bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laminar distribution of cortical projection neurons to the pulvinar: A comparative study in cats and mice
Authors: de Souza Bruno Oliveira Ferreira , Frigon Éve‐Marie , Tremblay‐Laliberté Robert , Casanova Christian , Boire Denis
Published: November 2020

The cortical processing of visual information is thought to follow a hierarchical framework. This framework of connections between visual areas is based on the laminar patterns of direct feedforward and feedback cortico‐cortical projections. However, this view ignores the cortico‐thalamo‐cortical projections to the pulvinar nucleus in the thalamus, which provides an alternative transthalamic information transfer between cortical areas. It was proposed that corticothalamic (CT) pathways follow a similar hierarchical pattern as cortico‐cortical connections. Two main types of CT projections have been recognized: drivers and modulators. Drivers originate mainly in Layer 5 whereas modulators are from Layer 6. Little is known about the laminar distribution of these projections to the pulvinar across visual cortical areas. Here, we analyzed the distribution of CT neurons projecting to the lateral posterior (LP) thalamus in two species: cats and mice. Injections of the retrograde tracer fragment B of cholera toxin (CTb) were performed in the LP. The morphology and cortical laminar distribution of CTb‐labeled neurons was assessed. In cats, neurons were mostly found in Layer 6 except in Area 17, where they were mostly in Layer 5. In contrast, CT neurons in mice were mostly located in Layer 6 across all areas. Thus, our results demonstrate that CT projections in mice do not follow the same organization as cats suggesting that the transthalamic pathways play distinct roles in these species.
Multi‐resource allocation in cloud data centers: A trade‐off on fairness and efficiency
Authors: Jiang Suhan , Wu Jie
Published: November 2020

Fair allocation has been studied intensively in both economics and computer science. Many existing mechanisms that consider fairness of resource allocation focus on a single resource. With the advance of cloud computing that centralizes multiple types of resources under one shared platform, multi‐resource allocation has come into the spotlight. In fact, fair/efficient multi‐resource allocation has become a fundamental problem in any shared computer system. The widely used solution is to partition resources into bundles that contain fixed amounts of different resources, so that multiple resources are abstracted as a single resource. However, this abstraction cannot satisfy different demands from heterogeneous users, especially on ensuring fairness among users competing for resources with different capacity limits. A promising approach to this problem is dominant resource fairness (DRF), which tries to equalize each user's dominant share (share of a user's most highly demanded resource, that is, the largest fraction of any resource that the user has required for a task), but this method may still suffer from significant loss of efficiency (i.e., some resources are underused). This article develops a new allocation mechanism based on DRF aiming to balance fairness and efficiency. We consider fairness not only in terms of a user's dominant resource, but also in another resource dimension which is secondarily desired by this user. We call this allocation mechanism 2‐dominant resource fairness (2‐DF). Then, we design a non‐trivial on‐line algorithm to find a 2‐DF allocation and extend this concept to k‐dominant resource fairness (k‐DF).
Covalent Cross‐Linking of Metal‐Organic Cages: Formation of an Amorphous Cationic Porous Extended Framework for the Uptake of Oxo‐Anions from Water
Authors: Deng Shu‐Qi , Li Dian‐Mei , Mo Xiao‐Jing , Miao Yi‐Ling , Cai Song‐Liang , Fan Jun , Zhang Wei‐Guang , Zheng Sheng‐Run
Published: November 2020

Cationic amorphous metal‐organic cage (MOC)‐based materials capable of removing anionic pollutants from water are receiving increasing attention but they are still relatively less reported. Herein, for the first time, a cationic porous MOC‐based extended framework, namely, CL‐aMOC‐1, was constructed by covalent linking of a cationic Pd12L24 (L=3,5‐di‐pyridin‐4‐yl‐benzaldehyde) cage with a 1,4‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (BAPB) linker. Interestingly, the reaction could be completed within 15 min using an amorphous MOC‐based solid (aMOC‐1) and BAPB as reactant via a low‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The CL‐aMOC‐1 showed improved stability, lower solubility and higher oxo‐anion uptake in water compared with the original aMOC‐1. The adsorption capacities for CrO42−, Cr2O72− and ReO4− on CL‐aMOC‐1 were 245.1, 311.5 and 452.5 mg/g, respectively, in which the uptake of Cr(VI)‐containing oxo‐anions was among the highest compared with those of other metal‐organic materials. The CL‐aMOC‐1 can selectively capture oxo‐anions in the presence of competitive anions. It exhibits good reusability as over 85 % of the uptake capacity is retained after 5 cycles. Finally, it shows the ability to remove Cr(VI) ions from electroplating wastewater.
A review of current modalities to treat cellulite effectively
Authors: Ferzli Georgina , Sadick Neil
Published: November 2020

Edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, better known as cellulite, is a skin condition that affects 80%–98% of postpubertal women. Cellulite is believed to be a result of the effects of estrogen on the dermal and subcutaneous fat, including but not limited to fibroblast proliferation, lipogenesis, adipocyte hypertrophy, and collagen formation. These findings are most commonly located in the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. Not surprisingly, many women seek out treatment to minimize the appearance of cellulite. With a growing understanding of cellulite, there has also been substantial growth in the treatment options available to target the problem. Topical agents, energy‐based devices, injectable treatments, and surgical treatments have all been used to treat cellulite, with significant studies performed to ensure the safety and efficacy of each. In this article, we will discuss these available treatments for cellulite.
Lack of definition of mathematical terms in ecology: The case of the sigmoid class of functions in macro‐ecology
Authors: Godeau Ugoline , Bouget Christophe , Piffady Jérémy , Pozzi Tiffani , Gosselin Frédéric
Published: November 2020

Defining mathematical terms and objects is a constant issue in ecology; often definitions are absent, erroneous, or imprecise. Through a bibliographic prospection, we show that this problem appears in macro‐ecology (biogeography and community ecology) where the lack of definition for the sigmoid class of functions results in difficulties of interpretation and communication. In order to solve this problem and to help harmonize papers that use sigmoid functions in ecology, herein we propose a comprehensive definition of these mathematical objects. In addition, to facilitate their use, we classified the functions often used in the ecological literature, specifying the constraints on the parameters for the function to be defined and the curve shape to be sigmoidal. Finally, we interpreted the different properties of the functions induced by the definition through ecological hypotheses in order to support and explain the interest of such functions in ecology and more precisely in biogeography.
Mutational spectra induced by flavonoid extracts from pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius, Raddi) stem bark
Authors: Varela‐Barca Francisco Napoleão Tulio , Felipe Maria Beatriz Mesquita Cansanção , de Medeiros Sílvia Regina Batistuzzo
Published: November 2020

Flavonoids are a diverse family of plant compounds that are involved in pigmentation, protection, and endogenous regulation. Flavonoids also have medicinal applications, suggesting that they may exert chemoprotective effects. However, some studies have shown, that some plant flavonoids have oxidative and toxic effects, including those produced by Schinus terebinthifolius. In Brazil, extracts of this plant are widely used for medical purposes. In this study, we analyzed the mutagenic potential of two flavonoid‐enriched fractions from Brazilian pepper tree stem bark using Escherichia coli CC strains deficient and proficient in enzymes involved in the DNA repair of oxidative lesions. The highest mutagenic response was detected in the CC104mutMmutY strain but CC104mutY showed a higher mutation frequency than CC104mutM. The spectrum of mutations induced in plasmid DNA is composed of mutations typically caused by oxidative lesions. However, a new type of lesion must be occurred to explain the cytotoxicity, higher mutation rates in the CC104mutY strain, and the rare A:T → T:A and G:C → C:G transversions found in this work.
A nonlinear and time‐dependent visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology model for studying shock‐physics phenomena
Authors: Elbeshausen Dirk , Melosh Henry J.
Published: November 2020

We present a simple and efficient implementation of a viscous creep rheology based on diffusion creep, dislocation creep, and the Peierls mechanism in conjunction with an elasto‐plastic rheology model into a shock‐physics code, the iSALE impact code. Our approach is based on the calculation of an “effective viscosity” which is then used as a reference viscosity for any underlying viscoelastic (or even visco‐elasto‐plastic) model. Here we use a Maxwell‐model which best describes stress relaxation and is therefore likely most important for the formation of large meteorite impact basins. While common viscoelastic behavior during mantle convection or other slow geodynamic or geological processes is mostly controlled by diffusion and dislocation creep, we show that the Peierls mechanism dominates at the large strain rates that typically occur during meteorite impacts. Thus, the resulting visco‐elasto‐plastic rheology allows implementation of a more realistic mantle behavior in computer simulations, especially for those dealing with large meteorite impacts. The approach shown here opens the way to more faithful simulations of large impact basin formation, especially in elucidating the physics behind the formation of the external fault rings characteristic of large lunar basins.
Quality of life among caregivers of children with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional study at Eastern Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Rita , Poudel Prakash , Lama Sami
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the quality of life among caregivers of children with epilepsy in a tertiary care center of eastern Nepal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of children with epilepsy, who accompanied their child in child neurology clinic. Consecutive sampling was done, and 106 respondents were interviewed. Data were collected using World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF) scale and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were applied.

Results

Mean WHOQOL‐BREF score was 82.25 {standard deviation (SD) ±12. 11}. Transformed scores (0‐100) for each domain were 57.98 ± 14.55 in physical, 55.87 ± 13.16 in psychological, 53.12 ± 13.42 in social, and 52.52 ± 13.04 in environmental domain. Mean score for overall perception of quality of life (QOL) was 2.71 ± 0.79 and was 3.12 ± 0.75 for overall perception of health. Living below poverty line (P = .03) and poor seizure control status of children (P = .46) were significantly associated with lower total QOL score. Living below poverty line was significantly associated with low social relationship (P = .003) and environment domain (<0.001) scores.

