bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of an in vitro model of β‐thalassemia using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system
Authors: Ajami Monireh , Atashi Amir , Kaviani Saeid , Kiani Jafar , Soleimani Masoud
Published: October 2019

β‐Thalassemia is a common monogenic disease characterized by defective β‐globin chains synthesis. In vitro β‐thalassemia‐related research on increasing β‐like globin genes or identification of factors reducing the severity of the disease, has been performed on mouse erythroleukaemia or K562 cell lines. The aim of this study was the production of an in vitro model of β‐thalassemia using the highly efficient CRISPR‐Cas9 system. Embryonic stem (ES) cells were nucleofected with guide RNA (gRNA)‐Cas9 expression vectors. Molecular testing was done on extracted DNA to assess Hbb‐b1 mutation. Analysis of transcription factors and hemoglobin genes were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction following erythroid differentiation of ES cells. Sequencing data confirmed Hbb‐b1 knockout alleles. Significant expression of erythroid transcription factors was observed in wild‐type, Hbb‐b1+/− and Hbb‐b1−/− groups (P < .001). Compared with the wild‐type group, the absolute number of Hbb‐b1 mRNA in Hbb‐b1+/− group significantly decreased from 6.44 × 106 to 3.23 × 106 copy number (P < .01), whereas in Hbb‐b1−/− group had zero expression. The CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated Hbb‐b1 knockout in ES cells provides accessibility to an in vitro thalassemia model following erythroid differentiation. Considering the need for in vitro and mouse models to investigate the molecular basis of β‐thalassemia which also enables testing of therapeutic approaches, this method can be utilized to produce a mouse model of β‐thalassemia intermedia (Hbbth1/th1).
MicroRNA‐125a attenuates the chemoresistance against ubenimex in non–small cell lung carcinoma via targeting the aminopeptidase N signaling pathway
Authors: Li Chaoyi , Zhai Wei , Wan Li , Li Jingsong , Huang Ai , Xing Shijie , Fan Kai
Published: October 2019

Background

Since several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the development of chemoresistance in non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), the aim of this study was to investigate whether antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) was associated with the chemoresistance of NSCLC.

Method

Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify potential lncRNAs involved in the chemoresistance of NSCLC, while in‐silicon analyses and luciferase assays were carried out to explore the regulatory relationship among ANRIL, miR‐125a, and aminopeptidase N (APN).

Results

Ubenimex resistant cells were associated with a high expression of ANRIL, which directly binds to miR‐125a. MiR‐125a directly targeted APN expression. In addition, miR‐125a and ANRIL small interfering RNA inhibited the expression of APN but promoted the expression of beclin‐1 and LC3, whereas ANRIL, by competing with miR‐125a, promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

The data of this study suggested that, by targeting ANRIL and the APN signaling pathway, miR‐125a inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells and promoted their apoptosis, thus attenuating the chemoresistance of NSCLC against Ubenimex.
LncRNAs as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer: A novel approach to personalized medicine
Authors: Fattahi Sadegh , Kosari‐Monfared Mohadeseh , Golpour Monireh , Emami Zakieh , Ghasemiyan Mohammad , Nouri Maryam , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death with 5‐year survival rate of about 30–35%. Since early detection is associated with decreased mortality, identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and proper management of patients with the best response to therapy is urgently needed. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) due to their high specificity, easy accessibility in a noninvasive manner, as well as their aberrant expression under different pathological and physiological conditions, have received a great attention as potential diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers. They may also serve as targets for treating gastric cancer. In this review, we highlighted the role of lncRNAs as tumor suppressors or oncogenes that make them potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Relatively, lncRNAs such as H19, HOTAIR, UCA1, PVT1, tissue differentiation‐inducing nonprotein coding, and LINC00152 could be potential diagnostic and prognostic markers in patients with gastric cancer. Also, the impact of lncRNAs such as ecCEBPA, MLK7‐AS1, TUG1, HOXA11‐AS, GAPLINC, LEIGC, multidrug resistance‐related and upregulated lncRNA, PVT1 on gastric cancer epigenetic and drug resistance as well as their potential as therapeutic targets for personalized medicine was discussed.
Multi‐omics analysis of tumor mutation burden combined with immune infiltrates in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chuanjie , Shen Luping , Qi Feng , Wang JinCheng , Luo Jun
Published: October 2019

