bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropometry‐based generation of personalized and population‐specific human airway models
Authors: Kannan Ravishekar , Chen ZJ , Przekwas Andrzej , Segars Paul , Martin Florian , Kuczaj Arkadiusz K. , Hoeng Julia
Published: February 2020

Understanding aerosol deposition in the human lung is of great significance in pulmonary toxicology and inhalation pharmacology. Adverse effects of inhaled environmental aerosols and pharmacological efficacy of inhaled therapeutics are dependent on aerosol properties as well as person‐specific respiratory tract anatomy and physiology. Anatomical geometry and physiological function of human airways depend on age, gender, weight, fitness, health, and disease status. Tools for the generation of the population‐ and subject‐specific virtual airway anatomical geometry based on anthropometric data and physiological vitals are invaluable in respiratory diagnostics, personalized pulmonary pharmacology, and model‐based management of chronic respiratory diseases. Here we present a novel protocol and software framework for the generation of subject‐specific airways based on anthropometric measurements of the subject's body, using the anatomical input, and the conventional spirometry, providing the functional (physiological) data. This model can be used for subject‐specific simulations of respiration physiology, gas exchange, and aerosol inhalation and deposition.
Enhanced photosynthesis, carbohydrates, and energy metabolism associated with chitosan‐induced drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass
Authors: Liu Zhaoqiao , Liu Ting , Liang Linlin , Li Zhou , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Peng Yan , Wang Duo
Published: February 2020

Chitosan (CTS) is involved in regulating tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. The objectives of this study were to examine whether exogenous application of CTS could improve drought tolerance of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and reveal CTS‐regulated mechanisms of drought tolerance. Antioxidant enzyme activities, photosynthesis, and metabolic pathways of amino acids, carbohydrates, and energy production were measured. Plants pretreated with or without 100 mg CTS L−1 were subjected to well‐watered or drought stress conditions for 14 d in growth chambers. The increase in endogenous CTS content by foliar spray of exogenous CTS significantly improved drought tolerance of creeping bentgrass as demonstrated by increased relative water content, cell membrane stability, photochemical efficiency, photosynthesis, and performance index on absorption basis under drought stress. The CTS application significantly reduced drought‐caused oxidative damage by enhancing total antioxidant capacity and activating superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. During drought stress, pretreatment with CTS promoted water use efficiency, carbohydrate (sucrose and glucose) accumulation, energy production, and metabolic homeostasis. Chitosan treatment did not have an effect on proline accumulation and metabolism. Improved γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation, pyruvic acid, and chlorophyll content in leaves were found due to CTS treatment under drought stress. Results indicate that the CTS plays a positive role in regulating drought tolerance of creeping bentgrass by altering antioxidant, energy supply, and metabolic homeostasis.
A counter‐narrative of curriculum enrichment in performative times
Authors: Livingston Kay , Doherty Catherine
Published: February 2020

Political pressures to improve schooling outcomes have typically narrowed the curriculum to that which can be measured. We explore the counter‐narrative of efforts to enrich curriculum with learning, which is difficult to measure but nevertheless valued, through a study of British Council programmes offered in Scottish schools to support curricular internationalisation. These programmes exemplify a growing number of programmes provided by external organisations to enrich official school curriculum. However, the contemporary focus on performative targets means that such hosted programmes need to argue their relevance in terms of measurable curricular outcomes. We draw on an empirical project involving semi‐structured interviews with school leaders and focus groups with teachers in Scottish schools. The research is conceptualised through Bernstein’s theory of the classification and framing of knowledge, and distinction between visible and invisible pedagogies. Analysis of two schools’ enactment of such curricular enrichment explores how programmes ostensibly cultivating international education and global citizenship are ultimately assessed and defended through their contribution to other curricular outcomes. This counter‐narrative of curricular enrichment in performative times asks whether such efforts to measure the ineffable defeat the object of the exercise, to highlight how overly simplistic measures of curricular learning can distort what matters.
Variation of chemical compounds in wild Heliconiini reveals ecological factors involved in the evolution of chemical defenses in mimetic butterflies
Authors: Sculfort Ombeline , de Castro Erika C. P. , Kozak Krzysztof M. , Bak Søren , Elias Marianne , Nay Bastien , Llaurens Violaine
Published: February 2020

Evolutionary convergence of color pattern in mimetic species is tightly linked with the evolution of chemical defenses. Yet, the evolutionary forces involved in natural variations of chemical defenses in aposematic species are still understudied. Herein, we focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in the butterfly tribe Heliconiini. These neotropical butterflies contain large concentrations of cyanogenic glucosides, cyanide‐releasing compounds acting as predator deterrent. These compounds are either de novo synthesized or sequestered from their Passiflora host plant, so that their concentrations may depend on host plant specialization and host plant availability. We sampled 375 wild Heliconiini butterflies across Central and South America, covering 43% species of this clade, and quantify individual variations in the different CGs using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We detected new compounds and important variations in chemical defenses both within and among species. Based on the most recent and well‐studied phylogeny of Heliconiini, we show that ecological factors such as mimetic interactions and host plant specialization have a significant association with chemical profiles, but these effects are largely explained by phylogenetic relationships. Our results therefore suggest that shared ancestries largely contribute to chemical defense variation, pointing out at the interaction between historical and ecological factors in the evolution of Müllerian mimicry.
Comparison of creatinine‐based methods for estimating glomerular filtration rate in patients with heart failure
Authors: Jonsson Anna , Viklund Ida , Jonsson Andreas , Valham Fredrik , Bergdahl Ellinor , Lindmark Krister , Norberg Helena
Published: February 2020

Aims

Glomerular filtration rate is an important factor in management of heart failure (HF). Our objective was to validate eight creatinine‐based equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in an HF population against measured glomerular filtration rate.

