bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐Dimensional Microporous Material‐based Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Huang Menghui , Wang Zhenggong , Jin Jian
Published: February 2020

Since the discovery of graphene and its derivatives, the development and application of two‐dimensional (2D) materials have attracted enormous attention. 2D microporous materials, such as metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and so on, hold great potential to be used in gas separation membranes because of their high aspect ratio and homogeneously distributed nanometer pores, which are beneficial for improving gas permeability and selectivity. This review briefly summarizes the recent design and fabrication of 2D microporous materials, as well as their applications in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation. The enhanced separation performances of the membranes and their long‐term stability are also introduced. Challenges and the latest development of newly synthesized 2D microporous materials are finally discussed to foresee the potential opportunities for 2D microporous material‐based MMMs.
Research on entropy generation strategy and its application in carbon trading market
Authors: Zhenjian Miao , Boamah Kofi Baah , Long Xingle
Published: February 2020

The study seeks to provide a deeper insight and strategies into the carbon trading market, the internal mechanism, and the linkage mechanism for emission reduction in the carbon trading market right from its inception. The study differs from most prior research on carbon trading, as this current paper incorporates the carbon market with the dissipative structure theory. Based on the dissipative structure theory, this study adapts the entropy generation principle as the base for the carbon trading market. The study captures the following key dimensions: the change of carbon market value, the entropy generation principle of carbon quota trading process, and the replacement process involved in production factors in carbon trading. The study revealed that the entropy generation of the carbon trading market is mainly caused by the cost gradient formed as a result of the cost difference of emission reduction and the increase of production factor input required by economic development. Moreover, the study revealed clearly the dynamics of the entropy index and the carbon market emission reduction efficiency. Thus, the lower the entropy value of the carbon market, the higher the emission reduction efficiency.
Learn how FERPA and HIPAA apply to student records
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2020

Does your college or university offer health services to students, employees, and their family members? If the answer is yes, take this opportunity to review how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act apply to the records created and maintained by university health services.
Did court dismiss expelled student's lawsuit seeking reinstatement into medical school?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2020

The plaintiff was an Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine student who was required to retake an exam in June 2018 for the stated reason of “suspicious behavior.”
Fangjihuangqi Decoction inhibits MDA‐MB‐231 cell invasion in vitro and decreases tumor growth and metastasis in triple‐negative breast cancer xenografts tumor zebrafish model
Authors: Guo Yubo , Fan Yingyi , Pei Xiaohua
Published: February 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a basal‐like cancer which is considered to be more intrusive, have a poorer prognosis and chemoresistance. TNBC is characterized by the presence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that plays a major role in the progression of the cancer. In the present study, we first use a classic prescription of Chinese medicine Fangjihuangqi Decoction to treat TGFβ1‐induced MDA‐MB‐231 cells in vitro. Our data showed that TGFβ1‐induced MDA‐MB‐231 cell morphology change, promoted MDA‐MB 231 invasion, increased Vimentin expression, and decreased E‐cadherin expression. Further, Fangjihuangqi Decoction‐medicated serum (FHS) treated both MDA‐MB 231 cells and TGFβ1‐induced MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Results showed that Fangjihuangqi Decoction could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion, increase E‐cadherin expression, and decrease EMT markers. Secondly, we established a xenograft tumor zebrafish model to assess Fangjihuangqi Decoction inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Our results indicated that Fangjihuangqi Decoction could inhibit tumor growth, restrain the sprouts number of tumor neovascularization, and reduce the length of tumor neoplastic lymphatics by increasing E‐cadherin expression and decreasing EMT markers in TNBC xenograft tumor zebrafish model. Overall, our studies provide evidences that Fangjihuangqi Decoction could inhibit TNBC, reverse EMT, and contribute to antimetastasis by increasing E‐cadherin expression and decreasing EMT markers, which provide an experimental basis for clinical application of Fangjihuangqi Decoction on TNBC treatment.
Magnesium Borate Fiber Coating Separators with High Lithium‐Ion Transference Number for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Xin , Peng Longqing , Hua Haiming , Liu Yizheng , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: February 2020

In this work, magnesium borate fiber (MBO) is used as a functional ceramic to coat onto a polypropylene (PP) separator (MBO@PP). This MBO coating layer increases the lithium‐ion transference number (tLi+) from 0.24 to 0.57 in the LiPF6‐based electrolyte due to the MBO acting as Lewis acid sites interacts with Lewis base
. The increase in the tLi+ reduces the concentration polarization and promotes the migration of lithium ions. Besides, the prepared MBO@PP separator has better wettability with liquid electrolyte, the electrolyte uptake as well as thermal stability. The LiFePO4 half‐coin with MBO@PP separator not only had better cycle stability, but also had a higher capacity retention rate at high current.
Comparison of the long‐term impact and clinical outcomes of fewer doses and standard doses of human papillomavirus vaccine in the United States: A database study
Authors: Rodriguez Ana M. , Zeybek Burak , Vaughn Micah , Westra Jordan , Kaul Sapna , Montealegre Jane R. , Lin Yu‐Li , Kuo Yong‐Fang
Published: February 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–related disease remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality, and this underscores the need to increase HPV vaccination to reduce the burden of the disease. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the number of HPV vaccine doses and the risk of histologically confirmed preinvasive cervical disease and high‐grade cytology.