Significance

Epilepsy has a multifaceted impact on the lives of affected people. Caring children with epilepsy is associated with enormous psychosocial effects on parents and family members. Caregivers' QOL may affect the treatment and outcome of epilepsy in children. Given the consideration to scarcity of this kind of literature in Nepalese context, this study was conducted.
Untangling the cobalt promotion role for ruthenium in sodium borohydride dehydrogenation with multiwalled carbon nanotube‐supported binary ruthenium cobalt catalyst
Authors: Avci Hansu Tulin , Sahin Omer , Çağlar Aykut , Demir Kivrak Hilal
Published: November 2020

In the present study, multiwalled carbon nanotube‐supported Ru (Ru/MWCNT) and RuCo (RuCo/MWCNT) nanocatalysts with 3 wt% Ru loading were synthesized via sodium borohydride (SBH) reduction method for the dehydrogenation of SBH (RSBH). These nanocatalysts were characterized with XRD, XPS, SEM–EDX, and TEM. Ru/MWCNT and Ru:Co/MWCNT catalysts with varying Ru:Co atomic ratios were prepared successfully, and electronic state of Ru:Co altered compared to Ru. RSBH activities of these Ru/MWCNT and RuCo/MWCNT were examined in alkaline environment. RuCo/MWCNT at 80:20 atomic ratio exhibits superior H2 evolution. Further experiments were performed with RuCo/MWCNT at 80:20 atomic ratio to determine how NaOH concentration (CNaOH), reaction temperature (Trxn), SBH concentration (CSBH), and amount of nanocatalyst (Mc) affect RSBH activities. Activation energy (Ea) was calculated using the Arrhenius equation. RuCo/MWCNT at 80:20 atomic ratio exhibits superior H2 evolution activities compared to the literature values. Initial rate (IR) for this nanocatalyst was found as 123.9385 mL H2 g−1cat min−1. As a result of these kinetic calculations, the Ea of the nanocatalysts was calculated as 35.978 kJ/mol. The degree of reaction (n) was found to be 0.53 by trial and error. RuCo/MWCNT at 80:20 atomic ratio is a promising nanocatalyst for RSBH.
Fluid evolution and metallogenesis of the Meiling Cu‐polymetallic deposit in the East Tianshan, NW China: Constraints from ore geology, fluid inclusions, stable isotope, and U–Pb geochronology
Authors: Cheng Xihui , Yang Fuquan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhixin , Li Ning , Yang Chengdong
Published: November 2020

The Meiling Cu‐polymetallic deposit is located in the Kalatag Cu metallogenic belt of the East Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. Multiple‐stage hydrothermal activities have resulted in the silicification, chlorite alteration and sericite alteration in this deposit. At least three mineralization stages are recorded: (a) a phase comprising quartz–pyrite veining, (b) a quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite–sphalerite phase and (c) a quartz–calcite phase, respectively. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded 302 ± 2.1 Ma for an ore‐bearing quartz porphyry and 296 ± 3.2 Ma for a post‐mineralization diorite porphyry dyke, respectively, indicating that the copper mineralization took place during the Late Carboniferous period (302–296 Ma). Fluid evolution during the three stages of mineralization was determined by a detailed fluid inclusion study: (a) Stage I fluids were trapped under two‐phase conditions, as evidenced by the coexistence of vapour‐rich (type II) inclusions (Th = 183–242°C, average salinity = 4.8 wt% NaCl equiv.), liquid‐rich (type I) inclusions (Th = 171–259°C, average salinity = 5.3 wt% NaCl equiv.), and daughter‐bearing (type III) inclusions (Th = 192–208°C, average salinity = 8.6 wt% NaCl equiv.). (b) Stage II fluid inclusions in quartz were also trapped under two‐phase conditions (boiling), as identified by the coexistence of V‐ and L‐type fluid inclusions; L‐type inclusions Th between 136 and 218°C (average = 189°C), with salinities of 2.2–7.6 wt% NaCl equiv. (average = 3.8 wt% NaCl equiv.). V‐type inclusions homogenized temperatures between 153 and 226°C (average = 192°C), with salinities of 2.4–6.7 wt% NaCl equiv. (average = 3.5 wt% NaCl equiv.). (c) Stage III fluids are represented by inclusions in barren quartz–carbonate veinlets, characterized by homogenization temperatures ranging from 98 to 177°C (average = 135°C) and salinities between 0.5 and 3.2 wt% NaCl equiv. (average = 1.9 wt% NaCl equiv.). The initial hydrothermal fluids are characterized by low–intermediate temperature, low‐salinity and near‐neutral pH condition, belonging to a H2O–NaCl bearing hydrothermal system. The mineralization of the Meiling deposit occurred at a shallow crustal level (~0.5 km), and the decrease of temperature was likely an important factor responsible for metal accumulation and deposition in the subvolcanic hydrothermal system.
A 900 m‐deep borehole from Boiano intermontane basin (southern Apennines, Italy): Age constraints and palaeoenvironmental features of the Quaternary infilling
Authors: Amato Vincenzo , Aucelli Pietro P. C. , Cesarano Massimo , Rosskopf Carmen M. , Cifelli Francesca , Mattei Massimo
Published: November 2020

