bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong foraging preferences for Ribes alpinum (Saxifragales: Grossulariaceae) in the polyphagous caterpillars of Buff‐tip moth Phalera bucephala (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)
Authors: Morimoto Juliano , Pietras Zuzanna
Published: November 2020

Herbivorous insects such as butterflies and moths are essential to natural and agricultural systems due to pollination and pest outbreaks. However, our knowledge of butterflies' and moths' nutrition is fragmented and limited to few common, charismatic, or problematic species.

This gap precludes our complete understanding of herbivorous insects' natural history, physiological and behavioral adaptations that drive how species interact with their environment, the consequences of habitat fragmentation and climate change to invertebrate biodiversity, and pest outbreak dynamics.

Here, we first report a population of the Buff‐tip moth Phalera bucephala (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) feeding on a previously unknown family of host plants, the mountain currant Ribes alpinum (Saxifragales: Grossulariaceae). This is the first report of a Notodontid moth feeding on Grossulariaceae hosts.

Using no‐choice and choice assays, we showed that P. bucephala has strong foraging preferences for a previously unknown hosts, the R. alpinum but also, although to a smaller extent, R. uva‐crispa compared with a previously known host (the Norway maple Acer sp.).

These findings demonstrate that P. bucephala feed on—and show strong preference for Grossulariaceae host plants, indicating flexible physiological mechanisms to accommodate hosts plants from various families. This makes this species a potential model organism to study the behavioral and physiological mechanisms underpinning insect–plant interactions and diet breadth evolution.

We discuss the broad ecological implications of these observations to the biology of the species, the potential negative effects of interspecific competition with endemic specialist moths, and highlight questions for future research.
Prevalence of prediabetes, and diabetes in Chandigarh and Panchkula region based on glycated haemoglobin and Indian diabetes risk score
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Anand Akshay , Nagarathna Raghuram , Kaur Navneet , Sivapuram Madhava Sai , Pannu Viraaj , Pal Deepak Kumar , Malik Neeru , Singh Amit Kumar , Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao
Published: November 2020

There is a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes in India. We wanted to review the status of prediabetes and diabetes in the combined population of Chandigarh and Panchkula region based on both Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c). A total of 1215 subjects were recruited during the screening process, out of which 444 i subjects have been analysed for the current study on the basis of high risk for IDRS (≥60) and their known diabetes status. This study included 431 subjects having high risk for IDRS (≥60) and 13 known subjects with diabetes (IDRS < 60) which were further analysed for biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The prevalence of diabetes was found to be 12.67% and prediabetes 11.69% in the combined population of Chandigarh and Panchkula. There was an increased level of fasting blood glucose (183.12 ± 68.61), postprandial blood glucose (262.57 ± 96.92), triglyceride (193.84 ± 119.88), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) (34.87 ± 15.42) and High Density Lipoprotein(HDL) (4.61 ± 1.39) in the said diabetes population. Mean HDL was found to be decreased in subjects having diabetes. Glucose‐induced lipid intolerance study revealed significant alteration in triglyceride, HDL and VLDL. The study has revealed that high prevalence of diabetes in the sampled population when compared with the national average of 8.8%.
Instability mechanism and control of hybrid electric vehicle in initial hybrid driving mode
Authors: Hu Donghai , He Ren , Wang Jing , Hu Leli , He Chengkun
Published: November 2020

Mode transition is capable of improving the economy of hybrid electric vehicles but may also cause potential crises. When the hybrid power system (hybrid powertrain—HPT) has just completed the mode conversion, the driving system parameters change more dramatically, and the engine torque is fully transferred to the driving motor. Owing to the electromechanical coupling characteristics, HPT may be severely impacted during the operation, causing the instability of initial hybrid drive mode. To solve this problem, the mathematical model of the initial hybrid drive model for a series‐parallel hybrid electric vehicle (SPHEV) is constructed. The local stability condition and bifurcation condition were derived to analyse the influence of engine throttle opening, and the instability threshold of the HPT was given. Moreover, an instability control methodology was designed to optimise the operating region of HPT for the initial hybrid drive mode, and vehicle tests of mode transition were carried out based on the existing SPHEV platform. Studies indicate that different throttle opening may lead to changes in bifurcation characteristics, causing the system to exhibit nonlinear behaviour and random oscillations. In addition, the control methodology proposed in this study can improve the stable operating region by 37% and restrain the oscillations of HPT.
Mid to late‐life scores of depression in the cognitively healthy are associated with cognitive status and Alzheimer's disease pathology at death
Authors: Robinson Andrew C. , Roncaroli Federico , Davidson Yvonne S. , Minshull James , Heal Calvin , Montaldi Daniela , Payton Antony , Horan Michael A. , Pendleton Neil , Mann David M.A.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for early interventions. Symptoms of depression could represent a prodromal stage of AD. Very early mood alterations may help to stratify those at highest risk of late‐life AD. We aim to investigate associations between baseline/longitudinal scores for depression, presence of cognitive impairment and/or AD pathology at death.

Methods/Design

Between 1991 and 2015, participants from The University of Manchester Longitudinal Study of Cognition in Normal Healthy Old Age underwent 10 waves of assessment using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). AD pathology at death was evaluated in 106 eligible cases. Analyses aimed to examine associations between GDS scores, cognitive status and AD pathology (as measured by Braak stage, Thal phase and CERAD).