Methods and results

One hundred forty‐six HF patients (mean age 68 ± 13 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 45% ± 15) within a single‐centre hospital that underwent 51Cr‐EDTA clearance between 2010 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. eGFR was estimated by means of Cockcroft–Gault ideal and actual weight, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD), simplified MDRD with isotope dilution mass spectroscopy traceable calibration, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, revised Lund–Malmö, full age spectrum, and the Berlin Initiative Study 1. Mean measured glomerular filtration rate was 42 mL/min/1.73 m2. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) had the highest precision for MDRD (r = 0.9), followed by revised Lund–Malmö (r = 0.88). All equations except MDRD (mean difference −4.8%) resulted in an overestimation of the renal function. The accuracy was below 75% for all equations except MDRD.

Conclusions

None of the exclusively creatinine‐based methods was accurate in predicting eGFR in HF patients. Our findings suggest that more accurate methods are needed for determining eGFR in patients with HF.
Phase Transformations and Charge Ordering during Li+ Intercalation into Hollandite‐Type TiO2 Studied by Operando Synchrotron X‐ray Powder Diffraction
Authors: Drozhzhin Oleg A. , Grigoriev Vladislav V. , Alekseeva Anastasia M. , Ryazantsev Sergey V. , Tyablikov Oleg A. , Chernyshov Dmitry , Abakumov Artem M. , Antipov Evgeny V.
Published: February 2020

Hollandite‐type TiO2 with uniform submicron‐sized particles was prepared using the treatment of K1.2Ti8O16 by KBrO3 in an H2SO4 solution. The electrode material exhibited a 150 mAh g–1 reversible capacity with an average working potential of 1.75 V vs. Li/Li+. Phase transformations taking place during Li+ (de)intercalation were studied by means of synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction in operando regime. The lowering of symmetry from tetragonal I4/m to monoclinic I2/m at the beginning of the lithiation was observed. The monoclinic distortion was driven by the Ti3+/Ti4+ charge ordering and the location of the Li+ cations at the hollandite tunnel walls in the five‐fold oxygen coordination. The opposite variation of a and b unit cell parameters during charge‐discharge resulted in a negative overall volume change of –1 % at the lithiated state compared to the initial oxide phase. This value is several times lower than the values for other TiO2 polymorphs such as rutile, anatase or TiO2(B) are.
Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of restaurant food handlers in a lower‐middle‐income country
Authors: Ncube France , Kanda Artwell , Chijokwe Morleen , Mabaya Goden , Nyamugure Tendayi
Published: February 2020

Global research attention appears to be focused predominantly on self‐reported than observed food safety practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and self‐reported and observed practices of food handlers in 22 urban restaurants in Zimbabwe. A piloted questionnaire was used to gather qualitative data regarding socio‐demographic variables, food safety knowledge (FSK), attitudes, and self‐reported food handling practices (SRFHPs). A predesigned checklist was used to observe the food handling practices. FSK scores were significantly higher in food handlers who received basic food safety training compared to those who did not (p < .05). No differences in food safety knowledge and attitudes were noted based on the socio‐demographic characteristics of the food handlers (p > .05). A significant positive correlation was observed between FSK and attitudes (rs = 0.371, p < .05), FSK and SRFHPs (rs = 0.242, p < 0.05), FSK and observed food handling practices (OFHPs) (rs = 0.254, p < .05), attitudes and SRFPs (rs = 0.229, p < .05), and attitudes and OFHPs (rs = 0.263, p < .05). About half of the food handlers washed their hands in sinks meant for washing cutlery, 57% did not use approved hand drying methods, and 19.8% did not adequately thaw frozen foods. Food was commonly defrosted either under room temperature or using hot water (>45°C). Results suggest a need for mandatory basic and advanced training to improve the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Comparison on chemical compositions and antioxidant capacities of the green, oolong, and red tea from blueberry leaves
Authors: Chai Zhi , Tian Liangliang , Yu Hong , Zhang Liangcong , Zeng Qilong , Wu Han , Yan Zheng , Li Dajing , Hutabarat Ruth Paulina , Huang Wuyang
Published: February 2020

