bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure of Appointment Politics: Consistency or Change?
Authors: Hollibaugh Gary E. , Rothenberg Lawrence S.
Published: April 2020

Given its importance and level of conflict in recent decades, scholars have expended great effort analyzing appointment politics. However, despite descriptions that might lead to conclusions that the structure of how nominees are dealt with has changed over time, quantitative analyses have not investigated possible structural changes. We remedy this by conducting a changepoint analysis using data on executive nominations from 1885–2016. Two breaks involving Senate‐initiated institutional changes are uncovered: one associated with postwar congressional reorganization, the other with post‐Watergate era alterations to the relationship between Senate and President. By contrast, neither executive‐initiated changes nor disruptions in norms produced breaks. Thus, our analysis defines three different historical eras of the appointment process, suggests what causes one period to be replaced by another, and details what factors drove appointment politics in different eras. It also urges caution in generalizing from analyses of appointments incorporating features only measurable for more recent years.
Clinical importance of neuregulin‐4 and its receptor ErbB4 in periodontal disease pathogenesis
Authors: Meraci Bilge , Gunpinar Sadiye , Dundar Niyazi
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the levels of Neuregulin‐4 (Nrg4), Erb‐b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐2, and arginase (Arg)‐1 in periodontal health and disease.

Materials and Methods

This study includes systemically healthy 20 periodontally healthy (H), 20 gingivitis (G), 20 stage II periodontitis (P1), and 20 stage III periodontitis (P2) subjects. Periodontal clinical measurements and samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum were obtained at baseline and 4 weeks after non‐surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine ErbB4, Nrg4, IL‐6, IL‐10, NOS2, and Arg1 levels in all samples.

Results

GCF ErbB4 and Nrg4 total amounts and IL‐6/IL‐10 ratio were significantly higher in G, P1, and P2 groups than H group. Serum NOS2 levels were significantly lower, whereas serum Arg1 levels were higher in H group than the others. The GCF levels of ErbB4 and Nrg4 were significantly decreased after NSPT in G, P1, and P2 groups. Additionally, the GCF levels of ErbB4 and Nrg4 were positively correlated with all clinical parameters and IL‐6/IL‐10 ratio.

Conclusions

Nrg4 and its receptor ErbB4 might have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. These results should be verified with future prospective studies to further clarify the exact role of those biomarkers.
Impact of maternal depressive symptoms on the development of infant temperament: Cascading effects during the first year of life
Authors: Rigato Silvia , Stets Manuela , Bonneville‐Roussy Arielle , Holmboe Karla
Published: April 2020

Maternal depression is associated with a range of child development outcomes, including difficult temperament. This longitudinal study investigated whether depressive symptoms (DS) that mothers experience after childbirth predict infant negative affect (NA), as well as potential effects of infant NA on maternal DS, across the first year of life. In the study (N = 63), questionnaires (the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition, and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised Very Short Form) were administered at 2 weeks, 4, 6, and 9 months after birth. Using path analysis, we tested five different models that could explain the relationship between maternal DS and infant NA. The best‐fitting model showed that the days immediately following childbirth represent an important time for the development of infant temperament as maternal mood significantly predicts infant NA for at least 4 months after birth. This does not constitute a single sensitive period; a new predictive effect emerges around 4 months of age, suggesting cascading influences of maternal DS across the first 6 months of life. These results suggest a need for support, should a mother experience DS, not only immediately after birth, but also throughout the early stages of parenting.
Knowing What You Don't Know: The Role of Information and Sophistication in Ballot Completion
Authors: Lamb Matt , Perry Steven
Published: April 2020

Objective

We seek to examine how individual factors such as information and political sophistication can affect the likelihood of a voter completing his or her ballot.

Methods

Through the use of an original experiment, we examine the individual‐level effects of information and political sophistication on ballot completion.

Results

We find that having less information about the candidates on a ballot results in lower levels of ballot completion. On average, voters complete 19 percent less of their ballot when they possess low levels of information about the candidates involved. Moreover, there are significant differences in how political sophisticates and nonsophisticates respond to deficiencies in candidate information.

Conclusion

Even though voters are likely to be hesitant to make a decision for a ballot contest when they are lacking in information, political sophisticates are more comfortable making a voting choice than nonsophisticates, even when they are operating under the exact same information constraints.
A Study on Defect Tomographic Imaging in Pressure Vessel With Liquid Medium
Authors: Hu Gangyi , Chen Chaofeng , Zhou Shaoping , Zhai Shuangmiao
Published: April 2020

