bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral Unmixing‐Based Reaction Monitoring of Transformations between Nucleosides and Nucleobases
Authors: Kaspar Felix , Giessmann Robert T. , Westarp Sarah , Hellendahl Katja F. , Krausch Niels , Thiele Isabel , Walczak Miriam C. , Neubauer Peter , Wagner Anke
Published: April 2020

The increased interest in (enzymatic) transformations between nucleosides and nucleobases has demanded the development of efficient analytical tools. In this report, we present an update and extension of our recently described method for monitoring these reactions by spectral unmixing. The presented method uses differences in the UV absorption spectra of nucleosides and nucleobases after alkaline quenching to derive their ratio based on spectral shape by fitting normalized reference spectra. It is applicable to a broad compound spectrum comprising more than 35 examples, offers HPLC‐like accuracy, ease of handling and significant reductions in both cost and data acquisition time compared to other methods. This contribution details the principle of monitoring reactions by spectral unmixing, gives recommendations regarding solutions to common problems and applications that necessitate special sample treatment. We provide software, workflows and reference spectra that facilitate the straightforward and versatile application of the method.
Are Hetero‐metallapentalenes Aromatic or Not? A DFT Investigation
Authors: Zhu Qin , Lin Lu , Qiu Rulin , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Jun Zhu at Xiamen University. The image depicts the aromaticity of hetero‐metallapentalenes with different metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Re, Os, Ir) centers and heteroatoms (B, N, and O) obtained by computational investigation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000148.
Effectiveness of ozonation and catalytic ozonation (iron oxide) in the degradation of sunset yellow dye
Authors: Toro Cristina Angélica T. , Dagostin João Luiz A. , de Castro Vasques Érika , Spier Michele R. , Igarashi‐Mafra Luciana , Dantas Tirzhá L. P.
Published: April 2020

Azo dyes present in industrial effluents represent a hurdle that regular treatments cannot overcome. In this study, the application of ozone and a catalytic (iron oxide) ozone treatment were proposed as a means of degrading aqueous sunset yellow dye. In order to understand the factors involved, a rotatable central composite design was applied using the variables time, initial dye concentration (C0), pH, ozone inlet concentration (O3), and mass of catalyst, which varied in each case. All variables were significant in colour removal. Extremes in pH, lower C0, and higher ozone concentrations are conditions that favour dye degradation. A complete colour loss occurred for certain combinations of these parameters. The application of iron oxide as a catalyst did not present a satisfactory improvement in the reaction rate. Chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon showed minimum values of 80% and 78%, respectively, for the worst experimental conditions (pH 7.0, C0 of 45 mg · L−1, and 5 g O3 · m−3), while their values were 88% and 83% for the best conditions applied. There was no immobilization of Artemia salina nauplii, even for the experimental run where the maximum concentration of dye of the set was used (45 mg dye · L−1). Ozonation is a promising alternative in the degradation of aqueous sunset yellow dye, being favoured in acidic or basic media, which is especially important since food effluents usually present low pH and show low toxicity. The mathematical model proposed can be useful in the design of wastewater treatment processes.
[18F]Flurpiridaz: Facile and Improved Precursor Synthesis for this Next‐Generation Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Agent
Authors: Ahmed Hazem , Haider Achi , Gisler Livio , Schibli Roger , Gebhard Catherine , Ametamey Simon M.
Published: April 2020

[18F]Flurpiridaz is a recently developed positron emission tomography tracer that is currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials to measure myocardial blood flow. The relatively long physical half‐life of fluorine‐18 alongside the high spatial resolution and outstanding myocardium‐to‐background ratio fuels its potential to be the next gold standard for the early detection of coronary artery disease. Notwithstanding the expected widespread use of [18F]flurpiridaz, the reported multistep synthesis of its precursor for radiofluorination involves a hazardous alkylation step using carcinogenic ethylene oxide, and a low overall chemical yield of 7 %. In this work, we have improved the overall yield more than fivefold and concurrently replaced the hazardous step. Specificity of binding of [18F]flurpiridaz to mitochondrial complex 1 was demonstrated by in vitro autoradiography on mouse heart tissue sections. These results thus pave the way for assessing myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve in mouse models of cardiovascular disease.
Tunable Thiolate Coordination Networks on Metal Surfaces
Authors: Meng Xiangzhi , Kolodzeiski Elena , Huang Xing , Timmer Alexander , Schulze Lammers Bertram , Gao Hong‐Ying , Mönig Harry , Liu Lacheng , Xu Wei , Amirjalayer Saeed , Zhu Daoben , Fuchs Harald
Published: April 2020

Thiolate coordination networks (TCNs) were synthesized on metal surfaces using benzenehexathiol (BHT) and analyzed by cryogenic scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as density functional theory. Upon adsorption, the deprotonation of the thiol groups occurred on the metal surface with the formation of metal‐sulfur coordination bonds. Increasing the surface temperature triggered the complete dehydrogenation of BHT and promoted the formation of TCNs. On Ag(111), the TCN of [Ag3(C6S6)]n was achieved and showed good thermal stability. On Cu(111), two TCNs ([Cu6(C6S6)]n and [Cu8(C6S6)]n,) were identified. Interestingly, the construction of the two TCNs on Cu(111) can be precisely controlled by adjusting the temperature of the surface during deposition and thermal annealing. Our results reveal the significant influence of the metal surface on the formation of coordination networks.
Inverter‐based voltage‐controlled and programmable comparators
Authors: Sharroush Sherif M.
Published: April 2020

