bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extinction and drug‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking following self‐administration or conditioned place preference in adolescent and adult rats
Authors: Guerin Alexandre A. , Zbukvic Isabel C. , Luikinga Sophia J. , Drummond Katherine D. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Madsen Heather B. , Kim Jee Hyun
Published: July 2020

Adolescence marks a particularly vulnerable period to developing substance use disorders, and people who start using drugs in adolescence are more likely to relapse. A limited number of studies have investigated age difference in relapse following re‐exposure to the drug after a period of abstinence. Using a cocaine self‐administration paradigm, we showed no age difference in acquisition or extinction of self‐administration. Interestingly, adolescent rats displayed impaired cocaine‐primed reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Using the same dose as that self‐administered in the first experiment, we then investigated age differences in acquisition and extinction of conditioned place preference, as well as locomotor sensitization. While there were no differences in locomotor activity or acquisition of preference, adolescents failed to extinguish their preference, even when the number of extinction sessions was doubled from what adults received. Taken together, these results suggest that while cocaine has similar rewarding and reinforcing effects regardless of age, adolescents may attribute stronger salience to the drug‐associated context. In addition, re‐exposure to cocaine itself may not be a strong relapse trigger in adolescence. Overall, these findings suggest that we should focus more on alleviating drug‐context salience compared to re‐exposure to substance in order to reduce relapse of drug seeking in adolescents.
Ancient drainage networks mediated a large‐scale genetic introgression in the East Asian freshwater snails
Authors: Miura Osamu , Urabe Misako , Mori Hideaki , Chiba Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Biogeography and genetic variation of freshwater organisms are influenced not only by current freshwater connections but also by past drainage networks. The Seto Inland Sea is a shallow enclosed sea in Japan, but geological evidence showed that a large freshwater drainage had intermittently appeared in this area between the late Pliocene and Pleistocene. Here, we demonstrated that this paleodrainage greatly affected the genetic variation of the East Asian freshwater snails,Semisulcospiraspp. We found that the mtDNA haplotypes originated in the Lake Biwa endemicSemisulcospiraspecies at the upstream side of the paleodrainage were frequently observed in the riverineSemisulcospiraspecies at its downstream side. The genome‐wide DNA and morphological analyses consistently showed that there was no clear evidence of nuclear introgression between the Lake Biwa endemics and riverine species. These results suggest that the large paleodrainage had facilitated mitochondrial introgression and had broadly spread the introgressed mtDNA haplotypes to its downstream region around the Seto Inland Sea. Our study highlights the role of paleodrainages in shaping the genetic variation of freshwater organisms.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Otolaryngology trainee education
Authors: Guo Theresa , Kiong Kimberley L. , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Windon Melina , Zebda Denna , Jozaghi Yelda , Zhao Xiao , Hessel Amy C. , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: July 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has reduced clinical volume with a negative impact on trainee education.

Methods

Survey study of Otolaryngology trainees in North America, during the COVID‐19 pandemic in April 2020.

Results

Of 216 respondents who accessed the survey, 175 (83%) completed the survey. Respondents reported a universal decrease in clinical activities (98.3%). Among participants who felt their program utilized technology well, there were significantly decreased concerns to receiving adequate educational knowledge (29.6% vs 65.2%, P = .003). However, 68% of trainees still expressed concern in ability to receive adequate surgical training. In addition, 54.7% of senior trainees felt that the pandemic had a negative impact on their ability to secure a job or fellowship after training.

Conclusions

Trainees universally felt a negative impact due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Use of technology was able to alleviate some concerns in gaining adequate educational knowledge, but decreased surgical training remained the most prevalent concern.
Perturbation of Specific Signaling Pathways Is Involved in Initiation of Mouse Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Liping , Guo Ping , Li Wenxue , Fang Fei , Zhu Wei , Fan Junling , Wang Fangping , Gao Yuanyuan , Zhao Qun , Wang Qing , Xiao Yongmei , Xing Xiumei , Li Daochuan , Shi Tieliu , Yu Dianke , Aschner Michael , Zhang Lihua , Chen Wen
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

To identify the regulatory role of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the development of liver disease, we generated a mouse model with hepatocyte‐specific deletion of Ppp2r1a gene (encoding PP2A Aα subunit).

Approach and Results

Homozygote (HO) mice and matched wild‐type littermates were investigated at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. Pathological examination showed that PP2A Aα deficiency in hepatocytes resulted in progressive liver fibrosis phenotype from 9 months of age. No hepatocyte death was observed in HO mice. However, perturbation of pathways including epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR1), amino acid metabolism, and translation factors as well as leptin and adiponectin led to pronounced hepatic fibrosis. In vitro studies demonstrated the involvement of specific B subunit complexes in the regulation of EGFR1 signaling pathway and cross talk between defected hepatocytes and stimulation of interstitial hyperplasia. It is noteworthy that HO mice failed to develop hepatocellular carcinoma for as long as 22 months of age. We further demonstrate that PP2A Aβ–containing holoenzymes played a critical role in preventing hepatocyte apoptosis and antagonizing tumorigenesis through specific pathways on Aα loss. Furthermore, PP2A Aα and Aβ were functionally distinct, and the Aβ isoform failed to substitute for Aα in the development of inflammation and liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