The Boiano Basin is one of the largest Quaternary intermontane basins of the central‐southern Apennines within one of the most tectonically active areas of the Mediterranean region. In order to reconstruct its entire Quaternary stratigraphic, tectonic, and palaeoenvironment evolution, lithofacies and palaeomagnetic analyses have been performed on a 900 m‐deep borehole (CP1) drilled in the southwestern sector of the basin. The Quaternary succession consists of an alternating of alluvial fan and fluvial–marshy deposits for a total thickness of 240 m, unconformably laying on Lower Miocene deposits of the Sannio Unit, thrusted on upper Miocene deposits of the Molise Flysch. In addition, the stratigraphic study and facies distribution of 29 intermediate and shallow wells drilled in the basin, allowing us to define the thickness and lithofacies variations of the Quaternary sedimentary units inside the entire Boiano Basin in the sector of Campochiaro alluvial fan. Our results demonstrate that the Boiano Basin infilling started during the late Early Pleistocene (c. 1.1 Ma) and developed with variation in lithofacies distribution and thickness. The first depositional unit (Early Pleistocene–early Middle Pleistocene in age) was palustrine and fluvial–marshy, the second (Middle Pleistocene in age) was characterized by the occurrence of the first cycle of alluvial fan deposition, the third (late Middle Pleistocene in age) was newly palustrine and fluvial marshy and, finally, the fourth recorded two cycles of alluvial fan deposition (late Middle Pleistocene and Late Pleistocene in age, respectively), interspersed by short periods of palustrinity, tephra layers deposition, and palaeosols development. The study allows the hypothesizing that the Quaternary infilling was accommodated within a graben (or semigraben) structure, affected mainly by extensional fault systems localized in the inner part of the basin and secondly by fault systems bounding the basin.
Bile Acid Profiles in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Their Ability to Predict Hepatic Decompensation
Authors: Mousa Omar Y. , Juran Brian D. , McCauley Bryan M. , Vesterhus Mette N. , Folseraas Trine , Turgeon Coleman T. , Ali Ahmad H. , Schlicht Erik M. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Hu Chang , Harnois Denise , Carey Elizabeth J. , Gossard Andrea A. , Oglesbee Devin , Eaton John E. , LaRusso Nicholas F. , Gores Gregory J. , Karlsen Tom H. , Lazaridis Konstantinos N.
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Altered bile acid (BA) homeostasis is an intrinsic facet of cholestatic liver diseases, but clinical usefulness of plasma BA assessment in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains understudied. We performed BA profiling in a large retrospective cohort of patients with PSC and matched healthy controls, hypothesizing that plasma BA profiles vary among patients and have clinical utility.

Approach and Results

Plasma BA profiling was performed in the Clinical Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at Mayo Clinic using a mass spectrometry based assay. Cox proportional hazard (univariate) and gradient boosting machines (multivariable) models were used to evaluate whether BA variables predict 5‐year risk of hepatic decompensation (HD; defined as ascites, variceal hemorrhage, or encephalopathy). There were 400 patients with PSC and 302 controls in the derivation cohort (Mayo Clinic) and 108 patients with PSC in the validation cohort (Norwegian PSC Research Center). Patients with PSC had increased BA levels, conjugated fraction, and primary‐to‐secondary BA ratios relative to controls. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) increased total plasma BA level while lowering cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid concentrations. Patients without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had primary‐to‐secondary BA ratios between those of controls and patients with ulcerative colitis. HD risk was associated with increased concentration and conjugated fraction of many BA, whereas higher G:T conjugation ratios were protective. The machine‐learning model, PSC‐BA profile score (concordance statistic [C‐statistic], 0.95), predicted HD better than individual measures, including alkaline phosphatase, and performed well in validation (C‐statistic, 0.86).

Conclusions

Patients with PSC demonstrated alterations of plasma BA consistent with known mechanisms of cholestasis, UDCA treatment, and IBD. Notably, BA profiles predicted future HD, establishing the clinical potential of BA profiling, which may be suited for use in clinical trials.
MHD conjugate heat transfer and entropy generation analysis of MWCNT/water nanofluid in a partially heated divided medium
Authors: Ferhi Mokhtar , Djebali Ridha , Al‐Kouz Wael , Abboudi Said , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this article is to conduct the lattice Boltzmann simulation of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural conjugate heat transfer in an apportioned cavity loaded with a multiwalled carbon nanotube/water nanofluid. The divided cavity is, to some extent, heated and cooled at the upright walls, whereas the horizontal walls are adiabatic. The nanofluid properties are evaluated on the basis of experimental correlations. The parameters ranges in the study are as follows: nanoparticles' volume fraction (%): 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.5, temperature (°C): T = 27, Rayleigh number (Ra): 103 ≤ Ra ≤ 105, Hartmann number (Ha): 0 ≤ Ha ≤ 90, and the magnetic field inclination angle (γ): 0 ≤ γ ≤ π/2. The current outcomes are observed to be in great concurrence with the numerical results introduced in the literature. The impacts of the aforesaid parameters on local and average heat transfer, entropy generation, and Bejan number (Be) are explored and discussed. Indeed, the transfer of heat increases linearly with ϕ for a low Ra. As Ra increases, the average Nusselt number decreases for a high value of ϕ. The increase of nanoparticles' volume fraction leads to a reduction in the entropy generation and an increase in the Bejan number for a high Ra, but at low Ra, these functions remain constant. As the Ha increases, the transfer of heat and the entropy generation decreases, whereas there is an increase in Be. The transfer of heat, total entropy generation, and the Be depends strongly on the direction of the magnetic field. The increase of heater and cooler size has a great influence on the transfer of heat, entropy generation, and Be.
Enhanced IgG1‐mediated antibody response towards thymus‐dependent immunization in CXCR1‐deficient mice
Authors: Jaufmann Jennifer , Carevic Melanie , Tümen Leyla , Eliacik Derya , Schmitt Fee , Hartl Dominik , Beer‐Hammer Sandra
Published: November 2020