Results

Baseline GDS scores were significantly higher for those cognitively impaired at death than those cognitively normal. Significantly higher baseline GDS scores were found for those with greater Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) scores than those with lower CERAD scores. Similarly, significantly higher baseline GDS scores were found for those with a greater Braak stage than those with lower tau burden. These correlations remained after controlling for age at death, education and APOE ε4, but were less robust. Mean longitudinal GDS scores associated with cognition but not pathology.

Conclusions

GDS scores collected approximately 20 years before death were associated with cognitive status and AD pathology at death. We postulate that early AD‐related pathological change produces raised GDS scores due to an overlapping neural basis with depression, and that this may be considered as an early diagnostic marker for AD.
Long‐term exposure to triclosan increases migration and invasion of human breast epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Farasani Abdullah , Darbre Philippa D.
Published: November 2020

Extensive use of triclosan (2,4,4′‐trichloro‐2′‐hydroxydiphenyl ether) as an antimicrobial agent in household and personal care products has resulted in global exposure of the human population. Its presence in human tissues, including milk, and its oestrogen‐disrupting properties raise concerns for an involvement in breast cancer. Because metastatic tumour spread is the main cause of breast cancer mortality, we have investigated the effects of triclosan on cell migration and invasion using three human breast epithelial cell lines and using concentrations comparable with those in human tissues. Long‐term exposure to 10−7 M of triclosan resulted in increased migration and invasion as measured by xCELLigence technology for all three cell lines, for the immortalized but nontransformed MCF‐10F breast epithelial cells (after 28 weeks), the oestrogen‐responsive MCF‐7 breast cancer cells (after 17 weeks) and the oestrogen‐unresponsive MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells (after 20 weeks). The effects were therefore not limited to cancerous cells or to oestrogen‐responsive cells. This was paralleled in the MCF‐10F and MCF‐7 (but not MDA‐MB‐231) cells by a reduction in levels of E‐cadherin mRNA as measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and of E‐cadherin protein as measured by western immunoblotting, suggesting a mechanism involving epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. This adds triclosan to the increasing list of ingredients of personal care products that can not only enter human breast tissue and increase cell proliferation but also influence cell motility. If mixtures of components in household and personal care products contribute to increasing cell migration and invasion, then reduction in exposure could offer a strategy for reducing breast cancer spread.
Comparative effect of osmium tetroxide and ruthenium tetroxide onLacazia loboiultrastructure
Authors: Sarmiento‐Lacera Ladys , Torres‐Fernández Orlando , Rivera Jorge A. , Rodríguez‐Toro Gerzaín
Published: November 2020

Lobomycosis is a skin infection produced by the fungusLacazia loboi, which mainly affects some indigenous and afro‐descendant populations in Tropical America. We previously reported the comparative effect of osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) in the electron microscopy (EM) of other related microorganisms. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of postfixation with OsO4and RuO4in the ultrastructure ofL.loboiyeasts. Skin biopsies on patients diagnosed with lobomycosis were fixed in glutaraldehyde at 3% and postfixed in the following solutions: (a) 1% OsO4, (b) 0.2% RuO4, and (c) OsO4at 1% followed by RuO4at 0.2%. They were then processed using the conventional method for EM. Unlike OsO4,the treatment with RuO4revealed different shades of gray and electron dense bands in the cell wall and other cell components ofL.loboi. The most notable finding was the presence of radial filamentous structures around the yeast, which made the image look like the sun. Postfixation with RuO4revealed ultrastructural details that had not been previously reported forL loboi. The combined use of OsO4and RuO4in EM of microorganisms with cell walls can be useful to evaluate the effect of microbicide substances.
Location of a single histidine within peptide carriers increases mRNA delivery
Authors: He Jiaxi , Xu Songhui , Leng Qixin , Mixson A. James
Published: November 2020

Background

Previously, we determined that four‐branched histidine‐lysine (HK) peptides were effective carriers of plasmids and small interfering RNA. In the present study, we compared several branched HK carriers and, in particular, two closely‐related H3K4b and H3K(+H)4b peptides for their ability as carriers of mRNA. The H3K(+H)4b peptide differed from its parent analogue, H3K4b, by only a single histidine in each branch.

Methods

A series of four‐branched HK peptides with varied sequences was synthesized on a solid‐phase peptide synthesizer. The ability of these peptides to carry mRNA expressing luciferase to MDA‐MB‐231 cells was investigated. With gel retardation and heparin displacement assays, the stability of HK polyplexes was examined. We determined the intracellular uptake of HK polyplexes by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The size and polydispersity index of the polyplexes in several media were measured by dynamic light scattering.

Results

MDA‐MB‐231 cells transfected by H3K(+H)4b‐mRNA polyplexes expressed 10‐fold greater levels of luciferase than H3K4b polyplexes. With gel retardation and heparin displacement assays, the H3K(+H)4b polyplexes showed greater stability than H3K4b. Intracellular uptake and co‐localization of H3K(+H)4b polyplexes within acidic endosomes were also significantly increased compared to H3K4b. Similar to H3K(+H)4b, several HK analogues with an additional histidine in the second domain of their branches were effective carriers of mRNA. When combined with DOTAP liposomes, H3K(+H)4b was synergistic in delivery of mRNA.