To explore the prognosis of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and underlying relationships with tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in bladder cancer (BLCA). Transcriptome profiles and somatic mutation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database by the GDC tool. A total of 437 samples were included, consisted of 412 BLCA patients and matched 25 normal samples. Specific mutation information was summarized and illustrated in waterfall plot. Higher TMB levels revealed improved overall survival (OS) and lower tumor recurrence. We found 68 differentially expressed genes in two TMB groups and identified eight independent hub TMB‐related signature. Pathway analysis suggested that differential TMB‐related signature correlated with multiple cancer‐related crosstalk, including cell cycle, DNA replication, cellular senescence, and p53 signaling pathway. Besides, the tumor mutation burden related signature (TMBRS) model based on eight signature possessed well predictive value with area under curve (AUC) = 0.753, and patients with higher TMBRS scores showed worse OS outcomes (p < .001). Moreover, we exhibited the inferred immune cell fractions in box plot and differential abundance of immune cells were shown in the heatmap. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test suggested that CD8+ T cell (p = .001) and memory activated CD4+ T cell (p = .004) showed higher infiltrating levels in high‐TMB group, while the density of resting mast cells showed lower infiltrating level in high‐TMB group (p = .016). Finally, it is significant to note that CD8+ T cell and memory activated CD4+ T cell subsets not only revealed higher infiltrating abundance in high‐TMB group but correlated with prolonged OS and lower risk of tumor recurrence, respectively.
The Falkland Islands’ palaeoecological response to millennial‐scale climate perturbations during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition: Implications for future vegetation stability in the southern ocean islands
Authors: Scaife Robert G. , Long Antony J. , Monteath Alistair J. , Hughes Paul D. M. , Bentley Michael J. , Stone Philip
Published: October 2019

Oceanic island flora is vulnerable to future climate warming, which is likely to promote changes in vegetation composition, and invasion of non‐native species. Sub‐Antarctic islands are predicted to experience rapid warming during the next century; therefore, establishing trajectories of change in vegetation communities is essential for developing conservation strategies to preserve biological diversity. We present a Late‐glacial‐early Holocene (16 500–6450 cal a bp) palaeoecological record from Hooker's Point, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Atlantic. This period spans the Pleistocene‐Holocene transition, providing insight into biological responses to abrupt climate change. Pollen and plant macrofossil records appear insensitive to climatic cooling during the Late‐glacial, but undergo rapid turnover in response to regional warming. The absence of trees throughout the Late‐glacial‐early Holocene enables the recognition of far‐travelled pollen from southern South America. The first occurrence of Nothofagus (southern beech) may reflect changes in the strength and/or position of the Southern Westerly Wind Belt during the Late‐glacial period. Peat inception and accumulation at Hooker's Point is likely to be promoted by the recalcitrant litter of wind‐adapted flora. This recalcitrant litter helps to explain widespread peatland development in a comparatively dry environment, and suggests that wind‐adapted peatlands can remain carbon sinks even under low precipitation regimes. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Comparison of chemical constitution and bioactivity among different parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb
Authors: Li Rong‐Jiao , Kuang Xiu‐Ping , Wang Wen‐Jing , Wan Chun‐Ping , Li Wei‐xi
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Lonicera japonica Thunb is a common herb in East Asia. The flower buds are usually regarded as the traditional medicinal part, while leaves and stems are considered less valuable and receive little attention. This study compared the chemical constituents and anti‐inflammatory effects of the different tissues in L. japonica Thunb for the first time.

RESULTS

Thirty compounds were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode detector‐quadrupole / time of flight‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐PDA‐Q/TOF‐MS/MS) analysis. Hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and iridoids were identified as the major components. The flower buds (FLJ), leaves (LLJ), and stems (SLJ) of L. japonica Thunb showed strong similarities in chemical components. The LLJ contained higher levels of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids than the FLJ and SLJ.

Furthermore, FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ exhibited potent anti‐inflammatory activity in croton oil‐induced ear edema and carrageenan‐induced paw edema assays in mice. Moreover, FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ showed a cytoprotective effect on lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced increases in nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were suppressed by treatments of FLJ, LLJ, and SLJ, respectively. The LLJ possessed a stronger anti‐inflammatory effect than the FLJ.

CONCLUSION

Leaves and stems of L. japonica Thunb have chemical components and anti‐inflammatory properties similar to flower buds, and may become alternative or supplementary sources of flower buds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of poultry egg liking scores using sighted and blind people
Authors: Stelmasiak Adrian , Damaziak Krzysztof , Riedel Julia , Zdanowska‐Sąsiadek Żaneta , Bucław Mateusz , Gozdowski Dariusz , Kruziñska Brygida
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Of the 18 043 bird species, the eggs of only hen and quail are generally available to consumers. Thus people are deprived of the opportunity to benefit from the huge diversity of eggs offered by nature. Poultry eggs can vary in their color of albumen and yolk, smell, taste and texture. In this study, sighted and blind people were employed for sensory evaluation with the aim of determining the preferences of consumers toward hard‐boiled and scrambled eggs of different species of birds, and whether the appearance of these eggs has an effect on the perception of other sensory impressions.