These observations identify pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and provide putative therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Effect of leverage deviation on choices and outcomes of public versus non‐public acquisitions
Authors: Ahmed Yousry , Elshandidy Tamer
Published: July 2020

This paper examines whether firms' deviation from target leverage may predict types and outcomes of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals. We find that over‐levered firms are more inclined to be involved in public acquisitions than non‐public acquisitions. Consistent with the proposition of information economics theory, our findings suggest that information asymmetry is the main motive behind over‐levered firms' preference for public targets. Specifically, we observe that over‐levered acquirers not only prefer public targets, but also pick those with less information asymmetry. We find that, in the short term, the market reacts negatively to the announcement of public acquisitions by over‐levered firms. However, in the long term these acquirers experience better operating synergies and values, measured by changes in return on assets and Tobin's q, respectively. Our results are robust after controlling for M&A deals‐, firm‐, industry‐characteristics and endogeneity concerns using both propensity score matching and Heckman two stage methods. Overall, our findings support the premises of agency theory and Uysal, Journal of Financial Economics (2011), 102, 602–620 view that over‐levered firms have a high tendency to pursue most value‐enhancing acquisition deals due to the high pressure of holding high levels of debt.
A systematic review of psychodynamic theories in community psychology: Discovering the unconscious in community work
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Tomai Manuela
Published: July 2020

The aim of this systematic review is to provide a narrative synthesis of the peer‐reviewed literature regarding the role of psychodynamics in community psychology. The authors screened 301 records on the topic, found in major citation databases (Scopus and Web of Science) without time or language restrictions. Ten articles addressing the review question were identified, showing the contributions of interpersonal psychoanalysis, Adlerian psychology, the Tavistock psychodynamic model, and Lacanian psychoanalysis. Several points of synergy between community psychology and psychodynamics were outlined mainly concerning empowerment theory, preventative and ecological perspective, power, and social order. Besides, the view on the community life, the role of emotion, and the conceptualization of the unconscious domain are discussed. Implications for community interventions are highlighted, regarding clients' demands, the role of community practitioners, and the use of transference/countertransference in consultative work. Limitations and future directions are also considered.
Evaluation of total phenol and flavonoid content and antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Trollius chinensis Bunge extracts on Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Jiang Min , Yan Li , Li Ke‐ao , Ji Zhi‐hong , Tian Shu‐ge
Published: July 2020

Dental caries is a chronic disease with multiple bacterial infections, Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic bacteria. Trollius chinensis Bunge is a common folk medicine in the Xinjiang area of China. In this study, we investigated the total flavonoid content and total phenol content in four types of T. chinensis Bunge extracts and the inhibitory effects of these extracts on S. mutans. Agar diffusion method was used to measure the inhibition zone diameters, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by the twofold dilution method. Water extracts from T. chinensis Bunge and ethanol (30, 60, and 90%) extracts at different concentrations could significantly inhibit the growth of S. mutans. Among them, 30% ethanol extract exhibited the best antibacterial and antibiofilms effect. Biofilm research (crystal violet staining and CLSM) showed that 30% ethanol extract of T. chinensis Bunge plays an important role in inhibiting S. mutans growth and the number of biofilms. The results indicate that T. chinensis Bunge extract has good antibacterial and anti‐biofilm activity on S. mutans. It has the potential to be developed for the treatment of caries in clinical application.
Arc‐transitive maps with underlying Rose Window graphs
Authors: Hubard Isabel , Ramos‐Rivera Alejandra , Šparl Primož
Published: July 2020

In the late 1990s, Graver and Watkins initiated the study of all edge‐transitive maps. Recently, Gareth Jones revisited the study of such maps and suggested classifying the maps in terms of either their automorphism groups or their underlying graphs. A natural step towards classifying edge‐transitive maps is to study the arc‐transitive ones. In this paper, we investigate the connection of a class of arc‐transitive maps to consistent cycles of the underlying graph, with special emphasis on maps of smallest possible valence, namely 4. We give a complete classification of arc‐transitive maps whose underlying graphs are arc‐transitive Rose Window graphs.
Development of homogeneous polyamine organocatalyst for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐substituted benzimidazole and benzoxazole derivatives
Authors: Kottayil Hiba , Machingal Shaibuna , Parackal B. Sherly mole , Alungal M. Shebitha , Theresa Letcy V. , Govindan Avudaiappan , Krishnapillai Sreekumar
Published: July 2020

A new polyamine was prepared by the ring opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin and properly characterized. The catalytic property of the prepared polymer was assessed by synthesizing 2‐aryl‐substituted benzimidazole and benzoxazole derivatives by the conjugation of o‐phenylenediamine/o‐aminophenol with various aromatic aldehydes in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. Significant attributes of the present synthesis include short reaction time, good to excellent yield, high purity, easy reusability, and room temperature reaction. The reaction was carried out in the absence of any metal catalyst and other cooxidants.
Discordance of COVID‐19 guidelines for patients with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Garg Pankaj Kumar , Kaul Pallvi , Choudhary Deepti , Turaga Kiran Kalyan , Singh Mahendra Pal , Tiwari Ajeet Ramamani , Arora Vipin , Agrawal Nishant , Rau Beat , Yendamuri Sai
Published: July 2020

