bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition metal oxide based non‐enzymatic electrochemical sensors: An arising approach for the meticulous detection of neurotransmitter biomarkers
Authors: Poolakkandy Rasha Rahman , Menamparambath Mini Mol
Published: November 2020

Diagnosis of brain disorders is an extremely confronting task for the medical community and hence, the recognition and detection of pertinent biomarkers for neurological disorders is a crucial phase. Electrochemical techniques with transition metal oxide (TMOs) modified electrodes have emerged as a promising technique for the detection of neurotransmitters, which act as potent biomarkers. This review has tried to sum up the recent advancements made in the TMOs modified non‐enzymatic electrochemical detection of important neurotransmitters in the last two decades. A comprehensive description of these neurotransmitters along with their biochemistry and impact on the human body is also provided. A short description of the future perspectives of the electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters is given highlighting the wearable sensors for the in vivo detection.
Review on Performance Analysis of the Power Block in Concentrated Solar Power Plants
Authors: Yan Hui , Wang Anming , Chong Daotong , Liu Ming , Liu Jiping , Yan Junjie
Published: November 2020

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a promising option to generate flexible and green power for the power grid. Power block is important to enhance energy efficiency and flexibility of CSP plants, which mostly operate in off‐design conditions and dynamic processes due to the intermittency of solar energy. Many studies have been conducted on the performance analyses of power block in CSP plants, and they are reviewed herein. Steady‐state models of power block are summarized, and influences of power block on the entire CSP system are discussed. Through improving the dual‐pressure‐level steam generator and declining back‐pressure of condensers, power block efficiency increases by 0.5% and 1.78%, respectively. Then, the dynamic characteristics of CSP plants, particularly on the power block, are reviewed for start‐up/shut‐down processes, sudden factor change situations, and control system design. Recent advances on the thermodynamic and economic optimizations of the power block in CSP plants that aim to achieve fast start‐up/shut‐down and continuous economic stable power are discussed. Moreover, the performance of global in‐service CSP plants is discussed. Turbine efficiency increases with operation temperature (349–395 °C), ranging from 30.6% to 38.7%. Several research gaps are proposed by investigating previous studies, and suggestions on future studies are provided accordingly.
The Thermodynamics‐Based Benchmarking Analysis on Energy‐Efficiency Performance of CO2 Capture Technology: Temperature Swing Adsorption as Case Study
Authors: Chen Lijin , Deng Shuai , Zhao Ruaikai , Zhao Li , Li Shuangjun , Guo Zhihao , Lu Yani , Zhao Jie , Wu Kailong
Published: November 2020

Based on the principle of thermodynamics, this study proposes a benchmarking analysis framework for evaluating the energy efficiency of carbon capture technology. First, the boundary and elements for the benchmarking framework are defined. Then, the specific heat consumption, coefficient of CO2 capture performance, and exergy efficiency are calculated as indicators for the benchmarking analysis using a general calculation method. Second, benchmarking analysis is conducted using performance data from the literature for a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) case study. Previous research is used to classify energy consumption into three TSA boundary levels: adsorbent, adsorption chamber, and adsorption system. Third, a more complete benchmarking analysis is presented based on cyclic data from a self‐coded TSA simulation program. The influence of regeneration temperature and regeneration partial pressure on the energy‐efficiency performance is analyzed to demonstrate the viability and fairness of the proposed benchmarking analysis method. Finally, the ways to obtain standard data for the proposed benchmarking analysis via experimental methods are discussed. The proposed method can be used to guide the current design of TSA‐based carbon capture technology toward optimal energy efficiency.
Likelihood‐based inference for spatiotemporal data with censored and missing responses
Authors: Valeriano Katherine A. L. , Lachos Victor H. , Prates Marcos O. , Matos Larissa A.
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes an alternative method to deal with spatiotemporal data with censored and missing responses using the SAEM algorithm. This algorithm is a stochastic approximation of the widely used EM algorithm and is an important tool for models in which the E‐step does not have an analytic form. Besides the algorithm developed to estimate the model parameters from a likelihood‐based perspective, we present analytical expressions to compute the observed information matrix. Global influence measures are also developed and presented. Several simulation studies are conducted to examine the asymptotic properties of the SAEM estimates. The proposed method is illustrated by environmental data analysis. The computing codes are implemented in the newRpackageStempCens.
Regional seismic responses of shallow basins incorporating site‐city interaction analyses on high‐rise building clusters
Authors: Kato Bence , Wang Gang
Published: November 2020