RESULTS

Sighted people differently evaluated the texture of both boiled and scrambled eggs as compared with blind people. This was mainly because blind people largely used their sense of touch for evaluation. All other attributes of boiled eggs were evaluated similarly by both groups of panelists, whereas those of scrambled eggs were evaluated differently.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results unequivocally demonstrated that differences in taste of scrambled eggs when served hot are easier to evaluate than those of boiled eggs. On the basis of ranking by the sensory panel, it was established that eggs of birds belonging to the order Galliformes are more preferred by consumers than those of duck and goose. By contrast, eggs of ostrich and emu are characterized by unfavorable sensory profiles; moreover, the albumen of boiled ostrich eggs has an unsightly appearance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Interactive Polymer Gels as Biomimetic Sensors for Carbohydrate Interactions and Capture–Release Devices for Pathogens
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Paul Tanja Janine , Strzelczyk Alexander Klaus
Published: October 2019

Adhesive processes mediated by carbohydrate‐decorated interfaces play a crucial role in many biological processes such as cell development or pathogen invasion. The involved carbohydrate scaffolds are soft and present multiple subsites forming complex and dynamic bonds to carbohydrate binding proteins. New tools and data are needed to understand how ligand presentation and mechanical properties drive these binding processes. This article highlights recent developments in the area of adhesion assays with a focus on soft biomimetic carbohydrate scaffolds as probes of adhesion forces. Key findings state that carbohydrate functionalized polymer networks largely show additive multivalency (statistical effects) and that the overall interaction forces are strongly affected by the stiffness of the network. These results indicate that phase transitions of carbohydrate bearing polymer gels may enable tunable affinity toward carbohydrate binding proteins. As an example, polymer networks undergoing large changes in mechanical rigidity, density, and spacing of carbohydrate ligands upon temperature stimulus are shown to bind or release carbohydrate binding bacteria such as Escherichia coli. The presented adhesion assays and the developed responsive systems can provide new insights into the mechanism through which carbohydrates mediate adhesion processes and establish new avenues toward scaffolds for the capture or release of cells or pathogens.
Cryogel‐Based Electronic–Tissue Interfaces with Soft, Highly Compressible, and Tunable Mechanics
Authors: Ghatee Rosa , Tolouei Anita , Fijalkowski Jennifer , Alsasa Abdulrahman , Hayes Justin , Besio Walter , Kennedy Stephen
Published: October 2019

Electrically conductive materials with soft, tough, and tunable mechanics have utility in a wide range of applications including neuroprosthetics. Such materials can serve as interfaces between electrical components and tissues, providing mechanical matches with and better conformations to soft, irregularly shaped surfaces. Hydrogels can potentially provide these attributes while remaining hydrated for long periods of time—providing a long‐term and stable electronic–tissue interface. Additionally, in applications that demand implantation, hydrogels can be formulated to locally deliver enhancing therapeutics. Here, hydrogels are developed by entrapping a conducting polymer within a crosslinked poly(acrylic acid) (pAAc) network. Critically, these hydrogels are cast under freezing conditions which produces cryogels that exhibit macroporous, soft, and highly tunable mechanics (0.2–20 kPa, by varying pAAc and crosslinker concentrations). Additionally, these cryogels are tough enough to survive over 90% compression, which enables survival after being passed through 16‐gauge needles. Cryogels also exhibit electrical conductivities that are sufficient to record alpha waves from the scalp of human subjects. Growth of fibroblasts cultures in the presence of these cryogels produce statistically similar viabilities compared to controls and do not disrupt fibroblast cell cycles. Finally, cryogels are capable of being loaded with and delivering proteins that can potentially combat inflammation.
Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease: Defining the Concepts
Authors: Bouça‐Machado Raquel , Rosário Ana , Caldeira Daniel , Castro Caldas Ana , Guerreiro Daniela , Venturelli Massimo , Tinazzi Michele , Schena Federico , J. Ferreira Joaquim
Published: October 2019

Background

Exercise is gaining extreme relevancy as a new therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the frequent misuse of the concepts exercise, physiotherapy, and physical activity limits the possibility of summarizing research findings. This review aims to clarify these concepts and summarize the evidence on exercise in PD.

Methods

We critically appraised physical activity–related concepts and conducted a systematic review of clinical trials evaluating exercise interventions in PD. Additionally, we discussed the implications for PD clinical practice and research.

Results

Exercise is a subset of physical activity, and a major component of physiotherapy for PD management, having as the main goal to improve physical fitness. The appraisal of the 83 identified clinical trials found high variability in exercise interventions. Multimodal exercise was the most studied, and 60 minutes, two times/week for 12 weeks, the most reported prescription parameters.