Methods

This retrospective matched cohort study used administrative data from Optum's Clinformatics DataMart Database to identify females aged 9 to 26 years who received 1 or more quadrivalent HPV vaccine doses between January 2006 and June 2015. Cases and controls were matched on region, age, sexually transmitted disease history, and pregnancy. All had a Papanicolaou test ≥1 year after the date of the matched case's final dose. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between the number of HPV vaccine doses and the incidence of preinvasive cervical disease and high‐grade cytology. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence rate at the 5‐year follow‐up.

Results

The study included 133,082 females (66,541 vaccinated and 66,541 unvaccinated) stratified by the number of HPV vaccine doses and the vaccine initiation age. Among those aged 15 to 19 years, the hazard ratio (HR) for high‐grade cytology for the 3‐dose group was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73‐0.97), whereas the HRs for histologically confirmed preinvasive cervical disease for 1, 2, and 3 doses were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.47‐0.88), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.54‐0.95), and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.55‐0.80), respectively.

Conclusions

The receipt of 1, 2, or 3 doses of an HPV vaccine by females aged 15 to 19 years was associated with a lower incidence of preinvasive cervical disease in comparison with unvaccinated females, and this supports the use of any HPV vaccination in reducing the burden of the disease.
Smad anchor for receptor activation nuclear localization during development identifies Layers V and VI of the neocortex
Authors: Mestres Ivan , Einsiedel Maximilian , Möller June , Cardoso de Toledo Beatriz
Published: February 2020

Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA, zfyve9) has been classically observed in early endosomes of different cells types where it regulates vesicular transport of proteins and membrane components. Very few other members of the zinc finger FYVE domain‐containing family (zfyve) have different functions other than controlling membrane trafficking. By analyzing SARA localization throughout mouse embryonic brain development, we detected that besides the endosomal localization it also targets neuronal nuclei, specifically of the cortical layers V/VI. These findings were confirmed in human brain organoids. When evaluating neuronal cell lines, we found that SARA accumulates in nuclei of PC‐12 cells, but not Neuro‐2a, highlighting its specificity. SARA functions as a specific marker of the deep cortical layers until the first postnatal week. This temporal regulation corresponds with the final phases of neuron differentiation, such as soma ventral translocation and axonal targeting. In sum, here we report that SARA localization during brain development is temporarily regulated, and layer specific. This defined pattern helps in the identification of early born cortical neurons. We further show that other zfyve family members (FYCO1, WDFY3, Hrs) also distribute to nuclei of different cells in the brain cortex, which raises the possibility that this might be an extended feature within the protein family.
The foundations of visual neuroscience in Australia
Authors: Vaney David I.
Published: February 2020

The passing of Jack Pettigrew (University of Queensland) and Bogdan Dreher (University of Sydney) within 2 weeks of each other in May 2019 provided the catalyst for documenting the roles that they and their colleagues from the Peter Bishop School played in establishing vision research as a major strength in Australian neuroscience in the second half of the 20th century.
Ultra‐pH‐Sensitive Small Molecule Probe Showing a Ratiometric Fluorescence Color Change
Authors: Cui Junjie , Kim Gayoung , Kim Sehoon , Kwon Ji Eon , Park Soo Young
Published: February 2020

We synthesized an amphiphilic small molecule 1 by attaching oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) and N,N‐diethylamine (DEA) units to a fluorescent dicyanodistyrylbenzene (DCS) core. The molecule is fully soluble in aqueous solution at low pH (pH<4.3) by protonation of the DEA groups; but, above pH 4.3, it self‐assembles to form nanoparticles due to increased hydrophobicity upon deprotonation, leading to a ratiometric fluorescence color change from green emission in the monomeric form (λem,max=538 nm) to red emission in the aggregated form (λem,max=646 nm). It should be noted that the ratio of emission intensities at 538 nm and 646 nm (R=I538/I646) changes drastically about 42‐fold within a very narrow pH range of 4.3–4.6.
Reversible Hybrid Aqueous Li−CO2 Batteries with High Energy Density and Formic Acid Production
Authors: Yang Rui , Peng Zhen , Xie Jiafang , Huang Yiyin , Borse Rahul Anil , Wang Xueyuan , Wu Maoxiang , Wang Yaobing
Published: February 2020