Comparators are very important circuits that can be found in a variety of applications, especially comparators whose reference level can be controlled. In this paper, a voltage‐controlled comparator whose reference voltage is controlled by a control voltage and a programmable comparator whose reference voltage is controlled by an input bit pattern are presented. These two comparators are analyzed quantitatively. The performance of the two proposed comparators is verified by simulation using the Berkeley predictive‐technology models (BPTM) of the 45‐, 32‐, 22‐, and 16‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies with power‐supply voltages, VDD, of 1, 0.9, 0.8, and 0.7 V, respectively. The proposed controlled comparator is compared with the conventional latch‐type comparator from the points of view of the response time, the output amplitude, and the power consumption.
Root‐zone soil moisture variability across African savannas: From pulsed rainfall to land‐cover switches
Authors: Räsänen Matti , Merbold Lutz , Vakkari Ville , Aurela Mika , Laakso Lauri , Beukes J. Paul , Van Zyl Pieter G. , Josipovic Miroslav , Feig Gregor , Pellikka Petri , Rinne Janne , Katul Gabriel G.
Published: April 2020

The main source of soil moisture variability in savanna ecosystems is pulsed rainfall. Rainfall pulsing impacts water‐stress durations, soil moisture switching between wet‐to‐dry and dry‐to‐wet states, and soil moisture spectra as well as derived measures from it such as soil moisture memory. Rainfall pulsing is also responsible for rapid changes in grassland leaf area and concomitant changes in evapotranspirational (ET) losses, which then impact soil moisture variability. With the use of a hierarchy of models and soil moisture measurements, temporal variability in root‐zone soil moisture and water‐stress periods are analysed at four African sites ranging from grass to miombo savannas. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and potential ET (PET)‐adjusted ET model predict memory timescale and dry persistence in agreement with measurements. The model comparisons demonstrate that dry persistence and mean annual dry periods must account for seasonal and interannual changes in maximum ET represented by NDVI and to a lesser extent PET. Interestingly, the precipitation intensity and soil moisture memory were linearly related across three savannas with ET/infiltration ∼ 1.0. This relation and the variability of length and timing of dry periods are also discussed.
Heat Treatment–Controlled Morphology Modification of Electrospun Titanium Oxynitride Nanowires for Capacitive Energy Storage and Electrocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Noh Yuseong , Kim Yoongon , Han Hyunsu , Park Seongmin , Yoon Wongeun , Lee Seungjun , Kim Jong Guk , Kim Youngmin , Kim Hyung Ju , Kim Won Bae
Published: April 2020

Herein, 1D titanium oxynitride nanowires (TiON NWs) with different morphologies are fabricated through the step‐controlled heat treatments of electrospun nanowires, and their electrochemical performances are analyzed with regard to the physicochemical characteristics changed by post‐annealing processes. The direct‐nitridation (1step) and sequential oxidation‐nitridation (2step) procedures are performed to convert as‐prepared nanowires, consisting of titanium precursor and polymer, to TiON NWs (TiON‐1step NW and TiON‐2step NW). The TiON‐1step NW exhibits relatively high surface area and pore volume, which can be attributed to small crystallite size and amorphous carbon species formed during the direct‐nitridation step, whereas grain growth and carbon decomposition are observed in the TiON‐2step NW. When the prepared nanowires are applied to electrochemical capacitors and oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs), the TiON‐1step NW shows significantly higher performances than the TiON‐2step NW (200% higher capacitance and 0.17 V lower half‐wave potential in ORR). It is expected that the variation of electrochemical properties is mainly affected by morphological differences of the two TiON NWs. Residual carbon components in the TiON‐1step NW also contribute to improved electrical conductivity as well as structural stability in the applied electrochemical reactions. More detailed analyses are performed to clearly elucidate the experimental results from the perspective of morphology modification.
Metal Element Detection and Carcinogenicity Risk Assessment of PM2.5 Samples
Authors: Qin Shuangjian , Li Boru , Wang Xun , Huang Haiyan , Zeng Ming , Xiao Fang , Xu Xinyun
Published: April 2020

