bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.) control in fallow
Authors: Thorne Mark E. , Lyon Drew J.
Published: October 2021

Rush skeletonweed is an invasive weed in winter wheat (WW)/summer fallow (SF) rotations in the low to intermediate rainfall areas of the inland Pacific Northwest. Standard weed control practices are not effective, resulting in additional SF tillage or herbicide applications. The objective of this field research was to identify herbicide treatments that control rush skeletonweed during the SF phase of the WW/SF rotation. Trials were conducted near LaCrosse, WA, in 2017–2019 and 2018–2020, and near Hay, WA, in 2018–2020. The LaCrosse 2017–2019 trial was in tilled SF; the other two trials were in no-till SF. Fall postharvest applications in October included clopyralid, clopyralid plus 2,4-D, clopyralid plus 2,4-D plus chlorsulfuron plus metsulfuron, aminopyralid, picloram, and glyphosate plus 2,4-D. Spring treatments of clopyralid, aminopyralid, and glyphosate were applied to rush skeletonweed rosettes. Summer treatments of 2,4-D were applied when rush skeletonweed initiated bolting. Plant density was monitored through the SF phase in all plots. Picloram provided complete control of rush skeletonweed through June at all three locations. Fall-applied clopyralid, clopyralid plus 2,4-D, and clopyralid followed by 2,4-D in summer reduced rush skeletonweed through June at the two LaCrosse sites but were ineffective at Hay. In August, just prior to WW seeding, the greatest reductions in rush skeletonweed density were achieved with picloram and fall-applied clopyralid at the two LaCrosse sites. No treatments provided effective control into August at Hay. Wheat yield in the next crop compared to the nontreated control was reduced only at one LaCrosse site by a spring-applied aminopyralid treatment, otherwise no other reductions were found. Long-term control of rush skeletonweed in WW/SF may be achieved by a combination of fall application of picloram, after wheat harvest, followed by an effective burn-down treatment in August prior to WW seeding.
Emergence pattern and periodicity of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) populations from southcentral Great Plains
Authors: Liu Rui , Kumar Vipan , Jha Prashant , Stahlman Phillip W.
Published: October 2021

Evolution of multiple herbicide–resistant Palmer amaranth warrants the development of integrated strategies for its control in the southcentral Great Plains (SGP). To develop effective control strategies, a better understanding of the emergence biology of Palmer amaranth populations from the SGP region is needed. A common garden study was conducted in a no-till (NT) fallow field at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, to determine the emergence pattern and periodicity of Palmer amaranth populations collected from the SGP region. Nine Palmer amaranth populations collected from five states were included: Colorado (CO1, CO2), Oklahoma (OK), Kansas (KS1, KS2), Texas (TX), and Nebraska (NE1, NE2, NE3). During the 2018 growing season, the CO1 and KS1 populations displayed more rapid emergence rates, with greater parameter b values (−5.4, and −5.3, respectively), whereas the TX and NE3 populations had the highest emergence rates (b = −12.2) in the 2019 growing season. The cumulative growing degree days (cGDD) required to achieve 10%, 50%, and 90% cumulative emergence ranged from 125 to 144, 190 to 254, and 285 to 445 in 2018; and 54 to 74, 88 to 160, and 105 to 420 in the 2019 growing season across all tested populations, respectively. The OK population exhibited the longest emergence duration (301 and 359 cGDD) in both growing seasons. All tested Palmer amaranth populations had a peak emergence period between May 11 and June 8 in 2018, and April 30 and June 1 in the 2019 growing season. Altogether, these results indicate the existence of differential emergence pattern and peak emergence periods of geographically distant Palmer amaranth populations from the SGP region. This information will help in developing prediction models for decision-making tools to manage Palmer amaranth in the region.
Investigation of the blood proteome in response to spinal cord injury in rodent models
Authors: Hulme Charlotte H. , Fuller Heidi R. , Riddell John , Shirran Sally L. , Botting Catherine H. , Osman Aheed , Wright Karina T.
Published: October 2021

Study design

Explanatory and mechanistic study.

Objectives

A better understanding of the ‘whole-body’ response following spinal cord injury (SCI) is needed to guide future research aimed at developing novel therapeutic interventions and identifying prognostic indicators for SCI. This study aimed to characterise the blood proteome following contusion or complete SCI compared to a sham injury in rat models.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Methods

Pooled blood samples from one and seven days after a contusion (serum;n = 5) or from 14 days and 112 days post-complete transection SCI (plasma;n = 8) and their sham-injured counterparts were subjected to independent iTRAQ nanoflow liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry proteomic analyses. Pathway analyses of the proteins that were differentially abundant between SCI and their matched sham injured counterparts were completed to indicate biological pathways that may be changed in response to SCI.

Results

Eleven and 42 proteins were differentially abundant (≥±2.0 FC;p ≤ 0.05) between the contusion SCI and sham injured animals at 24 h and seven days post-injury, respectively. Seven and tweleve proteins were differentially abundant between complete and sham injured rats at 14 and 112 days post-injury, respectively. Acute-phase response signalling and Liver X Receptor/Retinoic X Receptor activation were identified as differentially regulated pathways in both models of SCI.

