bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition during neonatal hyperoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Gong Jiannan , Feng Zihang , Peterson Abigail L , Carr Jennifer F , Vang Alexander , Braza Julie , Choudhary Gaurav , Dennery Phyllis A , Yao Hongwei
Published: August 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease in premature infants, results from mechanical ventilation and hyperoxia, amongst other factors. Although most BPD survivors can be weaned from supplemental oxygen, many show evidence of cardiovascular sequelae in adulthood, including pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) plays an important role in mediating vascular remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Whether hyperoxic exposure, a known mediator of BPD in rodent models, causes EndoMT resulting in vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension remains unclear. We hypothesized that neonatal hyperoxic exposure causes EndoMT, leading to the development of pulmonary hypertension in adulthood. To test this hypothesis, newborn mice were exposed to hyperoxia and then allowed to recover in room air until adulthood. Neonatal hyperoxic exposure gradually caused pulmonary vascular and right ventricle remodeling as well as pulmonary hypertension. Male mice were more susceptible to developing pulmonary hypertension compared to female mice, when exposed to hyperoxia as newborns. Hyperoxic exposure induced EndoMT in mouse lungs as well as in cultured lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVECs) isolated from neonatal mice and human fetal donors. This was augmented in cultured LMVECs from male donors compared to those from female donors. Using primary mouse LMVECs, hyperoxic exposure increased phosphorylation of both Smad2 and Smad3, but reduced Smad7 protein levels. Treatment with a selective TGF‐β inhibitor SB431542 blocked hyperoxia‐induced EndoMT in vitro. Altogether, we show that neonatal hyperoxic exposure caused vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in adulthood. This was associated with increased EndoMT. These novel observations provide mechanisms underlying hyperoxia‐induced vascular remodeling and potential approaches to prevent BPD‐associated pulmonary hypertension by targeting EndoMT. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safe administration of high‐dose methotrexate with minimal drug level monitoring: Experience from a center in north India
Authors: Dhingra Himani , Kalra Manas , Mahajan Amita
Published: August 2020

Background

High‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is recommended to be administered with serial monitoring of methotrexate (MTX) levels, which may not be universally feasible in resource‐limited settings. In this study, we evaluated the overall experience of administration of HDMTX at our center by monitoring a single drug level at 54 h from the start of MTX infusion.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary level hospital in north India, over a 5‐year period (2011‐2015). All patients <18 years of age with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and T‐non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (T‐NHL) were enrolled in the study. Details of HDMTX and all significant toxicities requiring prolonged or repeat hospitalization were retrieved from the medical records. All eligible patients received HDMTX as per the recommendations followed by at least three doses of leucovorin rescue, before drug levels were sent at 54 h. Subsequent leucovorin doses were adjusted accordingly.

Results

The records of 598 cycles of HDMTX in 184 patients were reviewed. A total of 531 of 598 cycles (88.7%) were managed with monitoring only a single plasma drug level at 54 h from the beginning of infusion. Delayed MTX clearance was seen in 260 of 598 cycles (43.5%). Only three episodes (0.5%) were associated with significant toxicity. There were no deaths.

Conclusions

The strategy of monitoring MTX concentration at 54 h was safe in our cohort. Although recommended, dynamic monitoring of plasma drug levels may not always predict toxicity.
Dielectric and interfacial properties investigation of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate) copolymer/organomodified beidellite clay nanocomposites
Authors: Taktak Sirine , Hammami Helmi , Kallel Ali , Bouharras Fatima Ezzahra , Raihane Mustapha
Published: August 2020