This study assesses the 3D amplification effects in shallow basins and quantifies the effects of site‐city interaction (SCI) on high‐rise buildings. A regional‐scale 3D spectral element simulation is conducted on the Tuen Mun‐Yuen Long basin, which contains multiple subbasins with heterogeneous and nonlinear soil profiles, while 3D city models with various building layouts are fully integrated into the basin model for our SCI study. We found a good correlation between spectral amplification factors and soil depths. Site response is significantly amplified at basin edges and centers due to surface waves generated at basin edges and the focusing effects stemming from 3D basin geometry. Transfer functions of 3D basins can be up to fourfold at fundamental frequencies as compared to 1D response, and further amplifications occur at high frequencies due to surface waves. In the SCI simulations, we observe wave trapping in the open space amid buildings resulting in energy concentration and up to twofold PGA amplifications. The wave trapping effect diminishes as the space between buildings increase beyond their range of influence (∼100 m). The SCI analyses show that destructive kinetic energy in superstructures increases 28% in one horizontal direction but decreases 22% in the other. Our study concluded that, 1D site response analysis can significantly underestimate the seismic demand in shallow basins. Site‐city interaction of high‐rise buildings increases the short‐period spectra of ground motions, leading to an increase in their story accelerations by up to 50% and to a substantial decrease in the seismic safety of short structures in their vicinity.
Secreted TRAIL gene‐modified adipose‐derived stem cells exhibited potent tumor‐suppressive effect in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Li Shaojie , Ma Tiexiang , Zeng Jian , Zhou Xin , Li Huanyu , Tang Min , Liu Xiang , Li Feng , Jiang Bin , Zhao Ming , Chen Ying
Published: November 2020

Objective

Considering the potential of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) migrating towards cancer cells, this study was performed to explore the function of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) modified ADSCs on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

ADSCs were extracted from human adipose tissues and identified through immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Oil red staining and alizarin red staining were performed to clarify the differentiation potential of ADSCs. AAV‐CMV‐sTRAIL was transfected into ADSCs before Western blot and Transwell measurements. sTRAIL‐ADSCs were cocultured with HCC cells to explore its effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells. The possible effect of sTRAIL‐ADSCs or ADSCs on tumor growth and metastasis was determined in vivo using xenograft nude mouse models.

Results

ADSCs were successfully extracted from adipose tissues, which were confirmed by cell morphology and positive expressions of CD44 and CD105. ADSCs were found with differentiation potential. After transfection, TRAIL was stably expressed in sTRAIL‐ADSCs. Both ADSCs and sTRAIL‐ADSCs can migrate towards HCC cells. In addition, sTRAIL‐ADSCs can promote the cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in vitro, on parallel it can also suppress epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, tumor growth, and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusion

TRAIL modified ADSCs can migrate towards HCC cells to inhibit tumor growth and the metastasis of implanted HCC tumors, which hints TRAIL modified ADSCs may be a new therapeutic approach for HCC treatment.
Effects of time delay and requiring echoics on answering questions about visual stimuli
Authors: Meleshkevich Olga , Axe Judah B. , Espinosa Francesca degli
Published: November 2020

An important communication skill for children with autism is answering multiple questions about visual stimuli (e.g., “What is it?” “What color is it?”). We targeted answering “What number?” and “What shape?” in the presence of numbers inside shapes, and “What is it?” and “What color?” in the presence of colored objects (e.g., a yellow cat) with 3 preschoolers with autism. In addition to a progressive time delay, we required the participants to answer the questions by echoing a keyword from the questions. For example, we taught them to answer, “What color?” with “color blue.” In the context of a multiple‐probe design across behaviors within a multiple‐probe design across participants, the procedure was effective in increasing trained responses and producing within‐ and across‐category generalization. The echoic may have facilitated the responses by increasing the salience of the auditory stimuli and strengthening intraverbals within autoclitic frames.
The use of solvents for gutta‐percha dissolution/removal during endodontic retreatments: A scoping review
Authors: Dotto Lara , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael , Bacchi Ataís , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha
Published: November 2020