Conclusions

We have utilised longitudinal preclinical SCI models to provide an insight into the blood proteome changes that result following SCI and to highlight a number of biological pathways of interest for future studies.
Real-world experience of CPX-351 as first-line treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rautenberg Christina , Stölzel Friedrich , Röllig Christoph , Stelljes Matthias , Gaidzik Verena , Lauseker Michael , Kriege Oliver , Verbeek Mareike , Unglaub Julia Marie , Thol Felicitas , Krause Stefan W. , Hänel Mathias , Neuerburg Charlotte , Vucinic Vladan , Jehn Christian-Friedrich , Severmann Julia , Wass Maxi , Fransecky Lars , Chemnitz Jens , Holtick Udo , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Schröder Josephine , Kraus Sabrina , Krüger William , Kaiser Ulrich , Scholl Sebastian , Koch Kathrin , Henning Lea , Kobbe Guido , Haas Rainer , Alakel Nael , Röhnert Maximilian-Alexander , Sockel Katja , Hanoun Maher , Platzbecker Uwe , Holderried Tobias A. W. , Morgner Anke , Heuser Michael , Sauer Tim , Götze Katharina S. , Wagner-Drouet Eva , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Schliemann Christoph , Schetelig Johannes , Bornhäuser Martin , Germing Ulrich , Schroeder Thomas , Middeke Jan Moritz
Published: October 2021

To investigate the efficacy and toxicities of CPX-351 outside a clinical trial, we analyzed 188 patients (median age 65 years, range 26–80) treated for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML, 29%) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC, 70%). Eighty-six percent received one, 14% two induction cycles, and 10% received consolidation (representing 22% of patients with CR/CRi) with CPX-351. Following induction, CR/CRi rate was 47% including 64% of patients with available information achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity (<10−3) as measured by flow cytometry. After a median follow-up of 9.3 months, median overall survival (OS) was 21 months and 1-year OS rate 64%. In multivariate analysis, complex karyotype predicted lower response (p = 0.0001), while pretreatment with hypomethylating agents (p = 0.02) and adverse European LeukemiaNet 2017 genetic risk (p < 0.0001) were associated with lower OS. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) was performed in 116 patients (62%) resulting in promising outcome (median survival not reached, 1-year OS 73%), especially in MRD-negative patients (p = 0.048). With 69% of patients developing grade III/IV non-hematologic toxicity following induction and a day 30-mortality of 8% the safety profile was consistent with previous findings. These real-world data confirm CPX-351 as efficient treatment for these high-risk AML patients facilitating allo-HCT in many patients with promising outcome after transplantation.
LHPP suppresses colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting Smad3 phosphorylation in the TGF-β pathway
Authors: Hou Bin , Li Wenhan , Xia Peng , Zhao Fengyu , Liu Zhao , Zeng Qingnuo , Wang Shilong , Chang Dongmin
Published: October 2021

The roles of phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) in tumorigenesis have been recently proven in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cervical, pancreatic, bladder, and thyroid cancers. Previous research demonstrated thatLHPPrepressed cell proliferation and growth by inactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKTsignaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. However, the functions and potential mechanisms ofLHPPas a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis are still unknown. Consequently, the Transwell assay and xenograft nude model showed thatLHPPinhibited migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The expression of total and nuclear epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were significantly reduced afterLHPPupregulation. Human Gene Expression Array and IPA (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) commercial software were applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and potential cell signaling pathways. A total of 330 different genes were observed, including 177 upregulated genes and 153 downregulated genes. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway was highly inactivated in this study. Then, Smad3 phosphorylation was apparently decreased, whereas Smad7 expression was markedly enhanced after upregulatingLHPPexpression. These results were proven once again after TGF-β1 stimulation. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor of Smad3 phosphorylation (SIS3) was applied to verify thatLHPPrepressed EMT of cancer cells by attenuating TGF-β/Smad signaling. The results suggested that suppression of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway byLHPPoverexpression could be abolished by SIS3.
AI-based design of a nuclear reactor core
Authors: Sobes Vladimir , Hiscox Briana , Popov Emilian , Archibald Rick , Hauck Cory , Betzler Ben , Terrani Kurt
Published: October 2021

The authors developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm for the design and optimization of a nuclear reactor core based on a flexible geometry and demonstrated a 3× improvement in the selected performance metric: temperature peaking factor. The rapid development of advanced, and specifically, additive manufacturing (3-D printing) and its introduction into advanced nuclear core design through the Transformational Challenge Reactor program have presented the opportunity to explore the arbitrary geometry design of nuclear-heated structures. The primary challenge is that the arbitrary geometry design space is vast and requires the computational evaluation of many candidate designs, and the multiphysics simulation of nuclear systems is very time-intensive. Therefore, the authors developed a machine learning-based multiphysics emulator and evaluated thousands of candidate geometries on Summit, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s leadership class supercomputer. The results presented in this work demonstrate temperature distribution smoothing in a nuclear reactor core through the manipulation of the geometry, which is traditionally achieved in light water reactors through variable assembly loading in the axial direction and fuel shuffling during refueling in the radial direction. The conclusions discuss the future implications for nuclear systems design with arbitrary geometry and the potential for AI-based autonomous design algorithms.
Irreversibility effects in peristaltic transport of hybrid nanomaterial in the presence of heat absorption
Authors: Sheriff Samreen , Ahmad S. , Mir N. A.
Published: October 2021