Metal−CO2 batteries, an attractive technology for both energy storage and CO2 utilization, are typically classified into organic Li(Na)−CO2 batteries with a high energy density/output voltage and aqueous Zn−CO2 batteries with flexible chemical production. However, achieving both high‐efficiency energy storage and flexible chemical production is still challenging. In this study, a reversible hybrid aqueous Li−CO2 battery is developed, integrating Li with an aqueous phase, which exhibits not only a high operating voltage and energy density but also highly selective formic acid production. Based on a Li plate as the anode, NaCl solution as the aqueous electrolyte, solid electrolyte Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P3O12 (LAGP) as a separator and Li+ transporter, and a bifunctional Pd‐based electrocatalyst as the cathode, the resulting battery shows a high discharge voltage of up to 2.6 V, an outstanding energy conversion efficiency of above 80 %, and remarkable selectivity of CO2‐to‐HCOOH conversion of up to 97 %. The related reaction mechanism is proposed as CO2+2 Li+2 H+⇌HCOOH+2 Li+.
Sensitive period for the acceptance of unpalatable flavors in the presence of a preexposed odor in infant rats
Authors: Ifran María C. , Suárez Andrea B. , Pautassi Ricardo M. , Kamenetzky Giselle V.
Published: February 2020

It has been shown that exposure to familiar odors facilitate the acceptance of bitter flavors in preweanling rats, yet it unknown how long this phenomenon persists. This study assessed, in 9‐ or 15‐day‐old Wistar rats, the influence of a familiar scent (i.e., lemon) on the intake of and behavioral responsiveness (i.e., mouthing, paw lick, chin rub, head shake, among other taste reactivity responses) elicited by a 0.1% quinine solution. The results showed heightened quinine intake in 9‐day‐old rats that had been preexposed to the odor, when compared to non‐preexposed controls. This result was replicated in Experiment 2, which also documented no alterations in behavioral responsiveness toward quinine in the 9‐day‐old rats, as a function of the pre‐exposure. More importantly, 15‐day‐old rats exhibited no alterations in intake or behavioral responsiveness toward quinine as a function of odor pre‐exposure. These results suggest that the effects of odor pre‐exposure upon acceptance of bitter tastes may occur within a sensitive period for the acceptance of bitter food.
Experimental evaluation of the fatigue life of hydraulic gate cast iron rollers
Authors: Lashari Abdul Nabi , Polyzois Ioannis , Polyzois Dimos
Published: February 2020

Fixed‐wheel gates with wheels mounted on both sides that roll on roller path plates are used in both emergency intake gates and spillway gates in hydrogenerating stations. Environmental corrosion along with high wheel loads cause differences in the profile of the roller path surface. Combined with the relatively high torsional stiffness of the gate end girders, a condition of wheel load redistribution occurs where some wheels are relieved of load while others are loaded beyond their maximum design values. Failure of one wheel could jeopardize the overall operation of the gate. Furthermore, frequent operation of these gates result in changes in the stress profile in both wheels and roller paths that, potentially, could lead to failure. Currently, design guidelines for gate wheels and roller paths do not consider the fatigue life of these elements. Research‐based evidence is provided to support changes to these guidelines.
Collaborative energy efficient zone‐based routing protocol for multihop Internet of Things
Authors: Iqbal Saleem , Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Kanwal Nabeela , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: February 2020

In Internet of Things (IoT) the nodes collaborate over a network in multihop manner and relay data toward IoT gateway that is ultimately connected to an IP network. The conventional multihop routing protocols assume that all nodes behave truthfully when they receive packets for downstream network but in reality, the IoT relaying nodes avoid message forwarding. The main reason of selfish behavior of nodes is the limited battery power. Many such nodes have limited battery constraint so these nodes may become selfish to save their energy. These nodes need to be encouraged to cooperate in order to increase network life time instead of just trying to increase node's own benefits. This paper discusses energy aware zone‐based routing technique that employs game theory to enhance nodes' cooperation and energy efficiency. The nodes follow a path with highest average energy for communication and provide collective support, hence the network life time is increases. For comparative analysis, simulation is performed for the proposed technique along with the existing techniques. The results show betterment in throughput, packet delivery ratio, and network life time.
An Unvarnished Look at Day‐to‐Day Life
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: February 2020

Cultural heritage in the cloud: A multimedia portal is bringing together documents and objects relating to life, home and work in the Rhineland in the 20th century. It's a fascinating example of the possibilities and challenges of digitisation.
Absence of microglia or presence of peripherally‐derived macrophages does not affect tau pathology in young or old hTau mice
Authors: Zhu Keying , Pieber Melanie , Han Jinming , Blomgren Klas , Zhang Xing‐Mei , Harris Robert A. , Lund Harald
Published: February 2020