This scoping review study aimed to map the evidence about solvents' use for gutta‐percha dissolution and removal during endodontic retreatments. The study protocol followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, available online (https://osf.io/5vy8n/). Reporting was based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We selected dentistry studies that considered the effectiveness of solvents in gutta‐percha dissolution in endodontic retreatments and compared their performance to the use of instrumentation techniques without solvents. The search and study screening were performed in PubMed and Scopus databases by two independent researchers. A descriptive analysis considered the study design, method/technique used for obturation, method/technique used for instrumentation during retreatment, solvent solutions tested, exposure time, and main findings. A total of 41 studies were included. Despite that, most studies suggested that solvents' use may complicate root canal cleanliness, regardless of the type of instrumentation used, and facilitate the presence of gutta‐percha remnants in the root surface. Thus, the use of solvents should be avoided and its use should only be considered if the previous working length was not possible to access without it. Despite that, high heterogeneity was observed, further studies are still encouraged comparing the performance and effects of different solvents in different clinical scenarios.
Discovery of novel 1,3,5‐triazine as adenosine A2A receptor antagonist for benefit in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Masih Anup , Agnihotri Amol K. , Srivastava Jitendra K. , Pandey Nidhi , Bhat Hans R. , Singh Udaya P.
Published: November 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neuro‐degenerative ailment characterized by impairment in various motor and nonmotor functions of the body. In the past few years, adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonists have attracted much attention due to significant relief in PD. Therefore, in the current study, we intend to disclose the development of novel 1,3,5‐triazines as A2AR antagonist. The radioligand binding and selectivity of analogs were tested in HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) and the cells were transfected with pcDNA 3.1(+) containing full‐length human A2AR cDNA and pcDNA 3.1(+) containing full‐length human A1R cDNA, where they exhibit selective affinity for A2AR. Molecular docking analysis was also conducted to rationalize the probable mode of action, binding affinity, and orientation of the most potent molecule (7c) at the active site of A2AR. It has been shown that compound 7c form numerous nonbonded interactions in the active site of A2AR by interacting with Ala59, Ala63, Ile80, Val84 Glu169, Phe168, Met270, and Ile274. The study revealed 1,3,5‐triazines as a novel class of A2AR antagonists.
Conjugate of pyrimidine derivative, the drug xymedon with succinic acid protects liver cells
Authors: Vyshtakalyuk Alexandra B. , Parfenov Andrey A. , Gumarova Lilya F. , Khasanshina Leyla R. , Belyaev Grigory P. , Nazarov Nail G. , Kondrashina Darya A. , Galyametdinova Irina V. , Semenov Vyacheslav E. , Zobov Vladimir V.
Published: November 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the hepatoprotective properties of the conjugate of the xymedon drug substance with succinic acid (1a). The study presents an in vitro comparative evaluation of the cytotoxicity and cytoprotective properties of1aand succinic acid on a cell line of normal human hepatocytesChang Liver, and in vivo investigation of the ability of1ato restore liver from the toxic damage caused by CCl4in Wistar rats. It was shown that the cytotoxicity of1awas 19.9 ± 0.8 mmol/L, and that of succinic acid was 14.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L. Against the background ofd‐galactosamine exposure, the cytoprotective effect of1awas found to be superior to that of succinic acid. It was shown that1acaused a significant reduction in necrotic and steatosis changes in the liver and restoration of biochemical markers of cytolysis, as well as bilirubin metabolism and synthetic liver function.
Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells reflect tuberculosis severity and are influenced by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors
Authors: Jøntvedt Jørgensen Marthe , Jenum Synne , Tonby Kristian , Mortensen Rasmus , Walzl Gerhard , Du Plessis Nelita , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Ma
Published: November 2020

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) increase in tuberculosis (TB) and may be targets for host-directed therapy (HDT). In this study, we use flow cytometry to analyze the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2i) on monocytic (M)-MDSCs in blood from TB patients attending a clinical trial of COX-2i. The effects of COX-2i on M-MDSCs and mycobacterial uptake were also studied by an in vitro mycobacterial infection model. We found that M-MDSC frequencies correlated with TB disease severity. Reduced M-MDSC (P = 0.05) and IDO (P = 0.03) expression was observed in the COX-2i group. We show that peripheral blood-derived M-MDSCs successfully internalized Mycobacterium bovis and that in vitro mycobacterial infection increased COX-2 (P = 0.002), PD-L1 (P = 0.01), and Arginase-1 (P = 0.002) expression in M-MDSCs. Soluble IL-1β, IL-10, and S100A9 were reduced in COX-2i-treated M-MDSCs cultures (P < 0.05). We show novel data that COX-2i had limited effect in vivo but reduced M-MDSC cytokine production in vitro. The relevance of COX-2i in a HDT strategy needs to be further explored.
MRI for Guided Right and Left Heart Cardiac Catheterization: A Prospective Study in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Velasco Forte Mari Nieves , Roujol Sébastien , Ruijsink Bram , Valverde Israel , Duong Phuoc , Byrne Nick , Krueger Sascha , Weiss Steffen , Arar Yousef , Reddy Surendranath R. Veeram , Schaeffter Tobias , Hussain Tarique , Razavi Reza , Pushparajah Kuberan
Published: November 2020

Background

Improvements in outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have increased the need for diagnostic and interventional procedures. Cumulative radiation risk is a growing concern. MRI‐guided interventions are a promising ionizing radiation‐free, alternative approach.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of MRI‐guided catheterization in young patients with CHD using advanced visualization passive tracking techniques.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 30 patients with CHD referred for MRI‐guided catheterization and pulmonary vascular resistance analysis (median age/weight: 4 years / 15 kg).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T; partially saturated (pSAT) real‐time single‐shot balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) sequence.

Assessment

Images were visualized by a single viewer on the scanner console (interactive mode) or using a commercially available advanced visualization platform (iSuite, Philips). Image quality for anatomy and catheter visualization was evaluated by three cardiologists with >5 years' experience in MRI‐catheterization using a 1–5 scale (1, poor, 5, excellent). Catheter balloon signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), blood and myocardium SNR, catheter balloon/blood contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), balloon/myocardium CNR, and blood/myocardium CNR were measured. Procedure findings, feasibility, and adverse events were recorded. A fraction of time in which the catheter was visible was compared between iSuite and the interactive mode.

Statistical Tests

T‐test for numerical variables. Wilcoxon signed rank test for categorical variables.