Background

Chemokine receptors and their corresponding ligands are key players of immunity by regulation of immune cell differentiation and migration. CXCR1 is a high‐affinity receptor for CXCL8. Differential expression of CXCR1 is associated with a variety of human pathologies including cancer and inflammatory diseases. While various studies have highlighted the importance of CXCR1‐mediated CXCL8‐sensing for neutrophil trafficking and function, its role in B‐cell responses remains unsolved. Therefore, our aim was to investigate innate and adaptive antibody responses in CXCR1‐deficient mice.

Methods

Cell populations of the spleen and the peritoneal cavity were identified and quantified via flow cytometry. To investigate thymus‐independent (TI) and thymus‐dependent (TD) antibody responses, mice were immunized intraperitoneally with TNP‐Ficoll, Pneumovax23, and TNP‐Chicken Gamma Globulin. Mice were bled before as well as 7 and 14 days after vaccination to collect serum. Serum antibody levels overtime were analyzed according to their specificity by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. B‐1 cell functionality was examined by IL‐5/IL‐5Rα‐dependent stimulation of peritoneal and splenic cells in vitro. To analyze CXCR1/2‐expression, CD19+ splenocytes were enriched by magnetic‐activated cell sorting before isolation of total RNA contents, followed by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The distribution of natural B‐1 cell populations was disturbed in the absence of CXCR1, while their responsiveness towards TI antigens and in vitro stimulation remained functional. Besides, CXCR1‐deficiency was accompanied by increased frequencies of follicular B‐2 cells in the spleen. Interestingly, these mice produced elevated levels of antigen‐specific IgG1 upon TD immunization and harbored a significantly enlarged proportion of CXCR5‐expressing T helper (H) cells. CXCR1‐expression was detectable in CD19+ splenocytes derived from wild‐type, but not CXCR1‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a previously unknown relevance of CXCR1 for the production of specific IgG1 in response to vaccination. These findings identify CXCR1 as a promising candidate for future studies on the regulation of adaptive antibody responses.
Financial development, financial structure and economic growth in the Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Ouedraogo Salifou , Sawadogo Hamidou
Published: November 2020

We use a financial development indicator to revisit the relationship of financial development and financial structure with economic growth. The financial development indicator simultaneously takes into account accessibility, depth and financial efficiency for the period 1980–2017 for Sub‐Saharan Africa countries. The continuously updated fully modified (Cup‐FM) and continuously updated bias corrected (Cup‐BC) estimators, as well as the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR), were used to examine the linear and nonlinear effects of financial development and financial structure on economic growth. For low‐income countries, the Cup‐FM and the Cup‐BC estimators indicate that the financial system relies on financial markets. The findings obtains through the PSTR model confirm this conclusion when the financial market represents more than 34% of financial institutions. For middle‐income countries, the Cup‐FM and Cup‐BC estimators reveal that the financial system relies on banking industry. However, this result is not supported by the PSTR model. In fact, it indicates that the financial system in these countries is based on financial markets when government expenditure as percentage of gross domestic product is less than 2.62%. Above this threshold, the financial system depends on the development of financial services, legal and regulatory framework.
A new release of MOPAC incorporating the INDO/S semiempirical model with CI excited states
Authors: Gieseking Rebecca L. M.
Published: November 2020

The semiempirical INDO/S Hamiltonian is incorporated into a new release of MOPAC2016. The MOPAC2016 software package has long been at the forefront of semiempirical quantum chemical methods (SEQMs) for small molecules, proteins, and solids and until this release has included only NDDO‐type SEQMs. The new code enables the calculation of excited states using the INDO/S Hamiltonian combined with a configuration interaction (CI) approach using single excitations (CIS), single and double excitations (CISD), or multiple reference determinants (MRCI) where reference determinants are generated using a complete active space (CAS) approach. The capacity to perform excited‐state calculations beyond the CIS level makes INDO/CI one of the few low‐cost computational methods capable of accurately modeling states with substantial double‐excitation character. Solvent corrections to the ground‐state and excited‐state energies can be computed using the COSMO implicit solvent model, incorporating state‐specific corrections to the excited states based on the solvent refractive index. This code produces physically reasonable electronic structures, absorption spectra, and solvatochromic shifts at low computational costs for systems up to hundreds of atoms, and for both organic molecules and metal clusters.
Exosomes from bovine endometrial epithelial cells ensure trophoblast cell development by miR‐218 targeting secreted frizzled related protein 2
Authors: Wang Xiangguo , Li Qianru , Xie Tongtong , Yuan Mengyi , Sheng Xihui , Qi Xiaolong , Xing Kai , Liu Fang , Guo Yong , Xiao Longfei , Ni Hemin
Published: November 2020