Pressure vessels are widely utilized in many areas of industrial production and daily life for medium storage, which causes performance degradation in pressure vessels, such as crack and corrosion, and lead to serious safety and financial consequences. Reconstruction Algorithm for the Probabilistic Inspection of Damage (RAPID) is a kind of guided wave-based tomography method which is suitable to evaluate structure integrity of pressure vessels. In this article, the effect of liquid level on guided wave propagation and imaging results of RAPID algorithm is investigated, and an optimal baseline matching method based on amplitude variance is proposed to improve the imaging accuracy of RAPID algorithm with liquid-contained condition. The attenuation effect of liquid on guided wave amplitude is investigated. The damage signals are matched with baseline signals recorded at different liquid levels, and the effect of liquid on RAPID algorithm is discussed based on the results. The experiment of image reconstruction for pressure vessel using the optimal baseline matching method based RAPID algorithm is conducted as well. The experimental results show that the optimal baseline matching method can effectively select the best baseline signal, and the reconstructed images can accurately locate the defects on pressure vessels with considering the change of liquid level.
Structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from COVID-19 virus
Authors: Gao Yan , Yan Liming , Huang Yucen , Liu Fengjiang , Zhao Yao , Cao Lin , Wang Tao , Sun Qianqian , Ming Zhenhua , Zhang Lianqi , Ge Ji , Zheng Litao , Zhang Ying , Wang Haofeng , Zhu Yan , Zhu Chen , Hu Tianyu , Hua Tian , Zhang Bing , Yang Xiuna , Li Jun , Yang Haitao , Liu Zhijie , Xu Wenqing , Guddat Luke W. , Wang Quan , Lou Zhiyong , Rao Zihe
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 RNA-synthesizing machine

Many in the scientific community have mobilized to understand the virus that is causing the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Gao
et al.
focused on a complex that plays a key role in the replication and transcription cycle of the virus. They used cryo–electron microscopy to determine a 2.9-angstrom-resolution structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase nsp12, which catalyzes the synthesis of viral RNA, in complex with two cofactors, nsp7 and nsp8. nsp12 is a target for nucleotide analog antiviral inhibitors such as remdesivir, and the structure may provide a basis for designing new antiviral therapeutics.

Science
, this issue p.
779
Variation in breast cancer grading: the effect of creating awareness through laboratory-specific and pathologist-specific feedback reports in 16 734 patients with breast cancer
Authors: van Dooijeweert Carmen , van Diest Paul J , Baas Inge O , van der Wall Elsken , Deckers Ivette A
Published: April 2020

Aims

Histological grade is widely used to guide the management of invasive breast cancer (IBC). Yet, substantial interlaboratory and intralaboratory grading variations exist in daily pathology practice. To create awareness and to facilitate quality improvement, feedback reports, containing case-mix-adjusted laboratory-specific grades benchmarked against other laboratories, were sent to the individual laboratories by 1 March 2018. We studied the effect of these feedback reports on interlaboratory grading variation up till 1 year later.

Methods

Overall, 17 102 synoptic pathology reports of IBC resection specimens from 33 laboratories, obtained between 1 March 2017 and 1 March 2019 were retrieved from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA). An overall deviation score (ODS), representing the sum of deviations from the grade-specific overall proportions, was calculated to compare the absolute deviation for all grades at once. Case-mix correction was performed by two multivariable logistic regression analyses, providing laboratory-specific ORs for high-grade versus low-grade IBC.

Results

After feedback, the overall range between laboratories decreased by 3.8%, 6.4% and 6.6% for grades I, II and III, respectively. Though the mean ODS remained similar (13.8% vs 13.7%), the maximum ODS decreased from 34.1% to 29.4%. The range of laboratory-specific ORs decreased by 21.9% for grade III versus grades I–II.

Conclusions

An encouraging decrease in grading variation of IBC was observed after laboratory-specific feedback. Nevertheless, the overall grading variation remains substantial. In view of the important role of grading in patient management, it is adamant that not only feedback should be provided on a regular basis but also other interventions, such as additional training, are required.
A Validated RP-HPLC Stability Method for the Estimation of Chlorthalidone and Its Process-Related Impurities in an API and Tablet Formulation
Authors: Kharat Chaitali , Shirsat Vaishali A. , Kodgule Yogita M. , Kodgule Mandar
Published: April 2020

Low-dose thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are widely used as first-line therapy for hypertension. Chlorthalidone, a monosulfamyl diuretic, is frequently prescribed in cases of hypertension and congestive heart failure. In this research paper, an improved reverse-phase HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of pharmacopoeia-listed and in-house process- and degradation-related impurities of chlorthalidone in bulk drug and formulations. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a C8 column (250 × 4.6 mm; ‘5 μm particle size) at a flow rate of 1.4 mL/min with a 220 nm detection wavelength. Mobile phase A consisted of buffer solution (diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate (10 mM, pH 5.5)) and methanol at a 65 : 35 ratio (v/v), and mobile phase B consisted of buffer solution and methanol at a 50 : 50 ratio (v/v). The API and formulation were subjected to stress conditions such as acid, alkali, oxidation, thermal, and photolytic conditions. Validation studies for the in-house process impurities were performed for specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Thus, an improved RP-HPLC method capable of good separation of all known and unknown impurities with acceptable resolution and tailing factor was developed.
Reactivation of Epstein–Barr Virus Presenting as Massive Splenomegaly after Initiation of Golimumab Treatment
Authors: Febres-Aldana Anthony J. , Febres-Aldana Christopher A. , Dvir Kathrin , Galarza-Fortuna Gliceida , Schwartz Michael , Medina Ana M. , Sriganeshan Vathany
Published: April 2020