This review was aimed to systematically evaluate the available literature on the impact of COVID‐19 on cancer care and to critically analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies suggested by various healthcare providers, societies, and institutions. Majority guidelines for various types of cancers favored a delay in treatment or a nonsurgical approach wherever feasible. These guidelines are based on a low level of evidence and have significant discordance for the role and timing of surgery, especially in early tumors.
Submental flap for vascularized lymph node transfer; a CTA‐based study on lymph node distribution
Authors: Paulus Vera A. A. , Winters Harm , Hummelink Stefan , Schulten Sascha , Ulrich Dietmar J. O. , Vasilic Dalibor
Published: July 2020

Background

Amongst various options of vascularized lymph node transfers, the submental flap has the lowest risk for iatrogenic lymphedema. The aim of this study was to gain insight into distribution, number, and size of lymph nodes along the mandible using computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

A total of 52 CTA scans of head/neck region were evaluated retrospectively. Lymph nodes in the submental and submandibular region, related to the origin of the submental artery, were recorded using a three‐dimensional coordinate system, and standardized using an iterative closest point algorithm. Results were analyzed for gender, location, size, and number.

Results

The mean number and size of lymph nodes were 5.30 ± 2.00 and 5.28 ± 1.29 mm, respectively. The mean distance of the lymph nodes to the origin of the submental artery was 25.53 ± 15.27 mm. There was no significant difference between both sides when comparing size (left: 5.39 ± 1.28; right: 5.17 ± 1.34; P = .19), number (left: 5.46 ± 2.10; right: 5.17 ± 1.96; P = .49), and distance (left: 24.78 ± 12.23; right: 26.32 ± 14.73; P = .19). No significance was found between males and females concerning number (P = .60), size (P = .50), and distance (P = .06).

Conclusion

The variance of lymph node distribution along the mandible may warrant conducting a CTA scan to maximize the number of transferred lymph nodes and aid in flap design.
Completion lymph node dissection in patients with sentinel lymph node positive cutaneous head and neck melanoma
Authors: Huang Kai , Misra Subhasis , Lemini Riccardo , Chen Yong , Speicher Leigh L. , Dawson Nancy L. , Tolaymat Leila M. , Bagaria Sanjay P. , Gabriel Emmanuel M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Relatively few cutaneous head and neck melanoma (CHNM) patients with were included in the multicenter selective lymphadenectomy trial II (MSLT‐II). Our objective was to investigate whether immediate completion lymph node dissection completion of lymph node dissection (CLND) was associated with survival benefit for sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive CHNM using the National Cancer Database.

Methods

SLN positive patients with CHNM from 2012 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent SLN biopsy (SLNB) only versus those who underwent SLNB followed by CLND (SLNB + CLND). The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 530 SLNB + patients, 342 patients underwent SLNB followed by CLND (SLNB + CLND). The SLNB only group had fewer positive SLN, less advanced pathologic stage, and a lower rate of adjuvant immunotherapy. There was no significant difference in 5‐year OS between the two groups (51.0% vs 67%; P = .56). After adjusting for pathologic stage, there remained no difference in 5‐year OS among patients with stage IIIA (63.0% vs. 73.6%, P = 0.22) or IIIB/IIIC disease (39.1% vs 57.8%; P = .52).

Conclusions

Using a large nationwide database, CLND was not shown to be associated with improved OS for patients with SLNB positive CHNM, validating the results of MSLT‐II.
Triple‐negative apocrine carcinoma: A rare pathologic subtype with a better prognosis than other triple‐negative breast cancers
Authors: Arciero Cletus A. , Diehl Albert H. , Liu Yuan , Sun Qin , Gillespie Theresa , Li Xiaoxian , Subhedar Preeti
Published: July 2020

Background and Methods

Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of breast cancer. We sought to compare the characteristics and survival of patients diagnosed with triple‐negative apocrine adenocarcinoma to those of patients diagnosed with triple‐negative invasive ductal carcinoma. Utilizing data from the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2013, 70 524 eligible female patients with triple‐negative breast cancer were identified including 566 patients with apocrine adenocarcinomas and 69 958 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. Descriptive statistics for each variable were reported. A comparison of each covariate between the study cohorts was assessed in univariate and multivariate analysis. Cox proportional models were used to calculate hazard ratios. Additionally, the propensity score matching method was implemented to reduce treatment selection bias.

Results

Patients with triple‐negative apocrine tumors were more likely to be older, Caucasian, and have smaller, moderately to well‐differentiated tumors. Multivariable analysis noted a significantly improved survival for patients with triple‐negative apocrine carcinoma (TNAC) vs triple‐negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TNBC) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65 [95% confidence interval [CI] [0.53‐0.81], P = 0 < .001). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed a significant difference in overall survival for patients with TNAC in comparison to TNBC (HR 0.79 [95% CI [0.63‐1.00], P = .05).