Blueberry leaves, by‐products of the blueberry industry, could be explored as source of functional foods, such as teas. Three different types of tea, including nonfermented green tea, semifermented oolong tea, and fully fermented red tea from blueberry leaves, were investigated on their chemical compositions and antioxidant capacities here. The contents of individual amino acids in three types varied, while the total amounts retained constant. A total of 167 volatiles were detected with alcohols, alkenes, and aldehydes as the dominant. More volatiles produced in the fermented teas. The total phenolic/flavonoid contents were highest in the green tea and decreased significantly in the oolong and red teas, correlating inversely with the fermentation degree. The highest levels of representative phenolics, that is, phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides, contributed to the strongest antioxidant capacity in the green tea. These indicated that blueberry leaves provided promising and prospective potential to develop new teas beneficial for health.
Evidence demonstrating the pharmacist's direct impact on clinical outcomes in pediatric patients: An opinion of the pediatrics practice and research network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: LaRochelle Joseph M. , Smith Katherine P. , Benavides Sandra , Bobo Kelly , Chung Allison M. , Farrington Elizabeth , Kennedy Audrey , Knoppert David , Lee Bernard , Manasco Kalen B. , Pettit Rebecca , Phan Hanna , Potts Amy L. , Sandritter Tracy , Hagemann Tracy
Published: February 2020

The pharmacist's role in pediatric care is critical for the provision of safe medication use secondary to differences in physical development, frequent off label use of medications, need for dose calculations, and the lack of standard dosage forms. Many regulatory agencies, health care organizations, and professional societies support the pharmacist as a member of the interdisciplinary team. However, specific details showcasing how pharmacists impact the care of pediatric patients in a quantifiable and meaningful way have not been well described. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of evidence demonstrating measurable clinical outcomes directly resulting from pharmacist participation in pediatric patient care. This report is an opinion paper of The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Pediatrics Practice and Research Network and has been endorsed by the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA). This article represents the opinion of the Pediatrics Practice and Research Network of ACCP. It does not necessarily represent an official ACCP commentary, guideline, or statement of policy or position.
Oxidation of a cysteine‐derived nucleophilic reagent by dimethyl sulfoxide in the amino acid derivative reactivity assay
Authors: Akimoto Miyuki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Watanabe Shinichi , Yamaga Hiroaki , Yoshida Kousuke , Wakabayashi Koji , Tahara Yu , Horie Nobuyuki , Fujimoto Keiichi , Kusakari Kei , Kamiya Kohei , Kojima Kohichi , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Kojima Hajime , Ono Atsushi , Kasahara Toshihiko , Fujita Masaharu
Published: February 2020

The amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA), which is an in chemico alternative to the use of animals in testing for skin sensitization potential, offers significant advantages over the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) in that it utilizes nucleophilic reagents that are sensitive enough to be used with test chemical solutions prepared to concentrations of 1 mm, which is one‐hundredth that of DPRA. ADRA testing of hydrophobic or other poorly soluble compounds requires that they be dissolved in a solvent consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetonitrile. DMSO is known to promote dimerization by oxidizing thiols, which then form disulfide bonds. We investigated the extent to which DMSO oxidizes the cysteine‐derived nucleophilic reagents used in both DPRA and ADRA and found that oxidation of both N‐(2‐(1‐naphthyl)acetyl)‐l‐cysteine (NAC) and cysteine peptide increases as the concentration of DMSO increases, thereby lowering the concentration of the nucleophilic reagent. We also found that use of a solvent consisting of 5% DMSO in acetonitrile consistently lowered NAC concentrations by about 0.4 μm relative to the use of solvents containing no DMSO. We also tested nine sensitizers and four nonsensitizers having different sensitization potencies to compare NAC depletion with and without 5% DMSO and found that reactivity was about the same with either solvent. Based on the above, we conclude that the use of a solvent containing 5% DMSO has no effect on the accuracy of ADRA test results. We plan to review and propose revisions to OECD Test Guideline 442C based on the above investigation.
Aligned nanofibers of decellularized muscle extracellular matrix for volumetric muscle loss
Authors: Patel Krishna H. , Talovic Muhamed , Dunn Andrew J. , Patel Anjali , Vendrell Sara , Schwartz Mark , Garg Koyal
Published: February 2020

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a traumatic loss of muscle tissue that results in chronic functional impairment. When injured, skeletal muscle is capable of small‐scale repair; however, regenerative capacities are lost with VML due to a critical loss stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Consequences of VML include either long‐term disability or delayed amputations of the affected limb. While the prevalence of VML is substantial, currently a successful clinical therapy has not been identified. In a previous study, an electrospun composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and decellularized‐ECM (D‐ECM) supported satellite cell‐mediated myogenic activity in vitro. In this study, we investigate the extent to which this electrospun scaffold can support functional muscle regeneration in a murine model of VML. Experimental groups included no treatment, pure PCL treated, and PCL:D‐ECM (50:50 blend) treated VML defects. The PCL:D‐ECM scaffold treated VML muscles supported increased activity of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages (arginase+) at Day 28, compared to other experimental groups. Increased myofiber (MHC+) regeneration was observed histologically at both Days 7 and 28 post‐trauma in blend scaffold treated group compared to PCL treated and untreated groups. However, improvements in muscle weights and force production were not observed. Future studies would evaluate muscle function at longer time‐points post‐VML injury to allow sufficient time for reinnervation of regenerated muscle fibers.
Survey of cytotoxic and UV protection effects of biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Miri Abdolhossein , Akbarpour Birjandi Shiva , Sarani Mina
Published: February 2020