The nano heat transport has gained much significance in recent era. The micro-level devices are enganged succssfully in diverse fields like electronics, biomedical, navel structures, manufacturing, transportation, and automotive industries in order to improve the heat transfer for cooling and heating. Owing to this fact, the current article illustrates the features of irreversibility and thermal jump in peristaltic transport of hybrid nanoliquid. Here, water is used as base liquid while nanoparticles include polystyrene and graphene oxide. The flow is carried out in a non-uniform channel where the walls of channel flexible nature. Additionally, magnetic field impacts on flow and Joule heating analysis are examined. The aspect featuring heat absorption is introduced. Nanoparticle's shapes effect is also incorporated in flow analysis. Under the consideration of small Rynold number and long wavelength, the relevent equations are reduced by implementing non-dimensional variables. Involved pertinent parameters influence the peristaltic flow characteristics are displayed graphically and discussed concisely. The result indicates that temperature curves are dominant for pure water as compared to P/water nanofluid and P-GO/water hybrid nanofluid. Moreover, the convergent channel shows least entropy effects and extreme effects are noted for divergent case whereas uniform channel stays behind the divergent one.
Determining the immune environment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma lesions through the assessment of lesional blood drops
Authors: Torii Kan , Okada Yukinori , Morita Akimichi
Published: October 2021

Detailed analysis of the cells that infiltrate lesional skin cannot be performed in skin biopsy specimens using immunohistochemistry or cell separation techniques because enzyme treatments applied during the isolation step can destroy small amounts of protein and minor cell populations in the biopsy specimen. Here, we describe a method for isolating T cells from drops of whole blood obtained from lesions during skin biopsy in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Lesional blood is assumed to contain lesional resident cells, cells from capillary vessels, and blood overflowing from capillary vessels into the lesion area. The lesional blood showed substantial increases in distinct cell populations, chemokines, and the expression of various genes. The proportion of CD8+CD45RO+T cells in the lesional blood negatively correlated with the modified severity-weighted assessment tool scores. CD4+CD45RO+T cells in the lesional blood expressed genes associated with the development of cancer and progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In addition, CD8+CD45RO+T cells in lesional blood had unique T-cell receptor repertoires in lesions of each stage. Assessment of lesional blood drops might provide new insight into the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides and facilitate evaluation of the treatment efficacy for mycosis fungoides as well as other skin inflammatory diseases.
Barriers to cognitive screening in acute stroke units
Authors: Abzhandadze Tamar , Buvarp Dongni , Lundgren-Nilsson Åsa , Sunnerhagen Katharina S.
Published: October 2021

Cognitive impairment is common after stroke. However, not all patients with stroke undergo cognitive screening, despite recommendations. The aim of this retrospective, explorative study was to examine the barriers to cognitive screening in acute stroke units. Data were retrieved from two Swedish Stroke registries. The outcome variable was cognitive screening during the stay at acute stroke units. Forty-three candidate explanatory variables were considered for analysis, encompassing sociodemographic factors and stroke-related outcomes during the stay at acute stroke units. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and decision-tree methods were used. Of the 1120 patients (56% male, mean age: 72 years, 50% with mild stroke), 44% did not undergo cognitive screening. Walking 10 m post-stroke was the most important attribute for decisions regarding cognitive screening. The classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model were 70% (95% CI 63–75%), 71% (63–78%), and 67% (55–77%), respectively. Patient-related parameters that influenced cognitive screening with a valid and reliable screening instrument in acute stroke units included new stroke during the hospitalisation, aphasia at admission, mobility problems, impaired verbal output skills, and planned discharge to another care facility. The barriers to cognitive screening were both patient- and organisation-related, suggesting the need for patient-tailored cognitive screening tools as well as the implementation and systematic adherence to guidelines.
Myricetin ameliorates ox-LDL-induced HUVECs apoptosis and inflammation via lncRNA GAS5 upregulating the expression of miR-29a-3p
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Liu Xiankun , Chen Qingliang , Chen Tongyun , Jiang Nan , Guo Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cell dysfunction is a significant event in the progression of atherosclerosis. Even Myricetin (Myr) has been exhibited strong antioxidant potency, the effect on atherosclerosis is still elusive. HUVECs were subjected to ox-LDL, before which cells were preconditioned with Myr. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were carried out to assess the impacts of ox-LDL and Myr on HUVECs. The expression of EndMT markers was determined by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. In addition, the relationship of GAS5 and miR-29a-3p was evaluated by RNA Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Myr preconditioning prevented ox-LDL-induced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and EndMT. GAS5 was upregulated in response to ox-LDL while it was down-regulated by Myr preconditioning. GAS5 over-expression attenuates Myr protective effects against ox-LDL–mediated HUVEC injury. Besides, miR-29a-3p is a target of GAS5 and down-regulated miR-29a-3p could further reduce the effects of GAS5 in ox-LDL–mediated HUVEC. Furthermore, Myr inactivated the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway in ox-LDL-treated HUVEC by down-regulating GAS5 or upregulating miR-26a-5p. Myr possessed an anti-inflammatory and anti-EndMT function against ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the GAS5/miR-29a-3p, indicating that Myr may have an important therapeutic function for atherosclerosis.
Factors associated with assisted ventilation use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
Authors: Yoon Seo Yeon , Kim Han-Kyoul , Kim Mi Ji , Suh Jee Hyun , Leigh Ja-Ho
Published: October 2021