Results

Nine patients had right heart catheterization, 11 had both left and right heart catheterization, and 10 had single ventricle circulation. Nine patients underwent solely MRI‐guided catheterization. The mean score for anatomical visualization and contrast between balloon tip and soft tissue was 3.9 ± 0.9 and 4.5 ± 0.7, respectively. iSuite provided a significant improvement in the time during which the balloon was visible in relation to interactive imaging mode (66 ± 17% vs. 46 ± 14%, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

MRI‐guided catheterizations were carried out safely and is feasible in children and adults with CHD. The pSAT sequence offered robust and simultaneous high contrast visualization of the catheter and cardiac anatomy.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
SERS procedure using photoreduced substrates and reflection FTIR spectroscopy for the study of natural organic colourants
Authors: Retko Klara , Legan Lea , Ropret Polonca
Published: November 2020

In this work, we showed the potential of photoreduced surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy or surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for the detection of organic colourants (in mixtures) in lipid and proteinaceous paint layers. Different organic colourants such as madder lake pigment, cochineal lake pigment and lac dye were included in the study. SERS procedure with different approaches was tested, namely, direct application, soaking (incubation) of the sample in the substrate and hydrolysis with the hydrofluoric (HF) acid vapours. For the analysis of colourants bound in linseed oil, a pretreatment step was required (soaking/incubating or hydrolysing with HF). Moreover, exposing a cross‐section of a sample taken from a polychrome work of art to the vapours of HF enabled SERS detection of the cochineal lake pigment in the paint layer of this cross‐section. Therefore, the SERS substrate could be used also for the study of stratigraphy of real cultural heritage samples. As the analyses by means of SERS are (minimally) invasive, the potential of noninvasive reflection FTIR‐spectroscopy analyses for the identification of organic colourants was tested as well. Reflection infrared spectra of organic colourants are presented and discussed. Furthermore, within this study, it was shown that madder lake pigment could be identified in paint layers based on the characteristic bands of the hydrated alumina.
Highly transparent, ultra‐thin flexible, full‐color mini‐LED display with indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin‐film transistor substrate
Authors: Sun Yang , Fan Jack , Liu Minggang , Zhang Lijun , Jiang Bei , Zhang Min , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2020

Mini‐LED and micro‐LED are expected to be the next‐generation display by virtue of their diverse applications. In this study, an 8‐inch flexible mini‐LED display was fabricated using an indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplane that adopted a top‐gate structure, with a pixel pitch of 0.55 mm and a resolution of 320 x 160, 46 PPI. With colorless polyimide (CPI) as the substrate, the mini‐LED panel has a thickness of less than 0.2 mm, and a transmittance is over 60%. The world's first 8‐inch, full‐color, flexible mini‐LED with IGZO‐TFT backplane is demonstrated.
Ultrasound in Sports and Occupational Dermatology
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Ferreira‐Wortsman Camila
Published: November 2020

Chronic exposure to trauma, friction, or extreme conditions can generate cutaneous or ungual lesions in sports and certain occupations. Although some of these dermatologic conditions are diagnosed with a naked‐eye examination, there are cases in which the provision of the underlying anatomic alterations can be helpful for the diagnosis and management. In comparison with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound has the highest axial resolution, which is critical for the observation of anatomic changes in the skin and nail. We review the ultrasound characteristics of frequent cutaneous and ungual lesions related to sports and occupations with a clinical correlation. The ultrasound features in some particular conditions such as “biker's and surfer's panniculitis,” “fiddler's neck,” piezogenic papules, and lipoatrophy semicircularis, among others, are discussed.
Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction After Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lammers Marc J. W. , Young Emily , Westerberg Brian D. , Lea Jane
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is still unknown, but labyrinthine artery infarction has been proposed. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and conduct a meta‐analysis assessing the risk of developing stroke and myocardial infarction after presentation with ISSNHL.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Libraries. All studies investigating an association between ISSNHL and stroke and/or myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Adhering to the MOOSE guideline, two independent reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated the relevance and quality of evidence.

Results

Three observational studies evaluating the risk of stroke in ISSNHL were included (n = 6,521 patients). All individual study results indicated an increased relative risk of stroke after ISSNHL (unadjusted relative risk range 1.21–1.63). Pooled adjusted hazard ratios revealed a 1.42‐fold increased risk of stroke after ISSNHL (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.75, I2 = 55%). Subgroup analysis of one study demonstrated that the increased risk is only present in adults aged above 50 years (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.07–1.42). Five observational studies evaluating the risk of MI in patients with ISSNHL were included (n = 61,499 patients). Pooled analyses demonstrated that ISSNHL was not associated with MI (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87–1.34).