Discussion

Triple‐negative apocrine adenocarcinomas have a modestly improved long‐term survival when compared with triple‐negative invasive ductal cancers.
Upregulated METTL3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma enhances the motility of cancer cells
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Feng , Yang Jing , Wei Shu‐Pei , Luo Xing‐Gu , Jiang Qing‐Shan , Chen Tao , Gong Yong‐Qian
Published: July 2020

The roles of RNA m6A modification in carcinogenesis have attracted much interest recently. However, the dysregulation of RNA m6A regulators (writers, readers, and erasers) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has never been reported. In this study, we showed that METTL3, one of the writers, was upregulated in NPC. Functional studies revealed that METTL3 promoted the migration and invasion of NPC cells. However, METTL3 knockdown reversed this effect and inhibited the migration, invasion and metastasis of NPC cells. METTL3 activated the luciferase activity of TOPflash (a reporter for beta‐catenin/TCF signaling), and downregulation of METTL3 inhibited the expression of beta‐catenin/TCF target genes vimentin and N‐cadherin, which are two regulators of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Moreover, dominant negative beta‐catenin blocked the migration and invasion of NPC cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that METTL3 silencing decreased the m6A methylation and total mRNA levels of Tankyrase, a negative regulator of axin. Moreover, Tankyrase overexpression abrogated the repressive effects of METTL3 silencing on the migration of NPC cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates the oncogenic roles of METTL3 in NPC, and suggests that METTL3 might be a therapeutic target for NPC.
Two hyperspectral indices for detecting cadmium and lead contamination from arice canopy spectrum
Authors: Zhang Shuangyin , Fei Teng , You Xiang , Wan Yinkang , Wang Yunjiang , Bian Meng
Published: July 2020

Neither Cadmium (Cd) nor lead (Pb) is necessary for crop growth, and they both cause severe soil pollution in many countries. A cross‐stress experiment was designed to investigate the feasibility of diagnosing the type and the level of Cd–Pb cross‐stress by observing rice canopy hyperspectral images. Two‐way analysis of variance and random forest algorithm were employed to select the sensitive indices for Cd–Pb cross‐stress diagnosing. Following the exploration of bandwidth expansion from 1 to 20 nm, the final sensitive indices were proposed. We proposed two indices for distinguishing the two heavy metals named: the cadmium stress vegetation index (CSVI) and the lead stress vegetation index (LSVI). The diagnostic accuracies of CSVI distinguishing the four different Cd‐stressed levels (0, 2, 5, 8 mg L−1) reached 0.85, 0.92, 0.96, and 0.92, respectively, while the precision for four Pb‐stressed levels (0, 50, 100, 500 mg L−1) based on the LSVI were 0.92, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.96, respectively. The two indices are CSVI = [(R772 + R773 + R774 + … + R789) ‐ ( R754 + R755 + R756 + … + R771)]/18, LSVI = [(R711 + R712 + R713 + … + R718) – (R703 + R704 + R705 + … + R710)]/8, located in near‐infrared ranges with 18 and 8 nm bandwidth, respectively. Therefore, it was feasible to diagnose the type and the level of Cd–Pb cross‐stress by examining the hyperspectral dataset of the rice canopy. Finally, the experiment compared the diagnostic ability of the proposed indices with the typical spectral indices for the physiological characterization of rice. The results showed that the proposed indices had state‐of‐the‐art distinguishing accuracies.
Association of genetic variants at CETP, AGER, and CYP4F2 locus with the risk of atrophic age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Liutkeviciene Rasa , Vilkeviciute Alvita , Kriauciuniene Loresa , Banevicius Mantas , Budiene Brigita , Stanislovaitiene Daiva , Zemaitiene Reda , Deltuva Vytenis P.
Published: July 2020

Background

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly individuals. The etiology of AMD includes environmental and genetic factors.

Methods

We aimed to determine the association between CETP (rs5882; rs708272; rs3764261; rs1800775; rs2303790), AGER (rs1800624; rs1800625), and CYP4F2 (rs1558139) gene polymorphisms and development of atrophic AMD. About 52 patients with atrophic AMD and 800 healthy control subjects were evaluated. The genotyping of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in CETP, AGER, and CYP4F2 was carried out using the real‐time‐PCR method.

Results

Genetic risk models in the analysis of CETP rs5882 revealed statistically significant variables with increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant (p < .001), dominant (p < .001), recessive (p < .001), and additive (p < .001) models with the highest 25.4‐fold increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant model (p < .001). The AGER rs1800625 was associated with a highly increased risk of atrophic AMD in the codominant (p < .001), recessive (p < .001), and additive (p < .001) genetic models.