Few studies have investigated the factors associated with assisted ventilation use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in western countries with a relatively small number of participants. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with assisted ventilation use using a large nationwide cohort covering the entire Korean population. We selected patients with primary or secondary diagnoses of ALS (ICD-10 code: G12.21) and a registration code for ALS (V123) in the rare intractable disease registration program. Covariates included in the analyses were age, sex, socioeconomic status and medical condition. Factors associated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV) were evaluated. Logistic regression analyses were performed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. In total, 3057 patients with ALS were enrolled. During the 6-year follow-up period, 1228 (40%) patients started using assisted ventilation: 956 with NIV and 272 with TIV. There was no significant difference in the assisted ventilation use according to sex, whereas different patterns of discrepancies were noted between the sexes: Females living in non-metropolitan areas showed decreased use of assisted ventilation, whereas high income levels showed a positive relationship with assisted ventilation use only in males. Patients aged ≥ 70 years showed decreased use of NIV. NIV use was more affected by socioeconomic status than TIV, whereas TIV showed a significant relationship with medical conditions such as nasogastric tube insertion and gastrostomy. We found that various factors, including age, socioeconomic status, and medical condition, were related with assisted ventilation use. Understanding the pattern of assisted ventilation use would help set optimal management strategies in patients with ALS.
Improving heat and mass transfer rates through continuous drop-wise condensation
Authors: Alshehri Ali , Rothstein Jonathan P. , Kavehpour H. Pirouz
Published: October 2021

Drop-wise condensation (DWC) has been the focus of scientific research in vapor condensation technologies since the 20th century. Improvement of condensation rate in DWC is limited by the maximum droplet a condensation surface could sustain and the frequency of droplet shedding. Furthermore, The presence of non-condensable gases (NCG) reduces the condensation rate significantly. Here, we present continuous drop-wise condensation to overcome the need of hydrophobic surfaces while yet maintaining micron-sized droplets. By shifting focus from surface treatment to the force required to sweep off a droplet, we were able to utilize stagnation pressure of jet impingement to tune the shed droplet size. The results show that droplet size being shed can be tuned effectively by tuning the jet parameters. our experimental observations showed that the effect of NCG is greatly alleviated by utilizing this technique. An improvement by multiple folds in mass transfer compactness factor compared to state-of-the-art dehumidification technology was possible.
Early crack detection using modified spectral clustering method assisted with FE analysis for distress anticipation in cement-based composites
Authors: Vedrtnam Ajitanshu , Kumar Santosh , Barluenga Gonzalo , Chaturvedi Shashikant
Published: October 2021

The present work reports an efficient way of capturing real-time crack propagation in concrete structures. The modified spectral analysis based algorithm and finite element modeling (FEM) were utilised for crack detection and quantitative analysis of crack propagation. Crack propagation was captured in cement-based composite (CBC) containing saw dust and M20 grade concrete under compressive loading using a simple and inexpensive 8-megapixel mobile phone camera. The randomly selected images showing crack initiation and propagation in CBCs demonstrated the crack capturing capability of developed algorithm. A measure of oriented energy was provided at crack edges to develop a similarity spatial relationship among the pairwise pixels. FE modelling was used for distress anticipation, by analysing stresses during the compressive test in constituents of CBCs. FE modeling jointly with the developed algorithm, can provide real-time inputs from the crack-prone areas and useful in early crack detection of concrete structures for preventive support and management.
BMP7 reduces the fibrocartilage chondrocyte phenotype
Authors: Ripmeester Ellen G. J. , Caron Marjolein M. J. , van den Akker Guus G. H. , Steijns Jessica , Surtel Don A. M. , Cremers Andy , Peeters Laura C. W. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Welting Tim J. M.
Published: October 2021