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are among the important nanoparticles that are extensively utilized in cosmetics, automotive industries, ultraviolet (UV) filtration, gas sensors, and pharmaceutical products. In this study, CeO2 NPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Ziziphus jujube fruit. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, field energy scanning electron microscopy, and Raman methods. The results indicated that the size of synthesized nanoparticles is between 18 and 25 nm, and they have a spherical shape. UV absorbance of the synthesized nanoparticles was measured through spectrophotometric method in the range of 290 to 320 nm. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized CeO2 NPs against colon (HT‐29) cancer cell line was surveyed through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles are nontoxic on HT‐29 cells under 400 μg/mL concentrations after 24 hours of treatment time periods. The increase in treatment time cases increases cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanoparticles. Sun protection factor of CeO2 NPs, as a criterion for amount of sunlight radiation protection, was determined by applying Mansur equation. The results demonstrated that synthesized CeO2 NPs have excellent UV protection and sunscreen physical absorption properties.
Comparison of paired cerebrospinal fluid and serum cell‐free mitochondrial and nuclear DNA with copy number and fragment length
Authors: Chen Aolong , Li Jun , Wang Lei , Huang Qin , Zhu Jiajin , Wen Shumeng , Lyu Jianxin , Wu Wenhe
Published: February 2020

Background

Most studies on cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) were only for single body fluids; however, the differences in cfDNA distribution between two body fluids are rarely reported. Hence, in this work, we compared the differences in cfDNA distribution between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with brain‐related diseases.

Methods

The fragment length of cfDNA was determined by using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The copy numbers of cell‐free mitochondrial DNA (cf‐mtDNA) and cell‐free nuclear DNA (cf‐nDNA) were determined by using real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) with three pairs of mitochondrial ND1 and nuclear GAPDH primers, respectively.

Results

There were short (~60 bp), medium (~167 bp), and long (>250 bp) cfDNA fragment length distributions totally obtained from CSF and serum using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The results of both qPCR and ddPCR confirmed the existence of these three cfDNA fragment ranges in CSF and serum. According to qPCR, the copy numbers of long cf‐mtDNA, medium, and long cf‐nDNA in CSF were significantly higher than in paired serum. In CSF, only long cf‐mtDNA's copy numbers were higher than long cf‐nDNA. But in serum, the copy numbers of medium and long cf‐mtDNA were higher than the corresponding cf‐nDNA.

Conclusion

The cf‐nDNA and cf‐mtDNA with different fragment lengths differentially distributed in the CSF and serum of patients with brain disorders, which might serve as a biomarker of human brain diseases.
MMP9, CXCR1, TLR6, and MPO participant in the progression of coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Che , Li Qingmin , Yang Honghui , Gao Chuanyu , Du Qiubo , Zhang Caili , Zhu Lijie , Li Qingman
Published: February 2020

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most frequent cardiovascular disease, which is induced by the decreased myocardial blood supply. The present study is conducted to understand the mechanisms of CAD. The GSE98583, GSE69587, and GSE71226 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were obtained. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by the limma package, then the DEGs appeared in two or three datasets were selected as the coregulated genes using the VENNY tool, followed by enrichment analysis using DAVID tool. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, microRNA‐transcription factor‐target regulatory network, and drug‐gene network were visualized. Finally, quantitative PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter assay were conducted to validate the expression of key genes and the target relationship. There were 221 coregulated genes in GSE98583, GSE69587, and GSE71226. Besides, four pathways and 23 functional terms for co‐upregulated genes, and 11 functional terms for co‐downregulated genes were enriched. The degrees of PPI network nodes matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1), toll‐like receptor 6 (TLR6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were relatively higher. Moreover, MPO could interact with MMP9, CXCR1, and TLR6 in the PPI network. In the regulatory network, TLR6 and MMP9 separately were targeted by miR‐3960 and v‐rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA). Additionally, MMP9, CXCR1, and MPO were involved in the drug‐gene network. The expression of MMP9, CXCR1, TLR6, and MPO were significantly upregulated in CAD samples than control, and miR‐3960 could bind to TLR6 to inhibit its expression. CXCR1 and MPO might be involved in the progression of CAD. Besides, miR‐3960 might function in the pathogenesis of CAD through targeting TLR6, and RELA might exert its role in CAD via targeting MMP9.
A degradatory fate for CCR4 suggests a primary role in Th2 inflammation
Authors: Anderson Caroline A. , Patel Pallavi , Viney Jonathan M. , Phillips Rhian M. , Solari Roberto , Pease James E.
Published: February 2020