Endometritis is a common disease affecting fertility in cows during the perinatal period, which disturbs the molecular milieu of the uterine environment and impairs embryo development and implantation. Exosomes are important extracellular components that transmit a variety of micro RNAs (miRNAs), which perform key regulatory functions. In this study, we investigated plasma exosomal miRNAs from cows with endometritis and from cultured endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to explore the role of EEC‐derived exosomes and their miRNAs in bovine endometritis. Plasma exosomes were collected from nine healthy dairy cows and nine dairy cows with endometritis, and culture supernatant exosomes were isolated from EECs challenged with or without LPS. Exosomal RNA was extracted using commercial kits and miRNA profiles were generated using RNA‐seq. We found that miR‐218 was differentially expressed in EECs under conditions of endometrial inflammation. Inhibition studies suggested that reduced levels of miR‐218 in EEC‐derived exosomes when transferred into placental trophoblast cells impaired embryonic development and decreased placental trophoblast cell migration by targeting secreted frizzled related protein 2. We propose that exosomal miR‐218 secreted from EECs acts as a driver of embryonic development and differentiation. In addition, exosomal miR‐218 may provide a valuable diagnostic marker for bovine endometritis.
Hepatitis E virus infection and waste pickers: A case‐control seroprevalence study
Authors: Alvarado‐Esquivel Cosme , Gutierrez‐Martinez Verónica Dayali , Ramírez‐Valles Eda Guadalupe , Sifuentes‐Alvarez Antonio
Published: November 2020

Whether waste pickers are a risk group for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the association between HEV exposure and the occupation of waste pickers and the work characteristics of waste pickers. An age‐and gender‐matched case‐control seroprevalence study of 86 waste pickers and 86 control subjects of the general population was performed. We determined anti‐HEV IgG antibodies in sera of cases and controls using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunoassay. The McNemar's test was used to assess the association between HEV seropositivity and the occupation of waste picker. The association between HEV seropositivity and work characteristics of waste pickers was assessed by bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Anti‐HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 14 (16.3%) of the 86 waste pickers and in 8 (9.3%) of the 86 control subjects (McNemar's pair test: odds ratio (OR) = 13.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–230.77; p = .02). Bivariate analysis showed that HEV exposure was associated with an ill status (p = .01) and reflexes impairment (p = .009). Logistic regression analysis showed that HEV seropositivity was associated with increasing age (OR = 6.52; 95% CI: 1.95–21.78; p = .002) and raising pigs (OR = 12.01; 95% CI: 1.48–97.26; p = .02). This is the first age‐ and gender‐matched case‐control study on the association between HEV infection and the occupation of waste picker. Waste pickers represent a risk group for HEV infection. Factors associated with HEV seropositivity found in this study may help in the design of optimal planning to avoid HEV infection.
Comparison of procedural outcomes in patients undergoing catheter vs surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Doshi Rajkumar , Kumar Ashish , Shariff Mariam , Adalja Devina , Patel Krunalkumar , Patel Kirtenkumar , Desai Rupak , Gullapalli Nageshwara , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra
Published: November 2020

Background

There is a lack of research comparing procedural outcomes of surgical ablation (SA) and catheter ablation (CA) among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The main objective was to compare the short‐term procedural outcomes of SA and CA in patients with HFrEF.

Methods

We used the national inpatient sample to identify hospitalizations over 18 years with HFrEF hospitalization and AF, and undergoing SA and CA from 2016 to 2017. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes of SA vs CA in AF stratified as nonparoxysmal and paroxysmal were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,770 HFrEF hospitalizations with AF who underwent SA and 1,620 HFrEF hospitalizations with AF who underwent CA were included in the analysis. Hospitalizations with CA had higher baseline comorbidities. The in‐hospital mortality among HFrEF with AF undergoing SA as compared with CA was similar (2.8% vs 1.9%, respectively, adjusted P‐value 0.09). Hospitalizations with SA had a significantly longer length of hospital stay, a higher percentage of postprocedural, and cardiac complications. In HFrEF hospitalizations with nonparoxysmal AF, SA as compared with CA was associated with a higher percentage of in‐hospital mortality (2.4% vs 1%, adjusted P‐value <.05), a longer length of stay, a higher cost of treatment, and a higher percentage of cardiac complications.

