Results

A total of 370 skeletal surveys of 296 children were included. Median age was 22 weeks (IQR 11–48), there were 172 (58%) boys. A total of 195 occult fractures were detected in 111 (32%) children. Occult fractures were detected in 37/126 (29%) children with fracture as presenting symptom, 33/90 (37%) children with head trauma and 26/50 (52%) children with bruises. Rib (n = 56, 50%) and lower leg (n = 40, 36%) fractures were most detected.

Conclusion

Occult fractures were detected in 32% of the children. Occult fractures were most prevalent if the initial clinical injury suggestive for NAT to request skeletal survey was a bruise, abusive head trauma or fracture.
Plasma sclerostin levels are associated with nutritional status and insulin resistance but not hormonal disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wyskida Katarzyna , Franik Grzegorz , Owczarek Aleksander Jerzy , Choręza Piotr , Kocełak Piotr , Madej Paweł , Chudek Jerzy , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the circulating sclerostin levels with nutritional status, insulin resistance and hormonal disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Patients and methods

The cross-sectional study involved 98 PCOS inpatients (20 normal weight, 17 overweight and 61 obese) with stable body mass. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance method in addition to anthropometric measurements (body mass and height). Serum/plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin (with the calculation of homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance—HOMA-IR), estradiol, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and sclerostin were measured. Free androgen index (FAI) and estradiol/testosterone index were calculated.

Results

Plasma sclerostin levels were significantly higher in obese [0.61 (interquartile range 0.53–0.77) ng/mL] than in overweight [0.53 (0.49–0.57) ng/mL] and normal weight [0.49 (0.42–0.54) ng/mL] groups. Plasma sclerostin levels were significantly higher in the subgroup with insulin resistance [0.65 (interquartile range 0.53–0.77) vs. 0.52 (0.46–0.58) ng/mL; p < 0.001], while similar concentrations were observed in subgroups with FAI below and above median. Plasma sclerostin levels variability were explained by BMI (r = 0.40), the percentage of body fat (r = 0.40) and HOMA-IR values (r = 0.34) in multivariable models.

Conclusions

Circulating sclerostin levels in women with PCOS are related to nutritional status and insulin resistance, but not to sex hormone disturbances.
Generalization of three-dimensional golden-angle radial acquisition to reduce eddy current artifacts in bSSFP CMR imaging
Authors: Fyrdahl Alexander , Holst Karen , Caidahl Kenneth , Ugander Martin , Sigfridsson Andreas
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We propose a novel generalization of the three-dimensional double-golden-angle profile ordering, which allows for whole-heart volumetric imaging with retrospective binning and reduced eddy current artifacts.

Methods

A novel theory bridging the gap between the three-dimensional double golden-angle trajectory, and the two-dimensional tiny-golden-angle trajectory is presented. This enables a class of double golden-angle profile orderings with a smaller angular distance between successive k-space readouts. The novel profile orderings were evaluated through simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo imaging. Comparisons were made to the original double-golden-angle trajectory. Image uniformity and off-resonance sensitivity were evaluated using phantom measurements, and qualitative image quality was assessed using in vivo images acquired in a healthy volunteer.

Results

The proposed theory successfully reduced the angular step while maintaining image uniformity after binning. Simulations revealed a slow degradation with decreasing angular steps and an increasing number of physiological bins. The phantom images showed a definite improvement in image uniformity and increased robustness to off-resonance, and in vivo imaging corroborated those findings.