Microglia are implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. While the role of microglia and peripheral macrophages in regulating amyloid beta pathology has been well characterized, the impact of these distinct cell subsets on tau pathology remains poorly understood. We and others have recently demonstrated that monocytes can engraft the brain and give rise to long‐lived parenchymal macrophages, even under nonpathological conditions. We undertook the current study to investigate the regulation of tau pathology by microglia and peripheral macrophages using hTau transgenic mice, which do not exhibit microglial activation/pathology or macrophage engraftment. To assess the direct impact of microglia on tau pathology we developed a protocol for long‐term microglial depletion in Cx3cr1CreERR26DTA mice and crossed them with hTau mice. We then depleted microglia up to 3 months in both young and old mice, but no net change in forebrain soluble oligomeric tau or total or phosphorylated levels of aggregated tau was recorded. To investigate the consequence of peripherally‐derived parenchymal macrophages on tau aggregation we partially repopulated the hTau microglial pool with peripheral macrophages, but this also did not affect levels of tau oligomers or insoluble aggregates. Our study questions the direct involvement of microglia or peripheral macrophages in the development of tau pathology in the hTau model.
Health‐related quality of life among tonsillar carcinoma patients in Sweden in relation to treatment and comparison with quality of life among the population
Authors: Adnan Ali , Högmo Anders , Sjödin Helena , Gebre‐Medhin Maria , Laurell Göran , Reizenstein Johan , Farnebo Lovisa , Norberg Lena S. , Notstam Isak , Holmberg Erik , Cange Hedda H. , Hammerlid Eva ,   the Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register (SweHNCR)
Published: February 2020

Background

The health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of tonsillar carcinoma survivors was explored to investigate any HRQOL differences associated with tumor stage and treatment. The survivors' HRQOL was also compared to reference scores from the population.

Methods

In this exploratory cross‐sectional study patients were invited 15 months after their diagnosis and asked to answer two quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ‐ C30, EORTC QLQ‐ HN35), 405 participated.

Results

HRQOL was associated with gender, with males scoring better than females on a few scales. Patients' HRQOL was more associated with treatment than tumor stage. Patients' HRQOL was worse than that in an age‐ and sex‐matched reference group from the normal population, the largest differences were found for problems with dry mouth followed by problems with sticky saliva, senses, swallowing and appetite loss.

Conclusions

The tonsillar carcinoma patients had a worse HRQOL compared to the general population one year after treatment.
Rectifying an unconstitutional dispensation? A consideration of proposed reforms relating to no income no asset debtors in South Africa
Authors: Coetzee Hermie , Roestoff Melanie
Published: February 2020

The South African natural person debt relief system remains heavily procreditor and consequently excludes many deserving debtors from any form of relief. This is despite the fact that such marginalisation amounts to unjustifiable, unfair discrimination on the basis of debtors' financial status. The main aim of this article is to establish whether proposed reforms, and specifically the debt intervention procedure, will rectify the current unconstitutional dispensation and particularly the unreasonable unfair discrimination against “no income no asset” (NINA) debtors, who undoubtedly constitutes the largest part of relegated debtors. The article may benefit developing countries seeking to introduce debt relief measures curtailed to the needs of their ever‐escalating NINA debtors.
Prophylactic salpingectomy for the prevention of ovarian cancer: Who should we target?
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Narod Steven A.
Published: February 2020

Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecologic malignancy (50% 5‐year survival) due to a typically advanced stage at diagnosis and a high rate of recurrence. Chemoprevention options are limited, and few interventions have been shown to reduce cancer risk or mortality. Emerging data support the model that fallopian tubes are the site of origin for a proportion of high‐grade serous cancers. This implies that a subset of cancers may be prevented by removing the fallopian tubes while leaving the ovaries intact. Accordingly, there has been shift in clinical practice for average risk women; some now recommend removal of both the fallopian tubes only instead of tubal ligation for sterilization or at the time of benign gynecologic surgery. This has been termed opportunistic salpingectomy and represents a means of decreasing the burden of ovarian cancer by preventing cancers that arise in the fallopian tubes. There have been no detailed, prospective reports that have estimated ovarian cancer risk reduction with opportunistic salpingectomy, neither among women at baseline population risk nor among women at a high risk of developing the disease. The situation is complicated for women with a BRCA mutation—bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy is a proven means of risk reduction and salpingectomy alone is not the standard of care. Based on the existing data, salpingectomy alone should only be reserved for women with a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of less than 5%.
Transmembrane protein 106C promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Xi , Han Gang , Lu Renfei , Guan Shaopei , Wang Yifan , Ju Linling , Chen Lin , Shao Jianguo , Bian Zhaolian
Published: February 2020