Conclusion

ISSNHL may be an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of stroke especially in a subgroup of elderly patients. More studies are needed to confirm this association and to assess whether such patients would benefit from cardiovascular risk assessment and management to prevent future strokes. Laryngoscope, 131:1369–1377, 2021
Response of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria to streptomycin sulfate and penicillin in coastal wetlands along the Bohai Rim
Authors: Tang Shuangyu , Wang Chen , Ji Guodong
Published: November 2020

Antibiotics are pollutants that are constantly discharged into ocean and coastal wetlands and affect the growth and activity of microorganisms. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), which are very important in the global nitrogen cycle, are affected by antibiotics in the environment as well. Antibiotics have different influences on AOA and AOB microbial communities due to their different biochemical compositions and metabolic mechanisms, which change the ammonia‐oxidizing process in different environments. In this study, 62 samples from four typical coastal wetland types along the Bohai Rim were collected and treated with streptomycin sulfate and penicillin in the laboratory. The total ammonia oxidation rate decreased by 61.2–84.0% with streptomycin sulfate and decreased by 50.0–74.5% with penicillin. The significant change in abundance and community structure indicated that AOB were more inhibited than AOA by streptomycin sulfate and penicillin. Nevertheless, ecological network analysis verified that the internal association in the AOA community was more fragile than that in the AOB community. Moreover, the relationship between AOA and other nitrogen‐transforming functional archaea weakened in the presence of antibiotics, while AOB established relationships with more nitrogen‐transforming functional bacteria in the presence of antibiotics. Streptomycin sulfate had a stronger effect than penicillin due to the different inhibiting mechanisms of these antibiotics and the promotion of interspecific cooperation induced by penicillin in AOA.
Biogeography and co‐occurrence patterns of bacterial generalists and specialists in three subtropical marine bays
Authors: Mo Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenjing , Wilkinson David M. , Yu Zheng , Xiao Peng , Yang Jun
Published: November 2020

Recent research has greatly expanded our understanding of microbial metacommunities in aquatic ecosystems. However, patterns at the mesoscale are still poorly understood. We present the first simultaneous analyses of the biogeography and co‐occurrence patterns of generalists and specialists marine bacteria from three subtropical bays of China and test for signals of ecological processes (i.e., stochastic and deterministic processes) in biogeography and community assembly. Results showed that compared to specialists, bacterial generalists were less diverse, and were more widely dispersed in the three subtropical bays. Network analysis indicated that both habitat generalists and specialists showed non‐random co‐occurrence patterns, and specialists had a more complex co‐occurrence pattern than generalists. Further, specialists co‐occurrence network exhibited distinct robust structure compared to generalists, indicating that the both taxa showed different network stability. Our null models indicated that the generalists and specialists were primarily shaped by deterministic processes ‐ such as variable selection. However, deterministic processes played a greater role in the community variation of specialists (84%) than generalists (56%). The study has broadened our understanding of generalists and specialists distribution in the bacterioplankton; further revealing the dominant roles of similar ecological mechanisms (deterministic processes) in shaping the community assembly. The differences in complex and stable co‐occurrence pattern between generalists and specialists could be driven by deterministic processes. By considering the roles of species traits and ecological processes, we provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of bacterial biogeographical and co‐existence patterns.
Loss of CDKN2A at chromosome 9 has a poor clinical prognosis and promotes lung cancer progression
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhuang Congwen , Huang Tengfei , Yang Shengsheng , Zhang Meiqing , Lin Baoquan , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to identify critical genes involved in the tumor biology of lung cancer via datamining of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with special focus on gene copy number variation.

Methods

Genomic deletion and amplification were analyzed with cBioportal online tools. Relative expression of Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) was analyzed by both real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The abundance of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers were analyzed by real‐time PCR. Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit‐8 method and cell viability was measured with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The cell migration and invasion were measured with transwell chamber assay, and migrative capacity was further evaluated by wound healing assay.

Results

We found the frequent loss of CDKN2A was associated with its downregulation in lung cancer, and siRNA‐mediated CDNKN2A knockdown significantly stimulated cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistically, we unraveled that MTAP, which was positively correlated with CDKN2A, predominantly mediated the antitumoral function of CDKN2A in lung cancer.

Conclusion

Our study consolidated the involvement of CDKN2A‐MTAP signaling in the context of lung cancer.
Substrate integrated waveguide filter based on the magnetized ferrite with tunable capability
Authors: Shirkolaei M. Mohammadi , Aslinezhad Mehdi
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a miniaturized substrate integrated waveguide filter on the magnetized ferrite is presented. The proposed filter has a small size, high power transmission capability, relatively good bandwidth, and tunable frequency bandwidth. This filter is tunable due to the magnetic bias applied to the ferrite substrate. Compared to the tunable filters reported in previous references based on PIN diode, varactors, and mechanical changes, the proposed filter has a relatively wide adjustment on the operation frequency. Using this method dramatically reduces the complexity of the external control system. This tunable filter is optimized using the Ansoft HFSS software and then fabricated. The measured operating frequency of the filter is tunable from 5.3 to 7.15 GHz by changing the magnetic bias from 100 Oe to 1100 Oe. In the frequency range of 5.55 to 6.95 GHz, an insertion loss of less than 1.1 dB and a return loss of better than 20 dB are achieved. A good agreement between the simulation and experimental results was achieved.
Pregnant Mexican American Biopsychosocial/Cultural risks for adverse infant outcomes
Authors: Ruiz R. Jeanne , Newman Matt , Suchting Robert , Pasillas Rebecca M. , Records Kathie , Stowe Raymond P. , Moore Tiffany A.
Published: November 2020

Aims

To test a model of psychosocial/cultural/biological risk factors for poor birth outcomes in Latina pregnant women.