The dielectric properties of fluorinated cyano copolymer poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐2,2,2‐Trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (poly[AN‐co‐MATRIF]), reinforced with a natural Moroccan beidellite nanoclay organomodified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide were studied. The effect of varying nanofillers loadings (1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%) on the molecular dynamics was investigated using broadband dielectric spectroscopy from 10−1 to 106 Hz and temperatures ranging between 30°C to 100°C. For the copolymer matrix, the real (ε′) and imaginary parts (ε′′) of the dielectric permittivity curves revealed three dielectric processes: the secondary β, the primary α and an ionic conduction phenomenon. Furthermore, incorporating of organomodified nanoclay, generated an additional relaxation process known as the Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization. The interface properties were investigated through the calculation of the strength parameters ∆εMWS using the WinFit impedance analysis software. At the range of 3 wt% of load, the orientation of the dipolar groups is reduced, caused by the high interaction and the strong adhesion involving the poly(AN‐co‐MATRIF) matrix and beidellite nanoclay. The part of nanoinclusions participating in the particle‐polymer interaction is increased, forming a rigid polymer/clay interfaces. The evaluated parameters confirm that a weight ratio of 3% of organomodified nanoclay is recommended to obtain a most performing nanocomposite that can serve in several applications such as fuel cells, lithium ion batteries, and photovoltaics.
Development and characterizations of ultra‐high molecular weight EPDM/PP based TPV nanocomposites for automotive applications
Authors: Bhattacharya Asit Baran , Raju Aswathy T. , Chatterjee Tuhin , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: August 2020

This research article reports, the preparation of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and TPV nanocomposites (TPVNs) based on EPDM and polypropylene (PP). New generation ultra‐high molecular weight EPDM (UHMW‐EPDM) and PP with nano‐fillers (nano‐clay and nano‐silica) and has been studied and characterized extensively typically for automotive applications. This special type of UHM‐EPDM‐based TPVs exhibit superior physico‐mechanical properties over conventional EPDM‐based TPVs and in the presence of nano‐fillers, they show even better physical properties. The TPVNs were prepared with a fixed EPDM: PP ratio and the nano fillers were varied at different concentrations. The influence of nano‐fillers, especially hectorite nano‐clay and nano‐silica has been first explored through physico‐mechanical properties. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus at various strain are improved for nano‐filler filled TPVNs. We have observed that due to the incorporation of nano‐fillers into the TPV matrix, swelling has been decreased. From morphology (AFM, SEM) study, it is observed that the fillers are well dispersed in the TPV matrix and nano‐silica fillers are well dispersed than nano‐clay (hectorite). Furthermore, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) studies have also been pursued to get a better insight into the TPV system. These newly developed TPVs can be used as potential candidates for application in the automotive sector.
Multiple‐stage drawn ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/activated carbon fibers prepared with the assistance of supercritical CO2
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Lei Ting , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: August 2020

Remarkable improved achievable draw ratios (DRs) and tensile strengths (σts) of multiple‐stage drawn ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/functionalized activated carbon (FAC) fibers prepared with the aid of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) were first reported. The achievable DRs and σts of single‐ and multiple‐stage drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fibers were considerably higher than those achievable DRs and σts found for the corresponding single‐ and multiple‐stage drawn UHMWPE/FAC fibers spun from gel solutions gelatinized in nitrogen atmosphere. It is worth noting that the largest achievable DR obtained for the most proper five‐stage drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fiber approached 688, which is approximately 40% larger than the achievable DR found for the single‐stage drawn scCO2F100FAC13.50.1 fiber. The σt found for the most proper five‐stage drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fiber reached an extraordinarily high value of 13.4 GPa, which is ∼4.6, ∼1.6 and, ∼1.4 times of those σts found for the optimal single‐stage drawn UHMWPE, UHMWPE/FAC and scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fibers, respectively. Considerably smaller lamellar thicknesses and dynamic transition temperatures were detected for scCO2UHMWPE and scCO2UHMWPE/FAC as‐prepared fibers compared with the equivalent UHMWPE and UHMWPE/FAC as‐prepared fibers, respectively. Specific surface area, morphological, and Fourier transform infrared analyses of the FAC particles and orientation factor analyses of the single‐ and multiple‐stage drawn UHMWPE, UHMWPE/FAC, scCO2UHMWPE, and scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fibers were performed. Possible reasons accounting for the remarkable improved achievable DRs and σts found for the proper single‐ or multiple‐stage drawn scCO2UHMWPE/FAC fibers are proposed.
Confirmation rate of cell free DNA screening for sex chromosomal abnormalities according to the method of confirmatory testing
Authors: Lüthgens Kai , Grati Francesca Romana , Sinzel Monika , Häbig Karina , Kagan Karl Oliver
Published: August 2020