Conclusion

The best available evidence recommends increasing physical activity levels in PD. Exercise and physiotherapy programs seem the most efficacious strategies to achieve this goal. As a result of the heterogeneity in the type and manner exercise is prescribed, it is not possible to propose strong recommendations for exercise in PD. We believe that, in addition to the clarification of concepts here presented, a collaborative and rigorous work of different areas of knowledge is needed.
A radial clutch needle for facile and safe tissue compartment access
Authors: O’Cearbhaill Eoin D. , Laulicht Bryan , Mitchell Niamh , Yu Lawrence , Valic Michael , Masiakos Peter , Karp Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2019

Efficient and safe access to targeted therapeutic sites is a universal challenge in minimally invasive medical intervention. Percutaneous and transluminal needle insertion is often performed blindly and requires significant user skill and experience to avoid complications associated with the damage of underlying tissues or organs. Here, we report on the advancement of a safer needle with a radial mechanical clutch, which is designed to prevent overshoot injuries through the automatic stopping of the needle once a target cavity is reached. The stylet‐mounted clutch system is inexpensive to manufacture and compatible with standard hypodermic or endoscopic needles and therefore can be adapted to achieve safe access in a myriad of minimally invasive procedures, including targeted drug delivery, at‐home and in‐hospital intravenous access, laparoscopic and endo‐ and transluminal interventions. Here, we demonstrate the clutch needle design optimization and illustrate its potential for rapid and safe minimally invasive cannulation.
A compact outphasing power amplifier with integrated reactive compensation
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Chen Shichang , Cai Jialin , Zhou Xinyu , Chan Wing S. , Wang Gaofeng
Published: October 2019

An innovative design methodology is presented to simplify the architecture of outphasing power amplifier (PA). The proposed design, by absorbing transistor parasitic capacitance into reactance compensating network intrinsic for a Chireix outphasing amplifier, greatly reduces the complexity of impedance modulation network at the output side, hence reducing the overall circuit size. Theoretical formulations regarding the introduced design technique are fully described and the effectiveness is verified through the implementation of a 2.6‐GHz PA prototype intended for long term evolution application. The realized circuit achieves maximum power of 44.8 dBm based on two 10‐W gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMTs), accompanying maximum 73.3% drain efficiency between the saturation point and 6‐dB output back‐off point. At the 6‐dB output back‐off point, the drain efficiency reaches 63.5%.
Poorer outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Bedouin population: A report from the Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Muenster–based Israeli national protocols
Authors: Elhasid Ronit , Nirel Ronit , Avigad Smadar , Avrahami Gali , Abramov Aya , Attias Dina , Arad Nira , Ballin Ami , Ben‐Arush Myriam , Bielorai Bella , Burstein Yoav , Elitzur Sarah , Gabriel Herzel , Hameiri‐Grossman Michal , Kapelushnik Joseph , Sthoeger Dalia , Toren Amos , Wientraub Michael , Yaniv Isaac , Izraeli Shai , Stark Batia
Published: October 2019

Background

Therapy outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had substantially improved in the last decades, but variability across racial and ethnic groups was identified in some clinical studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether such a difference in outcome is found in the diverse ethnicities in Israel as well.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among 1154 patients (855 Jews, 195 Muslims, 52 Bedouins, 26 Druze, and 26 others) aged 1 to 21 years, who were diagnosed with ALL between 1989 and 2011 and were treated according to the same Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Muenster–based Israel National Study protocols.

Results

Bedouins had a higher incidence of t(1;19) (16% vs 3% for non‐Bedouins) and a lower incidence of high‐hyperdiploidy (10% vs 25% for non‐Bedouins) (P = 0.01). Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were poorer for the Bedouins (60.3% ± 7.2% and 63.1% ± 7.2%, respectively) compared with the Jews, Muslims, and Druze (80.4% ± 1.4%, 77.3% ± 3.2%, and 84% ± 7.3%, respectively, for EFS [P = 0.02], and 86.3% ± 1.2%, 82.3% ± 2.9%, and 88.3% ± 6.4%, respectively, for OS [P = 0.002]). Adherence to intensive chemotherapy was similar between the Muslims and the Bedouins.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the Bedouins, a highly inbred ethnic Arab people, may be considered a higher risk group that may need more intensive chemotherapy and/or supportive care in order to improve their outcome.
Steady‐State Ceftazidime‐Avibactam Serum Concentrations and Dosing Recommendations in a Critically Ill Patient Being Treated for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia and Undergoing Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Soukup Paige , Faust Andrew C. , Edpuganti Vindhya , Putnam William C. , McKinnell James A.
Published: October 2019