Several protein‐coding genes have been identified to play essential roles in cancer biology, and they are dysregulated in many tumors. Transmembrane protein 106C (TMEM106C) is differentially expressed in several human and porcine diseases; however, the expression and biological functions of TMEM106C in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not clear. In our study, we obtained paired tissue samples from patients undergoing resection for HCC and public databases, which were analyzed for TMEM106C expression using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We further conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments in HCC cell lines and nude mice, respectively, in which TMEM106C was overexpressed or knocked down. Cell‐Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation experiments were used to determine the influence of TMEM106C on cell proliferation, flow cytometric assays were used to detect the influence on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, and transwell assays were used for detecting changes in cell migration and invasion. TMEM106C levels were significantly elevated in HCC tissues and cell lines from public databases and our collected specimens from patients. Moreover, higher TMEM106C expression levels predicted a poor prognosis in HCC patients in survival analysis. Overexpression of TMEM106C in HCC cells accelerated cell growth, migration, and invasion, but it inhibited cell apoptosis by targeting forkhead box O‐1 (FOXO1) and FOXO3. Conversely, TMEM106C knockdown impeded cell proliferation and metastasis, whereas it enhanced the rate of apoptosis. More important, knockdown of the expression of TMEM106C in HCC cells inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that TMEM106C acts as an oncogene and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC in the future.
Oncogene PLCE1 may be a diagnostic biomarker and prognostic biomarker by influencing cell cycle, proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Kun , Liao Xi‐Wen , Yang Cheng‐Kun , Liu Zheng‐Qian , Han Quan‐Fa , Zhou Xin , Zhang Lin‐Bo , Deng Teng , Gong Yi‐Zhen , Huang Jian‐Lu , Huang Rui , Han Chuang‐Ye , Yu Ting‐Dong , Su Hao , Ye Xin‐Ping , Peng Tao , Zhu Guang‐Zhi
Published: February 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy worldwide. HCC has traits of late diagnosis and high recurrence. This study explored potential diagnosis and prognosis significance of phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) in HCC. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and diagnostic value of PLCE1 were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and online databases GEPIA, oncomine, and GSE14520 data set. Survival analysis used the Kaplan–Meier Plotter website. Cell cycle, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed with downregulated PLCE1 expression in HCC‐M and HepG2 cell lines. PLCE1 was differentially expressed and highly expressed in tumors and had low expression in nontumor tissues (all p < .05). The diagnostic value of PLCE1 was validated with the datasets (all p < .01, all areas under curves > 0.7). PLCE1 mRNA expression was associated with the overall and relapse‐free survival (both p < .05). Functional experiments indicated that downregulation of PLCE1 expression led to increased G1 stage in cell cycle and decreased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with a negative control group (all p ≤ .05). The oncogene PLCE1 was differentially expressed in HCC and non‐HCC tissues. It is a candidate for diagnosis and serves as prognosis biomarker. PLCE1 influenced survival by affecting the cell cycle, proliferation, migration, and invasion ability.
Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina)
Authors: Adamovicz Laura , Baker Sarah J. , Merchant Mark , Allender Matthew C.
Published: February 2020

Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa and many species are increasingly threatened by disease, however, the immune response in this group is understudied. We quantified the innate immune response of eastern (Terrapene carolina; EBT) and ornate (Terrapene ornate; OBT) box turtles using plasma antibacterial activity assays. Plasma from both species abolished or significantly reduced the growth of all eight bacterial species evaluated, including Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal capacity was greater in OBT compared to EBT, and OBT plasma retained high antibacterial activities at a broader temperature range (20–40°C) compared to EBT (30–40°C). Plasma antibacterial activity was abolished following treatment with heat, protease, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicating that complement is likely responsible for the observed effects. Further characterization of the box turtle immune response may provide insight into the importance of infectious diseases for species conservation, enabling the development of more efficient and effective population management strategies.
The holobiont concept before Margulis
Authors: Baedke Jan , Fábregas‐Tejeda Alejandro , Nieves Delgado Abigail
Published: February 2020

In recent years, Lynn Margulis has been credited in various articles as the person who introduced the concept of holobiont into biology in the early 1990s. Today, the origin of evolutionary studies on holobionts is closely linked to her name. However, Margulis was not the first person to use this concept in its current context. That honor goes to the German theoretical biologist Adolf Meyer‐Abich, who introduced the holobiont concept nearly 50 years before her (in 1943). Although nearly completely forgotten today, in the 1940–60s he developed a comprehensive theory of evolutionary change through “holobiosis.” It had a surprisingly modern outlook, as it not only addressed tenets of today's evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo), like the origin of form and production of variation, but also anticipated key elements of Margulis' later endosymbiotic theory. As the holobiont concept has become an important guiding concept for organizing research, labeling conferences, and publishing articles on host‐microbiota collectives and hologenomes, the field should become aware of the independent origin of this concept in the context of holistic biology of the 1940s.
Developmental regulatory system of ocular‐side‐specific asymmetric pigmentation in flounder: Critical role of retinoic acid signaling
Authors: Chen Qiran , Sato Kota , Yokoi Hayato , Suzuki Tohru
Published: February 2020

The body color of the Pleuronectiformes is bilaterally asymmetric between right and left halves, with a dark ocular‐side and a white blind‐side. This body color asymmetry develops by restricted differentiation of melanophores and xanthophores on the ocular‐side during metamorphosis, accompanied by migration of one eye to the future ocular‐side. In this study, we elucidated the developmental regulatory system of this lateralized pigmentation. We found that in flounder, Sox10‐positive chromatophore progenitors appear bilaterally both in the ocular‐ and blind‐side skin of metamorphosing larvae, and that those arriving at the ocular‐side skin differentiate into gch2‐positive chromatoblasts and then chromatophores. Transient exposure of metamorphosing larvae to retinoic acid (RA)‐induced progenitors on the blind‐side to differentiate into gch2‐positive chromatoblasts. On the contrary, exposure to an RA receptor antagonist, BMS493, suppressed the differentiation of gch2‐positive chromatoblasts on the ocular‐side. Thus, we demonstrated that RA is essential for flounder chromatophore progenitors to differentiate into chromatoblasts. At the time of chromatoblast differentiation on the ocular‐side, cyp26b1, which inactivates RA, was upregulated on the blind‐side skin compared with the ocular‐side. Therefore, we surmise that ocular‐side‐specific pigmentation is regulated by the inhibition of RA‐signaling by cyp26b1 on the blind‐side.
Evaluation of Forkhead Box P3 gene polymorphisms in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Akgöllü Ersin
Published: February 2020