Conclusion

We identified two polymorphisms with a higher risk of atrophic AMD (CETP rs5882 and AGER rs1800625).
Superposition principle and composite solutions to coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Al Sakkaf Laila , Al Khawaja Usama
Published: July 2020

We show that the superposition principle applies to coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with cubic nonlinearity where exact solutions may be obtained as a linear combination of other exact solutions. This is possible due to the cancelation of cross terms in the nonlinear coupling. First, we show that a composite solution, which is a linear combination of the two components of a seed solution, is another solution to the same coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Then, we show that a linear combination of two composite solutions is also a solution to the same equation. With emphasis on the case of Manakov system of two‐coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations, the superposition is shown to be equivalent to a rotation operator in a two‐dimensional function space with components of the seed solution being its coordinates. Repeated application of the rotation operator, starting with a specific seed solution, generates a series of composite solutions, which may be represented by a generalized solution that defines a family of composite solutions. Applying the rotation operator to almost all known exact seed solutions of the Manakov system, we obtain for each seed solution the corresponding family of composite solutions. Composite solutions turn out, in general, to possess interesting features that do not exist in the seed solution. Using symmetry reductions, we show that the method applies also to systems of N‐coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Specific examples for the three‐coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation are given.
Promoting engagement in physical activity in early rheumatoid arthritis: A proof‐of‐concept intervention study
Authors: Cramp Fiona , Thomas Rachel , Haase Anne M. , Domaille Melissa , Manns Sarah , Swales Caroline , Hurfurt Judy , Walsh Nicola E.
Published: July 2020

Objective(s)

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of promoting engagement in physical activity in early rheumatoid arthritis (PEPA‐RA) to inform a future trial.

Design

A ‘proof of concept’ study was carried out.

Setting

This study was conducted in community hospitals delivered by musculoskeletal primary care physiotherapists.

Participants

Participants were 12 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed 6–24 months previously (nine females, three males; mean age 58 years, range 23–79).

Intervention

The intervention consisted of five sessions, that is, four group sessions and one individual session facilitated by a physiotherapist over 12 weeks including patient education and support for behaviour change as well as supervised practical exercise.

Main outcomes

The main outcomes were attendance, completion of outcome measures, adverse events, and participant and physiotherapist feedback views relating to the intervention.

Results

Overall attendance was 85%, with sessions missed due to illness or RA flare. Outcome measure completion ranged from 83% to 100%. There were no clinically meaningful changes in pain or function at 12 weeks, but mean 6‐min walk distance improved from 394 to 440 m. No serious adverse events were reported, and participants were generally positive about the intervention. Suggested minor modifications for the group sessions included venue accessibility and ensuring that physical activity time was protected. Several participants indicated that they would have liked to receive the intervention earlier following diagnosis.

Conclusions

PEPA‐RA and the outcomes appear feasible and acceptable. Overall, small beneficial effects were noted at 12 weeks for most outcomes. Challenges to recruitment resulted in a smaller than anticipated sample size, and the majority of participants were active at baseline indicating that future recruitment needs to target less active individuals.
Fast quantitative three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time (UTE) Cones magnetic resonance imaging of major tissues in the knee joint using extended sprial sampling
Authors: Wan Lidi , Ma Yajun , Yang Jiawei , Jerban Saeed , Searleman Adam C. , Carl Michael , Le Nicole , Chang Eric Y. , Tang Guangyu , Du Jiang
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of extending the spiral sampling window on quantitative 3D ultrashort echo time (UTE) Cones imaging of major knee joint tissues including articular cartilage, menisci, tendons and ligaments at 3 T. Nine cadaveric human whole knee specimens were imaged on a 3 T clinical MRI scanner. A series of quantitative 3D UTE Cones imaging biomarkers including T2*, T1, adiabatic T1ρ, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and macromolecular fraction (MMF) were estimated using spiral sampling trajectories with various durations. Errors in UTE MRI biomarkers as a function of sampling time were evaluated using a nonstretched spiral trajectory as a reference standard. No significant differences were observed by increasing the spiral sampling window from 1116 to 2232 μs in the calculated T2*, T1, adiabatic T1ρ, MTR and MMF, as all P‐values were over .05 as assessed by ANOVA with two‐sided Dunnett's test. Although extending the sampling window results in signal loss for short T2 components, there was limited effect on the calculated quantitative biomarkers, with error percentages typically smaller than 5% in all the evaluated tissues. The total scan time can be reduced by up to 54% with quantification errors of less than 5% in any evaluated major tissue in the knee joint, suggesting that 3D UTE Cones MRI techniques can be greatly accelerated by using a longer spiral sampling window without causing additional quantitative bias.
Direct generation of electrospun branched nanofibers for energy harvesting
Authors: Zaarour Bilal , Zhu Lei , Jin Xiangyu
Published: July 2020