Conclusions

H3K(+H)4b was a more effective carrier of mRNA than H3K4b. Mechanistic studies suggest that H3K(+H)4b polyplexes were more stable than H3K4b polyplexes. Lipopolyplexes formed with H3K(+H)4b markedly increased mRNA transfection.
Neuron‐specific cilia loss differentially alters locomotor responses to amphetamine in mice
Authors: Ramos Carlos , Roberts Jonté B. , Jasso Kalene R. , Ten Eyck Tyler W. , Everett Thomas , Pozo Patricia , Setlow Barry , McIntyre Jeremy C.
Published: November 2020

The neural mechanisms that underlie responses to drugs of abuse are complex, and impacted by a number of neuromodulatory peptides. Within the past 10 years it has been discovered that several of the receptors for neuromodulators are enriched in the primary cilia of neurons. Primary cilia are microtubule‐based organelles that project from the surface of nearly all mammalian cells, including neurons. Despite what we know about cilia, our understanding of how cilia regulate neuronal function and behavior is still limited. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the contributions of primary cilia on specific neuronal populations to behavioral responses to amphetamine. To test the consequences of cilia loss on amphetamine‐induced locomotor activity we selectively ablated cilia from dopaminergic or GAD2‐GABAergic neurons in mice. Cilia loss had no effect on baseline locomotion in either mouse strain. In mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons, locomotor activity compared to wild‐ type mice was reduced in both sexes in response to acute administration of 3.0 mg/kg amphetamine. In contrast, changes in the locomotor response to amphetamine in mice lacking cilia on GAD2‐GABAergic neurons were primarily driven by reductions in locomotor activity in males. Following repeated amphetamine administration (1.0 mg kg−1 day−1 over 5 days), mice lacking cilia on GAD2‐GABAergic neurons exhibited enhanced sensitization of the locomotor stimulant response to the drug, whereas mice lacking cilia on dopaminergic neurons did not differ from wild‐type controls. These results indicate that cilia play neuron‐specific roles in both acute and neuroplastic responses to psychostimulant drugs of abuse.
The Normative Features of Creativity: Creative Individuals are Judged to be Warmer and More Competent
Authors: Bonetto Eric , Pichot Nicolas , Girandola Fabien , Bonnardel Nathalie
Published: November 2020

Many studies mention the social valorization of creative individuals. However, previous works show contrasting results concerning both this valorization and the links between creativity and the two dimensions of social judgment (individuals’ warmth and competence). Consequently, we implemented two paradigms classically used when examining the normative features of individuals' traits such as creativity. Study 1 (N = 206), using a self‐presentation paradigm, showed that individuals tend to present themselves as creative in order to gain others' approval. Thus, creativity seems to be subject to social valorization. Studies 2 (N = 149) and 3 (N = 457), using social judgment tasks, corroborated these findings, and allowed to gain a finer‐grained vision of what dimensions of social value are associated with creativity. These ones showed that highly creative individuals were considered warmer and more competent than weakly creative individuals. Results from Study 3 also suggest that these judgments may be domain‐dependent. Implications for research on creativity, as well as on social judgment, are discussed.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Facial Teratoma. A Proposed Approach to Diagnose Prenatal Facial Anomalies
Authors: Smet Maria‐Elisabeth , Shurmer Toni , Kesby Gregory , McLennan Andrew
Published: November 2020

We report on a rare case of a prenatally diagnosed isolated facial teratoma, presenting as an avascular elongated ossified lesion arising from the inferior lateral rim of the orbit. There was no evidence of fetal compromise throughout the course of the pregnancy, which resulted in term delivery of a healthy neonate by elective Caesarean section. We summarize the key features, differential diagnoses, prognosis and management of fetal facial lesions.
A Multispecialty Critical Airway Simulation Course for Medical Students
Authors: Dermody Sarah M. , Masciello Maria , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To develop a novel multispecialty simulation‐based course that teaches both technical and nontechnical skills in the management of adult and pediatric critical airways to graduating medical students and 2) to encourage a collaborative, multispecialty approach to the management of a difficult airway amongst fourth‐year medical students who have enrolled in otolaryngology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine residency programs.

Methods

Fourth‐year medical student who had matched into otolaryngology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine participated in an intensive half‐day course consisting of a series of hands‐on skills stations with increasing complexity, followed by simulated complex patient scenarios designed for shared management of airway emergencies. Participants completed questionnaires prior to and immediately after the course. Fischer's exact test was utilized to compare data between the precourse and postcourse surveys. Free‐text responses were qualitatively assessed to inform course development.

Results

Thirty‐four medical students were enrolled (6 otolaryngology, 15 anesthesia, 13 emergency medicine), and 30 students completed both surveys. Fisher's exact test demonstrated improved confidence (P < .05) for every skill. More than 85% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the intervention was useful in developing their knowledge, technical skills, and self‐confidence and in improving clinical performance prior to residency.