The objective of the present study was to conduct metal element analysis and carcinogenicity risk assessment of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) from Shenzhen and Taiyuan. Samples of PM2.5 were collected in Shenzhen and Taiyuan during the yeas 2017 and 2018. Ten heavy metal elements were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Health risk was assessed using the recommended US Environmental Protection Agency model. Metal elements found in PM2.5 samples from Shenzhen included (in decreasing order of concentration) Al, Pb, Mn, Cr, Cu, V, As, Ni, Cd, and Co. Metal elements found in Taiyuan included (in decreasing order of concentration) Al, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, As, Ni, V, Cd, and Co. There were significant differences in Pb, Mn, Al, As, and Ni levels between Shenzhen and Taiyuan (p < 0.05); but the remaining element levels did not show significant differences between the 2 cities. Risk-assessment data showed higher total risk from 5 carcinogenic metal elements in Taiyuan (3.79 × 10−4) compared to Shenzhen (2.44 × 10−4): Cr had the highest carcinogenicity risk (>10−4), followed by As, Ni, and Cd (10−6 ~ 10−4), and Pb had the lowest risk (<10−6). The results indicated that some of the metal elements in PM2.5 samples from Shenzhen and Taiyuan pose a carcinogenicity risk; further research and measures for prevention and control should be considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1273–1276. © 2020 SETAC
Development of a statistical model to classify driving stress levels using galvanic skin responses
Authors: Kim Jungyoon , Park Jangwoon , Park Jaehyun
Published: April 2020

Many studies have demonstrated the strong relationships between physiological responses and driving stress, but they have done little to build a model that could be used to identify a driver's stress accurately in real time. The objective of this study is to develop a model that accurately classifies driving stress by monitoring physiological responses—specifically galvanic skin response (GSR). GSR data were collected from nine drivers with licenses obtained in the US in real road driving situations with two stress conditions—rest period (low stress) and highway or city driving (high stress). The validation drive was performed by one driver with licenses obtained in South Korea in real long‐term road driving situations with two stress conditions—rural area (low stress) and highway or highway under construction (high stress). Those two conditions were used to build a binary logistic regression model to classify low stress or high stress based on a driver's measured hand GSR. The overall classification accuracy of the developed model was found to be 85.3%, and the accuracy of cross validation, with a testing dataset, was found to be 83.2%. A simple logit model was developed to identify drivers' stress by incorporating their GSR data. The developed model can be embedded in a wearable device equipped with GSR sensors for drivers to detect their stress level in real time.
Evaluation of recessed and bar handles of freezer door in refrigerator
Authors: Jung Myung‐Chul , Hwang Jaejin
Published: April 2020

Design components of handles can affect the physical demands on users and their satisfaction. However, few studies have evaluated the physical usability of different handle configurations in refrigerators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the handle height, clearance, embossing, and users’ stature on their physical demands and satisfaction with two different handle types. Twenty‐eight participants were recruited, and several design components, including the handle type (recessed, bar), height (620 and 680 mm), clearance (0, 3, 5, and 7 mm), embossing (with and without), and users’ stature (short, medium, and tall) were investigated. Regardless of handle type, higher handle (680 mm) exhibited a lower flexion angle and flexion moments of the hips and back compared with lower handle (620 mm), and participants expressed greater satisfaction with embossed handles when using the recessed handle. Handle height and comfortable grip configuration were the primary components that affected physical usability. The results could be useful in designing and improving refrigerator handles.
Performance optimization of pharmaceutical supply chain by a unique resilience engineering and fuzzy mathematical framework
Authors: Salehi Vahid , Salehi Razieh , Mirzayi Mahsa , Akhavizadegan Faezeh
Published: April 2020

Pharmaceutical supply chains (PSCs) are responsible for guaranteeing that the right people receive the right medication at the right time and in the right conditions. These responsibilities make PSC very complex and subsequently increase their vulnerability and disturbance probability. Resilience engineering (RE) can enable supply chain managers to cope with disruptions and to help them maintain their efficient performance. This study proposes a unique RE framework for performance optimization of the pharmaceutical sector in a veterinary organization. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Next, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA) approaches were employed to formulate the problem. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on the most appropriate model of DEA and FDEA. The results showed that redundancy was the most effective factor in enhancing efficiency in PSCs in the veterinary organization. This is one of the first studies that investigate the influence of resilience indicators on PSC through DEA/FDEA and statistical methods.
Management of the first patient with confirmed COVID‐19 in pregnancy in India: From guidelines to frontlines
Authors: Sharma K. Aparna , Kumari Rajesh , Kachhawa Garima , Chhabra Anjolie , Agarwal Ramesh , Sharma Akash , Kumar Sunesh , Bhatla Neerja
Published: April 2020

Successful pregnancy management in a patient with confirmed COVID‐19 requires a multidisciplinary team approach and facility preparedness, especially during the pandemic.
A biphasic, demineralized, and Decellularized allograft bone‐hydrogel scaffold with a cell‐based BMP‐7 delivery system for osteochondral defect regeneration
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Lyu Jingtong , Xing Fei , Chen Ran , Duan Xin , Xiang Zhou
Published: April 2020