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes liver failure, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The FOXP3 gene polymorphisms, the rs2232365 A/G and the rs3761548 A/C, were identified to be associated with regulatory T cell‐mediated immunosuppression. The response to HBV infection may be affected by FOXP3 polymorphisms. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between FOXP3 gene polymorphisms and chronic HBV infection risk.

Methods

FOXP3 gene polymorphisms were explored in 237 chronic HBV patients and in 237 individuals with HBV spontaneous clearance using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The patients with rs2232365 AG and rs3761548 AC genotype had a 1.20‐ and a 1.58‐fold greater HBV risk than non‐carriers patients, although they were not significant. Moreover, the AA genotypes of both polymorphisms in the males and females had an increased the persistent HBV risk, although this also was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study is the first report to demonstrate that these polymorphisms have no effect on the risk of chronic HBV infection. This results suggest that FOXP3 gene polymorphisms and FOXP3 expression should be evaluated together with frequency of regulatory T cells in HBV infection.
Long cycles and spanning subgraphs of locally maximal 1‐planar graphs
Authors: Fabrici I. , Harant J. , Madaras T. , Mohr S. , Soták R. , Zamfirescu C. T.
Published: February 2020

A graph is 1‐planar if it has a drawing in the plane such that each edge is crossed at most once by another edge. Moreover, if this drawing has the additional property that for each crossing of two edges the end vertices of these edges induce a complete subgraph, then the graph is locally maximal 1‐planar. For a 3‐connected locally maximal 1‐planar graph G, we show the existence of a spanning 3‐connected planar subgraph and prove that G is Hamiltonian if G has at most three 3‐vertex‐cuts, and that G is traceable if G has at most four 3‐vertex‐cuts. Moreover, infinitely many nontraceable 5‐connected 1‐planar graphs are presented.
Effects of myeloid cell-restricted TNF inhibitors in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Drutskaya Marina S. , Nosenko Maxim A. , Gorshkova Ekaterina A. , Mokhonov Vladislav V. , Zvartsev Ruslan V. , Polinova Almina I. , Kruglov Andrey A. , Nedospasov Sergei A.
Published: February 2020

Systemic TNF neutralization can be used as a therapy for several autoimmune diseases. To evaluate the effects of cell type-restricted TNF blockade, we previously generated bispecific antibodies that can limit TNF secretion by myeloid cells (myeloid cell-specific TNF inhibitors or MYSTIs). In this study several such variable domain (VH) of a camelid heavy-chain only antibody-based TNF inhibitors were compared in relevant experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with MYSTI-2, containing the anti-F4/80 module, can restrict the release of human TNF (hTNF) from LPS-activated bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) cultures of humanized TNF knock-in (mice; hTNFKI) more effectively than MYSTI-3, containing the anti-CD11b module. MYSTI-2 was also superior to MYSTI-3 in providing in vivo protection in acute toxicity model. Finally, MYSTI-2 was at least as effective as Infliximab in preventing collagen antibody-induced arthritis. This study demonstrates that a 33 kDa bispecific mini-antibody that specifically restricts TNF secretion by macrophages is efficient for amelioration of experimental arthritis.
Morphological structure of the aortic wall in three Delphinid species with shallow or intermediate diving habits: Evidence for diving adaptation
Authors: Mompeó Blanca , Pérez Lilian , Fernández Antonio , Saavedra Pedro , Rivero Miguel , Arbelo Manuel , Arregui Marina , Suárez‐Santana Cristian , Bernaldo‐de‐Quiros Yara
Published: February 2020

Some modifications in the vascular system of marine mammals provide adaptive advantages for diving. This study analyses the organisation of the aortic wall in dolphins, observing artery changes in volume and blood pressure for diving behaviour. Samples of three aortic segments (ascending, thoracic and abdominal) of three dolphin species were processed for histological and morphometric studies. The three dolphin species used, striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), have shallow or intermediate diving habits. Our results indicated that the components of the aortic wall of the dolphins had different dispositions in the three selected segments. The aortic wall decreased in thickness along its length due to a loss of the lamellar units in the tunica media and a thinning of the main elements of the lamellar units along the artery. The life stage had little influence on the thickness of the aortic wall except for the ascending aorta. The weight, body length, species or sex of the specimen did not significantly influence the thickness of the wall or the lamellar units. In summary, the histological and morphometric aortic structure in dolphins, in relation to the studied parameters, seems to be similar to that previously described of terrestrial mammals such as pigs, except for a larger difference in the proportion of lamellar units between the ascending and thoracic segments.
Accuracy of EBRA‐cup measurements after reconstruction of severe acetabular defects at revision THR
Authors: Abrahams John M. , Callary Stuart A. , Jang Sung W. , Hewitt Joseph , Howie Donald W. , Solomon Lucian B.
Published: February 2020