Ceftazidime‐avibactam (CAZ‐AVI) is a novel intravenous β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combination used in the treatment of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) gram‐negative infections. Although renal dosing recommendations exist for the medication, limited data are available for dosing in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy. In this report, we describe a case in which CAZ‐AVI 2.5 g was administered as a 2‐hour infusion every 8 hours to a 50‐year‐old critically ill patient with MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CAZ‐AVI minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 8 μg/ml) pneumonia who was also receiving continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Total serum concentrations of both ceftazidime and avibactam were measured at ~0.5, 2, 4, and 6 hours after completion of the 2‐hour infusion of the 11th dose of CAZ‐AVI. Ceftazidime pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: maximum serum concentration (Cmax) 152.39 μg/ml, half‐life 5.17 hours, volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) 11.51 L, clearance 1.54 L/hour, and area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) 1295.38 hour•μg/ml. This regimen achieved free ceftazidime serum concentrations more than 4 times the MIC for 100% of the dosing interval. Avibactam pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: Cmax 35.83 μg/ml, half‐life 5.92 hours, Vdss 12.44 L, clearance 1.45 L/hour, and AUC 343.44 hour•μg/ml, which achieved free avibactam concentrations above 1 μg/ml for 100% of the dosing interval. Higher CAZ‐AVI dosing is critical in the treatment of pneumonia due to limited ceftazidime penetration into epithelial lining fluid; however, epithelial lining fluid drug concentrations were not collected or measured. Based on this case report and the available evidence, a dose of CAZ‐AVI 2.5 g infused over 2 hours every 8 hours appears to be appropriate for critically ill patients who are being treated for pneumonia and are receiving CVVHDF.
Radio‐Frequency Identification of Metal AM Parts
Authors: Binder Maximilian , Schönfeld Fabian , Anstätt Christine , Schlick Georg , Seidel Christian , Reinhart Gunther
Published: October 2019

Radio frequency identification technology (RFID) is used extensively as a transponder in product identification and goods logistics. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as metal‐processing laser beam melting (LBM) make it possible to interrupt and continue production processes at any time. Using this advantage, it is possible to interrupt the layer‐by‐layer building process at a specific height of the z axis in order to integrate components such as RFID tags. This allows metallic components to be uniquely marked with an invisible and firmly fixed tag during their manufacture. The challenge of this approach is to find suitable criteria for integrating RFIDs into metal, as metallic environments have a strong negative impact on the transmission range.
Dreams Come True
Authors: Haensel Klaus G.
Published: October 2019

Experienced CO2 laser beam users once modified the given beam guiding systems and related optics to achieve tailored beam parameters for their applications. This included M2 or k values, power density, the power density distribution and / or the complete beam profile, the Rayleigh Length and more sophisticates' ones like twin spot, triple spot, line spot, homogenized profiles or even assist gas performance and additional relevant process conditions. Different elements, like beam expanders, beam splitters, different focal lengths or even zoom optics or beam shaping optics enable and support such tailoring.
Automation Tools for Packaging and Testing
Authors: González Ana Belén
Published: October 2019

Photonic technologies have an impressive potential to introduce new and amazing functionality in different devices. However, there are still bottlenecks that hinder the introduction of these highly mature technologies into innovative products mainly related to packaging and testing of these devices, together with the lack of automatized tools and standards that would allow a cost‐effective ramping up in the production. To face these challenges, 74 top experts in packaging and automated processes met at the EPIC meeting on automation tools for packaging and testing at Amicra technologies (Regensburg, Germany, on 23 – 24 May) to decide the guidelines for the manufacturing of the next generation of photonic‐based products. This article gives an overview of the learnings from this meeting as well as the main discussions and technologies presented there.
Bin Picking System
Authors: Kratky Adrian
Published: October 2019

A lot has already been written about problems that generally arise in bin picking solutions and applications. This article, in contrast, will present a case study describing a bin picking system for the automation of hot forming and laser cutting processes developed by Photoneo for a specific customer. The custom features, specially developed for this client, have been transformed into generally available ones that are currently deployed by a wide audience of users.
Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase can reduce extracellular traps from neutrophils in asthmatic children in vitro
Authors: Li Wen‐Xuan , Wang Fei , Zhu Yun‐Qian , Zhang Li‐Mei , Zhang Zhen‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Ming
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study aimed to explore the link between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and childhood asthma, to investigate the ability of nitric oxide (NO) to induce NETs in asthmatic children and find inhibitors to reduce NETs in the NO synthesis pathway.

Methods

A total of 49 children with mild persistent asthma were included in the study and 20 healthy children's blood samples were collected as healthy controls. Children with asthma were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to the presence or absence of symptoms on the day of blood collection. Neutrophils in peripheral blood were isolated and plasma was preserved. NO donor (sodium nitroferricyanide(III) dehydrate [SNP]) could provide NO and proved by a fluorescent probe. A PicoGreen Kit was used to detect the NETs quantificationally. Fluorescence microscopy prepared to observe the main structures of NETs. We measured NETs components (extracellular free double‐stranded DNA [dsDNA]) in healthy, symptomatic and asymptomatic groups' plasma samples, and we compared the ability of SNP with phosphate‐buffered saline, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) to induce NETs. NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors were added to see the impact on NETs formation.