CCR4 is the sole receptor for the chemokines CCL22 and CCL17. Clinical studies of asthmatic airways have shown levels of both ligands and CCR4+ Th2 cells to be elevated, suggestive of a role in disease. Consequently, CCR4 has aroused much interest as a potential therapeutic target and an understanding of how its cell surface expression is regulated is highly desirable. To this end, receptor expression, receptor endocytosis, and chemotaxis were assessed using transfectants expressing CCR4, CCR4+ human T cell lines, and human Th2 cells polarized in vitro. CCL17 and CCL22 drove rapid endocytosis of CCR4 in a dose-dependent manner. Replenishment at the cell surface was slow and sensitive to cycloheximide, suggestive of de novo synthesis of CCR4. Constitutive CCR4 endocytosis was also observed, with the internalized CCR4 found to be significantly degraded over a 6-h incubation. Truncation of the CCR4 C-terminus by 40 amino acids had no effect on cell surface expression, but resulted in significant impairment of ligand-induced endocytosis. Consequently, migration to both CCL17 and CCL22 was significantly enhanced. In contrast, truncation of CCR4 did not impair constitutive endocytosis or degradation, suggesting the use of alternative receptor motifs in these processes. We conclude that CCR4 cell surface levels are tightly regulated, with a degradative fate for endocytosed receptor. We postulate that this strict control is desirable, given that Th2 cells recruited by CCR4 can induce the further expression of CCR4 ligands in a positive feedback loop, thereby enhancing allergic inflammation.
Influence of the subtropical ridge on directional wave power in the southeast Indian Ocean
Authors: Mortlock Thomas R. , Baillie Zak , Goodwin Ian D. , Browning Stuart
Published: February 2020

Changes in the intensity and position of subtropical anticyclones are major drivers of wave climate around Australia. The quasi‐stationary ridge of high atmospheric pressure in the mid‐latitudes is known as the Subtropical Ridge (STR). In this study, we decompose the directional wave climate along the Western Australian Shelf (WAS) into three primary modes of variability using a statistical‐synoptic typing approach, and relate the wave power signatures of each to movements in the STR. We find a significant reduction in wave power along the WAS over the past 35 years. This is synonymous with an intensification of the STR resulting in blocking of powerful Southern Ocean Low wave conditions, a small increase in weaker anticyclonic waves, and a reduction in total wave power. A persistent intensification and/or poleward shift in the STR, associated with anthropogenic warming, may result in a continued decrease and anticlockwise rotation in wave power along the WAS. The approach taken in this article relates empirical changes in wave climate to movements in large‐scale climate drivers which can be used to complement the understanding of climate‐model based scenarios of wave climate change.
Synergism between recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/absorbable collagen sponge and bone substitutes favors vertical bone augmentation and the resorption rate of the biomaterials: Histomorphometric and 3D microcomputed tomography analysis
Authors: Polo Cristiane Ibanhes , Sendyk Wilson Roberto , Correa Luciana , Sendyk Daniel , Deboni Maria Cristina Zindel , Naclério‐Homem Maria da Graça
Published: February 2020

Background

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) is an osteoinductor frequently used for bone regeneration in oral and maxillofacial surgery. There is no consensus about the ideal carrier for this growth factor. The aim of this study was to compare the bone augmentation, bone microarchitecture, and biodegradation rate of additional carriers to rhBMP‐2/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) in a vertical guided bone regeneration model.

Methods

Four titanium cylinders were fixed onto the calvaria of rabbits (n = 20) that received (n = 10) or not (n = 10) rhBMP‐2/ACS in conjunction with one of the carriers: beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), bovine bone mineral (BBM) or blood clot. The samples were analyzed by means of microcomputed tomography and histomorphology after 14 weeks.

Results

All the materials with rhBMP‐2/ACS exhibited improvement on bone augmentation, mainly BCP (P = 0.033) and β‐TCP (P = 0.038), in the upper portion of the cylinder. Although trabecular anisotropy was improved in all the materials groups, trabecular connectivity was diminished when the biomaterials received rhBMP‐2/ACS. Resorption rate of the remaining biomaterial was improved by rhBMP‐2/ACS, mainly in BBM (P <0.01) and β‐TCP (P <0.01). BBM exhibited the highest osteoclast density compared with the other materials groups.

Conclusions

BCP and β‐TCP biomaterials exhibited a synergic effect with rhBMP‐2/ACS, acting as suitable and viable carriers for vertical bone augmentation. The addition of rhBMP‐2 significantly affected the biodegradation of β‐TCP and BBM, accelerating the resorption of these materials.
A Raman study on the intracluster interactions of aminothiophenol‐protected Ag7 clusters—Photo‐assisted N─N coupling reaction of the ligand
Authors: An Pan , Zhang Hongchao , Yang Mengzhou , Anumula Rajini , Cui Chaonan , Luo Zhixun
Published: February 2020