Epstein–Barr virus infection is most commonly asymptomatic in the acute setting, where the end result of infection is the adoption of a viral latency phenotype. The virus can reactivate later in life leading to the abnormal proliferation of the infected B, T, or NK cells. Hereby, we report a 71-year-old female with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis who presented with massive splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and positivization of antibodies against double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) after initiation of the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) golimumab. The diagnosis of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) was demonstrated by elevation of the plasmatic EBV viral load. Withdrawal of the anti-TNF and treatment with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab were able to revert the clinical abnormalities. EBV-associated LPDs are described after initiation of other anti-TNF agents, such as infliximab, but no reports of golimumab-associated EBV LPD are found in the literature. The mechanisms for this occurrence are not clear, but these are known to involve expression of a panel of viral proteins specific to the viral latency phenotypes.
Primary Bone Lymphoma: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Bindal Poorva , Desai Aakash , Delasos Lukas , Mulay Sudhanshu , Vredenburgh James
Published: April 2020

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a subtype of lymphoma that exclusively affects skeletal tissue. Despite the relatively common involvement of skeletal structures as a manifestation of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), primary and exclusive involvement of the skeletal system is rare. The prevalence of PBL is estimated to be 3–7% amongst primary bone tumors and less than 2% amongst all lymphomas in adults. However, the definition of primary bone lymphoma has been inconsistent over time. Within our institution, we identified four cases of primary bone lymphoma based on diagnostic criteria formed from the general consensus of multiple organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG). Here, we discuss the distinct characteristics amongst these cases in addition to performing a systematic review of current literature regarding this lymphoproliferative entity.
Comparative Retrospective Study of Tension-Free Vaginal Mesh Surgery, Native Tissue Repair, and Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair
Authors: Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Hara Tomomi , Kyo Satoru
Published: April 2020

Introduction and Hypothesis. Many would argue that sacrocolpopexy is the standard surgical procedure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but other surgical techniques were proposed and practically applying to the patients with POP. In this study, we compared postoperative outcomes of three surgical methods for POP repair. Methods. We identified that 308 women who had undergone surgical repair of POP were followed up for at least 6 months. Recurrence rates of POP after tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgery (n = 243), native tissue repair (NTR) (vaginal hysterectomy with colpopexy, anterior and posterior colpoplasty, or circumferential suturing of the levator ani muscles and apical repair by transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF)) (NTR; n = 31), and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy after subtotal hysterectomy (LSC; n = 34) were compared. Presence of mesh erosion was also recorded. Results. Patients who underwent LSC were significantly younger (65.32 ± 3.23 years) than those who underwent TVM surgery (69.61 ± 8.31 years). After TVM surgery, the rate of recurrence (over POP-Q stage II) was 6.17% (15/243) and was highest in patients with advanced POP. The recurrence rate in patients who underwent NTR procedure was 3.23% (1/34) and that in patients who underwent LSC was 11.76% (4/11). There was no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the three types of surgery. There were 13 cases (5.35%) of mesh erosion after TVM surgery and none after LSC surgery. The risk of mesh erosion was correlated with having had total TVM surgery but not with patient age or POP stage. Repeat procedures were performed in 5 women (2.14%) who underwent TVM surgery and 1 (2.94%) who underwent LSC. No patient underwent repeat surgery after NTR. There was no statistically significant difference in the reoperation rate between the three types of surgery. Conclusion. Our study suggested that TVM surgery, NTR, and LSC have comparable outcomes as for the postoperative recurrence rate and mesh erosion. However, the outcomes of each technique need to be carefully evaluated over a long period of time.
Between Mandate and Motivation
Authors: Well Mareike , Saerbeck Barbara , Jörgens Helge , Kolleck Nina
Published: April 2020

International public administrations (IPA s) play a significant role for the success of multilateral negotiations. As the bureaucratic bodies of international organizations, they are deeply involved in international negotiations, but receive little credit for their outcomes. By studying the administrative styles of the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), this article arrives at an understanding of how this IPA aims at contributing to the outcome of multilateral climate change negotiations. Administrative styles can be conceived of, ideal typically, as being entrepreneurial or servant-like. The article observes that, despite a prohibitively strict mandate as a technocratic facilitator, the UNFCCC Secretariat adopts an entrepreneurial style at the policy initiation stage and a cautiously entrepreneurial style during the policy formulation phase. It has acquired a distinctive actor quality in the climate regime, motivated by a strong commitment to furthering meaningful cooperation and driving the UNFCCC process toward ambitious climate policies.
The Arctic: Press, Policy and the Arctic Council
Authors: Yermakova Yelena
Published: April 2020

The changing situation in the Arctic due to global warming has prompted media coverage of a supposed “scramble for the Arctic,” an “Arctic boom,” or an “Arctic Bonanza.” Some even go further, deploying the rhetoric of a “New Cold War,” predicting an inevitable clash between the United States and Russia over interests in the region. The press coverage in both countries over the past decade reflects this new sensationalism. The academic literature unequivocally confirms that the press exerts substantial influence on governmental policy makers, and vice versa. However, while scholars agree that international organizations (IOs) are essential to shaping policies, the existing literature lacks research on media’s relationship with IOs, which often struggle to obtain the coverage and publicity they deserve.