The fibrocartilage chondrocyte phenotype has been recognized to attribute to osteoarthritis (OA) development. These chondrocytes express genes related to unfavorable OA outcomes, emphasizing its importance in OA pathology. BMP7 is being explored as a potential disease-modifying molecule and attenuates the chondrocyte hypertrophic phenotype. On the other hand, BMP7 has been demonstrated to relieve organ fibrosis by counteracting the pro-fibrotic TGFβ-Smad3-PAI1 axis and increasing MMP2-mediated Collagen type I turnover. Whether BMP7 has anti-fibrotic properties in chondrocytes is unknown. Human OA articular chondrocytes (HACs) were isolated from end-stage OA femoral cartilage (total knee arthroplasty; n = 18 individual donors). SW1353 cells and OA HACs were exposed to 1 nM BMP7 for 24 h, after which gene expression of fibrosis-related genes and fibrosis-mediating factors was determined by RT-qPCR. In SW1353, Collagen type I protein levels were determined by immunocytochemistry and western blotting. PAI1 and MMP2 protein levels and activity were measured with an ELISA and activity assays, respectively. MMP2 activity was inhibited with the selective MMP-2 inhibitor OA-Hy. SMAD3 activity was determined by a (CAGA)12-reporter assay, and pSMAD2 levels by western blotting. Following BMP7 exposure, the expression of fibrosis-related genes was reduced in SW1353 cells and OA HACs. BMP7 reduced Collagen type I protein levels in SW1353 cells. Gene expression of MMP2 was increased in SW1353 cells following BMP7 treatment. BMP7 reduced PAI1 protein levels and -activity, while MMP2 protein levels and -activity were increased by BMP7. BMP7-dependent inhibition of Collagen type I protein levels in SW1353 cells was abrogated when MMP2 activity was inhibited. Finally, BMP7 reduced pSMAD2 levels determined by western blotting and reduced SMAD3 transcriptional activity as demonstrated by decreased (CAGA)12 luciferase reporter activity. Our data demonstrate that short-term exposure to BMP7 decreases the fibrocartilage chondrocyte phenotype. The BMP7-dependent reduction of Collagen type I protein expression seems MMP2-dependent and inhibition of Smad2/3-PAI1 activity was identified as a potential pathway via which BMP7 exerts its anti-fibrotic action. This indicates that in chondrocytes BMP7 may have a double mode-of-action by targeting both the hypertrophic as well as the fibrotic chondrocyte phenotype, potentially adding to the clinical relevance of using BMP7 as an OA disease-modifying molecule.
Brain microvasculature endothelial cell orientation on micropatterned hydrogels is affected by glucose level variations
Authors: Porras Hernández Ana María , Barbe Laurent , Pohlit Hannah , Tenje Maria , Antfolk Maria
Published: October 2021

This work reports on an effort to decipher the alignment of brain microvasculature endothelial cells to physical constrains generated via adhesion control on hydrogel surfaces and explore the corresponding responses upon glucose level variations emulating the hypo- and hyperglycaemic effects in diabetes. We prepared hydrogels of hyaluronic acid a natural biomaterial that does not naturally support endothelial cell adhesion, and specifically functionalised RGD peptides into lines using UV-mediated linkage. The width of the lines was varied from 10 to 100 µm. We evaluated cell alignment by measuring the nuclei, cell, and F-actin orientations, and the nuclei and cell eccentricity via immunofluorescent staining and image analysis. We found that the brain microvascular endothelial cells aligned and elongated to these physical constraints for all line widths. In addition, we also observed that varying the cell medium glucose levels affected the cell alignment along the patterns. We believe our results may provide a platform for further studies on the impact of altered glucose levels in cardiovascular disease.
Pre-concentration of microRNAs by LNA-modified magnetic beads for enhancement of electrochemical detection
Authors: Ustuner Serife , Lindsay Mark A. , Estrela Pedro
Published: October 2021

MicroRNAs are extremely promising candidates for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The levels of circulating microRNAs provide valuable information about cancer disease at its early stages. However, the levels of microRNAs that need to be detected are extremely low and difficult to discriminate from a large pool of oligonucleotides. There is the need for accurate, rapid and sensitive detection methodologies for detection of microRNAs. We developed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based sensors that can detect miRNAs in diluted serum with a limit of detection of 0.38 fM. In order to further improve the accuracy and reliability of the sensors, we developed an assay using magnetic beads for simple and rapid fishing of target microRNAs from solution and its pre-concentration prior to electrochemical detection. Our methodology utilizes magnetic beads for the capture of the target microRNA from solution and brings the concentrated sample to the sensor surface. We modify the magnetic beads with locked nucleic acids (LNA), which have high affinity and specificity to their complementary microRNA sequence. The separated and concentrated microRNA is then detected using the PNA-based sensors. By exposing the sensing electrodes only to the captured microRNAs, interferences from other nucleotides or biomolecules from the sample are eliminated.
Shallow stability and parameter sensitivity analysis of soil slope with frame protection under rainfall seepage
Authors: Lian Jifeng , Wu Jiujiang
Published: October 2021