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the most accurate method of measuring component migration using radiographs but is restricted to use in prospective studies. Ein‐Bild‐Roentgen‐analyze (EBRA)‐Cup can be used retrospectively, but its accuracy to measure component migration following revision is unknown. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of EBRA‐Cup measurements of uncemented acetabular component migration after revision total hip replacement (THR). The secondary aim was to compare the number of cases identified using EBRA‐Cup and RSA as having proximally migrated above and below 1 mm at 2 years postoperatively. EBRA‐Cup measurements were performed on plain antero‐posterior pelvic radiographs taken at the same time as RSA radiographs in a prospective cohort of 53 hips undergoing acetabular revision. At 2 years, the mean difference between the RSA and EBRA‐Cup measurements for 17 components used to treat pelvic discontinuity was 0.90 mm, significantly greater than the mean difference of 0.28 mm for 36 components without discontinuity (P = .0001). The mean difference between the RSA and EBRA‐Cup measurements at 2 years for hips that were reconstructed with an acetabular component alone, 0.28 mm, was significantly lower than hips that were reconstructed with an acetabular component in combination with an augment and/or cage, 0.74 mm (P = .0005). In conclusion, EBRA‐Cup can accurately measure migration of uncemented acetabular components used at revision THR. The presence of pelvic discontinuity, and addition of augments and cages, significantly influenced the accuracy of EBRA‐Cup measurements. EBRA‐Cup and RSA had good agreement on classification of components that migrated proximally above or below 1 mm at 2 years, with 100% sensitivity, and 87% specificity.
Synergistic Rheological Behavior of Mixed Micellar Solutions of Surfactin and Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide
Authors: Zhao Jing , Fang Bo , Guo Yiguang
Published: February 2020

This paper investigated the rheological properties of novel viscoelastic thickening micelle system formed by surfactin and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The total concentration of surfactin and CTAB was maintained at 12 wt%. The rheological behavior of the surfactin/CTAB synergistic micelles with different mass ratio and pH was systematically investigated. For the surfactin/CTAB micellar system with a mass ratio varied from 1/11 to 4/8, the viscosity of the micelles rose to a maximum with increasing pH, and then decreased with a further increase of pH. When the mass ratio was surfactin:CTAB = 2.5:9.5 (pH 5.72), the maximum viscosity of the micelle solution reached 8170 mPa. s. Meanwhile, the viscosity curve of the surfactin/CTAB systems was described by the nonlinear co‐rotational Jeffreys model. This work sets a rheological foundation for the application of surfactin/CTAB systems. The thixotropic loop area of the micelles was basically zero. Through viscoelasticity measurements, the results demonstrated that the appropriate surfactin/CTAB mass ratio would favor the stability of the network structure of the synergistic thickening system. The value of G″(viscous modulus) is always higher than the value of G′ (elastic modulus).
Lifetime prediction model of electrophoretic display based on high temperature and high humidity test
Authors: Wu Mi , Luo Yujie , Wu Fenfang , Chen Yu , Wang Xidu , Zeng Xi
Published: February 2020

This paper studied the failure model of electrophoretic display (EPD) under different temperature and humidity conditions. With nine high temperature and high humidity tests, it verified that the Arrhenius accelerated lifetime model and the Peck accelerated lifetime model were not suitable for the lifetime prediction of EPD. Therefore, based on these two accelerated life models, this article proposed a new acceleration lifetime model, the Luo, Wu and Wu (LWW) model, which was more suitable for EPDs.
Durability of galvanised fasteners in timber construction
Authors: Nürnberger Ulf , Köse Esref Cenk
Published: February 2020

This article describes the possible corrosion conditions for fasteners in timber outdoor constructions. In the case of fasteners (e.g., timber screws), a distinction must be made between corrosion outside the timber and in contact with the timber. In case of contact with timber, the influence of timber constituents (acetic acid and timber protection agents), which are effective when the moisture content of the timber is high, must be taken into account. In the weathered area, the corrosion exposure and the corrosion of zinc coatings in contact with timber can, therefore, be higher than in pure atmospheric corrosion. In nonweathered areas, it may be reversed due to possible concentration of pollutants outside the timber and insufficient timber moisture. Recent research results are explained using timber screws as an example. Furthermore, the requirements for zinc coatings for fasteners in timber construction are presented on the basis of the current standardisation.
In Situ Encapsulation of Nile Red or Doxorubicin during RAFT‐Mediated Emulsion Polymerization via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Engström Joakim , Asem Heba , Brismar Hjalmar , Zhang Yuning , Malkoch Michael , Malmström Eva
Published: February 2020