The Arctic Council has provided an effective platform for constructive dialogue and decision making involving the USA and Russia. Accordingly, despite disagreements in other regions of the world, the two global powers have managed to cooperate in the Arctic – notwithstanding recent media coverage painting a different and incomplete picture. This project surveys the media coverage of the Arctic over the past decade in Russia and the USA and its correlation with the Arctic Council’s activities. The analysis draws upon two prominent news organizations in Russia (Kommersant and Izvestiya) and two in the USA (the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal), as well as the Arctic Council’s press releases from June 2006 to June 2017. The paper finds that there is a clear disconnect between media coverage of the region and the Arctic Council’s activities. It recommends that the media pay more attention to the organization, particularly since it is the only prominent platform for international cooperation in the Arctic.
Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxide Thin Films on Patterned Self-Assembled Monolayers Formed by Microcontact Printing
Authors: Lee Byoung H. , Sung Myung M.
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a selective atomic layer deposition of TiO2, ZrO2, and ZnO thin films on patterned alkylsiloxane self-assembled monolayers. Microcontact printing was done to prepare patterned monolayers of the alkylsiloxane on Si substrates. The patterned monolayers
define and direct the selective deposition of the metal oxide thin films using atomic layer deposition. The selective atomic layer deposition is based on the fact that the metal oxide thin films are selectively deposited only on the regions exposing the silanol groups of the Si substrates
because the regions covered with the alkylsiloxane monolayers do not have any functional group to react with precursors.
Electron–Phonon Interaction Model and Prediction of Thermal Energy Transport in SOI Transistor
Authors: Jin Jae Sik , Lee Joon Sik
Published: April 2020

An electron–phonon interaction model is proposed and applied to thermal transport in semiconductors at micro/nanoscales. The high electron energy induced by the electric field in a transistor is transferred to the phonon system through electron–phonon interaction in the
high field region of the transistor. Due to this fact, a hot spot occurs, which is much smaller than the phonon mean free path in the Si-layer. The full phonon dispersion model based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) with the relaxation time approximation is applied for the interactions
among different phonon branches and different phonon frequencies. The Joule heating by the electron–phonon scattering is modeled through the intervalley and intravalley processes for silicon by introducing average electron energy. The simulation results are compared with those obtained
by the full phonon dispersion model which treats the electron–phonon scattering as a volumetric heat source. The comparison shows that the peak temperature in the hot spot region is considerably higher and more localized than the previous results. The thermal characteristics of each
phonon mode are useful to explain the above phenomena. The optical mode phonons of negligible group velocity obtain the highest energy density from electrons, and resides in the hot spot region without any contribution to heat transport, which results in a higher temperature in that region.
Since the acoustic phonons with low group velocity show the higher energy density after electron–phonon scattering, they induce more localized heating near the hot spot region. The ballistic features are strongly observed when phonon–phonon scattering rates are lower than 4 ×
1010 s−1.
Device Optimization of CO2 Gas Sensor Using Planar Technology
Authors: Lee Woon Young , Choi Yong Kook , Satyanarayana L. , Park Jin Seong
Published: April 2020

A planar type Li+ ion based potentiometric CO2 micro gas sensor of size 2 × 3 mm has been fabricated on alumina substrate by combining thin and thick film technology. The heater, electrodes and electrolyte were deposited by thin film deposition technique
and the sensing and reference electrodes were printed by silk screen printing technology. The optimal thickness and sintering temperature of electrolyte are 1.2 μm and 775 °C. The sensor with Li2CO3 and 20 mol% BaCO3 not only exhibits a good Nernstian
behavior but also consistent results over a long time at 450 °C in dry as well as 70% RH humidity condition between 160–5000 ppm CO2 concentrations. The spreading effect of the sensing and reference materials was controlled by the addition of Al2O3:B2O3(1:2
mol%) glass.
Novel Synthesis of Nanorod ZnO and Fe-Doped ZnO by the Hydrolysis of Metal Powders
Authors: Han B. S. , Uhm Y. R. , Kim G. M. , Rhee C. K.
Published: April 2020

Fe-doped ZnO nanorods have been synthesized by a novel process employing a hydrolysis of metal powders. Zn and Fe nano-powders were used as starting materials and incorporated into distilled water. The solution was refluxed at 60 °C for 24 h to obtain the precipitates from the hydrolysis
of Zn and Fe. X-ray diffraction patterns for all the samples showed a pure wurtzite single phase, without any segregation of the Fe into the particulates within the instrumental resolution limit. The TEM results for ZnO with and without an Fe-doping showed that the produced powders had a rod-like
shape. The rod shape was attributable to the zinc oxide from the hydrolysis of Zn. With an increasing Fe content, the UV–vis spectra were shifted to a long wave length and this result indicates that the band gap was changed by an Fe-doping.
Carbon Nanotube Patterning with Capillary Micromolding of Catalyst
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Ryu Choonghan , Lee Sungwoo , Jung Donggeun , Kim Hyoungsub , Chae Heeyeop
Published: April 2020