Conclusion

CA is associated with lower in‐hospital adverse procedural outcomes as compared with SA among HFrEF hospitalizations with AF. Further research with freedom from AF as one of the outcome is needed between two groups for HFrEF.
Comparison of separation modes for microchip electrophoresis of proteins
Authors: Samarasinghe Thushara N. , Zeng Yong , Johnson Carey K.
Published: November 2020

Separation of a set of model proteins was tested on a microchip electrophoresis analytical platform capable of sample injection by two different electrokinetic mechanisms. A range of separation modes—microchip capillary zone electrophoresis, microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography, and nanoparticle‐based sieving—was tested on glass and polydimethylsiloxane/glass microchips and with silica‐nanoparticle colloidal arrays. The model proteins calmodulin (18 kiloDalton), bovine serum albumin (66 kDa), and concanavalin (106 kDa) were labeled with Alexa Fluor 647 for laser‐induced fluorescence detection. The best separation and resolution were obtained in a silica‐nanoparticle colloidal array chip.
Turbulence in a small boreal lake: Consequences for air–water gas exchange
Authors: MacIntyre Sally , Bastviken David , Arneborg Lars , Crowe Adam T. , Karlsson Jan , Andersson Andreas , Gålfalk Magnus , Rutgersson Anna , Podgrajsek Eva , Melack John M.
Published: November 2020

The hydrodynamics within small boreal lakes have rarely been studied, yet knowing whether turbulence at the air–water interface and in the water column scales with metrics developed elsewhere is essential for computing metabolism and fluxes of climate‐forcing trace gases. We instrumented a humic, 4.7 ha, boreal lake with two meteorological stations, three thermistor arrays, an infrared (IR) camera to quantify surface divergence, obtained turbulence as dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (ε) using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter and a temperature‐gradient microstructure profiler, and conducted chamber measurements for short periods to obtain fluxes and gas transfer velocities (k). Near‐surface ε varied from 10−8 to 10−6 m2 s−3 for the 0–4 m s−1 winds and followed predictions from Monin–Obukhov similarity theory. The coefficient of eddy diffusivity in the mixed layer was up to 10−3 m2 s−1 on the windiest afternoons, an order of magnitude less other afternoons, and near molecular at deeper depths. The upper thermocline upwelled when Lake numbers (LN) dropped below four facilitating vertical and horizontal exchange. k computed from a surface renewal model using ε agreed with values from chambers and surface divergence and increased linearly with wind speed. Diurnal thermoclines formed on sunny days when winds were < 3 m s−1, a condition that can lead to elevated near‐surface ε and k. Results extend scaling approaches developed in the laboratory and for larger water bodies, illustrate turbulence and k are greater than expected in small wind‐sheltered lakes, and provide new equations to quantify fluxes.
Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Measurements on Amphiphilic Polymer Conetworks Swollen in Orthogonal Solvents
Authors: Benski Lena , Viran Ismail , Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: November 2020

Amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCNs), which combine two different polymer nanophases, have a broad range of applications that involve their unique potential to separately swell one of these nanophases in a selective solvent. Little is known about the structural changes of such APCNs upon swelling in dependence on the topology. Here, conetworks composed of poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) crosslinked by poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PMOx) are investigated with small‐angle X‐ray scattering in dry and swollen state using the orthogonal solvents water and toluene. The data clearly show that the structural changes induced by swelling are strongly dependent on the topology of the APCNs. While water leads to fusion of PMOx phases resulting in larger structures than found in the dry APCN, toluene is only swelling the hydrophobic phases without structural changes.
Microstructural, Thermal, Crystallization, and Water Absorption Properties of Films Prepared from Never‐Dried and Freeze‐Dried Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Hossain Kazi M. Zakir , Calabrese Vincenzo , da Silva Marcelo A. , Schmitt Julien , Bryant Saffron J. , Islam Md Towhidul , Felfel Reda M. , Scott Janet L. , Edler Karen J.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the microstructural, optical, thermal, crystallization, and water absorption properties of films prepared from never‐dried (ND) and freeze‐dried (FD) cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are reported. Morphology of the ND CNCs reveals a needle‐like structure, while after freeze‐drying, they show a flake‐like morphology. Microstructural analysis of ND and FD CNCs are further studied via small angle X‐ray scattering to probe interactions. ND CNCs yield a transparent film with a low surface roughness (14 ± 4 nm), while the FD CNC film evidence a significant reduction of their transparency due to their higher surface roughness (134 ± 20 nm). Although Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses reveal no chemical change occurs during the freeze‐drying process, yet a more intense thermal degradation profile is observed for FD CNC film, probably due to the higher oxygen ingress within the gaps created between the stacked flakes. This, in turn, results in a greater loss of crystallinity at a higher temperature (300 °C) compared to the ND CNC film. A rapid decrease in water contact angle of the FD CNC film proves that the morphology of flakes and their orientation within the film has a strong influence in increasing water absorption capacity.
Multifunctional DNA Nanogels for Aptamer‐Based Targeted Delivery and Stimuli‐Triggered Release of Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Lee Kyungsene , Kim Taehyung , Kim Young Min , Yang Kyungjik , Choi Inseok , Roh Young Hoon
Published: November 2020