Design

An observational study measuring acculturation, progesterone, cortisol, cotinine, age, marital status, income, stress, depressive symptoms and coping. We tested a structural equation model to predict risk.

Methods

We obtained a convenience sample (N = 515) of low medical risk pregnant Mexican American Hispanic women at 22–24 weeks of gestation. Bilingual research nurses collected data from blood, urine and questionnaires. Self‐report measures were the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans‐II and the Brief Cope. We measured progesterone and cortisol in plasma and cotinine levels in urine by enzyme‐linked immunoassays.

Results

A PLS‐SEM model revealed that Mexican American Hispanic pregnant women who were younger, single, lower income, more acculturated and who had greater negative coping, stress and depression were most at risk for having earlier and smaller babies.
SIAH2 is Expressed in Adipocyte Precursor Cells and Interacts with EBF1 and ZFP521 to Promote Adipogenesis
Authors: Dang Thanh N. , Taylor Jessica L. , Kilroy Gail , Yu Yongmei , Burk David H. , Floyd Z. Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Objective

Expression of zinc finger protein 423 (ZFP423), a key proadipogenic transcription factor in adipocyte precursor cells, is regulated by interaction of the proadipogenic early B‐cell factor 1 (EBF1) and antiadipogenic ZFP521. The ubiquitin ligase seven‐in‐absentia homolog 2 (SIAH2) targets ZFP521 for degradation. This study asked whether SIAH2 is expressed in adipocyte precursor cells and whether SIAH2 interacts with ZFP521 and EBF1 to regulate ZFP521 protein levels during adipogenesis.

Methods

SIAH2 expression in precursor cells was assessed in primary cells and tissues from wild‐type and SIAH2 null mice fed a control or high‐fat diet. Primary cells, 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, and HEK293T cells were used to analyze Siah2, Ebf1, and Zfp521 expression and SIAH2‐mediated changes in ZFP521 and EBF1 protein levels.

Results

Siah2 is expressed in platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)+ and stem cell antigen‐1 (SCA1)+ adipocyte precursor cells. SIAH2 depletion reduces Ebf1 gene expression and increases EBF1 protein levels in early but not late adipogenesis. In early adipogenesis, SIAH2 forms a protein complex with EBF1 and ZFP521 to enhance SIAH2‐mediated ubiquitylation and degradation of ZFP521 while increasing EBF1 protein levels.

Conclusions

Siah2 is expressed in PDGFRα+ adipocyte precursor cells and is linked to precursor cell commitment to adipogenesis by interacting with EBF1 and ZFP521 proteins to target the antiadipogenic ZFP521 for degradation.
Validation of algorithms to estimate gestational age at birth in the Medicaid Analytic eXtract—Quantifying the misclassification of maternal drug exposure during pregnancy
Authors: Zhu Yanmin , Hampp Christian , Wang Xi , Albogami Yasser , Wei Yu‐Jung Jenny , Brumback Babette A. , Roussos‐Ross Dikea , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Accurate ascertainment of gestational age (GA) has been a challenge in perinatal epidemiologic research. To date, no study has validated GA algorithms in Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX).

Methods

We linked livebirths of mothers enrolled in Medicaid ≥30 days after delivery in 1999‐2010 MAX to state birth certificates. We used clinical/obstetric estimate of gestation on the birth certificates as gold standard to validate claims‐based GA algorithms. We calculated the proportions of deliveries with algorithm‐estimated GA within 1−/2‐weeks of the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive value (PPV/NPV) of exposure to select medications during specific gestation windows, and quantified the impact of exposure misclassification on hypothetical relative risk (RR) estimates.

Results

We linked 1 336 495 eligible deliveries. Within 1‐week agreement was 77%‐80% overall and 47%‐56% for preterm deliveries. The trimester‐specific drug exposure status had high sensitivities and PPVs (88.5%‐98.5%), and specificities and NPVs (>99.0%). Assuming a hypothetical RR of 2.0, bias associated with exposure misclassification during first trimester ranged from 10% to 40% under non‐differential/differential misclassification assumptions.