Conclusions

This critical airway course introduces a multispecialty simulation‐based course designed to impart graduating medical students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors for critical airway management while fostering interprofessional collaboration. Our course was successful in improving confidence and was perceived as useful in developing knowledge, technical skills, self‐confidence, and clinical performance prior to residency.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:1482–1486, 2021
Higher Increase in Plasma DHA in Females Compared to Males Following EPA Supplementation May Be Influenced by a Polymorphism in ELOVL2: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Metherel Adam H. , Irfan Maha , Klingel Shannon L. , Mutch David M. , Bazinet Richard P.
Published: November 2020

Young adult females have higher blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 22:6n‐3 levels than males, and this is believed to be due to higher DHA synthesis rates, although DHA may also accumulate due to a longer half‐life or a combination of both. However, sex differences in blood fatty acid responses to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 20:5n‐3 or DHA supplementation have not been fully investigated. In this exploratory analysis, females and males (n = 14–15 per group) were supplemented with 3 g/day EPA, 3 g/day DHA, or olive oil control for 12 weeks. Plasma was analyzed for sex effects at baseline and changes following 12 weeks' supplementation for fatty acid levels and carbon‐13 signature (δ13C). Following EPA supplementation, the increase in plasma DHA in females (+23.8 ± 11.8, nmol/mL ± SEM) was higher than males (−13.8 ± 9.2, p < 0.01). The increase in plasma δ13C‐DHA of females (+2.79 ± 0.31, milliUrey (mUr ± SEM) compared with males (+1.88 ± 0.44) did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). The sex effect appears driven largely by increased plasma DHA in the AA genotype of females (+58.8 ± 11.5, nmol/mL ± SEM, n = 5) compared to GA + GG in females (+4.34 ± 13.5, n = 9) and AA in males (−29.1 ± 17.2, n = 6) for rs953413 in the ELOVL2 gene (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EPA supplementation increases plasma DHA levels in females compared to males, which may be dependent on the AA genotype for rs953413 in ELOVL2.
Rational Design of Mussel‐Inspired Hydrogels with Dynamic Catecholato−Metal Coordination Bonds
Authors: Heidarian Pejman , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Kaynak Akif , Bahrami Bahador , Paulino Mariana , Nasri‐Nasrabadi Bijan , Varley Russell J.
Published: November 2020

Nature has often been the main source of inspiration for designing smart functional materials. As an example, mussels can attach to almost any wet surfaces, for example, wood, rocks, metal, etc., due to the presence of catechols containing amino acid 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐l‐alanine (DOPA). Fabrication of mussel‐inspired hydrogels using dynamic catecholato−metal coordination bonds has recently been in the limelight because of the hydrogels’ ease of gelation, interesting self‐healing, self‐recovery, adhesiveness, and pH‐responsiveness, as well as shear‐thinning and mechanical properties. Mussel inspired hydrogels take advantage of catechols, for example, DOPA in the blue mussel, to undergo catecholatometal gelation through coordination chemistry. This review explores the latest developments in the fabrication of such hydrogels using catecholato−metal coordination bonds, and discusses their potential applications in sensors, flexible electronics, tissue engineering, and wound dressing. Moreover, current challenges and prospects of such hydrogels are discussed. The main focus of this paper is on providing a deeper understanding of this growing field in terms of chemistry, physics, and associated properties.
A fractional‐order generalized Taylor wavelet method for nonlinear fractional delay and nonlinear fractional pantograph differential equations
Authors: Yuttanan Boonrod , Razzaghi Mohsen , Vo Thieu N.
Published: November 2020

We study the numerical solutions of nonlinear fractional delay differential equations (DEs) and nonlinear fractional pantograph DEs. We introduce a new class of functions called fractional‐order generalized Taylor wavelets (FOGTW). We provide an exact formula for computing the Riemann‐Liouville fractional integral operator for FOGTW by using the regularized beta functions. By applying the formula and collocation method, we reduce the given nonlinear fractional delay DEs and nonlinear fractional pantograph DEs to a system of algebraic equations. The FOGTW method together with the exact formula is very efficient for solving the nonlinear fractional delay DEs and nonlinear fractional pantograph DEs and give very accurate results. Several examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present method.
Technical Note: MRQy — An open‐source tool for quality control of MR imaging data
Authors: Sadri Amir Reza , Janowczyk Andrew , Zhou Ren , Verma Ruchika , Beig Niha , Antunes Jacob , Madabhushi Anant , Tiwari Pallavi , Viswanath Satish E
Published: November 2020

Purpose

There is an increasing availability of large imaging cohorts [such as through The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)] for computational model development and imaging research. To ensure development of generalizable computerized models, there is a need to quickly determine relative quality differences in these cohorts, especially when considering MRI datasets which can exhibit wide variations in image appearance. The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative quality control tool, MRQy, to help interrogate MR imaging datasets for: (a) site‐ or scanner‐specific variations in image resolution or image contrast, and (b) imaging artifacts such as noise or inhomogeneity; which need correction prior to model development.

Methods

Unlike existing imaging quality control tools, MRQy has been generalized to work with images from any body region to efficiently extract a series of quality measures (e.g., noise ratios, variation metrics) and MR image metadata (e.g., voxel resolution and image dimensions). MRQy also offers a specialized HTML5‐based front‐end designed for real‐time filtering and trend visualization of quality measures.