We have synthesized Ag7 nanoclusters via a facile one‐pot procedure with p‐aminothiophenol (PATP) as the ligand. The chemical component of this Ag7 cluster is determined to be Ag7(C6H6NS)7H+ by high‐resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, where a few fragment peaks are also observed such as [Ag7(C6H6NS)4H3Na]+. For this PATP‐protected Ag7 cluster, we have conducted a Raman investigation to probe in the intracluster interactions and find an essentially different Raman feature from that the nascent PATP ligand, pertaining to photo‐assistant catalytic conversion of PATP to p,p'‐dimercapto azobenzene (DMAB). Utilizing density‐functional‐theory (DFT) calculations, we have performed natural population analysis, natural bond orbital analysis, and electron density difference analysis to fully demonstrate the intracluster interactions between Ag7 clusters and the ligand. What is interesting is that the protection ligand PATP helps stabilize the Ag7 metallic core, and in turn, the metal core Ag7 catalyzes the protection ligands giving rise to N─N coupling reaction. On this basis, we have proposed a reaction pathway on a basis of DFT calculations to provide further insights into the reaction mechanism of PATP‐to‐DMAB conversion at the presence of the Ag7 clusters.
Rapid screening of amitraz and its metabolite residues in honey using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method coupled with UHPLC and Q Exactive
Authors: Li Yanping , Li Yuxiang , Yang Yan
Published: February 2020

A method for determining amitraz and 2,4‐dimethylaniline in honey was established by using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatoghaphy and Q Exactive after applying quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extracting process. A suitable extraction method was designed to extract the amitraz and 2,4‐dimethylaniline after a suitable amount of honey samples was dissolved. A Thermo Syncronis C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) was used for chromatographic separation of the samples. Then the two compounds were quantitatively analyzed via a program of Q Exactive. The linearity of amitraz and 2,4‐dimethylaniline was good in the concentration range of 0.5–100 μg/L, and the correlation coefficient R2 was >0.99. The average recovery and relative standard deviation of each component were 81.3–90.0% and 5.1–7.2%. The 24‐ and 48‐h test results showed that the sample needed to be tested within 24 h. The limit of detection was 0.1 μg/kg for amitraz and 2,4‐dimethylaniline, whereas for both the limit of quantitation was 0.3 μg/kg.
Differential roles of push and pull factors on escape for travel: Personal and social identity perspectives
Authors: Michael Noela , Nyadzayo Munyaradzi W. , Michael Ian , Balasubramanian Sreejith
Published: February 2020

This study examines the effects of push and pull motivations linked to an individual's personal and social identities as key antecedents to escape for travel. In terms of push factors, escape for travel is driven from a personal identity perspective by the need for evaluation of self and regression and from a social identity perspective by the need for social interaction but not enhancement of kinship. Cultural motives that reflect personal identity positively influence escape for travel than destination pull factors linked to social identity. Overall, the study contributes to the existing knowledge on push and pull tourist motivations.
Highly Sensitive Detection of Fe3+ Ions Using Waterborne Polyurethane‐Carbon Dots Self‐Healable Fluorescence Film
Authors: Xiao Luqi , Shi, Jun , Nan Bingfei , Chen Weilong , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Ending , Lu Mangeng
Published: February 2020

In this study, nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (N‐C‐dots) are synthesized via a green and gentle electrochemical‐hydrothermal method. The N‐C‐dots are grafted into the backbone of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) synthesized from hexamethylene diisocyanate and polycarbonate diol (PCDL). Due to the introduction of N‐C‐dots, the WBPU is functionalized including being able to self heal and specifically identified Fe3+. The self‐healing performance of the WBPU‐N‐C‐dots film is principally attributed to the hydrogen bonding effect of the WBPU and the N‐C‐dots. On the other hand, based on the quenching of fluorescent characteristics of the WBPU‐N‐C‐dots film, it is successfully used in the detection of Fe3+, showing a wide detection range, good selectivity, and high sensitivity. What's more, the tensile strength of the sample is enhanced from 3.50 to 7.12 MPa when the N‐C‐dots content is increased in the WBPU and the thermal stability is improved as a result of the formation of the more thermally‐stable network structures. Interestingly, compared to the traditional solution detection in WBPU‐N‐C‐dots emulsion with the limit of detection of 2.23 × 10−6 m, the detection has the lower limit of detection of 2.19 × 10−6 m in the WBPU‐N‐C‐dots film. These results show that the WBPU‐N‐C‐dots film exhibits great application as an intelligent response‐type material.
Fitness costs associated with carriage of a large staphylococcal plasmid are reduced by subinhibitory concentrations of antiseptics
Authors: LaBreck Patrick T. , Merrell D. Scott
Published: February 2020

Staphylococcus aureus carries a collection of mobile genetic elements that often harbor virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Since the introduction of antibiotics, plasmids have become a major genetic element responsible for the distribution of antimicrobial resistance. Under antimicrobial selection, resistance plasmids are maintained within bacterial populations as a means to ensure survival. However, in the absence of selection, large plasmids can be lost due to the fitness costs associated with harboring these genetic elements. pC02 is a previously identified multidrug resistance, conjugative plasmid that is found in S. aureus. In addition to antibiotic resistance, pC02 also carries genes known to be associated with antiseptic resistance. Among these, we previously characterized the contribution of qacA to pC02 mediated reduced chlorhexidine susceptibility. Herein, we demonstrate that pC02 also mediates triclosan resistance, likely due to the presence of fabI, a known triclosan resistance gene. Moreover, we demonstrate that conjugative transfer of pC02 increases triclosan resistance in recipient cells. Competition assays demonstrated a fitness cost associated with carriage of the large pC02 plasmid. However, subinhibitory concentrations of either chlorhexidine or triclosan abrogated this fitness cost. Given the widespread use of these antiseptics, both of which accumulate in wastewater and other environmental reservoirs, indiscriminate use of antiseptics likely imposes a constant selective pressure that promotes maintenance of antimicrobial resistance factors within S. aureus.
Pseudoagoraphobia, a Diagnostic Clue in Stiff‐Limb Syndrome
Authors: Marano Massimo , Motolese Francesco , Lanzone Jacopo , Di Santo Alessandro , Rossi Mariagrazia , Bevacqua Maria Gabriela , Ranieri Federico , Capone Fioravante , Gatto Emilia Mabel , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