The reconstruction of bone and cartilage defects remains a challenge in orthopedics and tissue engineering. In this study, a mimetic natural scaffold based on a demineralized and decellularized bone and collagen type I (Col I) allograft was developed. The resulting hydrogel has the capability of loading allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) resulting in the sustained release of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7). BMSCs transfected with lentivirus loaded with BMP‐7 gene were used as the BMP‐7 delivery system, and then seeded on a demineralized and decellularized allograft bone‐collagen biphasic scaffold to enhance bone and cartilage regeneration. The results indicated that, after transfection, BMSCs had a higher expression of the BMP‐7 gene and the sustained release of BMP‐7 lasted more than 28 days. The preliminary biphasic scaffold promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. After implanting the transfected cells into the knee joints of beagle dogs, enhanced osteochondral defect regeneration was identified at 12 weeks postimplantation. Our results revealed that the new cell‐loaded scaffold can avoid the side effects and the short half‐life of BMP‐7, and promote the reconstruction of bone and cartilage defects. Such a composite system, therefore, shows potential in bone and cartilage tissue engineering applications.
Silymarin effect on experimental bone defect repair in rat following implantation of the electrospun PLA/carbon nanotubes scaffold associated with Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Khoobi Mohammad Mohsen , Naddaf Hadi , Hoveizi Elham , Mohammadi Tayebeh
Published: April 2020

In this study, the ability of silymarin to heal rat calvarial bone critical defects with mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human Wharton's jelly (HWJMSC) cultured on the electrospun scaffold of poly (lactic acid)/carbon nanotube (PLA/CNT) has been examined. In this study, 20 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five each. Under general anesthesia, 8 mm defects were created in the calvarial bone of the rats. Then, study groups were defined as no treatment group, the scaffold alone, the scaffold and HWJMSCs, and the scaffold/cells plus oral silymarin, respectively. The histomorphometric study was performed using H&E staining and Goldner's Masson trichrome as specific staining. The results of this study showed that the electrospun PLA/CNT scaffold is a biocompatible scaffold and HWJMSCs can considerably attach and proliferate on this scaffold, and the scaffold itself is also a suitable option for improving the bone repair process. The results of the histomorphometric analysis also showed a significantly higher amount of recently formed bone in the silymarin group plus scaffold/cells compared to the scaffold and cell group alone (p < .05). Utilizing silymarin plus HWJMSCs cultured on PLA/CNT scaffold can be used as a suitable method for the process of osteogenesis and bone repair.
Bone‐targeting phospholipid polymers to solubilize the lipophilic anticancer drug
Authors: Otaka Akihisa , Yamaguchi Tomoki , Saisho Ryoya , Hiraga Toru , Iwasaki Yasuhiko
Published: April 2020

Current chemotherapy methods have limited effectiveness in eliminating bone metastasis, which leads to a poor prognosis associated with severe bone disorders. To provide regional chemotherapy for this metastatic tumor, a bone‐targeting drug carrier was produced by introducing the osteotropic bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) units into an amphiphilic phospholipid polymer, poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine‐co‐n‐butyl methacrylate). The polymer can form nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 30 nm; ALN units were exposed to the outer layer of the particle. A simple mixing procedure was used to encapsulate a hydrophobic anticancer drug, known as docetaxel (DTX), in the polymer nanoparticle, providing a uniform solution of a polymer–DTX complex in the aqueous phase. The complex showed anticancer activities against several breast cancer cell lines, and the complex formation did not hamper the pharmacological effect of DTX. The fluorescence observations evaluated by an in vivo imaging system and fluorescence microscopy showed that the addition of ALN to the polymer–DTX complex enhanced bone accumulation. Bone‐targeting phospholipid polymers are potential solubilizing excipients used to formulate DTX and deliver the hydrophobic drug to bone tissues by blood administration.
How accurate are TD‐DFT excited‐state geometries compared to DFT ground‐state geometries?
Authors: Wang Jun , Durbeej Bo
Published: April 2020

In this work, we take a different angle to the benchmarking of time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) for the calculation of excited‐state geometries by extensively assessing how accurate such geometries are compared to ground‐state geometries calculated with ordinary DFT. To this end, we consider 20 medium‐sized aromatic organic compounds whose lowest singlet excited states are ideally suited for TD‐DFT modeling and are very well described by the approximate coupled‐cluster singles and doubles (CC2) method, and then use this method and six different density functionals (BP86, B3LYP, PBE0, M06‐2X, CAM‐B3LYP, and ωB97XD) to optimize the corresponding ground‐ and excited‐state geometries. The results show that although each hybrid functional reproduces the CC2 excited‐state bond lengths very satisfactorily, achieving an overall root mean square error of 0.011 Å for all 336 bonds in the 20 molecules, these errors are distinctly larger than those of only 0.004–0.006 Å with which the hybrid functionals reproduce the CC2 ground‐state bond lengths. Furthermore, for each functional employed, the variation in the error relative to CC2 between different molecules is found to be much larger (by at least a factor of 3) for the excited‐state geometries than for the ground‐state geometries, despite the fact that the molecules/states under investigation have rather uniform chemical and spectroscopic character. Overall, the study finds that even in favorable circumstances, TD‐DFT excited‐state geometries appear intrinsically and comparatively less accurate than DFT ground‐state ones.
How does temperature play a role in the storage of extracellular vesicles?
Authors: Qin Bo , Zhang Qi , Hu Xi‐min , Mi Tuo‐yang , Yu Hai‐yang , Liu Shen‐shen , Zhang Bin , Tang Mu , Huang Ju‐fang , Xiong Kun
Published: April 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can be passed to other cells as signal molecules to alter their function. However, there are many problems and challenges in the conversion and clinical application of EVs. Storage and protection of EVs is one of the issues that need further research. To adapt to potential clinical applications, this type of problem must be solved. This review summarizes the storage practices of EVs in recent years, and explains the impact of temperature on the quality and stability of EVs during storage based on current research, and explains the potential mechanisms involved in this effect as much as possible.
RUNX2 co‐operates with EGR1 to regulate osteogenic differentiation through Htra1 enhancers
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zuo Huanyan , Yu Shuaitong , Lin Yuxiu , Chen Shuo , Liu Huan , Chen Zhi
Published: April 2020