Objective

To examine the positive predictive value (PPV) of cfDNA screening for sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) in a large series of over 90 000 patients.

Methods

Retrospective study based on samples that were sent to Cenata, a private laboratory which uses the Harmony Prenatal Test. The SCA high‐risk results were stratified according to the method of diagnostic testing and according to karyotype result.

Results

The study population consisted of 144 cases. The CfDNA test indicated monosomy X, XXX, XXY, and XYY in 62, 37, 40, and 5 cases, respectively. The overall PPV was 38.9% (30.9‐47.4), 29.0% (18.2‐42.9) for monosomy X, 29.7% (15.9‐47.9) for 47,XXX, 57.5% (40.9‐73.0) for 47,XXY, and 80.0% (28.4‐99.5) for 47,XYY). A total of 112 (77.8%) women with a high‐risk result for SCAs opted for prenatal karyotyping. In this group, there were significant differences in the PPV if the karyotype was assessed by amniocentesis or by CVS: 29.5% vs 50.0%. This significant difference was driven by the monosomy X result which shows a significantly higher PPV in CVS (54.6% (23.4‐83.3) vs 17.1% (6.6‐33.6)). For the other SCAs, the differences were not significant.

Conclusion

PPV of an abnormal cfDNA test for SCAs is low, particularly for monosomy X. The confirmation rate depends on the type of confirmatory test.
Degradation of copper‐plated silicon solar cells with damp heat stress
Authors: Karas Joseph , Michaelson Lynne , Munoz Krystal , Jobayer Hossain Mohammad , Schneller Eric , Davis Kristopher O. , Bowden Stuart , Augusto André
Published: August 2020

Crystalline silicon solar cells with copper‐plated contacts are fabricated, encapsulated in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA), and subject to extended damp heat stress (85° C and 85% relative humidity). We source cell precursors from several different cell manufacturers and employ several different patterning methods of the silicon nitride layer and deposit a plated front contact stack of nickel, copper, and tin using light‐induced plating. Across different Cu‐plated samples, we find similar degradation that impacts both series resistance and diode quality of the cells, indicating that there is some degradation of the p‐n junction. The overall degradation is on the order of 15%–20% of maximum power (PMP), and roughly half of this degradation is attributable to degradation of the p‐n junction. Control samples with silver‐screenprinted contacts do not exhibit the same degradation, and p‐n junction degradation in copper‐plated samples is prevented by changing the encapsulant from EVA to a polyolefin. The degradation mode is hypothesized to be the diffusion of copper from the contact, followed by the transport of this copper into the silicon cell via some mechanism facilitated by the degraded EVA encapsulant.
A combined physiological and biophysical approach to understand the ligand‐dependent efficiency of 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone Fe‐chelates
Authors: Santos Carla S. , Leite Andreia , Vinhas Sílvia , Ferreira Sofia , Moniz Tânia , Vasconcelos Marta W. , Rangel Maria
Published: August 2020