Results

MRQy was used to evaluate (a) n = 133 brain MRIs from TCIA (7 sites) and (b) n = 104 rectal MRIs (3 local sites). MRQy measures revealed significant site‐specific variations in both cohorts, indicating potential batch effects. Before processing, MRQy measures could be used to identify each of the seven sites within the TCIA cohort with 87.5%, 86.4%, 90%, 93%, 90%, 60%, and 92.9% accuracy and the three sites within the rectal cohort with 91%, 82.8%, and 88.9% accuracy using unsupervised clustering. After processing, none of the sites could be distinctively clustered via MRQy measures in either cohort; suggesting that batch effects had been largely accounted for. Marked differences in specific MRQy measures were also able to identify outlier MRI datasets that needed to be corrected for common acquisition artifacts.

Conclusions

MRQy is designed to be a standalone, unsupervised tool that can be efficiently run on a standard desktop computer. It has been made freely accessible and open‐source athttp://github.com/ccipd/MRQyfor community use and feedback.
Synthesis, photophysical, and theoretical studies on π‐conjugated copolymers based on benzothiadiazole and cyanopyridine acceptor moieties along with other π‐bridge units
Authors: El‐Shehawy Ashraf A. , Abdu Mohamed E. , El‐Hendawy Morad M. , El‐Khouly Mohamed , Sherif Mohamed H. , Moustafa Hamed Y.
Published: November 2020

A set of π‐conjugated copolymers were synthesized via Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling based on benzothiadiazole and cyanopyridine moieties along with other π‐bridge units (thiophene and/or benzene). Their chemical structures were confirmed by various analytical techniques (elemental, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR analyses). All copolymers showed good solubility in most common organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis showed their good thermal stability with no significant weight loss up to ~260°C. The estimated optical band gaps for thin films were found to be in the range of 2.25–2.62 eV. It was found that the π‐bridge units (benzene and/or thiophene) significantly affect the molecular architecture and optoelectronic properties of the copolymers. They exhibited good fluorescence in diluted solution where the fluorescence emission spectra were obtained by irradiative excitation at the wavelength in the range of 526.0–532.0 nm. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that all copolymers exhibited a symmetric halo peak at 2θ = 22.5–23.8° corresponding to the presence of alkyl side chains in addition to a small intensity peak at 2θ of ~43° indicates the existence of some degree of remnant some ranges of crystallinity in the films. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations were used to assess planarity, electronic structure, and optical absorption properties.
Apoptotic effect of berberine via Bcl‐2, ROR1, and mir‐21 in patients with B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Mohammadlou Maryam , Abdollahi Maryam , Hemati Maral , Baharlou Rasoul , Doulabi Ehsan Manouchehri , Pashaei Mehrnoosh , Ghahremanfard Farahnaz , Faranoush Mohammad , Kokhaei Parviz
Published: November 2020

Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in a wide variety of tumor cells. However, the action mechanism of berberine in CLL cells is unknown. The previous study has shown that berberine leads to reduced viability and elevated levels of apoptosis in PBMCs of CLL patients. CLL cells are characterized by remarkable expression of Bcl‐2 and ROR1 which leads to activation and survival and increases disease progression in patients. High‐level expression of miR‐21 in patients with CLL is associated with a higher risk of death. Here we investigated the anticancer effects of berberine upon peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CLL patients. To evaluate the expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins and ROR1 using flow cytometry and western blot, PBMCs were treated with 25 μM of berberine for 24 hr. The expression levels of mir‐21 were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Examination of treated cells demonstrated that berberine decreased Bcl‐2 and ROR1 levels. Although western blot results did not show any change in Bax as a pro‐apoptotic protein, an increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio indicated that mitochondrial pathway is involved in berberine‐induced apoptosis of CLL cells. Interestingly, berberine could reduce the expression of miR‐21 in comparison to the untreated group. Our findings describe some of the molecular mechanisms of berberine by decreasing Bcl‐2, ROR1, and mir‐21 which may be considered as a novel apoptosis inducer in CLL cells.
An EWMA signed ranks control chart with reliable run length performances
Authors: Perdikis Theodoros , Psarakis Stelios , Castagliola Philippe , Maravelakis Petros E.
Published: November 2020

During the design phase of a control chart, the determination of its exact run length properties plays a vital role for its optimal operation. Markov chain or integral equation methods have been extensively applied in the design phase of conventional control charts. However, for distribution‐free schemes, due to the discrete nature of the statistics being used (such as the sign or the Wilcoxon signed rank statistics, for instance), it is impossible to accurately compute their run length properties. In this work, a modified distribution‐free phase II exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA)‐type chart based on the Wilcoxon signed rank statistic is considered and its exact run length properties are discussed. A continuous transformation of the Wilcoxon signed rank statistic, combined with the classical Markov chain method, is used for the determination of the average run length in the in‐ and out‐of control cases. Moreover, its exact performance is derived without any knowledge of the distribution of sample observations. Finally, an illustrative example is provided showing the practical implementation of our proposed chart.
Acoustofluidics‐Assisted Fluorescence‐SERS Bimodal Biosensors
Authors: Hao Nanjing , Pei Zhichao , Liu Pengzhan , Bachman Hunter , Naquin Ty Downing , Zhang Peiran , Zhang Jinxin , Shen Liang , Yang Shujie , Yang Kaichun , Zhao Shuaiguo , Huang Tony Jun
Published: November 2020