Hydrophobic agents, a fluorescent dye (Nile red, NR) or an anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX), are encapsulated into poly((N‐[3‐(dimethylamino) propyl] methacrylamide)‐b‐poly (methyl methacrylate) (PDMAPMA‐b‐PMMA) nanoparticles (NPs) via one‐pot reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT)‐mediated emulsion polymerization in water. The macroRAFT, PDMAPMA, is chain‐extended with the methyl methacrylate (MMA), with the hydrophobic agents soluble in MMA, resulting in loaded NPs, with either NR or DOX via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA). The NR‐loaded NPs are visualized by structured illumination microscopy (SIM), thus indicating the successful loading of the fluorescent dye into the PMMA core. The DOX‐loaded NPs exhibit a sustained release profile over 5 d, showing a small burst effect during the first 2 h, as compared with the free DOX. The DOX‐loaded NPs show higher cell toxicity than the free DOX in RAW 264.7 cell line. The results demonstrate the potential of using emulsion polymerization for synthesis of tailored and reproducible NPs encapsulating hydrophobic agents.
Technical Note: Validation of TG 233 phantom methodology to characterize noise and dose in patient CT data
Authors: Ria Francesco , Solomon Justin B. , Wilson Joshua M. , Samei Ehsan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Phantoms are useful tools in diagnostic CT, but practical limitations reduce phantoms to being only a limited patient surrogate. Furthermore, a phantom with a single cross sectional area cannot be used to evaluate scanner performance in modern CT scanners that use dose reduction techniques such as automated tube current modulation (ATCM) and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms to adapt x‐ray flux to patient size, reduce radiation dose, and achieve uniform image noise. A new multisized phantom (Mercury Phantom, MP) has been introduced, representing multiple diameters. This work aimed to ascertain if measurements from MP can predict radiation dose and image noise in clinical CT images to prospectively inform protocol design.

Methods

The adult MP design included four different physical diameters (18.5, 23.0, 30.0, and 37.0 cm) representing a range of patient sizes. The study included 1457 examinations performed on two scanner models from two vendors, and two clinical protocols (abdominopelvic with and chest without contrast). Attenuating diameter, radiation dose, and noise magnitude (average pixel standard deviation in uniform image) was automatically estimated in patients and in the MP using a previously validated algorithm. An exponential fit of CTDIvol and noise as a function of size was applied to patients and MP data. Lastly, the fit equations from the phantom data were used to fit the patient data. In each patient distribution fit, the normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) values were calculated in the residuals’ plots as a metric to indicate how well the phantom data can predict dose and noise in clinical operations as a function of size.

Results

For dose across patient size distributions, the difference between nRMSE from patient fit and MP model data prediction ranged between 0.6% and 2.0% (mean 1.2%). For noise across patient size distributions, the nRMSE difference ranged between 0.1% and 4.7% (mean 1.4%).

Conclusions

The Mercury Phantom provided a close prediction of radiation dose and image noise in clinical patient images. By assessing dose and image quality in a phantom with multiple sizes, protocol parameters can be designed and optimized per patient size in a highly constrained setup to predict clinical scanner and ATCM system performance.
Minimizing Time Fed Rotifers Maximizes Hybrid Striped Bass Larval Growth in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Fuller S Adam
Published: February 2020

Hybrid Striped Bass (HSB; White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis) represent a valuable sector of the U.S. aquaculture industry. Despite their commercial importance, one factor limiting the growth of the HSB industry is the lack of refined methods to rear larvae in tanks, including the lack of knowledge about optimal rearing conditions, feeding behavior, and efforts to reduce the time larvae spend utilizing live foods. Four-day-old HSB larvae were stocked into two recirculating aquaculture systems (72.0–73.9 larvae/L) maintained at 18°C and 26°C. Larvae were fed three times daily with either rotifers Brachionus plicatilis (60 rotifers · mL−1 · tank−1 · d−1) or brine shrimp Artemia sp. (12 Artemia · mL−1 · tank−1 · d−1) according to the designated replicated treatment for 2–12 d in 2-d increments where larvae were progressively weaned from rotifers onto Artemia. The number of days fed rotifers (DFR) had no significant effect on survival of larvae reared at either 18°C (46.6%) or 26°C (30.2%). However, there was a significant difference in larval survival between the two temperatures. Larvae were measured at the conclusion of the study, and those reared at 18°C were shorter (8.00 mm TL) than those reared at 26°C (9.59 mm TL); TL and body depth of larvae varied significantly among treatments by temperature, DFR, and their interaction. These results demonstrate that minimizing the time spent feeding on rotifers maximized the growth of HSB larvae. Results also indicate that Artemia is a suitable diet for 6-d-old larval HSB and that the fish can easily be weaned from rotifers at both optimum (26°C) and suboptimum (18°C) culture temperatures while maintaining suitable growth. Notably, this was achieved with no significant drop in survival. Additional research is needed to optimize Artemia nauplius feeding regimes to minimize the time for which HSB must be given live feeds in order to wean to a dry diet more quickly while optimizing growth and survival.