Conclusions

Claims‐based GA algorithms had good agreement with the gold standard overall, but lower agreement among preterm deliveries, potentially resulting in biased risk estimated for pregnancy exposure evaluations.
The Quantum Ecosystem and Its Future Workforce
Authors: Venegas‐Gomez Araceli
Published: November 2020

There is no doubt, we are entering the second quantum revolution. Every week some exciting news about quantum technologies appears in the media. Nowadays, several countries worldwide have initiated a quantum program to develop this emerging market. However, this will require having a highly trained and skilled workforce. How can society be ready when the time comes?
A Study on Nitration of 4,10‐Dibenzyl‐2,6,8,12‐Tetraacetyl‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐Hexaazaisowurtzitane
Authors: Surmachev Vladimir N. , Kubasova Valentina A. , Zimin Dmitri E.
Published: November 2020

Here we explored the nitration of 4,10‐dibenzyl‐2,6,8,12‐tetraacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (TADB) and isolated and identified all the nitration intermediates. The substitution of the first acetyl group was found to be a key stage in this process. It is this stage where side destructive reactions of the hexaazaisowurtzitane cage take place actively, reducing the yield of CL‐20.
Effective Interfacial Thermal and Electrical Resistances of a Microcracked Interface with Applications to Thermoelectrics
Authors: Jin Zhihe
Published: November 2020

This work develops an analytical model to estimate the effective interfacial thermal and electrical resistances of an interface with an array of periodic microcracks between two dissimilar materials. The theoretical model and the numerical results for a Bi2Te3/PbTe bimaterial system indicate that the interfacial thermal and electrical resistances increase linearly with increasing crack length when the crack length per unit interface length (specific crack length) is fixed. The interfacial resistances depend strongly on the specific crack length and go to infinity when the specific crack length approaches unity. Moreover, higher thermal and electrical conductivities of the bulk dissimilar materials lead to lower interfacial resistances. Based on the developed interfacial resistance model, it is found that the influence of the microcracks at the interface between the two segments on the energy efficiency of a segmented Bi2Te3/PbTe thermoelectric material is insignificant when the specific crack length is not close to 1. The effects of the microcracks become pronounced when the specific crack length is close to 1.
Estimand framework: Are we asking the right questions? A case study in the solid tumor setting
Authors: Casey Michelle , Degtyarev Evgeny , Lechuga María José , Aimone Paola , Ravaud Alain , Motzer Robert J. , Liu Feng , Stalbovskaya Viktoriya , Tang Rui , Butler Emily , Sailer Oliver , Halabi Susan , George Daniel
Published: November 2020

The estimand framework requires a precise definition of the clinical question of interest (the estimand) as different ways of accounting for “intercurrent” events post randomization may result in different scientific questions. The initiation of subsequent therapy is common in oncology clinical trials and is considered an intercurrent event if the start of such therapy occurs prior to a recurrence or progression event. Three possible ways to account for this intercurrent event in the analysis are to censor at initiation, consider recurrence or progression events (including death) that occur before and after the initiation of subsequent therapy, or consider the start of subsequent therapy as an event in and of itself. The new estimand framework clarifies that these analyses address different questions (“does the drug delay recurrence if no patient had received subsequent therapy?” vs “does the drug delay recurrence with or without subsequent therapy?” vs “does the drug delay recurrence or start of subsequent therapy?”). The framework facilitates discussions during clinical trial planning and design to ensure alignment between the key question of interest, the analysis, and interpretation. This article is a result of a cross‐industry collaboration to connect the International Council for Harmonisation E9 addendum concepts to applications. Data from previously reported randomized phase 3 studies in the renal cell carcinoma setting are used to consider common intercurrent events in solid tumor studies, and to illustrate different scientific questions and the consequences of the estimand choice for study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Epidemiology of human adenovirus associated with respiratory infection in southern Brazil
Authors: Pscheidt Veridiane Maria , Gregianini Tatiana Schäffer , Martins Letícia Garay , Veiga Ana Beatriz Gorini da
Published: November 2020

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are associated with respiratory infection in the human population worldwide, but HAdV is underreported and less studied than other respiratory viruses. We investigated HAdV in patients with respiratory infection in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, between 2004 and 2018. The frequency and seasonality of HAdV, clinical symptoms and underlying diseases were analysed. Respiratory samples from outpatients with acute respiratory illness (ARI) who attended sentinel units and from inpatients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were collected for HAdV detection by immunofluorescence assay; demographic and clinical data were analysed. In total, 43,514 cases of respiratory infection were analysed, of which 8,901 were ARI (20.5%), and 34,613 (79.5%) were SARI. Respiratory viruses were detected in 35.8% of the cases. The frequency of HAdV in relation to respiratory viruses was 2.8%. HAdV circulated year‐round, with higher frequency during winter and early spring; increases in the average monthly temperature were associated with decreases in HAdV infections (p = 0.013). Most hospitalized patients with HAdV were male (p = 0.003). HAdV infection showed association with age (p < 0.001), and children between 1 and 5 years old accounted for 30.8% of the outpatients, whereas among cases of SARI, 88.2% were paediatric patients. Among inpatients with HAdV, 3% died, and of these, the majority had at least one underlying condition, such as cardiopathy and immunosuppression. HAdV infection of the respiratory tract causes morbidity and mortality, and individuals with heart diseases and the immunocompromised are at higher risk of fatality.
Functional principal component based landmark analysis for the effects of longitudinal cholesterol profiles on the risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Shi Bin , Wei Peng , Huang Xuelin
Published: November 2020