Patterning of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) chamber has been achieved by catalyst patterning using capillary micromolding process. Iron acetate catalyst nanoparticles were dissolved in ethanol and mold was fabricated with
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The ethanol solution containing catalyst nanoparticles was filled into the microchannel formed between PDMS mold and Si-wafer by capillary force. The capillary action of different solvents was simulated by commercial CFD-ACE+ simulation code to determine optimal
solvents. Simulated result shows that the choice of solvent was critical in this capillary filling process. After the catalyst patterning, MWNT was grown at 700∼800 °C by PECVD process using CH4 and Ar gas in a scale of ∼10 micro-meters in a tubular inductively coupled
plasma reactor. Grown CNTs were analyzed by FE-SEM and Raman Spectroscopy.
Nanoembossed Polymer Substrates for Biomedical Surface Interaction Studies
Authors: Mills Christopher A. , Martinez Elena , Errachid Abdelhamid , Engel Elisabeth , Funes Miriam , Moormann Christian , Wahlbrink Thorsten , Gomila Gabriel , Planell Josep , Samitier Josep
Published: April 2020

Biomedical devices are moving towards the incorporation of nanostructures to investigate the interactions of biological species with such topological surfaces found in nature. Good optical transparency and sealing properties, low fabrication cost, fast design realization times, and
bio-compatibility make polymers excellent candidates for the production of surfaces containing such nanometric structures. In this work, a method for the production of nanostructures in free-standing sheets of different thermoplastic polymers is presented, with a view to using these
substrates in biomedical cell-surface applications where optical microscopy techniques are required. The process conditions for the production of these structures in poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), poly(lactic acid), poly(styrene), and poly(ethyl ether ketone) are given.
The fabrication method used is based on a modified nanoimprint lithography (NIL) technique using silicon based moulds, fabricated via reactive ion etching or focused ion beam lithography, to emboss nanostructures into the surface of the biologically compatible thermoplastic polymers. The method
presented here is designed to faithfully replicate the nanostructures in the mould while maximising the mould lifetime. Examples of polymer replicas with nanostructures of different topographies are presented in poly(methyl methacrylate), including nanostructures for use in cell-surface interactions
and nanostructure-containing microfluidic devices.
Surface Modification of γ-Fe2O3@SiO2 Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Controlled Interaction with Biomolecules
Authors: De Palma Randy , Trekker Jesse , Peeters Sara , Van Bael Margriet J. , Bonroy Kristien , Wirix-Speetjens Roel , Reekmans Gunter , Laureyn Wim , Borghs Gustaaf , Maes Guido
Published: April 2020

Modifying the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to allow for controlled interaction with biomolecules enables their implementation in biomedical applications such as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, labels in magnetic biosensing or media for magnetically assisted
bioseparation. In this paper, self-assembly of trialkoxysilanes is used to chemically functionalize the surface of γ-Fe2O3@SiO2 core-shell particles. First, the silane deposition procedure was optimized using infrared analysis in order to
obtain maximum packing density of the silanes on the particles. The surface coverage was determined to be ∼8 × 1014 molecules/cm2. It was shown that the magnetic, crystalline, and morphological properties of the MNPs were not altered by deposition of a thin
silane coating. The optimized procedure was transferred for the deposition of aldehyde and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) presenting silanes. The presence of both silanes on the particle surface was confirmed using XPS and FTIR. The interaction of proteins with silane-modified MNPs was monitored
using a Bradford protein assay. Our results demonstrate that, by introducing aldehyde functions, the MNPs are capable of covalently binding human IgG while retaining their specific binding capacity. Maximum surface coverage occurs at 46 μg antibodies per mg article, which corresponds
to 35 antibodies bound to an average sized MNP (54 nm in diameter). The human IgG functionalized MNPs exhibit a high degree of specificity (∼90%) and retained a binding capacity of 32%. Using the same approach, streptavidin was coupled onto the MNPs and the biotin binding capacity was
determined using biotinylated fluorescein. At maximum surface coverage, a biotin binding capacity of 1500 pmol/mg was obtained, corresponding to a streptavidin activity of 76%. On the other hand, by introducing PEG functions the non-specific adsorption of serum proteins could be significantly
suppressed down to ∼3 μg/mg. We conclude that self-assembly of silane films creates a generic platform for the controlled interactions of MNPs with biomolecules.
Design of Iron Oxide/Silica/Alginate HYbrid MAgnetic Carriers (HYMAC)
Authors: Boissière Michel , Allouche Joachim , Brayner Roberta , Chanéac Corinne , Livage Jacques , Coradin Thibaud
Published: April 2020