Acoustofluidics, the fusion of acoustics and microfluidic techniques, has recently seen increased research attention across multiple disciplines due in part to its capabilities in contactless, biocompatible, and precise manipulation of micro‐/nano‐objects. Herein, a bimodal signal amplification platform which relies on acoustofluidics‐induced enrichment of nanoparticles is introduced. The dual‐function biosensor can perform sensitive immunofluorescent or surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection. The platform functions by using surface acoustic waves to concentrate nanoparticles at either the center or perimeter of a glass capillary; the concentration location is adjusted simply by varying the input frequency. The immunofluorescence assay is achieved by concentrating fluorescent analytes and functionalized nanoparticles at the center of the microchannel, thereby improving the visibility of the fluorescent output. By modifying the inner wall of the glass capillary with plasmonic Ag nanoparticle‐deposited ZnO nanorod arrays and focusing analytes toward the perimeter of the microchannel, SERS sensing using the same device setup is achieved. Nanosized exosomes are used as a proof‐of‐concept to validate the performance of the acoustofluidic bimodal biosensor. With its sample‐enrichment functionality, bimodal sensing, short processing time, and minute sample consumption, the acoustofluidic chip holds great potential for the development of lab‐on‐a‐chip based analysis systems in many real‐world applications.
Engineering the Interaction Dynamics between Nano‐Topographical Immunocyte‐Templated Micromotors across Scales from Ions to Cells
Authors: Wang Jie , Ahmed Rajib , Zeng Yitian , Fu Kaiyu , Soto Fernando , Sinclair Bob , Soh Hyongsok Tom , Demirci Utkan
Published: November 2020

Manufacturing mobile artificial micromotors with structural design factors, such as morphology nanoroughness and surface chemistry, can improve the capture efficiency through enhancing contact interactions with their surrounding targets. Understanding the interplay of such parameters targeting high locomotion performance and high capture efficiency at the same time is of paramount importance, yet, has so far been overlooked. Here, an immunocyte‐templated nano‐topographical micromotor is engineered and their interactions with various targets across multiple scales, from ions to cells are investigated. The macrophage templated nanorough micromotor demonstrates significantly increased surface interactions and significantly improved and highly efficient removal of targets from complex aqueous solutions, including in plasma and diluted blood, when compared to smooth synthetic material templated micromotors with the same size and surface chemistry. These results suggest that the surface nanoroughness of the micromotors for the locomotion performance and interactions with the multiscale targets should be considered simultaneously, for they are highly interconnected in design considerations impacting applications across scales.
Unit of measurement libraries, their popularity and suitability
Authors: McKeever Steve , Bennich‐Björkman Oscar , Salah Omar‐Alfred
Published: November 2020

In scientific applications, physical quantities, and units of measurement are used regularly. If the inherent incompatibility between these units is not handled properly it can lead to potentially catastrophic problems. Although the risk of a miscalculation is high and the cost equally so, almost none of the major programming languages has support for physical quantities. We employed a systematic approach to examine and analyse available units of measurement (UoM) libraries. The search results were condensed into 38 libraries. These were the most comprehensive and well‐developed, open‐source libraries, chosen from approximately 3700 search results across seven repository hosting sites. Most libraries are implemented in a similar manner, but with varying features and evaluation strategies. Three developers and a scientist were interviewed and 91 practitioners of varying experiences from on‐line forums were surveyed to explain their impressions of UoM libraries and their suitability. Our findings show several reasons for nonadoption, including insufficient awareness of UoM libraries, cumbersome in practice, specific performance concerns, and usage of development processes that exclude unit information We conclude with recommendations to UoM library creators derived from these observations. We also argue that so long as units are not part of the language, or not supported through an IDE extension, their use will be limited. Native language support allows for efficient unit conversion and static checking. While lightweight methods provide many benefits of UoM libraries with minimal overheads. Libraries are perhaps best suited to applications in which unit of measurement checking is desirable at run‐time.
Performance assessment of pulsating floc blanket clarifiers and conventional clariflocculators in pilot‐scale models
Authors: Srivastava Shashank , Brighu Urmila , Gupta Akhilendra Bhushan
Published: November 2020

Continuous upflow pilot plants based on conventional clariflocculation (CC) and pulsating floc blanket clarification (PFBC) technologies were designed and fabricated for a capacity to treat about 8,000 L/day, to understand the fundamental differences in their functioning and assess their relative performance, especially under low turbidity conditions. Influent turbidity varying from 2 to 10 NTU was treated using coagulant alum, and efficiency of CC and PFBC in terms of average turbidity removal was found to be 23% and 48%, respectively. On observing this vast difference, it was postulated that total residual aluminum should also be lower in water treated from PFBC. Experiments and MLR analysis confirmed the hypothesis, with residual aluminum ranging from 0.055 to 0.040 mg/L and 0.036 mg/L to below detectable levels for CC and PFBC, respectively. These findings are of high significance, since minimization of residual aluminum in drinking water is a priority of WHO due to its reported neurotoxicity and can be complied with simple replacement of CC with PFBC.