Conclusion

Reducing the angular step in cardio-respiratory-binned golden-angle imaging shows potential for overcoming eddy current-induced image artifacts associated with 3D golden-angle radial imaging.
Elastic Wave Propagation in Lattice Metamaterials with Koch Fractal
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Zhang Kai , Deng Zichen
Published: June 2020

In this study, the wave propagation properties of lattice metamaterials with Koch fractal structures are investigated in terms of band structures and directional wave propagation. The analytical models of lattice metamaterials are established using the finite element method, and the dispersion relation is solved using the Bloch’s theorem. The band structures of the lattice metamaterials with different numbers of iterations are studied, and the group velocities at a selected frequency are calculated to analyze the directional wave propagation characteristics. Furthermore, dynamic responses of the finite structures are calculated using commercial finite element software to verify the band gaps and directional wave propagation behaviors in the lattice metamaterials. The results show that multiple and low band gaps are present in the lattice materials with various geometric parameters of the Koch fractal, and the position of the lowest band gap decreases as the number of iterations increases. The results indicate the potential applications of lattice metamaterials with Koch fractals for vibration isolation and multi-functional design.
A spatio-temporal model for Red Sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Rohrbeck Christian , Simpson Emma S. , Towe Ross P.
Published: June 2020

This paper details the approach of team Lancaster to the 2019 EVA data challenge, dealing with spatio-temporal modelling of Red Sea surface temperature anomalies. We model the marginal distributions and dependence features separately; for the former, we use a combination of Gaussian and generalised Pareto distributions, while the dependence is captured using a localised Gaussian process approach. We also propose a space-time moving estimate of the cumulative distribution function that takes into account spatial variation and temporal trend in the anomalies, to be used in those regions with limited available data. The team’s predictions are compared to results obtained via an empirical benchmark. Our approach performs well in terms of the threshold-weighted continuous ranked probability score criterion, chosen by the challenge organiser.
Diffusion Coefficients of Methane in Methylbenzene and Heptane at Temperatures between 323 K and 398 K at Pressures up to 65 MPa
Authors: Taib Malyanah Binti Mohd , Trusler J. P. Martin
Published: June 2020

We reported experimental measurements of the diffusion coefficient of methane at effectively infinite dilution in methylbenzene and in heptane at temperatures ranging from (323 to 398) K and at pressures up to 65 MPa. The Taylor dispersion method was used and the overall combined standard relative uncertainty was 2.3%. The experimental diffusion coefficients were correlated with a simple empirical model as well as the Stokes–Einstein model with the effective hydrodynamic radius of methane depending linearly upon the solvent density. The new data address key gaps in the literature and may facilitate the development of an improved predictive model for the diffusion coefficients of dilute gaseous solutes in hydrocarbon liquids.
Spider Mites Cause More Damage to Tomato in the Dark When Induced Defenses Are Lower
Authors: Liu Jie , Chafi Rachid , Legarrea Saioa , Alba Juan M. , Meijer Tomas , Menken Steph B. J. , Kant Merijn R.
Published: June 2020

Plants have evolved robust mechanisms to cope with incidental variation (e.g. herbivory) and periodical variation (e.g. light/darkness during the day-night cycle) in their environment. It has been shown that a plant’s susceptibility to pathogens can vary during its day-night cycle. We demonstrated earlier that the spider mite Tetranychus urticae induces jasmonate- and salicylate-mediated defenses in tomato plants while the spider mite T. evansi suppresses these defenses probably by secreting salivary effector proteins. Here we compared induction/suppression of plant defenses; the expression of mite-effector genes and the amount of damage due to mite feeding during the day and during the night. T. urticae feeding upregulated the expression of jasmonate and salicylate marker-genes albeit significantly higher under light than under darkness. Some of these marker-genes were also upregulated by T. evansi-feeding albeit to much lower levels than by T. urticae-feeding. The expression of effector 28 was not affected by light or darkness in either mite species. However, the expression of effector 84 was considerably higher under light, especially for T. evansi. Finally, while T. evansi produced overall more feeding damage than T. urticae both mites produced consistently more damage during the dark phase than under light. Our results suggest that induced defenses are subject to diurnal variation possibly causing tomatoes to incur more damage due to mite-feeding during the dark phase. We speculate that mites, but especially T. evansi, may relax effector production during the dark phase because under these conditions the plant’s ability to upregulate defenses is reduced.