Frame protection is a commonly used solution to maintain the shallow stability of soil slope under rainfall seepage. Currently, the frame structure's design is empirical, and its theoretical analysis method considering the influence of seepage is scarce. Based on the instability model of the infinite slope, the shallow stability calculation model of soil slope under the rectangular frame protection is established in this paper. The calculation results show that it is beneficial to maintain the shallow slope stability by reducing the skeleton spacing and increasing the cross-sectional size of the frame structure. Also, geometric parameters' sensitivity analysis of the frame structure is carried out based on the orthogonal experimental design methods. Therein, an optimal scheme evaluation function was constructed to balance the relationship between the safety factor and the construction material consumption. The calculation model and results included in this paper can guide the design of the rectangular frame protection to soil slope under rainfall seepage.
Identification of potential metabolic biomarkers in predicting esophageal varices needing treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Moon Chung-Man , Lee Yun-Young , Heo Suk-Hee , Shin Sang-Soo , Jeong Yong-Yeon
Published: October 2021

The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of in vivo quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to identify the presence of esophageal varices needing treatment (VNT), as well as investigate its correlation with clinical characteristics in patients with liver cirrhosis. Forty cirrhotic patients without VNT showing the negative red color sign, and 40 cirrhotic patients with VNT showing positive red color sign underwent laboratory tests, esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, and 1H-MRS with single-voxel localization in the cirrhotic liver parenchyma. The levels of lactate + triglyceride (TG) and choline in cirrhotic patients with VNT were significantly higher than those in cirrhotic patients without VNT. In multivariate analysis, spleen diameter, platelet count, and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, as well as lactate + TG, and choline were associated with the presence of VNT. Moreover, lactate + TG and choline levels were positively correlated with spleen diameter and negatively correlated with platelet count in the combined group of cirrhotic patients with and without VNT. Our study demonstrated that higher hepatic lactate + TG and choline levels in cirrhotic patients in conjunction with longer spleen diameter, lower platelet counts, and lower ratios of platelet count to spleen diameter were associated with the presence of esophageal VNT and the risk of developing variceal bleeding. Therefore, in vivo 1H-MRS might be an effective tool for diagnosing and predicting esophageal VNT in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Development and preclinical evaluation of novel fluorinated ammonium salts for PET myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Shamni Ofer , Grievink Hilbert , Kolevzon Netanel , Krajewski Seweryn , Steczek Lukasz , Meltzer Ella , Yitshak Shimon , Mishani Eyal , Abourbeh Galith
Published: October 2021

We previously presented the radiolabeled ammonium salt [11C]-dimethyl diphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([11C]DMDPA) as a potential novel PET-MPI agent. The current study aimed to increase the clinical applicability of PET-MPI by designing and synthesizing fluorinated ammonium salt derivatives. Four fluorinated DMDPA derivatives and two quinolinium salt analogs were radiolabeled. The dynamic distribution in vivo, following injection of each derivative into male SD rats, was evaluated using small-animal dedicated PET/CT. Organ uptake after injection of [18F]fluoroethylquinolinium acetate ([18F]FEtQ) was examined ex vivo. Four fluorinated DMDPA derivatives were synthesized, two were labeled with fluorine-18: [18F]fluoroethyl-methyldiphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([18F]FEMDPA) and [18F]fluorobuthyl-methyldiphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([18F]FBMDPA). The other two were labeled using carbon-11: [11C]methyl-(3-fluorophenyl)-methylphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([11C]3-F-DMDPA) and [11C]methyl-(4-fluorophenyl)-methylphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([11C]4-F-DMDPA). All four DMDPA derivatives exhibited significantly lower heart/liver radioactivity uptake ratios (0.6, 0.4, 0.7 and 0.6, respectively) compared to that of [11C]DMDPA (1.2). Conversely, the two radiolabeled quinolinium salt derivatives, [11C]methylquinolinium iodide ([11C]MeQ) and [18F]FEtQ demonstrated improved heart/liver ratios (2.0 and 1.3, respectively) with clear visualization of the left ventricle myocardium. Renal clearance was the major route of elimination. Among the fluorinated quaternary ammonium salts tested, [18F]FEtQ yielded the best images. Further studies are in progress to elucidate the underlying mechanism of its cardiac uptake.
VNIR–NIR hyperspectral imaging fusion targeting intraoperative brain cancer detection
Authors: Leon Raquel , Fabelo Himar , Ortega Samuel , Piñeiro Juan F. , Szolna Adam , Hernandez Maria , Espino Carlos , O’Shanahan Aruma J. , Carrera David , Bisshopp Sara , Sosa Coralia , Marquez Mariano , Morera Jesus , Clavo Bernardino , Callico Gustavo M.
Published: October 2021