Practitioner points

Pulsating floc blanket clarifier (PFBC) performed better than conventional clariflocculator (CC) in terms of turbidity removal.

Pulsating floc blanket allowed more effective utilization of coagulant alum, resulting in significantly lower residual aluminum in clarified water.

Turbidity levels of influent and effluent are related to residual aluminum in treated water.

PFBCs are more compact and modular, and can facilitate a good alternative to CCs.
Treatment of real domestic sewage in a pilot‐scale aerobic granular sludge reactor: Assessing start‐up and operational control
Authors: Campos Fábio , Guimarães Natália Rodrigues , Maia Fernanda Cunha , Sandoval Marcel Zanetti , Bassin João Paulo , Bueno Rodrigo de Freitas , Piveli Roque Passos
Published: November 2020

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been considered a breakthrough in the wastewater treatment sector given its key characteristics, such as excellent settleability, simultaneous removal of organic and nutrient pollutants, and compactness. However, the formation of granules often delays the start‐up of granular‐based systems, especially in large‐scale settings. This study addressed the start‐up of a pilot‐scale AGS sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating domestic sewage, monitored for over 280 days. The challenges faced during aerobic granulation using a mixture of activated sludge and anaerobic granular sludge as inoculum and the performance of the reactor on organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal were discussed. Results showed that robust and stable granules were formed after an initial period of around six months, with the settling time playing a key role on granules development. At least 80% of granules had a diameter greater than 0.2 mm and 60% >1 mm. In general, the reactor achieved high nitrogen removal efficiency, as well as satisfactory removal of soluble COD. However, total COD abatement was impaired by the various episodes of suspended solids loss with the effluent. Overall, this study demonstrated that the reactor was efficient in the treatment of domestic sewage, but its performance was adversely affected from sudden changes in the influent quality.

Practitioner points

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) applied to small‐scale domestic sewage treatment.

The control of sludge age in AGS can be a problem due to short sedimentation times.

High DO to maintain aerobic granulation can economically make the process economically unfeasible in tropical countries.

A sludge with excellent sedimentation properties was obtained. However, maintaining the granule over time is a challenge.
Two-loop mixed QCD-EW corrections to gg → Hg
Authors: Bonetti Marco , Panzer Erik , Smirnov Vladimir A. , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We compute the two-loop mixed QCD-Electroweak (QCD-EW) corrections to the production of a Higgs boson and a gluon in gluon fusion through a loop of light quarks. The relevant four-point functions with internal massive propagators are expressed as multiple polylogarithms with algebraic arguments. We perform the calculation by integration over Feynman parameters and, independently, by the method of differential equations. We compute the two independent helicity amplitudes for the process and we find that they are both finite. Moreover, we observe a weight drop when all gluons have the same helicity. We also provide a simplified expression for the all-plus helicity amplitude, which is optimised for fast and reliable numerical evaluation in the physical region.
Handlungsempfehlung zur Therapieumstellung von Immunsuppressiva auf Dupilumab bei Patienten mit atopischer Dermatitis
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Mrowietz Ulrich , Weidinger Stephan , Werfel Thomas , Wollenberg Andreas
Published: November 2020

Basierend auf neuen Erkenntnissen zur molekularen Pathogenese der atopischen Dermatitis, wurde neben Glukokortikoiden und Ciclosporin mit Dupilumab nun auch eine zielgerichtete antientzündliche Systemtherapie zugelassen. Wegen ihrer Pharmakologie sind weder Glukokortikoide und Ciclosporin noch die außerhalb der Zulassung angewendeten Substanzen Methotrexat, Azathioprin und Mycophenolsäurederivate für eine Langzeittherapie geeignet. Bei der Umstellung der Therapie von den genannten niedermolekularen Substanzen auf Dupilumab sollten verschiedene Faktoren berücksichtigt werden. Hierbei sind sowohl der konkrete Anlass der Umstellung (Unwirksamkeit, unerwünschte Wirkungen oder sich einstellende Kontraindikationen) als auch die pharmakologischen Gegebenheiten zu berücksichtigen. Da es hierzu bisher keine konkreten klinischen Untersuchungen gibt, haben die Autoren auf der Grundlage einer Literaturrecherche Handlungsempfehlungen für den praktischen Alltag erarbeitet.
Impacts of Preoperative Psoas Muscle Mass and Visceral Fat Area on Postoperative Short‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshiki , Kurokawa Yukinori , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Saito Takuro , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Makino Tomoki , Yamasaki Makoto , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: November 2020

Background

Sarcopenia and obesity are associated with outcomes after surgery. However, few studies have investigated which more accurately predicts postoperative complications or prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 567 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Psoas muscle mass index (PMI) and visceral fat area (VFA) were measured by CT scan. Patients were divided into two groups based on PMI (PMI‐H group: male ≥ 6.36 cm2/m2, female ≥ 3.92 cm2/m2; and PMI‐L group: male < 6.36 cm2/m2, female < 3.92 cm2/m2) and two groups based on VFA (VFA‐H group: ≥ 100 cm2; VFA‐L group: < 100 cm2). The incidence of postoperative complications and the recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups.