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) has been shown to regulate osteoblast differentiation by directly or indirectly regulating numerous osteoblast‐related genes. However, our understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms of RUNX2 is mainly restricted to its transactivation, while the mechanism underlying its inhibitory effect during osteoblast differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we incorporated the anti‐RUNX2 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing in MC3T3‐E1 cells and RNA‐sequencing of parietal bone from Runx2 heterozygous mutant mice, to identify the putative genes negatively regulated by RUNX2. We identified HtrA serine peptidase 1 (Htra1) as a target gene and found ten candidate Htra1 enhancers potentially regulated by RUNX2, among which seven were verified by dual‐luciferase assays. Furthermore, we investigated the motifs in the vicinity of RUNX2‐binding sites and identified early growth response 1 (EGR1) as a potential partner transcription factor (TF) potentially regulating Htra1 expression, which was subsequently confirmed by Re‐ChIP assays. RUNX2 and EGR1 co‐repressed Htra1 and increased the expression levels of other osteoblast marker genes, such as osterix, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin at the messenger RNA and protein level. Moreover, Alizarin red staining combined with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining showed decreased calcified nodules and ALP activity in the siRUNX2+siEGR1 group compared with siRUNX2 group. Our findings revealed the detailed mechanism of the inhibitory function of RUNX2 towards its downstream genes, along with its partner TFs, to promote osteoblast differentiation.
Knockdown of milk‐fat globule EGF factor‐8 suppresses glioma progression in GL261 glioma cells by repressing microglial M2 polarization
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Huicui , Cheng Junjie , Zhang Li , Ke Youliang , Zhu Yi , Wang Cheng , Zhang Xiaohu , Zhen Xuechu , Zheng Long Tai
Published: April 2020

Tumor‐associated microglial cells promote glioma growth, invasion, and chemoresistance by releasing inflammatory factors. Milk fat globule EGF factor 8 protein (MFG‐E8), a secreted glycoprotein, is closely related to tissue homeostasis and anti‐inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the role of MFG‐E8 in microglial polarization and glioma progression in vitro and in vivo. We found that glioma cells secrete comparable amounts of MFG‐E8 in culture media to astrocytes. Recombinant MFG‐E8 triggered microglia to express the M2 polarization markers, such as arginase‐1 (ARG‐1), macrophage galactose‐type C‐type lectin‐2 (MGL‐2), and macrophage mannose receptor (CD206). Forced expression of MFG‐E8 in BV‐2 microglia cells not only promoted IL‐4‐induced M2 polarization but also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced M1 microglial polarization. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that recombinant MFG‐E8 markedly induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and the STAT3 inhibitor stattic significantly blocked MFG‐E8‐induced ARG‐1 expression. Administration of antibody against MFG‐E8 and knockdown of its receptor, integrin β3, significantly attenuated MFG‐E8‐induced ARG‐1 expression. Similarly, knockdown of MFG‐E8 also markedly reduced IL‐4‐induced M2 marker expression and increased LPS‐induced M1 marker expression in microglia cells. Moreover, the knockdown of MFG‐E8 in GL261 glioma cells inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced chemosensitivity to 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU), which was likely associated with the downregulation of FAK/AKT activation and STAT3/cyclin D1 signaling. The murine GL261 glioma experimental model demonstrated that knockdown of MFG‐E8 significantly reduced tumor size and extended survival times. Additionally, attenuated CD11b+ cell infiltration and reduced CD206+ expression in CD11b+ cells were also observed in an MFG‐E8 knockdown GL261 murine glioma model. These results suggested that inhibition of MFG‐E8 might hamper the immunosuppressive microenvironment in gliomas and therefore ameliorate tumor progression.
Impact of IFN‐β and LIF overexpression on human adipose‐derived stem cells properties
Authors: Ashja‐Arvan Mehnoosh , Dehbashi Moein , Eslami Asma , Salehi Hossein , Yoosefi Mahdiyeh , Ganjalikhani‐Hakemi Mazdak
Published: April 2020