Tailoring the surface morphology of fibers has been attracting unlimited attention in various areas. In this work, branched polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers are directly electrospun with a diameter of less than 40 nm using a tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) at the relative humidity (RH) of 10%. The formation mechanism of the branched structure is demonstrated. The mechanical properties, crystalline phases, and piezoelectric properties of the branched nanofibers are investigated. The results show that the branched PVDF nanofibers have excellent mechanical properties, high crystallinity, supreme β‐phase content (F[β]), as well as outstanding electrical outputs. We believe this work can be used as a good reference for the preparation, characterization, and application of the branched structure for energy harvesting.
In vitro stem cell modelling demonstrates a proof‐of‐concept for excess functional mutant TIMP3 as the cause of Sorsby fundus dystrophy
Authors: Hongisto Heidi , Dewing Jennifer M , Christensen David RG , Scott Jennifer , Cree Angela J , Nättinen Janika , Määttä Juha , Jylhä Antti , Aapola Ulla , Uusitalo Hannu , Kaarniranta Kai , Ratnayaka J Arjuna , Skottman Heli , Lotery Andrew J
Published: July 2020

Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease of the macula that leads to bilateral loss of central vision and is caused by mutations in the TIMP3 gene. However, the mechanisms by which TIMP3 mutations cause SFD are poorly understood. Here, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived retinal pigmented epithelial (hiPSC‐RPE) cells from three SFD patients carrying TIMP3 p.(Ser204Cys) and three non‐affected controls to study disease‐related structural and functional differences in the RPE. SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE exhibited characteristic RPE structure and physiology but showed significantly reduced transepithelial electrical resistance associated with enriched expression of cytoskeletal remodelling proteins. SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE exhibited basolateral accumulation of TIMP3 monomers, despite no change in TIMP3 gene expression. TIMP3 dimers were observed in both SFD and control hiPSC‐RPE, suggesting that mutant TIMP3 dimerisation does not drive SFD pathology. Furthermore, mutant TIMP3 retained matrix metalloproteinase activity. Proteomic profiling showed increased expression of ECM proteins, endothelial cell interactions and angiogenesis‐related pathways in SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE. By contrast, there were no changes in VEGF secretion. However, SFD‐hiPSC‐RPE secreted higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, PDGF and angiogenin. Our findings provide a proof‐of‐concept that SFD patient‐derived hiPSC‐RPE mimic mature RPE cells and support the hypothesis that excess accumulation of mutant TIMP3, rather than an absence or deficiency of functional TIMP3, drives ECM and angiogenesis‐related changes in SFD. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Withaferin A nanoparticles extracted from Withania somnifera by the expansion of supercritical fluid solution
Authors: Karimi Mehrnaz , Raofie Farhad
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. is a plant with several important medicinal properties that have long been used in traditional therapy to treat some diseases.

Objective

Micronisation reduces the particle size, which increases the bioavailability. In this study, due to the great potential of Withaferin A in the treatment of diseases, the nanoparticle formation of Withaferin A extracted from Withania somnifera, was considered.

Methodology

In the first step, the experimental parameters of supercritical fluid extraction of W. somnifera were optimised by central composite design (CCD). Then, the herbal extract was micronised using a new, repeatable, and robust method in terms of the expansion of carbon dioxide supercritical solvent. Also, the parameters of the experiment were optimised with the Draper‐Lin small composite designs. Moreover, we identified Withaferin A nanoparticle in the extracted samples by utilising liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and the obtained precipitates were characterised using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).

Results

The optimal conditions of the experiment were as follows: pressure drop 254 atm, at the temperature of 53°C, equilibrium time 23 min, and collection time 57 min. Based on the observed results, the optimum points for the size and number of Withaferin A nanoparticles were predicted as 5 and 5842 nm, respectively.

Conclusion

The nanoparticle production was accomplished through the expansion of supercritical solution, while the speed of expansion was much lower compared to the ordinary rapid expansion of supercritical solution (RESS) methods. Also, the nanonisation conditions, especially the pressure drop, significantly affected the formation of nanoparticles.
Attitudes towards being assessed in group work: The effects of self‐efficacy and collective efficacy moderated by a short educational intervention
Authors: Rosander Michael , Forslund Frykedal Karin , Hammar Chiriac Eva
Published: July 2020