Background

Stiff‐limb syndrome is part of stiff person spectrum, presenting with fluctuating gait disorders attributed to leg stiffness, spasms, and posturing. It could also manifest with anxiety and specific phobias such as pseudoagoraphobia. We aimed to describe the importance of specific gait phobia as a diagnostic clue to anti–glutamic acid decarboxylase stiff‐limb syndrome.

Cases

We reported on 2 cases of stiff‐limb syndrome sharing a similar diagnostic path and phenomenology. Both were featured by pseudoagoraphobia, which has documented to typically cover organic conditions, and a remarkable diagnostic delay attributed to misdiagnoses. Presence of pseudoagoraphobia should not point to the diagnosis of a functional disorder—although a negative instrumental workup is documented.

Conclusions

Both cases are emblematic of the high misdiagnosis rate affecting stiff person syndrome patients. A proper diagnostic process, including the identification of a pseudoagoraphobia, should help in reaching a diagnosis and providing an early and effective treatment.
Auditory Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Kolb Bryan E. , Mohajerani Majid H.
Published: February 2020

PD is a progressive and complex neurological disorder with heterogeneous symptomatology. PD is characterized by classical motor features of parkinsonism and nonmotor symptoms and involves extensive regions of the nervous system, various neurotransmitters, and protein aggregates. Extensive evidence supports auditory dysfunction as an additional nonmotor feature of PD. Studies indicate a broad range of auditory impairments in PD, from the peripheral hearing system to the auditory brainstem and cortical areas. For instance, research demonstrates a higher occurrence of hearing loss in early‐onset PD and evidence of abnormal auditory evoked potentials, event‐related potentials, and habituation to novel stimuli. Electrophysiological data, such as auditory P3a, also is suggested as a sensitive measure of illness duration and severity. Improvement in auditory responses following dopaminergic therapies also indicates the presence of similar neurotransmitters (i.e., glutamate and dopamine) in the auditory system and basal ganglia. Nonetheless, hearing impairments in PD have received little attention in clinical practice so far. This review summarizes evidence of peripheral and central auditory impairments in PD and provides conclusions and directions for future empirical and clinical research. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Regularizing properties of space‐periodic layer heat potentials and applications to boundary value problems in periodic domains
Authors: Luzzini Paolo
Published: February 2020

We introduce space‐periodic layer heat potentials and we prove some regularizing properties in parabolic Schauder spaces defined on the boundary of infinite parabolic cylinders. Then, we show how to exploit these mapping properties for the space‐periodic layer potentials in order to solve two initial‐boundary value problems for the heat equation in an unbounded periodic domain.
Segment‐aware dynamic routing for DASH flows over software‐defined networks
Authors: Cetinkaya Cihat , Herguner Korhan , Hellge Cornelius , Sayit Muge
Published: February 2020

Most of the video streaming applications running over the Internet send video data over HTTP and provide an architecture for video clients to adapt video quality during streaming. In HTTP adaptive streaming, a raw video is encoded at various qualities, each encoded video file is divided into small segments, and the clients may change the segment quality by sending requests for segments having different qualities over time. MPEG has standardized dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (MPEG‐DASH) due to this tendency. In this work, we focus on DASH over software‐defined networks (SDN), and we dynamically reroute DASH flows by considering the current network capacity, available bandwidth of the paths, and bitrate of the segments in order to provide high quality of experience (QoE) and fairness among DASH clients. Simulations performed under various network conditions show that the proposed study provides higher QoE and fairness compared with the max‐flow routing approach.
Alignment of a digital watershed and land use game to national education standards
Authors: Anderson Katelyn , Grudens‐Schuck Nancy , Valek Robert , Schulte Lisa A. , Smalley Scott W.
Published: February 2020

Digital games, especially simulations, have supported student learning outcomes in the areas of science and agriculture in classrooms and nonformal settings. Simulations contribute robustly to student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and agriculture content areas, especially when they are aligned with national education standards. The People in Ecosystems Watershed Integration (PEWI) simulation is a digital game that was evaluated for fit to two national standards: the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Standards (AFNR). The evaluation of alignment of PEWI to NGSS provided “extensive” evidence on a four‐point scale for meeting Criterion A: Explaining phenomenon/designing solutions; Criterion B: 3‐D learning, science and engineering practices, rated for three areas: (a) “extensive” for science and engineering practices, (b) “adequate” for disciplinary core ideas, and (c) “extensive” for cross‐cutting concepts. Additionally, PEWI aligned with nine high school–level NGSS student performance expectations categories. For AFNR Standards, the PEWI evaluation provided evidence for alignment to 10 standards and 17 indicators from the AFNR areas of Environmental Service Systems, Natural Resource Systems, and Plant Systems.
Comparing predictive validity in a community sample: High–dimensionality and traditional domain–and–facet structures of personality variation
Authors: Saucier Gerard , Iurino Kathryn , Thalmayer Amber Gayle
Published: February 2020