Results

The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the VFA‐H group than in the VFA‐L group (35.1% vs. 20.3%; P < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference between the PMI‐H and PMI‐L groups. Multivariate analysis showed that PMI‐L and VFA‐H were independent risk factors for pneumonia (odds ratio, 4.49; P = 0.018) and intra‐abdominal abscess (odds ratio, 5.19; P = 0.004), respectively. While there was no significant difference in RFS between the VFA‐H and VFA‐L groups, the PMI‐L group showed significantly worse RFS than the PMI‐H group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PMI and VFA were useful predictive factors for postoperative pneumonia and intra‐abdominal abscess, respectively. PMI might be a useful prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer, but VFA is not.
Metanephric adenoma with BRAF V600K mutation and a doubtful radiological imaging: pitfalls in the diagnostic process
Authors: Lenci Niccolo , Francesco Pierconti , Scarciglia Eros , Fiorentino Vincenzo , Schino Mattia , Palermo Giuseppe , Racioppi Marco , Bassi Pierfrancesco , Martini Maurizio
Published: November 2020

Metanephric adenoma (MA) is an uncommon benign renal tumor whose histomorphological aspect resembles that of Wilms’ tumor and papillary renal cell carcinoma. From a diagnostic and therapeutic perspective, recognition of this entity is important as it has a more favorable clinical outcome compared with Wilms’ tumor and papillary renal cell carcinoma. MA should not be treated with nephrectomy if the tumor size is small, opting for a conservative treatment. However, the preoperative diagnosis of this disease is extremely challenging. The present study describes a case of this rare disease, showing an ambiguous radiological imaging and that only after a percutaneous biopsy, was defined as a MA and treated with partial nephrectomy. Moreover, the histological diagnosis of this case was partially complicated by the equivocal immunohistochemical analysis showing negativity for BRAF VE1 staining. Only the mutational analysis demonstrated the presence of the BRAF V600K mutation (for the first time described in a case of metanephric adenoma), highlighting the necessity of sequencing in case of MA with negativity for BRAF VE1 clone.
Reversible Environmental Catastrophes with Disconnected Generations
Authors: Heijdra Ben J. , Heijnen Pim
Published: November 2020

We study environmental policy in a stylized economy–ecology model featuring multiple deterministic stable steady-state ecological equilibria. The economy–ecology does not settle in either of the deterministic steady states as the environmental system is hit by random shocks. Individuals live for two periods and derive utility from the (stochastic) quality of the environment. They feature warm-glow preferences and engage in private abatement in order to weakly influence the stochastic process governing environmental quality. The government may also conduct abatement activities or introduce environmental taxes. We solve for the market equilibrium abstracting from public abatement and taxes and show that the ecological process may get stuck for extended periods of time fluctuating around the heavily polluted (low quality) deterministic steady state. These epochs are called environmental catastrophes. They are not irreversible, however, as the system typically switches back to the basin of attraction associated with the good (high quality) deterministic steady state. The paper also compares the stationary distributions for environmental quality and individuals’ welfare arising under the unmanaged economy and in the first-best social optimum.
On decomposition and multiobjective-based column and disjunctive cut generation for MINLP
Authors: Muts Pavlo , Nowak Ivo , Hendrix Eligius M. T.
Published: November 2020

Most industrial optimization problems are sparse and can be formulated as block-separable mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems, defined by linking low-dimensional sub-problems by (linear) coupling constraints. This paper investigates the potential of using decomposition and a novel multiobjective-based column and cut generation approach for solving nonconvex block-separable MINLPs, based on the so-called resource-constrained reformulation. Based on this approach, two decomposition-based inner- and outer-refinement algorithms are presented and preliminary numerical results with nonconvex MINLP instances are reported.
Noble Crayfish Are More Sensitive to Terbuthylazine than Parthenogenetic Marbled Crayfish
Authors: Laurenz Jan , Lietz Lena , Brendelberger Heinz , Lehmann Kai , Georg Arne
Published: November 2020

We investigated the sensitivity of two freshwater crayfish species (Astacus astacus and Procambarus virginalis) during embryonic development to chronic exposure to the herbicide terbuthylazine under laboratory conditions. The assessed parameters included time of embryonic development, survival rate, hatching weight and histopathology of hepatopancreas. LC50 (median lethal concentration) and ED50 (median effective concentration) were estimated. We were able to determine effects of terbuthylazine for every investigated parameter. For noble crayfish, the LC50 value after 45 days was 0.11 mg/L, and the histology of the hepatopancreas showed effects starting from 0.025 mg/L. Other parameters revealed effects starting at concentrations of 1.6 mg/L for weight and 6.4 mg /L for embryonic development time and hatching rate. Marbled crayfish only showed effects concerning the hatching rate and survival rate at concentrations without a clear dose-effects curve. As a conclusion, our data shows the risk of terbuthylazine in existing concentrations in freshwater ecosystems to non-target organisms and also the need of toxicological studies on directly affected species in addition to the use of model organisms.