Ligands of the 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone (3,4‐HPO) class were considered eligible to formulate new Fe fertilizers for Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC). Soybean (Glycine max L.) plants grown in hydroponic conditions and supplemented with Fe‐chelate [Fe(mpp)3] were significantly greener, had increased biomass, and were able to translocate more iron from the roots to the shoots than those supplemented with an equal amount of the commercially available chelate [FeEDDHA]. To understand the influence of the structure of 3,4‐HPO ligand on the role of the Fe‐chelate to improve Fe‐uptake, we investigated and report here the effect of Fe‐chelates ([Fe(mpp)3], [Fe(dmpp)3], and [Fe(etpp)3]) in addressing IDC. Chlorosis development was assessed by measurement of morphological parameters, quantification of chlorophyll and Fe, and other micronutrient contents, as well as measurement of enzymatic activity (FCR) and gene expression (FRO2, IRT1, and Ferritin). All [Fe(3,4‐HPO)3] chelates were able to provide Fe to plants and prevent IDC but with a different efficiency depending on the ligand. We hypothesize that this may be related with the distinct physicochemical characteristics of ligands and complexes, namely, the diverse hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of the three chelates. To test the hypothesis, we performed an EPR biophysical study using liposomes prepared from a soybean (Glycine3 max L.) lipid extract and spin probes. The results showed that the most effective chelate [Fe(mpp)3] shows a preferential location close to the surface while the others prefer the hydrophobic region inside the bilayer.

Significance statement

The 3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyridinone Fe‐chelates, [Fe(mpp)3], [Fe(dmpp)3], and [Fe(etpp)3], were all able to provide Fe to plants and prevent IDC. Efficacy is dependent on the structure of the ligand. From an EPR biophysical study using spin probes and liposomes, prepared from a soybean lipid extract, we hypothesize that this may be related with the distinct preferential location close to the surface or on the hydrophobic region of the lipid bilayer. [Fe(mpp)3] provide higher amounts of Fe in the leaves.
Cancer Rehabilitation Providers and Oncology Patient Expectations for Functional Outcomes after Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Gupta Ekta , Ng Amy H. , Fu Jack B. , Yadav Rajesh , Ngo‐Huang An , Bansal Swati , Park Minjeong , Bruera Eduardo
Published: August 2020

Background

Cancer rehabilitation is a valued resource for patients and oncologists. Cancer rehabilitation providers are seeing increasing numbers of referrals for inpatient rehabilitation as the number of cancer survivors grows. However, cancer rehabilitation providers, oncologists, therapists, patients, and caregivers may not always clearly communicate the goals of care, which can lead to different expectations for inpatient rehabilitation.

Objective

To determine the difference in expectations of function after an acute inpatient rehabilitation stay between cancer patients and cancer rehabilitation providers and how they align with achieved goals after treatment.

Design

Prospective survey study.

Setting

Quaternary academic medical center inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Participants

Out of 194 eligible patients, 132 were enrolled and completed admission surveys, and 110 completed the discharge survey. Twelve cancer rehabilitation providers completed the surveys.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Barthel Index.

Results

Patients estimated their expected functional status as a median (interquartile range) score of 19 points (18, 20) using the Barthel Index, compared to cancer rehabilitation providers, who estimated a median score of 17 points (15, 19) (P < .001). Actual functional status upon discharge was a median score of 16 points (13, 18) using the Barthel Index, which was three points lower than expected by patients (P < .001).

Conclusions

Oncology patients and cancer rehabilitation providers significantly overestimate functional goals for acute inpatient rehabilitation. This overestimation was clinically significant for oncology patients and statistically but not clinically significant for cancer rehabilitation providers. Increased communication may allow for a more realistic expectation of functional status upon discharge.
Role of carbonate electrolytes on interaction of quinolone drug with anionic surfactant at various temperatures: A conductometric study
Authors: Mahbub Shamim , Islam Mohayminul , Masum Abuzayed , Akter Parul , Hoque Md. Anamul , Kumar Dileep , Khan Farah , Rub Malik Abdul , Alfaifi Sulaiman Y.M. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: August 2020