Being assessed in group work is a balance between cooperation and competition. Self‐efficacy and collective efficacy are important concepts in understanding how group work progresses and what attitudes assessment evokes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a short educational intervention on the association between efficacy beliefs and attitudes towards being assessed in group work. In a randomized, controlled study of 22 pupil work groups, half of them got a short educational intervention. The work groups were formed for this study. The pupils answered a questionnaire before the intervention and after doing group work for 3 to 6 weeks with a study‐specific task. A moderated mediation analysis showed that attitudes towards being assessed in group work significantly are related to self‐efficacy mediated through perceived collective efficacy and that this relationship is stronger in the intervention group. In the context of work group assessment, we have shown that self‐efficacy and collective efficacy are two separate, but related concepts that are dependent on each other when it comes to pupil attitudes towards group work assessment, and that a relatively short educational intervention to teachers and pupils had an effect on the attitude. However, the older girls' attitude towards group work assessment was the least positive of all, which may indicate that the intervention depends on gender and age.
Insights Into the Hematopoietic Regulatory Activities of Osteoblast by Secretomics
Authors: Hovey Owen , Pasha Roya , Lehmann Zoe , Pineault Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Osteoblasts are a key component of the endosteal hematopoietic stem cell niche and are recognized with strong hematopoietic supporting activity. Similarly, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)‐derived osteoblast (M‐OST) conditioned media (OCM) enhance the growth of hematopoietic progenitors in culture and modulate their engraftment activity. This article aims to characterize the hematopoietic supporting activity of OCM by comparing the secretome of M‐OST to that of their precursor. Over 300 proteins are quantified by mass spectroscopy in media conditioned with MSC or M‐OST, with 47 being differentially expressed. Growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, and proteins from the complement pathways are included. The functional contribution of selected proteins on the growth and differentiation of cord blood (CB) progenitors is tested. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine and Galectin 3 (Gal3) have little impact on the growth of CB cells in serum‐free medium (SFM). In contrast, inhibition of the complement 3A receptor (C3a‐R) present on CB progenitors significantly reduces the growth of CD34+ cells in OCM cultures but not in SFM. These results provide new insights into changes in factors released by MSC undergoing osteoblast differentiation, and on paracrine factors that are partially responsible for the hematopoietic supporting activity of osteoblasts.
The association between secondhand smoke and childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: He Zonglin , Wu Huailiang , Zhang Siyu , Lin Yuchen , Li Rui , Xie Lijie , Li Zibo , Sun Weiwei , Huang Xinyu , Zhang Casper J. P. , Ming Wai‐kit
Published: July 2020

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure can trigger asthma exacerbations in children. Different studies have linked increased asthma symptoms and even deaths in children with SHS, but the risk has not been quantified uniformly across studies. We aimed to investigate the role of SHS exposure as a risk factor of asthma among children.

Methods

We performed a systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from June 1975 to 10 March 2020. We included cohort, case‐control, and cross‐sectional studies reporting odds ratio (OR) or relative risk estimates and confidence intervals of all types of SHS exposure and childhood asthma.

Results

Of the 26 970 studies identified, we included 93 eligible studies (42 cross‐sectional, 41 cohort, and 10 case‐control) in the meta‐analysis. There were significantly positive associations between SHS exposure and doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20‐1.28), wheezing (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.23‐1.32) and asthma‐like syndrome (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.34‐1.64). The funnel plots of all three outcomes skewed to the right, indicating that the studies generally favor a positive association of the disease with tobacco exposure. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that younger children tended to suffer more from developing doctor‐diagnosed asthma, but older children (adolescents) suffered more from wheezing. There was no evidence of significant publication or small study bias using Egger's and Begg's tests.

Conclusion

The results show a positive association between prenatal and postnatal secondhand smoking exposure and the occurrence of childhood asthma, asthma‐like syndrome, and wheezing. These results lend support to continued efforts to reduce childhood exposure to secondhand smoke.
The efficacy of steroids in reducing morbidity and mortality from extreme hyperthermia and heatstroke—A systematic review
Authors: Walter Edward , Gibson Oliver R.
Published: July 2020

Severe hyperthermia from classical or exertional heatstroke, or from drug ingestion or other noninfective pyrogens, is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. A systemic pro‐inflammatory response occurs during heatstroke, characterized by elevated cytokines with endotoxemia from elevated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Corticosteroids reduce LPS and cytokine levels, suggesting that they may improve outcome. A systematic review searching Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed from the earliest date available until September 2019 was conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines, with five papers identified. In four studies, systemic steroids administered before or at the onset of heat stress improved mortality or reduced organ dysfunction. Survival time was greatest when steroid administration preceded heat stress. In one study, a nonsignificant increase in mortality was seen. A dose response was observed, with higher doses extending survival time. Animal studies suggest that steroids improve mortality and/or organ dysfunction after an episode of heat stress or extreme hyperthermia.
Zonotopic reachable set estimation for linear discrete‐time systems with time delay
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wang Zhenhua , Tang Wentao , Feng Zhiguang , Shen Yi
Published: July 2020

This article studies reachable set estimation for linear discrete‐time systems with time delay, which are influenced by unknown but bounded disturbances. We propose a novel reachable set estimation method based on zonotopes for the considered systems. The proposed method can estimate real‐time reachable set under nonzero initial conditions. In order to increase estimation accuracy, we propose an iterative method to reduce the conservatism caused by the couplings between reachable sets at different instants. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by three numerical simulations.
Adaptive finite‐time neural backstepping control for multi‐input and multi‐output state‐constrained nonlinear systems using tangent‐type nonlinear mapping
Authors: Wei Yan , Zhou Pingfang , Liang Yinzheng , Wang Yueying , Duan Dengping
Published: July 2020

This article focuses on the problem of adaptive finite‐time neural backstepping control for multi‐input and multi‐output nonlinear systems with time‐varying full‐state constraints and uncertainties. A tan‐type nonlinear mapping function is first proposed to convert the strict‐feedback system into a new pure‐feedback one without constraints. Neural networks are utilized to cope with unknown functions. To improve learning performance, a composite adaptive law is designed using tracking error and approximate error. A finite‐time convergent differentiator is adopted to avoid the problem of “explosion of complexity.” By theoretical analysis, all the signals of system are proved to be bounded, the outputs can track the desired signals in a finite time, and full‐state constraints are not transgressed. Finally, comparative simulations are offered to confirm the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Finding the place of argumentation in science education: Epistemics and Whole Science
Authors: Allchin Douglas , Zemplén Gábor Á.
Published: July 2020