Prediction of outcomes is an important way of distinguishing, among personality models, the best from the rest. Prominent previous models have tended to emphasize multiple internally consistent “facet” scales subordinate to a few broad domains. But such an organization of measurement may not be optimal for prediction. Here, we compare the predictive capacity and efficiency of assessments across two types of personality–structure model: conventional structures of facets as found in multiple platforms, and new high–dimensionality structures emphasizing those based on natural–language adjectives, in particular lexicon–based structures of 20, 23, and 28 dimensions. Predictions targeted 12 criterion variables related to health and psychopathology, in a sizeable American community sample. Results tended to favor personality–assessment platforms with (at least) a dozen or two well–selected variables having minimal intercorrelations, without sculpting of these to make them function as indicators of a few broad domains. Unsurprisingly, shorter scales, especially when derived from factor analyses of the personality lexicon, were shown to take a more efficient route to given levels of predictive capacity. Popular 20th–century personality–assessment models set out influential but suboptimal templates, including one that first identifies domains and then facets, which compromise the efficiency of measurement models, at least from a comparative–prediction standpoint. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Atmospheric pressure Townsend discharges as a promising tool for the one‐step deposition of antifogging coatings from N2O/TMCTS mixtures
Authors: Rodríguez Durán Iván , Durocher‐Jean Antoine , Profili Jacopo , Stafford Luc , Laroche Gaétan
Published: February 2020

The need to ensuring the “see‐through” property of transparent materials when exposed to sudden temperature changes or very humid conditions has encouraged the development of antifogging strategies, such as the deposition of (super)hydrophilic coatings. However, despite the effectiveness of these coatings in combating the effects of fogging, most of the coating techniques explored to date are typically time‐consuming and environment‐unfriendly. Bearing this in mind, we demonstrate that the application of dielectric barrier discharges operated at atmospheric pressure proves to be successful in preparing antifogging coatings on glass samples from 1,3,5,7‐tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The antifogging performance of the coatings was found to be governed by the [N2O]/[TMCTS] ratio and not by the [N2O] + [TMCTS] sum. Coatings prepared under a [N2O]/[TMCTS] = 30 were superhydrophilic (water contact angles ≈ 5°–10°) due to surface silanol groups and endowed glass samples with a superior antifogging property, as revealed by the ASTM F 659‐06 test. In contrast, because of the lesser hydrophilicity (water contact angles ≈ 60°), coatings prepared under a [N2O]/[TMCTS] = 10 did not endow glass samples with antifogging property. Regardless of the deposition conditions, the plasma‐deposited coatings displayed crack‐free smooth surfaces (Rrms = 2−4 nm).
Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wei Zuwu , Zhu Bili , Cai Yang , Yan Dan , Lou Yuheng , Guo Zhiyong , Deng Ping
Published: February 2020

Photothermal therapy, an excellent therapeutic approach, has received much attention in recent years. Herein, a novel diketopyrrolopyrrole polymer (DPP‐BDP) is prepared, which shows intense near‐infrared (NIR) optical absorption and admirable photothermal conversion efficacy. Impressively, after assembly into nanoparticles (DB‐FA), the as‐prepared conjugated polymer demonstrates a uniformly distributed size around 200 nm with remarkable NIR absorption at 808 nm. Additionally, it displays high biocompatibility and photostability. More interestingly, the obtained DB‐FA NPs are uptaken by cancer cells and present excellent anticancer in vitro and in vivo under 0.8 W cm−2 or 1 W cm−2 NIR laser irradiation, respectively. Hence, this work is expected to pave the way for using conjugated‐polymer nanoparticles as a powerful photothermal agents for anticancer applications.
All‐Epitaxial Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators
Authors: Miller Jeffrey , Wright John , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep
Published: February 2020

There is a growing interest in the exploration of the nitride material family for radically scaled, high frequency, ultrasonic devices by epitaxial growth techniques. Furthermore, the introduction of epitaxial growth techniques to conventional nitride‐based acoustic technology opens the door to exciting new families of structures for phonon confinement. As the need for higher frequency communications increases, both piezoelectrics and electrodes must scale to smaller dimensions. It has recently become possible to epitaxially grow single‐crystalline, wurtzite AlN/NbN piezoelectric/metal heterostructures. The epitaxial NbN films maintain high crystalline quality and electrical conductivity down to several nanometers thickness. This study demonstrates preliminary results on the feasibility of an all‐epitaxial bulk acoustic wave technology by growing and characterizing the radio frequency (RF) properties of an epitaxial AlN/NbN heterostructure.