Results

Plasma was obtained from all blood samples of 69 children. The neutrophils of 40 asthmatic and 20 healthy children were successfully obtained, the recovery rate was over 95%, and the cell activity was over 80%. There was higher extracellular free dsDNA in the plasma of symptomatic group (n = 27) than asymptomatic group (n = 22) and healthy group (n = 20; P < .05). Studies on neutrophils from 40 children with asthma found that NO can be produced by adding SNP, PMA, and LPS. SNP could induce NETs with dose‐ and time‐dependent. PMA (160 nM) had the strongest ability to induce NETs, LPS (200 ng/mL) followed, SNP (200 µM) was the weakest (P < .05), and the amount of NETs in the asthma group was significantly higher than that in the healthy group (P < .05). NOS inhibitors had the same blocking capacity for PMA‐ and LPS‐induced NETs (P > .05), while NG‐nitro‐
l‐arginine methyl ester (500 µM) had the strongest inhibitory effect on SNP induction with time‐dependent (P < .05). Inducible NOS was found in the NETs structure.

Conclusion

Children with asthma had higher levels of NETs in peripheral blood, especially when they had asthma symptoms. We verified the ability of NO to induce NETs, and found neutrophils from asthmatic children can produce more NETs in vitro. NOS inhibitors blocked this process may provide new therapeutic targets for childhood asthma.
Ecological niche modelling of Gargaphia decoris (Heteroptera), a biological control agent of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum (Solanales: Solanaceae)
Authors: Minghetti Eugenia , Olivera Leonela , Montemayor Sara I
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The South American tree Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae) is a problematic invasive plant in numerous tropical, subtropical and temperate regions around the globe. Because conventional management approaches are not cost‐effective, biological control provides an alternative approach. Gargaphia decoris Drake (Tingidae) is currently used as a biological control agent in South Africa and New Zealand. Considering the importance of climate in the establishment and success of a biological control agent, this study used ecological niche models (ENM) to identify areas where S. mauritianum is a problematic invader and where suitable conditions exist for G. decoris. Additionally, the climate niche dynamics of G. decoris were investigated and ENMs projected worldwide for the year 2050 were built.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that most of the countries where S. mauritianum is problematic have suitable climatic conditions for G. decoris, and that the species can survive in climates with temperatures lower than those in its native range. For future climates, ENMs predict wider regions with favourable climatic conditions for G. decoris.

CONCLUSION

Considering the results of this study, the prospects of using G. decoris as a biological control agent are good under current and future climates. Introduction of this agent could be considered in affected countries where it has not been released. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Advancing cover cropping in temperate integrated weed management
Authors: Gerhards Roland , Schappert Alexandra
Published: October 2019

The effects of cover crops on weeds and the underlying mechanisms of competition, physical control and allelopathy are not fully understood. Current knowledge reveals great potential for using cover crops as a preventive method in integrated weed management. Cover crops are able to suppress 70–95% of weeds and volunteer crops in the fall‐to‐spring period between two main crops. In addition, cover crop residues can reduce weed emergence during early development of the following cash crop by presenting a physical barrier and releasing allelopathic compounds into the soil solution. Therefore, cover crops can partly replace the weed suppressive function of stubble‐tillage operations and non‐selective chemical weed control in the fall‐to‐spring season. This review describes methods to quantify the competitive and allelopathic effects of cover crops. Insight obtained through such analysis is useful for mixing competitive and allelopathic cover crop species with maximal total weed suppression ability. It seems that cover crops produce and release more allelochemicals when plants are exposed to stress or physical damage. Avena strigose, for example, showed stronger weed suppression under dry conditions than during a moist autumn. These findings raise the question of whether allelopathy can be induced artificially. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamical Insights into Oxygen Diffusion in BaTiO3 and SrTiO3
Authors: Dawson James Alexander
Published: October 2019

Oxygen diffusion is a key process in BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 that determines many of their important electronic properties. Despite the importance of oxygen diffusion in these systems, there is still currently significant variation in the oxygen diffusion coefficients for BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 reported in the literature from both experimental and computational methods. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the effect of oxygen vacancy concentration on the oxygen diffusion properties is investigated for these perovskite materials. Oxygen diffusion coefficients and activation energies for both materials are calculated over a temperature range of 900–1500 K. Oxygen vacancy charge compensation is achieved by the reduction of Ti4+ to Ti3+ ions, in agreement with experimental results for undoped BaTiO3 and SrTiO3. The findings from this study yield an accurate reference point for the calculation of oxygen diffusion in these materials and also the application of molecular dynamics in studying such phenomena.
Deviations from Vegard's Law and Intense Raman Scattering in Low‐Doped Bi2Mo1−xWxO6 (x = 0–10%) Ceramics
Authors: Pritam Anurag , Shrivastava Vaibhav
Published: October 2019