Patients' longitudinal biomarker changing patterns are crucial factors for their disease progression. In this research, we apply functional principal component analysis techniques to extract these changing patterns and use them as predictors in landmark models for dynamic prediction. The time‐varying effects of risk factors along a sequence of landmark times are smoothed by a supermodel to borrow information from neighbor time intervals. This results in more stable estimation and more clear demonstration of the time‐varying effects. Compared with the traditional landmark analysis, simulation studies show our proposed approach results in lower prediction error rates and higher area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values, which indicate better ability to discriminate between subjects with different risk levels. We apply our method to data from the Framingham Heart Study, using longitudinal total cholesterol (TC) levels to predict future coronary heart disease (CHD) risk profiles. Our approach not only obtains the overall trend of biomarker‐related risk profiles, but also reveals different risk patterns that are not available from the traditional landmark analyses. Our results show that high cholesterol levels during young ages are more harmful than those in old ages. This demonstrates the importance of analyzing the age‐dependent effects of TC on CHD risk.
Bi‐Based Electrode Materials for Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Anni , Hong Wanwan , Yang Li , Tian Ye , Qiu Xuejing , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: November 2020

Alkali metal (Li, Na, K) ion batteries with high energy density are urgently required for large‐scale energy storage applications while the lack of advanced anode materials restricts their development. Recently, Bi‐based materials have been recognized as promising electrode candidates for alkali metal‐ion batteries due to their high volumetric capacity and suitable operating potential. Herein, the latest progress of Bi‐based electrode materials for alkali metal‐ion batteries is summarized, mainly focusing on synthesis strategies, structural features, storage mechanisms, and the corresponding electrochemical performance. Particularly, the optimization of electrode–electrolyte interphase is also discussed. In addition, the remaining challenges and further perspectives of Bi‐based electrode materials are outlined. This review aims to provide comprehensive knowledge of Bi‐based materials and offer a guideline toward more applications in high‐performance batteries.
2D Sandwiched Nano Heterostructures Endow MoSe2/TiO2−x/Graphene with High Rate and Durability for Sodium Ion Capacitor and Its Solid Electrolyte Interphase Dependent Sodiation/Desodiation Mechanism
Authors: Liu Cai , Zhang Miaoxin , Zhang Xin , Wan Biao , Li Xiaona , Gou Huiyang , Wang Yexin , Yin Fuxing , Wang Gongkai
Published: November 2020

Nano heterostructures relying on their versatile construction and the breadth of combined functionality have shown great potential in energy storage fields. Herein, 2D sandwiched MoSe2/TiO2−x/graphene nano heterostructures are designed by integrating structural and functional effects of each component, aiming to address the rate capability and cyclic stability of MoSe2 for sodium ion capacitors (SICs). These 2D nano heterostructures based on graphene platform can facilitate the interfacial electron transport, giving rise to fast reaction kinetics. Meanwhile, the 2D open structure induces a large extent of surface capacitive contribution, eventually leading to a high rate capability (415.2 mAh g−1@ 5 A g−1). An ultrathin oxygen deficient TiO2−x layer sandwiched in these nano heterostructures provides a strong chemical‐anchoring regarding the products generated during the sodiation/desodiation process, securing the entire cyclic stability. The associated sodiation/desodiation mechanism is revealed by operando and ex situ characterizations, which exhibits a strong solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) dependence. The simulations verify the dependent sodiation products and enhanced heterostructural chemical‐anchoring. Assembled SICs based on these nano heterostructures anode exhibit high initial Coulombic efficiency, energy/power densities, and long cycle life, shedding new light on the design of nano heterostructure electrodes for high performance energy storage application.
New insights into homoeologous copy number variations in the hexaploid wheat genome
Authors: Juery Caroline , Concia Lorenzo , De Oliveira Romain , Papon Nathan , Ramírez‐González Ricardo , Benhamed Moussa , Uauy Cristobal , Choulet Frédéric , Paux Etienne
Published: November 2020

Bread wheat is an allohexaploid species originating from two successive and recent rounds of hybridization between three diploid species that were very similar in terms of chromosome number, genome size, TE content, gene content and synteny. As a result, it has long been considered that most of the genes were in three pairs of homoeologous copies. However, these so‐called triads represent only one half of wheat genes, while the remaining half belong to homoeologous groups with various number of copies across subgenomes. In this study, we examined and compared the distribution, conservation, function, expression and epigenetic profiles of triads with homoeologous groups having undergone a deletion (dyads) or a duplication (tetrads) in one subgenome. We show that dyads and tetrads are mostly located in distal regions and have lower expression level and breadth than triads. Moreover, they are enriched in functions related to adaptation and more associated with the repressive H3K27me3 modification. Altogether, these results suggest that triads mainly correspond to housekeeping genes and are part of the core genome, while dyads and tetrads belong to the Triticeae dispensable genome. In addition, by comparing the different categories of dyads and tetrads, we hypothesize that, unlike most of the allopolyploid species, subgenome dominance and biased fractionation are absent in hexaploid wheat. Differences observed between the three subgenomes are more likely related to two successive and ongoing waves of post‐polyploid diploidization, that had impacted A and B more significantly than D, as a result of the evolutionary history of hexaploid wheat.