The role of different carbonate salts on the interaction of anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with employed quinolone antibiotic drug (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride [CFH]) was explosively inspected through measuring specific conductivity (κ) of the investigated system. The drug, CFH, is an excellent antibiotic for the treatment of different bacterial infections like skin, urinary tract, and respiratory infections. The estimated critical micelle concentrations (cmc) of SDS were observed to be dwindled in the attendance of electrolytes andcmcreduction continues with the escalation of the electrolyte's concentration. The magnitudes ofcmcfor the SDS + CFH mixture were reduced with the elevation of temperature in K2CO3and CaCO3medium while increased with the rise of the temperature in the Na2CO3medium. The magnitudes of counterion binding to micelles (β) were increased with the increase of the concentration of Na2CO3and K2CO3up to definite value and then reduced with the increase of successive rise of concentration of both salts at all temperatures while decreased monotonically with the rise of electrolyte concentration in CaCO3medium. The values of standard free energy () were achieved to be negative in each case suggesting spontaneous self‐assembly formation. The standard entropy change () along with enthalpy change () was also assessed and discussed elaborately.
Efficacy of the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer: A single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mehnert Anja , Koranyi Susan , Philipp Rebecca , Scheffold Katharina , Kriston Levente , Lehmann‐Laue Antje , Engelmann Dorit , Vehling Sigrun , Eisenecker Christina , Oechsle Karin , Schulz‐Kindermann Frank , Rodin Gary , Härter Martin
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy is superior to a non‐manualized supportive psycho‐oncological counselling intervention (SPI).

Methods

Adult patients with advanced cancer and ≥9 points on the PHQ‐9 and/or ≥5 points on the DT were randomized to CALM or SPI. We hypothesized that CALM patients would report significantly less depression (primary outcome) on the BDI‐II and the PHQ‐9 6 months after baseline compared to SPI patients.

Results

From 329 eligible patients, 206 participated (61.2% female; age: M = 57.9 [SD = 11.7]; 84.5% UICC IV stage). Of them, 99 were assigned to CALM and 107 to SPI. Intention‐to‐treat analyses revealed significantly less depressive symptoms at 6 months than at baseline (P < .001 for BDI‐II and PHQ‐9), but participants in the CALM and SPI group did not differ in depression severity (BDI‐II: P = .62, PHQ‐9: P = .998). Group differences on secondary outcomes were statistically not significant either.

Conclusions

CALM therapy was associated with reduction in depressive symptoms over time but this improvement was not statistically significant different than that obtained within SPI group.
Effect of a technology‐supported physical activity intervention on health‐related quality of life, sleep, and processes of behavior change in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rastogi Somya , Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Sesto Mary , Van Remortel Brittany , Date Preshita , Gangnon Ronald , Thraen‐Borowski Keith , Cadmus‐Bertram Lisa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This pilot trial tested the effect of adding a multi‐level, technology‐based physical activity intervention module to a standard survivorship care plan for breast and colorectal cancer survivors. The objective of this analysis was to determine whether the physical activity module improved health‐related quality of life, sleep, and factors key to lasting behavior change (eg, social support, self‐efficacy).

Methods

Breast and colorectal cancer survivors (n = 50) were enrolled alongside a support partner. Survivors were assigned to receive a standard survivorship care plan either alone or augmented by a 12‐week multi‐component physical activity module. The module included a Fitbit tracker (with the physical activity data integrated into the electronic health record for clinician review) and customized email feedback. Physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph GT3X+. Psychosocial outcomes included the SF‐36, FACT, ISEL, PROMIS sleep measures, and physical activity beliefs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling.

Results

Cancer survivors were aged 54.4 ± 11.2 years and were 2.0 ± 1.5 years from diagnosis. Relative to comparison, the intervention was associated with moderate‐to‐large improvements in physical health (effect size: d = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.0, 0.78), mental health (d = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.99), sleep impairment (d = 0.62, 95% CI = −1.02, −0.22), and exercise self‐efficacy (d = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.20, 1.0).