Argumentation constitutes an important element in nature of science education. However, its virtues and scope can be overstated. Here, we survey in detail the place of argumentation in science education. Our benchmark is the range of epistemic processes relevant to citizens and consumers as they assess the reliability of scientific claims in personal and public decision making. We consider multiple epistemic stages in the development (or ontogeny) of such claims: (a) observation and material investigation; (b) the crafting of concepts through individual cognition; (c) the checks and balances of the scientific community; (d) the challenges of credibility and expertise in a cultural context; and (e) the interpretation of “science in the wild,” where authentic scientific claims mingle with imitators and misinformation on the Internet and social media and in public discourse. We conclude that many conventional rationalist assumptions haunt current approaches to argumentation and limit its effectiveness, especially in the implicit goal of achieving intellectual independence for students as autonomous scientific agents. A more fruitful approach, from the perspective of functional scientific literacy, is a Whole Science perspective, which gives full expression to the spectrum of epistemic processes in science and science communication.
Evidence of the environmental Kuznets curve for atmospheric pollutant emissions in Southeast Asia and implications for sustainable development: A spatial econometric approach
Authors: Fong Letisha S. , Salvo Alberto , Taylor David
Published: July 2020

Southeast Asia has one of the fastest rates of industrialisation and urbanisation in the world. While this has brought economic benefits to the region, it has also resulted in considerable environmental and health impacts associated with air pollution. This study presents the first spatial econometric assessment of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for Southeast Asia. Spatial panels, while important in studies involving geographical units, have, to date, been underutilised in many EKC studies. In this study, the income–pollution trajectories of three air pollutants—nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—are examined through standard and spatial EKC models that regress per capita emissions on several socioeconomic indicators. The econometric assessment utilises data from 1993 to 2012 for nine Southeast Asian countries at varying levels of economic development. An inverted U‐shaped curve is found for all pollutants, thus confirming the existence of an EKC. Spatial spillovers are not found for NOx emissions but are supported for SO2 and PM2.5 emissions. While an EKC is supported, most countries are still on the upward sloping portion of the inverted U‐shaped curve. This highlights the urgent need to establish and enforce effective policies to abate emissions in light of the current extent of health issues associated with ambient air pollution in the region. In particular, results presented here point to policies that increase the share of renewable energy as a potentially effective emissions abatement strategy as policymakers in the region attempt to steer a path towards sustainable development.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Some New 2‐Benzyloxy‐5‐alkyne Substituted Pyrimidines: An Application to Sonogashira Coupling
Authors: Reddy Onteddu Surendranatha , Ramana Mutchu Baby , Durga Thripuram Vijaya , Chandu Basavaiah , Lakshmi Chavakula Rajya , Rayalu Golkonda Mokesh , Kotra Vijay , Babu Bollikolla Hari
Published: July 2020

Sonogashira coupling between diversely substituted 2‐benzyloxy‐5‐bromopyrimidines and various aryl and aliphatic alkynes in the presence of catalytic amount of PdCl2(PPh3)2 with diethylamine and CuI as a co catalyst in THF at 60 °C afforded 17 new 2‐benzyloxy‐5‐alkyne substituted pyrimidines in good yields (85–94 %). The cytotoxic activity of resulted compounds were evaluated against A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line), HepG2 (Human liver cancer cell line) and HCT116 (Human colon cancer cell line) cancer cell lines. Some of the 2‐benzyloxy‐5‐alkyne pyrimidines synthesized were found to be shown moderate in vitro cytotoxic activity against A549 cell line.
Microscopic Distribution of Chemical Constituents in the Interlayer Space of OTAC Intercalated Montmorillonite Complex:Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Qiu J. , Liu D. , Chen G. , Wang Y. , Jiang S. , Wu P. , Wang G. , Lyu X.
Published: July 2020

This work employs molecular simulation to study the microscopic distribution of chemical constituents in the interlayer of octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC) intercalated montmorillonite (MMT) complex. The results show that in the anhydrous MMT interlayers, the atoms of Co, Ho and No (C, H and N in OTAC) change from double‐layer to uneven multi‐layer distribution as the charge density of MMT increases, Ot (O in tetrahedron sheets) and No coordinate at the distance of 4.5 Å, the position of Co and Ho are closer to the siloxane surfaces than that of No, and the diffusivity of them decreases with the increase of charge density. In the hydrous MMT interlayers, the atoms of Co, Ho and No distribute in multiple layers along Z‐axis, the diffusivity of No is higher than that in the absence of water, but as for Co and Ho, only when charge density of MMT is low, the diffusivity of them is higher than that in the absence of water, and OTAC exhibit obvious three‐four‐five layers and six inclined layers arrangement between MMT layers with the increase of charge density.