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a subset of mesenchymal stem cells that their therapeutic effects in various diseases make them an interesting tool in cell therapy. In the current study, we aimed to overexpress interferon‐β (IFN‐β) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) cytokines in human ADSCs to evaluate the impact of this overexpression on human ADSCs properties. Here, we designed a construct containing IFN‐β and LIF and then, transduced human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) by this construct via a lentiviral vector (PCDH‐513B). We assessed the ability of long‐term expression of the transgene in transduced cells by western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques on Days 15, 45, and 75 after transduction. For the evaluation of stem cell properties, flow cytometry and differentiation assays were performed. Finally, the MTT assay was done to assess the proliferation of transduced cells compares to controls. Our results showed high‐efficiency transduction with highest expression rates on Day 75 after transduction which were 70 pg/ml for IFN‐β and 77.9 pg/ml for LIF in comparison with 25.60 pg/ml and 27.63 pg/ml, respectively, in untransduced cells (p = .0001). Also, transduced cells expressed a high level of ADSCs surface markers and successfully differentiated into adipocytes, chondrocytes, neural cells, and osteocytes besides the preservation rate of proliferation near untreated cells (p = .88). All in all, we successfully constructed an hADSC population stably overexpressed IFN‐β and LIF cytokines. Considering the IFN‐β and LIF anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects as well as immune‐regulatory properties of hADSCs, the obtained cells of this study could be subjected for further evaluations in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice model.
Downregulation of HDAC1 suppresses media degeneration by inhibiting the migration and phenotypic switch of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in aortic dissection
Authors: Sun Lin , Wang Chunping , Yuan Ye , Guo Zhen , He Yubin , Ma Wenrui , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2020

Although much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD), the overall morbidity and mortality rates of TAD are still high. Therefore, the molecular pathogenesis and etiology of TAD need to be elucidated. In this study, we found that histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) expression is dramatically higher in the aortic wall of patients with TAD (than that in a normal group) and negatively correlates with the levels of the vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) contractile‐phenotype markers. Knockdown of HDAC1 upregulated both smooth muscle 22 α (SM22α) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐treated and ‐untreated SMCs. In addition, the knockdown of HDAC1 markedly decreased SMC viability and migration in contrast to the control group under the conditions of quiescence and PDGF‐BB treatment. We also showed that the expression of polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) is decreased in the aortic wall of patients with TAD and negatively correlates with HDAC1 expression. Overexpressed PKD1 obviously increased SM22α and α‐SMA expression and reduced the viability and migration of SMCs, but these effects were attenuated by HDAC1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HDAC1 serves as an important modulator of the migration and phenotypic switch of SMCs by suppressing the PKD1– mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway. HDAC1 downregulation inhibited media degeneration and attenuated the loss of elastic–fiber integrity in a mouse model of TAD. Our results suggest that HDAC1 might be a new target for the treatment of a macrovascular disease such as TAD.
Roles of noncoding RNAs in drug resistance in multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Jingwen , Zou Jing , Wan Xiaoyue , Sun Chunyan , Chu Zhangbo , Hu Yu
Published: April 2020

Despite the administration of new effective drugs in recent years, relapse and drug resistance are still the main obstacles in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, making MM an incurable disease. To overcome drug resistance in MM, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms of malfunctioning gene expression and develop novel targeted therapies. During the past few decades, with the discovery and characterization of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), the landscape of dysregulated ncRNAs of cancers as well as their biological and pathobiological functions in tumorigenesis and drug resistance have been recognized. Studies about ncRNAs improved the understanding of variations of drug response among individuals at a level distinguished from genetic polymorphism, and provided with new orientations for targeted therapies. In this review, we will summarize the emerging impact and underlying molecular mechanisms of the most relevant classes of ncRNAs in drug resistance of MM, and discuss the potential as well as strategies of treating ncRNAs as therapeutic targets.
Learning to stand tall: Idiopathic scoliosis, behavioral electronics, and technologically‐assisted patient participation in treatment, c. 1969–1992
Authors: Gerber Lucie
Published: April 2020

Drawing on the archives of American learning psychologist Neal E. Miller, this article investigates the role of instrumentation in the expansion and diversification of the behavior therapy domain from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. Through the case of Miller's research on the use of biofeedback to treat idiopathic scoliosis, it argues that the post‐World War II adoption of electronic technology by behavioral psychologists contributed to extending their subject matter to include physiological processes and somatic conditions. It also enabled a technologically‐instrumented move outside the laboratory through the development of portable ambulatory treatment devices. Using the example of the Posture‐Training Device that Miller and his collaborators invented for the behavioral treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, this paper considers how electromechanical psychological instrumentation illustrated a larger and ambiguous strategic shift in behavior therapy from an orientation toward external control to one of self‐control.
Subjective and Objective Measurements of Sinonasal Manifestations in Patients With Autoimmune Disorders
Authors: Makary Chadi A. , Gill Brittany , Parman Brock , Unsal Aykut A. , Holmes Thomas , Reyes‐Gelves Camilo , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: April 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

A number of autoimmune disorders (ADs) are associated with a spectrum of sinonasal manifestations comparable to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our objective was to study the subjective and objective measurements of sinonasal manifestations of ADs.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

All patients with ADs referred to our tertiary care rhinology clinic from 2008 to 2019 with sinonasal symptoms were compared to randomly selected cohorts of noneosinophilic CRS without nasal polyps (neCRSsNP) and eosinophilic CRSsNP (eCRSsNP). Demographic data, along with the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Lund‐Kennedy (LK) endoscopy score, Lund‐Mackay (LM) computed tomography (CT) score, nasal crusting, and epistaxis were reviewed at presentation.