Currently, intraoperative guidance tools used for brain tumor resection assistance during surgery have several limitations. Hyperspectral (HS) imaging is arising as a novel imaging technique that could offer new capabilities to delineate brain tumor tissue in surgical-time. However, the HS acquisition systems have some limitations regarding spatial and spectral resolution depending on the spectral range to be captured. Image fusion techniques combine information from different sensors to obtain an HS cube with improved spatial and spectral resolution. This paper describes the contributions to HS image fusion using two push-broom HS cameras, covering the visual and near-infrared (VNIR) [400–1000 nm] and near-infrared (NIR) [900–1700 nm] spectral ranges, which are integrated into an intraoperative HS acquisition system developed to delineate brain tumor tissue during neurosurgical procedures. Both HS images were registered using intensity-based and feature-based techniques with different geometric transformations to perform the HS image fusion, obtaining an HS cube with wide spectral range [435–1638 nm]. Four HS datasets were captured to verify the image registration and the fusion process. Moreover, segmentation and classification methods were evaluated to compare the performance results between the use of the VNIR and NIR data, independently, with respect to the fused data. The results reveal that the proposed methodology for fusing VNIR–NIR data improves the classification results up to 21% of accuracy with respect to the use of each data modality independently, depending on the targeted classification problem.
Changes in external ischial tuberosity width at varying trunk–thigh angles between sexes using two measurement methods
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang
Published: October 2021

This study examined the influence of two methods and various trunk–thigh (TT) angles on external ischial tuberosity width (EITW) for 45 men and 45 women. In the experiment, the impress and seat pressure methods were applied at TT angles of 60°, 75°, 90°, and 105°. When the impress method was used, EITW remained highly consistent across the four measured TT angles with differences of 2.8 and 2.1 mm for men and women, respectively. Conversely, in the seated pressure method, EITW increased with TT angle such that differences in EITW across a full TT angle range were 11.5 and 11.7 mm for men and women, respectively. Irrespective of method, differences in EITW between genders measured approximately 12.6–13.7 mm across all TT angles. Correlation analyses revealed that hip circumference was positively related to EITW in all cases, whereas the relationship of hip width and depth with EITW varied by method and gender. Because of inherent differences in EITW between genders, these findings suggest that gender variability should be considered in seat cushion design.
Clusters of science and health related Twitter users become more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Durazzi Francesco , Müller Martin , Salathé Marcel , Remondini Daniel
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 represents the most severe global crisis to date whose public conversation can be studied in real time. To do so, we use a data set of over 350 million tweets and retweets posted by over 26 million English speaking Twitter users from January 13 to June 7, 2020. We characterize the retweet network to identify spontaneous clustering of users and the evolution of their interaction over time in relation to the pandemic’s emergence. We identify several stable clusters (super-communities), and are able to link them to international groups mainly involved in science and health topics, national elites, and political actors. The science- and health-related super-community received disproportionate attention early on during the pandemic, and was leading the discussion at the time. However, as the pandemic unfolded, the attention shifted towards both national elites and political actors, paralleled by the introduction of country-specific containment measures and the growing politicization of the debate. Scientific super-community remained present in the discussion, but experienced less reach and became more isolated within the network. Overall, the emerging network communities are characterized by an increased self-amplification and polarization. This makes it generally harder for information from international health organizations or scientific authorities to directly reach a broad audience through Twitter for prolonged time. These results may have implications for information dissemination along the unfolding of long-term events like epidemic diseases on a world-wide scale.
Genomic characterization of rare molecular subclasses of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Damrauer Jeffrey S. , Smith Markia A. , Walter Vonn , Thennavan Aatish , Mose Lisle E. , Selitsky Sara R. , Hoadley Katherine A.
Published: October 2021

Primary liver cancer, consisting of both cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Our goal is to genomically characterize rare HCC subclasses to provide insight into disease biology. Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to perform a combined analysis of CCA (n = 36) and HCC (n = 275), we integrated multiple genomic platforms, to assess transcriptional profiles, mutational signatures, and copy number patterns to uncover underlying etiology and linage specific patterns. We identified two molecular classes distinct from prototypical HCC tumors. The first, CCA-Like, although histologically indistinguishable from HCC, had enrichment of CCA mutations (IDH1,BAP1), mutational signatures, and transcriptional patterns (SOX9,KRT19). CCA-Like, however, retained a copy number landscape similar to HCC, suggesting a hepatocellular linage. The second, Blast-Like, is enriched inTP53mutations, HBV infection, exposure related mutational signatures and transcriptionally similar to hepatoblasts. Although these subclasses are molecularly distinct, they both have a worse progression-free survival compared to classical HCC tumors, yet are clinically treated the same. The identification of and characterization of CCA-Like and Blast-Like subclasses advance our knowledge of HCC as well as represents an urgent need for the identification of class specific biomarkers and targeted therapy.
Three-dimensional sensing of the magnetic-field vector by a compact planar-type Hall device
Authors: Shiogai Junichi , Fujiwara Kohei , Nojima Tsutomu , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Smart society is forthcoming with a rapid development in the automation of electric appliances requiring abundant sensors. One of the key sensors is a three-dimensional magnetometer for detecting the motion of objects, which is usually driven by cooperative multiple sensors on three orthogonal planes. Here, we demonstrate the fundamental operation of a three-dimensional magnetometer based on a simple Fe-Sn heterostructure Hall device in a planar geometry. Polar coordinates of the magnetic-field vector are uniquely determined by the combination of the sizable anomalous Hall effect, the anisotropic magnetoresistance, and the unidirectional magnetoresistance. Thanks to the ferromagnetic topological features in the Fe-Sn heterostructure, the above-mentioned device overcomes the limitation of conventional semiconductor devices and is highly sensitive even at room temperature. The compact planar geometry will be particularly useful in versatile electrical applications requiring a low-cost three-dimensional magnetometer with space- and energy-saving features.
Quasi-Love wave scattering reveals tectonic history of Australia and its margins reflected by mantle anisotropy
Authors: Eakin Caroline M.
Published: October 2021