Hume‐Rothery rules along with Vegard's law form the basis of systematic doping variation resulting into similar changes in unit cell parameters and volume. Many recent reports have highlighted positive–negative departure from Vegard's law in binary semiconducting systems and a few oxide alloys as well. The current work targets investigations on the missing response of bismuth molybdate on low tungsten doping onto molybdenum sites (Bi2Mo1−xWxO6). Bismuth molybdate and bismuth tungstate have been widely reported for lattice oxygen migration‐driven photocatalytic response and pressure‐sensitive Raman scattering. Octahedral tilting in low‐tungsten‐doped Bi2Mo0.94W0.06O6 carries an interesting lattice oxygen folding toward a–c plane. As a result, unit cell polarity increases drastically and becomes a source for intense Raman scattering phase that is normally observable at pressures around 8.3 GPa. An interesting departure from Vegard's law behavior at around 5–6% tungsten doping confirms nearly identical unit cell structure rather than mix unit cell‐based alloy formation.
Effect of Starch Isolation Method on Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Acorn Kernel Starch
Authors: Zhang Zuosheng , Saleh Ahmed S. M. , Wu Hao , Gou Min , Liu Yu , Jing Luzhen , Zhao Kun , Su Chunyan , Zhang Bo , Li Wenhao
Published: October 2019

Starch is isolated from kernel of acorn fruit (Quercus fabri) using different methods, including hot‐water soaking (HWS), alkaline washing (ALW), ultrasonic‐assisted ethanol soaking (UAES), and ultrasonic‐assisted hot‐water soaking (UAWS). Structural and physicochemical properties of starches isolated using these methods are investigated. The surface structure of acorn starch granules varies depending on the isolation method. However, a similar C‐type crystalline pattern is found for all the isolated starch samples. Acorn starches isolated using the ALW and UAES methods exhibit a greater degrees of crystallinity than those of starches isolated using the other methods. FT‐IR spectra analysis reveals that the chemical bonds in starch molecules are not affected during the isolation of acorn starch under different conditions. Moreover, starch isolated using the UAES method exhibits the greatest water solubility, swelling power, and light transmittance values, as well as the lowest tannin content. In addition, the lightest white color is found for starch isolated using the ALW method. Furthermore, the HWS and ALW methods result in acorn starch with greater enthalpy and gelatinization temperatures, whereas the UAES and UAWS isolation methods result in acorn starch with greater peak viscosity. The obtained results provide important knowledge about the differences in physicochemical properties of acorn starch isolated using different methods.
PBL and sustainable education: addressing the problem of isolation
Authors: Noordegraaf-Eelens Liesbeth , Kloeg Julien , Noordzij Gera
Published: October 2019

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an innovative educational approach that dates back to the 1960s. However, the twenty-first century goal of sustainable education poses a challenge to PBL, especially as it relates to isolation. Here we discuss the underlying issue of isolation in three respects. First, the information-processing model of PBL depends on generalized skills, whereas real life problem-solving skills involve context-bound cognitive processes. Second, in all models of PBL, the focus on knowledge acquisition for a specific problem improves performance but separates education from the world at large. Third, the existing culture of measurement strengthens the aforementioned isolating effects. In response, we introduce a conceptual approach based on Hannah Arendt’s technical notion of ‘world’. We make suggestions to meet the criteria of sustainable education by reconnecting PBL to our shared world, and emphasizing a responsibility for this shared world.
Dual polymer networks: a new strategy in expanding the repertoire of hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Nkhwa Shathani , Kemal Evren , Gurav Neelam , Deb Sanjukta
Published: October 2019

Inspired by the double network hydrogel systems we report the formulation of dual networks, which expands the repertoire of this class of materials for potential biomedical applications. The tough dual network hydrogels were designed through sequential interpenetrating polymer formation, applying green chemistry and low-cost methods, devoid of any initiator-activator complexes that may pose risks in biomedical applications. The dual networks were synthesized in two steps, firstly the water soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) was subjected to cryogelation that formed the first network, which was then expanded by intrusion of a dilute solution of sodium alginate and complexed with a solution of calcium chloride under ambient conditions and further freeze-thawed. These hydrogels are flexible, ductile and porous with the ability to absorb and retain fluids as well as possess the versatility to easily incorporate biological molecules/drugs/antibiotics to be applied in tissue matrices or drug delivery systems. The dual network hydrogels can be tailored to have varying mechanical properties, shapes, size, thickness and particularly can be made physically porous if required, to suit the users intended application.
Compression strength prediction of Xylosma racemosum using a transfer learning system based on near-infrared spectral data
Authors: Shi Guangyu , Cao Jun , Li Chao , Liang Yuliang
Published: October 2019

A transfer learning system was designed to predict Xylosma racemosum compression strength. Near-infrared (NIR) spectral data for Acer mono and its compression strength values were used to resolve the weak generalization problem caused by using a X. racemosum dataset alone. Transfer component analysis and principal component analysis are domain adaption and feature extraction processes to enable the use of A. mono NIR spectral data to design the transfer learning system. A five-layer neural network relevant to the X. racemosum dataset, was fine-tuned using the A. mono dataset. There were 109 A. mono samples used as the source dataset and 79 X. racemosum samples as the target dataset. When the ratio of the training set to the test set was 1:9, the correlation coefficient was 0.88, and mean square error was 8.84. The results show that NIR spectral data of hardwood species are related. Predicting the mechanical strength of hardwood species using multi-species NIR spectral datasets will improve the generalization ability of the model and increase accuracy.
Clinicopathological correlations of mesenteric fibrosis and evaluation of a novel biomarker for fibrosis detection in small bowel neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Mandair Dalvinder , Hall Andrew , Alexander Sarah , von Stempel Conrad , Bretherton Josephine , Luong TuVinh , Watkins Jennifer , Ogunbiyi Olagunju , Rombouts Krista , Caplin Martyn , Toumpanakis Christos
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Mesenteric fibrosis (MF) in small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (SINENs) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The detection of MF is usually based on radiological criteria, but no previous studies have attempted a prospective, multidimensional assessment of mesenteric desmoplasia to determine the accuracy of radiological measurements. There is also a lack of non-invasive biomarkers for the detection of image-negative MF.