A large number of natural and synthetic polymers have already been evaluated for the design of nanomaterials incorporating magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. The possibility to use hybrid (bio)-organic/inorganic nano-carriers have been much less studied. Here we describe
the design of Hybrid MAgnetic Carriers (HYMAC) consisting of alginate/silica nanocomposites incorporating magnetite nanoparticles, based on a spray-drying approach. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry confirm the successful incorporation of magnetic colloids
within homogeneous hybrid capsules. X-ray diffraction data suggest that surface iron ions are partially desorbed by the spray-drying process, leading to the formation of lepidocrocite and of an iron silicate phase. Magnetic measurements show that the resulting nanocomposites exhibit a superparamagnetic
behaviour with a blocking temperature close to 225 K. Comparison with un-silicified capsules indicate that the mineral phase enhances the thermal stability of the polymer network and do not modify of the amount of incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles. Moreover, evaluation of nanocomposite
up-take by fibroblasts indicates their possible internalization. A selective intracellular alginate degradation is observed, suggesting that these HYMAC nanomaterials may exhibit interesting properties for the design of drug delivery devices.
Assessment of the Forecast Skill of Multiphysics and Multistochastic Methods within the GRAPES Regional Ensemble Prediction System in the East Asian Monsoon Region
Authors: Xu Zhizhen , Chen Jing , Jin Zheng , Li Hongqi , Chen Fajing
Published: April 2020

To more comprehensively and accurately address model uncertainties in the East Asia monsoon region, a single-physics suite, where each ensemble member uses the same set of physics parameterizations as the control member in combination with multiple stochastic schemes, is developed to investigate if the multistochastic schemes that combine different stochastic schemes together can be an alternative to a multiphysics suite, where each ensemble member uses a different set of physics parameterizations (e.g., cumulus convection, boundary layer, surface layer, microphysics, and shortwave and longwave radiation). For this purpose, two experiments are performed for a summer monsoon month over China: one with a multiphysics suite and the other with a single-physics suite combined with multistochastic schemes. Three stochastic schemes are applied: the stochastically perturbed parameterizations (SPP) scheme, consisting of temporally and spatially varying perturbations of 18 parameters in the microphysics, convection, boundary layer, and surface layer parameterization schemes; the stochastically perturbed parameterization tendencies (SPPT) scheme; and the stochastic kinetic energy backscatter (SKEB) scheme. The combination of the three stochastic schemes is compared with the multiphysics suite in the Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System–Regional Ensemble Prediction System with a horizontal grid spacing of 15 km. Verification results show that, overall, a single-physics suite that combines SPP, SPPT, and SKEB outperforms the multiphysics suite in precipitation verification and verification for upper-air weather variables, 10-m zonal wind, and 2-m temperature in the East Asian monsoon region. The indication is that a single-physics suite combining SPP, SPPT, and SKEB may be an appropriate alternative to a multiphysics suite. This finding lays a foundation for the development and design of future regional and global ensembles.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of global gene expression mediated by (p) ppGpp reveals common regulatory networks in Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Liu Jun , Yu Menghao , Chatnaparat Tiyakhon , Lee Jae Hoon , Tian Yanli , Hu Baishi , Zhao Youfu
Published: April 2020

Background

Pseudomonas syringaeis an important plant pathogen, which could adapt many different environmental conditions. Under the nutrient-limited and other stress conditions,P. syringaeproduces nucleotide signal molecules, i.e., guanosine tetra/pentaphosphate ((p)ppGpp), to globally regulate gene expression. Previous studies showed that (p) ppGpp played an important role in regulating virulence factors inP. syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 (PstDC3000) andP. syringaepv.syringaeB728a (PssB728a). Here we present a comparative transcriptomic analysis to uncover the overall effects of (p)ppGpp-mediated stringent response inP. syringae.

Results

In this study, we investigated global gene expression profiles ofPstDC3000 andPssB728a and their corresponding (p)ppGpp0mutants inhrp-inducing minimal medium (HMM) using RNA-seq. A total of 1886 and 1562 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were uncovered between the (p)ppGpp0mutants and the wild-type inPstDC3000 andPssB728a, respectively. Comparative transcriptomics identified 1613 common DEGs, as well as 444 and 293 unique DEGs inPstDC3000 andPssB728a, respectively. Functional cluster analysis revealed that (p) ppGpp positively regulated a variety of virulence-associated genes, including type III secretion system (T3SS), type VI secretion system (T6SS), cell motility, cell division, and alginate biosynthesis, while negatively regulated multiple basic physiological processes, including DNA replication, RNA processes, nucleotide biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, ribosome protein biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism in bothPstDC3000 andPssB728a. Furthermore, (p) ppGpp had divergent effects on other processes inPstDC3000 andPssB728a, including phytotoxin, nitrogen regulation and general secretion pathway (GSP).