Targeted, stimulus‐responsive DNA nanogels hold considerable promise for cancer therapeutics. To expand their functionality including thermoresponsiveness, here, multifunctional DNA nanogels are developed for potential application toward cancer‐targeted delivery and stimuli‐responsive release of cancer therapeutics. Three types of functionalized DNA nanobuilding units are formed into DNA nanogels of ≈200 nm via sequence‐dependent self‐assembly. The sequence‐dependent assembly of nanobuilding units is precisely designed for controlled assembly and thermal disassembly at physiological temperatures. The supramolecular structure exhibits multifunctionalities including temperature‐induced disassembly, aptamer‐mediated cancer cell targeting, and light‐triggered temperature increase. The nanogels support co‐loading of cancer therapeutics including anti‐sense oligonucleotides and doxorubicin along with stimuli‐responsive release of loaded drugs through temperature‐responsive structural disassembly and pH‐responsive deintercalation. The nanogels exhibit efficient aptamer‐mediated cancer‐specific intracellular delivery and combinational anticancer effects upon light triggering. The developed DNA nanogels, thus, constitute potential noncationic nanovectors for targeted delivery of combinational cancer therapeutics.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Vitrimer: Robust Mechanical Performance and Facile Hydrothermal Decomposition in Pure Water
Authors: Liu Tuan , Hao Cheng , Shao Lin , Kuang Wenbin , Cosimbescu Lelia , Simmons Kevin L. , Zhang Jinwen
Published: November 2020

Conventional carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting polymers (CFRPs) are neither recyclable nor repairable due to their crosslinked network. The rapid growing CFRP market raises a serious concern of the waste management. In this work, a viable method to develop a readily recyclable CFRP based on epoxy vitrimer is introduced. First, a self‐catalytic epoxy prepolymer with built‐in hydroxy and tertiary amine groups is designed, which upon reaction with an anhydride formed a catalyst‐free epoxy vitrimer. The epoxy prepolymer is synthesized from a diamine and an excess of bisphenol A epoxy resin. The hydroxyls and tertiary amines of the epoxy prepolymer efficiently catalyze both curing and the dynamic transesterification of the crosslinked polymer without the need of a catalyst. Then, the epoxy vitrimer is used as the matrix resin to prepare CFRP. The resulting CFRP exhibited a tensile strength as high as 356 MPa. More interestingly, the matrix of the CFRP is efficiently degraded in pure water at above 160 °C. This is because the built‐in tertiary amines catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bonds of the crosslinked network. The simple method developed in this work provides a framework for the development of recyclable CFRP.
The dilemma and its solution of deep uncertainty in the dynamic capabilities framework: Insights from modern Austrian economics
Authors: Kano Hirokazu
Published: November 2020

Recent work on dynamic capabilities (DC) has developed the concept of deep uncertainty by drawing upon Frank Knight's seminal work. This study takes the concept seriously because, in Austrian economics, the way in which the concept is to be embraced has been the topic of a decades‐long debate, rooted in the dilemma inherent in the concept itself. Building upon Austrian economics, this study shows that the extant DC framework may contain the dilemma and that it may be mitigated by applying the notion of institutions as points of orientation. The paper concludes with more general implications for management theories.
Superficial temporal artery perforator flaps for reconstruction of intraoral defects
Authors: Schultz Jerette J. , Viviano Stephen L. , Ayyala Haripriya S. , Lee Bryant B. , Keith Jonathan D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Intraoral defects after tumor resection are often reconstructed with free tissue transfer. However, in patients who are not good candidates for free tissue transfer, regional flaps based on the superficial temporal artery can be utilized. The authors present our technique to reconstruct intraoral defects with the superficial temporal artery perforator (STAP) flap and early outcomes.

Methods

Five patients underwent STAP flaps for defects including the hard palate, buccal sulcus, floor of mouth, and retromolar trigone between 2017 and 2019. The mean defect size was 5.6 × 3.4 cm2 (3 × 3 cm2 – 7 × 4 cm2). The mean age was 74 (57–88) and all patients had recurrent cancer. External Doppler, indocyanine green laser angiography, and FLIR thermal imaging were used intra‐operatively to identify the best perforators and plan for flap design.

Results

The mean flap size was 7.6 × 3.5 cm2 (6 × 3 cm2 – 10 × 5 cm2). Four flaps were based off of the posterior branch of the STA, while the fifth was based off of the anterior branch. Two donor sites were closed primarily, and three required skin grafts. One patient experienced partial flap necrosis. There were no complete flap losses and no donor site complications. Average follow up was 14.6 months (9–20 months). All patients maintained preoperative level of speech, mastication, and oral continence.

Conclusions

The STAP flap can be based on the anterior or posterior branch of the superficial temporal artery and is a useful regional flap for intraoral defects after tumor resection.
A multiregional extension of the SIR model, with application to the COVID‐19 spread in Italy
Authors: Brugnano Luigi , Iavernaro Felice , Zanzottera Paolo
Published: November 2020

The paper concerns a new forecast model that includes the class of undiagnosed infected people, and has a multiregion extension, to cope with the in‐time and in‐space heterogeneity of an epidemic. The model is applied to the SARS‐CoV2 (COVID‐19) pandemic that, starting from the end of February 2020, began spreading along the Italian peninsula, by first attacking small communities in north regions, and then extending to the center and south of Italy, including the two main islands. It has proved to be a robust and reliable tool for the forecast of the total and active cases, which can be also used to simulate different scenarios. In particular, the model is able to address a number of issues, such as assessing the adoption of the lockdown in Italy, started from March 11, 2020; the estimate of the actual attack rate; and how to employ a rapid screening test campaign for containing the epidemic.