The Australian continental crust preserves a rich geological history, but it is unclear to what extent this history is expressed deeper within the mantle. Here an investigation of Quasi-Love waves is performed to detect scattering of seismic surface waves at mantle depths (between 100–200 km) by lateral gradients in seismic anisotropy. Across Australasia 275 new observations of Quasi-Love waves are presented. The inferred scattering source and lateral anisotropic gradients are preferentially located either near the passive continental margins, or near the boundaries of major geological provinces within Australia. Pervasive fossilized lithospheric anisotropy within the continental interior is implied, on a scale that mirrors the crustal geology at the surface, and a strong lithosphere that has preserved this signal over billions of years. Along the continental margins, lateral anisotropic gradients may indicate either the edge of the thick continental lithosphere, or small-scale dynamic processes in the asthenosphere below.
Particle size-controlled synthesis of high-performance MnCo-based materials for alkaline OER at fluctuating potentials
Authors: Broicher Cornelia , Klingenhof Malte , Frisch Marvin , Dresp Sören , Kubo Nikolas Mao , Artz Jens , Radnik Jörg , Palkovits Stefan , Beine Anna Katharina , Strasser Peter , Palkovits Regina
Published: October 2021

Mn and Co containing nanocubes were produced by hydrothermal synthesis. The materials consist of metal spinels and carbonates, where spinels ensure high activity and carbonates contribute to high stability in the oxygen evolution reaction.
Effect of pasta shape and gluten on pasta cooking quality and structural breakdown during mastication
Authors: Suo Xinying , Mosca Ana Carolina , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Vittadini Elena
Published: October 2021

Oral processing behaviour of food is affected by the structural characteristics of the food matrix, including rheological and mechanical attributes as well as size and shape.
Highly stable and bright blue light-emitting diodes based on carbon dots with a chemically inert surface
Authors: Zhang Tianyang , Wang Xiao , Wu Zhenyu , Yang Tianyu , Zhao Han , Wang Jiawei , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: October 2021

Highly stable and blue emission CDs with a chemically inert surface could be used in blue LEDs.
On the photocatalysis evolution of heteroatom-doped Ag4M2 nanoclusters
Authors: Cheng Xinglian , Sui Xin , Xu Jiayu , Liu Xu , Chen Mingyang , Zhu Yan
Published: October 2021

The structurally similar Ag4Ni2, Ag4Pd2 and Ag4Pt2 clusters exhibit a distinct activity evolution in photocatalytic reactions.
The liquid–amorphous phase transition, slow dynamics and dynamical heterogeneity for bulk iron: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Pham Kien Huu , Thuy Giap Trang Thi
Published: October 2021

Based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigate the liquid–amorphous phase transition, slow dynamic and dynamical heterogeneity (DH) for bulk iron in temperatures ranging 300–2300 K.
Electroanalytical overview: the electroanalytical sensing of hydrazine
Authors: Crapnell Robert D. , Banks Craig E.
Published: October 2021

In this overview we explore the electroanalytical sensing of the important chemical reagent hydrazine, highlighting the plethora of electrochemical sensing strategies utilised from the first reports in 1951 to the present day.
Multifunctionality of Prostatic Acid Phosphatase in Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis
Authors: Alpert Evgenia , Akhavan Armin , Gruzman Arie , Hansen William J , Lehrer- Graiwer Joshua , Hall Steven C , Johansen Eric , McAllister Sean , Gulati Mittul , Lin Ming-Fong , Lingappa Vishwanath R
Published: October 2021

The role of human prostatic acid phosphatase (PAcP, P15309|PPAP_HUMAN) in prostate cancer was investigated using a new proteomic tool termed signal sequence swapping (replacement of domains from the native cleaved amino terminal signal sequence of secretory/membrane proteins with corresponding regions of functionally distinct signal sequence subtypes). This manipulation preferentially redirects proteins to different pathways of biogenesis at the endoplasmic reticulum, magnifying normally difficult to detect subsets of the protein of interest. For PAcP this technique reveals three forms identical in amino acid sequence but profoundly different in physiological functions, subcellular location, and biochemical properties. These three forms of PAcP can also occur with the wild-type PAcP signal sequence. Clinical specimens from patients with prostate cancer demonstrate that one form, termed PLPAcP, correlates with early prostate cancer. These findings confirm the analytical power of this method, implicate PLPAcP in prostate cancer pathogenesis, and suggest novel anticancer therapeutic strategies.