Conclusion

In this study, comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals common regulatory networks in bothPstDC3000 andPssB728a mediated by (p) ppGpp in HMM. In bothP. syringaesystems, (p) ppGpp re-allocate cellular resources by suppressing multiple basic physiological activities and enhancing virulence gene expression, suggesting a balance between growth, survival and virulence. Our research is important in that due to similar global gene expression mediated by (p) ppGpp in bothPstDC3000 andPssB728a, it is reasonable to propose that (p) ppGpp could be used as a target to develop novel control measures to fight against important plant bacterial diseases.
Effect of different drugs and drug combinations on killing stationary phase and biofilms recovered cells of Bartonella henselae in vitro
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Ma Xiao , Li Tingting , Shi Wanliang , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2020

Background

Bartonella henselae is a Gram-negative bacterium transmitted to humans by a scratch from cat in the presence of ectoparasites. Humans infected with B. henselae can result in various clinical diseases including local lymphadenopathy and more serious systemic disease such as persistent bacteremia and endocarditis. The current treatment of persistent B. henselae infections is not very effective and remains a challenge. To find more effective treatments for persistent and biofilm Bartonella infections, in this study, we evaluated a panel of drugs and drug combinations based on the current treatment and also promising hits identified from a recent drug screen against stationary phase and biofilm recovered cells of B. henselae.

Results

We evaluated 14 antibiotics and 25 antibiotic combinations for activity against stationary phase B. henselae (all antibiotics were at 5 μg/ml) and found that ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and nitrofurantoin were the most active agents, while clofazimine and miconazole had poor activity. Drug combinations azithromycin/ciprofloxacin, azithromycin/methylene blue, rifampin/ciprofloxacin, and rifampin/methylene blue could rapidly kill stationary phase B. henselae with no detectable CFU after 1-day exposure. Methylene blue and rifampin were the most active agents against the biofilm B. henselae after 6 days of drug exposure. Antibiotic combinations (azithromycin/ciprofloxacin, azithromycin/methylene blue, rifampin/ciprofloxacin, rifampin/methylene blue) completely eradicated the biofilm B. henselae after treatment for 6 days.

Conclusions

These findings may facilitate development of more effective treatment of persistent Bartonella infections in the future.
Comparison of overall survival on surgical resection versus transarterial chemoembolization with or without radiofrequency ablation in intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lin Chih-Wen , Chen Yaw-Sen , Lo Gin-Ho , Hsu Yao-Chun , Hsu Chia-Chang , Wu Tsung-Chin , Yeh Jen-Hao , Hsiao Pojen , Hsieh Pei-Min , Lin Hung-Yu , Shu Chih-Wen , Hung Chao-Ming
Published: April 2020

Background

Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are recommended to undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, TACE in combination with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is not inferior to surgical resection (SR), and the benefits of surgical resection (SR) for BCLC stage B HCC remain unclear. Hence, this study aims to compare the impact of SR, TACE+RFA, and TACE on analyzing overall survival (OS) in BCLC stage B HCC.

Methods

Overall, 428 HCC patients were included in BCLC stage B, and their clinical data and OS were recorded. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.

Results

One hundred forty (32.7%) patients received SR, 57 (13.3%) received TACE+RFA, and 231 (53.9%) received TACE. The OS was significantly higher in the SR group than that in the TACE+RFA group [hazard ratio (HR): 1.78; 95% confidence incidence (CI): 1.15–2.75, p = 0.009]. The OS was significantly higher in the SR group than that in the TACE group (HR: 3.17; 95% CI: 2.31–4.36, p < 0.0001). Moreover, the OS was significantly higher in the TACE+RFA group than that in the TACE group (HR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.21–2.74, p = 0.004). The cumulative OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years in the SR, TACE+RFA, and TACE groups were 89.2, 69.4 and 61.2%, 86.0, 57.9 and 38.2%, and 69.5, 37.0 and 15.2%, respectively. After propensity score matching, the SR group still had a higher OS than those of the TACE+RFA and TACE groups. The TACE+RFA group had a higher OS than that of the TACE group.

Conclusion

The SR group had higher OS than the TACE+RFA and TACE groups in BCLC stage B HCC. Furthermore, the TACE+RFA group had higher OS than the TACE group.
SRSF3 functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer by regulating the expression of ArhGAP30
Authors: Wang Ji-Lin , Guo Chun-Rong , Sun Tian-Tian , Su Wen-Yu , Hu Qiang , Guo Fang-Fang , Liang Lun-Xi , Xu Jie , Xiong Hua , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: April 2020

Background

Splicing factor SRSF3 is an oncogene and overexpressed in various kinds of cancers, however, the function and mechanism involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) remained unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between SRSF3 and carcinogenesis and progression of CRC.

Methods

The expression of SRSF3 in CRC tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation and invasion rate was analyzed by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell invasion assay and xenograft experiment. The expression of selected genes was detected by western blot or real time PCR.