Methods

A multidimensional assessment of MF incorporating radiological, surgical and histological parameters was performed in a prospective cohort of 34 patients with SINENs who underwent primary resection. Pre-operative blood samples were collected in 20 cases to evaluate a set of five profibrotic circulating transcripts—the “fibrosome”—that is included as an “omic” component of the NETest.

Results

There was a significant correlation between radiological and surgical assessments of MF (p < 0.05). However, there were several cases of image-negative MF. The NETest-fibrosome demonstrated an accuracy of 100% for the detection of microscopic MF.

Conclusions

The detection of MF by radiological criteria has limitations. The NETest-fibrosome is a promising biomarker for fibrosis detection and further validation of these results would be needed in larger, multicentre studies.
Scarcity or luxury: Which leads to adolescent greed? Evidence from a large‐scale Chinese adolescent sample
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Sun Xiaomin , Tsydypov Lubsan
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Because greed is associated with various destructive outcomes, understanding the developmental precursors to dispositional greed in adolescence is of great importance. However, there are few empirical studies on this topic. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between childhood socioeconomic status (CSES) and adolescent greed and the moderating effect of family size. Two competing hypotheses were proposed. One is the scarcity hypothesis, which claims that CSES may be negatively related to adolescent greed. Another is the luxury hypothesis, which proposes that the richer the environment one grew up in, the more likely one is to develop dispositional greed.

Method

A cross‐sectional sample of 3,200 adolescents (11–19 years old, 1,712 females, 1,356 males, and 132 of unknown gender) from North, Northwest, Middle and South China completed the questionnaire sets. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted.

Results

CSES was positively correlated with dispositional greed, and the moderating effect of family size was significant.

Conclusion

The current study provides evidence supporting the luxury hypothesis over the scarcity hypothesis. In addition, adolescent dispositional greed increases with an increase in CSES when there is only one child in the family, while this is not the case for children with siblings. The theoretical and practical implications of the current study results as well as future research directions are discussed.
Laser-induced forward transfer of viscoplastic fluids
Authors: Jalaal Maziyar , Klein Schaarsberg Martin , Visser Claas-Willem , Lohse Detlef
Published: October 2019

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a nozzle-free printing technology that can be used for two- and three-dimensional printing. In LIFT, a laser pulse creates an impulse inside a thin film of material that results in the formation of a liquid jet. We experimentally study LIFT of viscoplastic materials by visualizing the process of jetting with high-speed imaging. The shape of the jet depends on the laser energy, focal height, surface tension and material rheology. We theoretically identify the characteristic jetting velocity and how it depends on the control parameters, and define non-dimensional groups to classify the regimes of jetting. Based on the results, we propose the optimal conditions for printing with LIFT technology.
Capillary ripples in thin viscous films
Authors: Jalaal Maziyar , Seyfert Carola , Snoeijer Jacco H.
Published: October 2019

Capillary ripples in thin viscous films are important features of coating and lubrication flows. Here, we present experiments based on digital holographic microscopy, measuring with nanoscale resolution the morphology of capillary ripples ahead of a viscous drop spreading on a prewetted surface. Our experiments reveal that upon increasing the spreading velocity, the amplitude of the ripples first increases and subsequently decreases. Above a critical spreading velocity, the ripples even disappear completely and this transition is accompanied by a divergence of the ripple wavelength. These observations are explained quantitatively using linear wave analysis, beyond the usual lubrication approximation, illustrating that new phenomena arise when the capillary number becomes of the order of unity.
A new time scale for turbulence modulation by particles
Authors: Saito Izumi , Watanabe Takeshi , Gotoh Toshiyuki
Published: October 2019

A new time scale for turbulence modulation by particles is introduced. This time scale is inversely proportional to the number density and the radius of particles, and can be regarded as a counterpart of the phase relaxation time, an important time scale in cloud physics, which characterizes the interaction between turbulence and cloud droplets by condensation–evaporation. Scaling analysis and direct numerical simulations of dilute inertial particles in homogeneous isotropic turbulence suggest that turbulence modulation by particles with a fixed mass-loading parameter can be expressed as a function of the Damköhler number, which is defined as the ratio of the turbulence large-eddy turnover time to the new time scale.