Results

Fifty‐three patients with an AD (26 with sarcoidosis, 14 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 10 with granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA], and three with pemphigoid vulgaris) were identified, and compared to 75 randomly selected neCRSsNP patients and 75 eCRSsNP patients. Patients with an AD had an average SNOT‐22 score of 44.4 (confidence interval [CI]: 34.6‐51.2) compared to 25 (CI: 24.4‐25.1) and 29.7 (CI: 20.3‐29.7) for neCRSsNP and eCRSsNP patients, respectively (P < .0001), and an average LK endoscopy score of 5.3 (CI: 4.3‐6.3), compared to 3.4 (P = .005, CI: 2.7‐4) in neCRSsNP and 4.4 in eCRSsNP (P = .2, CI: 3.7‐5). There was no significant difference in the CT score compared to both groups. Patients with an AD also scored significantly worse on all four SNOT‐33 subdomains, nasal obstruction, nasal crusting, and epistaxis. Additionally, patients with GPA had the worst symptomatic and endoscopy scores.

Conclusions

Patients with ADs presenting with sinonasal symptoms have a more severe subjective and objective presentation than patients with CRS without nasal polyps.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:255–259, 2021
CrV Bimetallic Phillips Catalyst Prepared by Citric Acid‐Assisted Impregnation on Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Rui , Ren He , Liu Yue , Ling Shijia , Zhang Hongwei , Liu Boping , Cheng Ruihua
Published: April 2020

Three CrV bimetallic Phillips catalysts are developed by a citric acid‐assisted impregnation method and studied in ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization. The method benefits to the dispersion of bimetallic active sites, especially for the V ones. The electron binding energy shift of V 2p3/2 in CrV‐1/2‐CA suggests the increased electron deficiency of V active center. The CrV‐1/2‐CA, CrV‐1/3‐CA catalysts present higher activity, broader molecular weight distribution, than the counterparts without CA‐assisted impregnation, suggesting more active sites involved in the reaction. The 1‐hexene is higher inserted in the polyethylene by CrV‐1/2 than the CrV‐1/2‐CA. But the results of temperature rising elution fractionation‐successive self‐nucleation and annealing (TREF‐SSA) show the thinner platelet thickness at the high molecular weight parts of high‐density polyethylene by CrV‐1/2‐CA, suggesting the higher insertion of 1‐hexene and higher tensile properties. The CrV‐1/2‐CA also shows the more hydrogen‐regulated response in the polymerization. The deconvolution of the gel permeation chromatography curves presents the higher fractions of high molecular weight polymer component.
Simplification of Hyperelastic Constitutive Model and Finite Element Analysis of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers
Authors: Wang Yingzhu , Luo Weiang , Huang Junwen , Peng Chaohua , Wang Hongchao , Yuan Conghui , Chen Guorong , Zeng Birong , Dai Lizong
Published: April 2020

In this work, the simplified hyperelastic constitutive model and finite element analysis of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) under uniaxial tension are studied. Based on a series of classical strain energy density function of hyperelastic materials, a “one‐step” transformation algorithm from standard test data to the simplest constitutive model is proposed and a three‐parameter simplified constitutive model is obtained. The simplified model has a high accuracy on the experimentally determined load–displacement curve with fitting errors of 0.95%, 0.81%, and 0.98% to three TPUs comprising different hard segment contents of 15.19, 22.54, and 38.51 wt%, respectively. By combining the simplified hyperelastic constitutive model with the finite element analysis, the mechanical behavior of TPUs in uniaxial tensile state is predicted accurately. The simplification algorithm and simulation method may be applicable to other hyperelastic materials with more complex shapes and working conditions and have certain practical engineering guiding significance for the subsequent material selection, design, and production.
Deep tillage combined with biofertilizer following soil fumigation improved chrysanthemum growth by regulating the soil microbiome
Authors: Chen Huijie , Zhao Shuang , Zhao Jiamiao , Zhang Kaikai , Jiang Jing , Guan Zhiyong , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Fang Weimin
Published: April 2020