Results

SRSF3 is overexpressed in CRC tissues and its high expression was associated with CRC differentiation, lymph node invasion and AJCC stage. Upregulation of SRSF3 was also associated with shorter overall survival. Knockdown of SRSF3 in CRC cells activated ArhGAP30/Ace-p53 and decreased cell proliferation, migration and survival; while ectopic expression of SRSF3 attenuated ArhGAP30/Ace-p53 and increases cell proliferation, migration and survival. Targeting SRSF3 in xenograft tumors suppressed tumor progression in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data identify SRSF3 as a regulator for ArhGAP30/Ace-p53 in CRC, and highlight potential prognostic and therapeutic significance of SRSF3 in CRC.
Altered structural brain networks at term-equivalent age in preterm infants with grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Cha Jong Ho , Choi Yong-Ho , Lee Jong-Min , Lee Joo Young , Park Hyun-Kyung , Kim Jinsup , Kim Il-Kewon , Lee Hyun Ju
Published: April 2020

Background

Preterm infants are at risk for structural disruption of brain connectivity due to perinatal complications encountered during the fetal and neonatal periods. This study aimed to investigate the development of connectivity using diffusion tensor imaging at near-term age and the effect of grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage on it.

Methods

A total of 86 infants (55 preterm infants, 24 full-term infants) without apparent brain injury underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 36 and 41 weeks post-menstrual age. The diffusion-MRI based connectomics were constructed from 64-segmented regions by using the Johns Hopkins University neonate atlas and were weighted with fractional anisotropy. The connectomes were quantified in the structural networks and investigated using network metrics, such as the clustering coefficient, local efficiency, characteristic path length, global efficiency, and small-worldness. We compared the differences in the brain networks of preterm infants with or without grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage in binary and fractional anisotropy-weighted (wFA) connectomes.

Results

The 55 preterm infants had a mean gestational age at birth of 29.3 ± 4.1 weeks and the 24 term-born infants, 38.1 ± 1.1 weeks. A total of 13 of the 55 preterm infants (23.6%) were diagnosed with grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage. The development of connectivity of the brain network in preterm infants without intraventricular hemorrhage was comparable at near-term age to that in term infants. The preterm infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage exhibited higher clustering (0.093 ± 0.015 vs. 0.088 ± 0.007,p = 0.027) and local efficiency (0.151 ± 0.022 vs. 0.141 ± 0.010,p = 0.025), implying the potential for segregation. However, the preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage revealed a longer path length (0.291 ± 0.035 vs. 0.275 ± 0.019,p = 0.020) and lower global efficiency (3.998 ± 0.473 vs. 4.212 ± 0.281,p = 0.048), indicating a decreased integration in the wFA connectivity matrix than those without germinal matrix hemorrhage, after correcting for gestational age, sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and age at scan.

Conclusion

Grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants may enhance the capacity for local information transfer and the relative reinforcement of the segregation of networks at the expense of global integration capacity.
Lower bound for the blow-up time for a general nonlinear nonlocal porous medium equation under nonlinear boundary condition
Authors: Ouyang Baiping , Lin Yiwu , Liu Yan , Cai Zihan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we study the blow-up phenomenon for a general nonlinear nonlocal porous medium equation in a bounded convex domain $(\varOmega\in \mathbb{R}^{n}, n\geq 3)$(Ω∈Rn,n≥3) with smooth boundary. Using the technique of a differential inequality and a Sobolev inequality, we derive the lower bound for the blow-up time under the nonlinear boundary condition if blow-up does really occur.
Nontraumatic warfarin-related intrapulmonary hemorrhage presenting as a lung mass
Authors: Tsuchida Hiroyuki , Fujikawa Ryo , Nakamura Hidenori , Nakamura Toru
Published: April 2020

Background

Although bleeding events are the major concern when using oral anticoagulants, intrathoracic hemorrhages due to warfarin are rare. Most cases in the literature have been related to trauma and have manifested as a hemothorax. Here we report a case of a nontraumatic hemorrhage within a pre-existing pulmonary cyst that presented as a lung mass during warfarin therapy.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old asymptomatic woman presented with a 10-cm-diameter mass on chest radiography that was not evident 6 months prior. She had been taking warfarin for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a transient ischemic attack. There was no history of chest trauma, warfarin overdosing, or any suspected interactions with other drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. The prothrombin time/international normalized ratio(PT-INR) was prolonged at 4.73 and her hemoglobin level was 8.7 g/dl. Chest computed tomography(CT)revealed an air-fluid mass adjacent to the right upper and middle lobes with a pleural effusion. A CT scan obtained 15 years prior revealed a cyst at the corresponding site and the mass was diagnosed as a warfarin-related hemorrhage within the pre-existing pulmonary cyst. We performed a surgical resection of the cyst to prevent any worsening hemorrhage and subsequent infection. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day.

Conclusion

A warfarin-related thoracic hemorrhage, other than a hemothorax, could manifest as a pulmonary mass on radiography in patients with pre-existing pulmonary cysts. History taking especially of any anticoagulant medications and a precise assessment of the past images are crucial for a correct diagnosis. Once the intrapulmonary cystic hemorrhage becomes evident, prompt withdrawal with a reversal of warfarin and surgical resection are required to prevent a worsening hemorrhage and subsequent infection.