Sustained monoculture often leads to the inhibition of plant growth, the decrease of the soil microbial diversity, and changes in soil microbial community composition, particularly to the accumulation of soil‐borne pathogens. In this study, we conducted field experiments to investigate the practical effects of tilling the soil down to a depth of 40 cm (40dp) in combination with dazomet (D) soil fumigation and/or the application of a bio‐organic fertilizer (B) on chrysanthemum growth, with a focus on the potential mechanisms underlying the responses of the soil microbiome. The growth indices of chrysanthemum were significantly (p < .05) increased in the DB + 40dp treatment compared to that in other treatments. The weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances in the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that soil bacterial and fungal community compositions were separated according to the treatments. The abundance of genera potentially expressing growth promotion, such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus, was increased in the DB + 40dp treatment. In addition, the combined DB + 40dp treatment enhanced the activities of catalase, urease, sucrase, and β‐d‐glucosidase, and significantly increased the levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. The redundancy analysis (RDA) implied that the composition of the microbiome was correlated to soil enzymatic activities and soil potassium availability in the rhizosphere soil of chrysanthemum plants. Our findings suggest that the DB + 40dp treatment is a better strategy for improving chrysanthemum growth and regulating the rhizosphere microbiome in monoculture soils than the methods presently employed by commercial chrysanthemum producers.
Influence of nanofluid properties on turbulent forced convection heat transfer in different base liquids
Authors: Sharma Korada Viswanatha , Kumar Vandrangi Seshu , Snoussi Lotfi , Raja Sekhar Y. , Sadeghzadeh Milad , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2020

This paper analyses the influence of nanofluid properties on turbulent convective heat transfer characteristics for various base fluids. The turbulent characteristics of heat transfer and flow have been determined by applying the Van Driest model of the eddy diffusivity for water and ethylene glycol‐based nanofluids. The properties of CuO, Al2O3 and SiO2 nanofluids in two base liquids (water and EG‐water mixture with the ratio of 60:40) have been considered for various concentrations, as well as large temperature ranges. Based on the observations, it is concluded that numerical outcomes are validated with experimental measurements for heat transfer properties. It is also established that SiO2 reaches a higher temperature gradient in comparison with CuO at a similar temperature and concentration in EG‐water, with the mixture of 60:40. The gradients are greater for the EGW mixture compared to water‐based nanofluids. However, the water‐based nanofluids have higher heat transfer coefficients compared to EG‐water nanofluid at identical flow velocities. It is also notable that the key findings demonstrate that for the heat transfer coefficient, especially in practical situations, the use of nanoparticles and the base fluids tends to enhance the parameter of the coefficient of heat transfer. Also, this study is deemed contributory to the literature and extends the works of some of the previous scholarly contributors by affirming that the factor or parameter concerning the coefficient of heat transfer has its values or behavior dependent on the ratio between the water base liquid and the EG. Overall, it is shown that for higher values of the coefficient of heat transfer to be obtained, there is a need for the introduction of base liquids and nanoparticles, especially because these materials come with or exhibit superior thermal conductivity.
Convergence analysis of a Legendre spectral collocation method for nonlinear Fredholm integral equations in multidimensions
Authors: Zaky Mahmoud A. , Hendy Ahmed S.
Published: April 2020

It is a very challenging task to solve a nonlinear integral equation in multidimensions. The main purpose of this paper is to develop and analyze a spectral collocation method for a class of nonlinear Fredholm integral equations of the second kind in multidimensions. The proposed spectral collocation method is based on a multivariate Legendre approximation in the frequency space. It is shown by both theory and numerics that the proposed spectral collocation scheme not only significantly reduces the number of degrees of freedom but also produces very accurate approximations.
Use of skin advanced glycation end product levels measured using a simple noninvasive method as a biological marker for the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric diseases
Authors: Yamashita Hiroki , Fukushima Eriko , Shimomura Kaori , Hirose Hitoki , Nakayama Ken , Orimo Narihiro , Mao Wanyi , Katsuta Narimasa , Nishimon Shohei , Ohnuma Tohru
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may be involved in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study, the skin AGEs level of several neuropsychiatric diseases was assessed with a simple noninvasive method. Moreover, whether skin AGE level can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of these diseases was evaluated.

Methods

A total of 27 patients with schizophrenia, 26 with major depressive disorder, and 10 with major neurocognitive disorders (MNDs), such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia with Lewy body, as well as 26 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The skin AGE levels of the patients were assessed with an AGE scanner, a fluorometric method used to assay skin AGE levels.

Results

One‐way analysis of covariance was performed after adjusting for significant covariates, including age. Although the group with MNDs had higher skin AGE levels than the other groups, the main effect of diagnosis did not significantly affect the skin AGE levels of the groups.

Conclusions

Skin AGE levels in neuropsychiatric diseases with mild symptoms did not significantly differ. Further large‐scale studies using a simple noninvasive method for the early detection and treatment of MNDs must be conducted.
Preparation of polyvinylidene fluoride/modified attapulgite composite ultrafiltration membrane
Authors: Tian Ye , Jin Shao‐Hua , Jin Yu‐Tao , Ma Wen‐Zhong , Lin Ya‐Kai , Li Li‐Jie
Published: April 2020

Some modified attapulgites (ATPs), such as surface modified by amino (‐NH2) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were used to prepare polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/ATP composite ultrafiltration membranes by nonsolvent induced phase separation method. The excellent compatibility between PMMA or amino and PVDF may promote the dispersion of ATP in PVDF. The thermal, mechanical, hydrophilic, and micro‐morphology of the composite ultrafiltration membranes were characterized. The results showed that with the addition of the modified ATP, the properties of the membranes, such as mechanical and hydrophilic, were improved. When the content of ATP‐g‐PMMA was 2%, the overall performance of the PVDF composite membranes was the best.