Conclusions

The intervention delivered meaningful improvements in survivors' quality of life, social support, and sleep impairment. If replicated in a larger sample, adding a technology‐supported physical activity module to survivorship care plans may be a practical strategy for supporting healthy survivorship.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov#: NCT02677389.
Psychosocial distress among oncology patients in the safety net
Authors: Cimino Theora , Said Kiana , Safier Leslie , Harris Heather , Kinderman Anne
Published: August 2020

Objective

Psychosocial distress among cancer patients leads to poor health outcomes and lower satisfaction. However, little is known about psychosocial distress among disadvantaged populations. We examined the prevalence, predictors, and follow‐up experience of psychosocial distress among cancer patients within a diverse, urban, and multi‐lingual safety‐net setting.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cancer patients undergoing psychosocial distress screening at initial medical oncology visits from 2014‐2016. The primary outcome was self‐reported moderate to severe psychosocial distress, defined by the NCCN as a Distress Thermometer score ≥ 4. Predictors of distress were assessed using logistic regression. Patients reporting distress were contacted by telephone 1‐12 months later to reassess distress and assess completion of supportive service referrals.

Results

Among 200 screened patients, 61% had moderate to severe psychosocial distress. African‐American race, psychiatric illness, greater number of emotional problems, and reported problems with housing, money, worry, sleep, memory or homelessness were associated with psychosocial distress. Among 39 patients with moderate to severe psychosocial distress who completed follow‐up (42% of eligible patients), mean distress scores decreased from 6.5 at screening to 4.5 at follow‐up (P < .02). 56% of the supportive service referrals made at the initial visit were not completed.

Conclusions

Cancer patients in the safety‐net experience more psychosocial distress than other populations, with persistently elevated distress levels and difficulty accessing supportive services. We identified subgroups that may be at higher risk for psychosocial distress. Closer follow‐up and assistance for patients who report high distress levels may be needed.
A characteristic periglacial landform: Automated recognition and delineation of cryoplanation terraces in eastern Beringia
Authors: Queen Clayton W. , Nelson Frederick E. , Gunn Grant E. , Nyland Kelsey E.
Published: August 2020

Automated recognition and delineation of specific landforms and their constituent elements ranks among the most active areas of contemporary geomorphological research. This study contributes to that literature by applying semi‐ and fully automated recognition procedures to upland periglacial geomorphic landscapes. The Cryoplanation Terrace semi‐Automated Recognition (CTAR) algorithm utilizes basic terrain parameters to identify locations of cryoplanation terraces (CTs) from the high‐resolution ArcticDEM. Using a multistep process, candidate areas are identified based on morphometric characteristics. CTAR uses terrain derivatives to search ridges, hills, and mountains for flat areas bounded by abrupt breaks in slope. Because CTs are found exclusively in upland periglacial environments, some locations require that low‐lying areas be filtered out. To assess accuracy, CTAR was tested at five local study sites distributed across eastern Beringia, each containing multiple CTs delimited manually in a previous study. CTAR performed well, with an overall accuracy of 90%. A strong linear relationship exists between the size of CTAR‐delimited terraces and those identified in a previous study through air‐photo interpretation. In addition to identifying nearly all of the CTs in the five study areas, a fully automated version of the algorithm (GEE‐CTAR), implemented in Google Earth Engine, identified nearly 8,000 previously unmapped potential CTs in the Seward Peninsula region of western Alaska. The ability to identify CTs from digital elevation models provides a useful tool for recognizing and delineating upland periglacial topography. Objective recognition of large erosional landform elements created by periglacial processes is a critical step in developing the field of periglacial geomorphometry.
Postharvest seed coat darkening in pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is regulated by Psd, an allele of the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor P
Authors: Islam Nishat S. , Bett Kirstin E. , Pauls K. Peter , Marsolais Frédéric , Dhaubhadel Sangeeta
Published: August 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the leading market classes of dry beans that is most affected by postharvest seed coat darkening. The process of seed darkening poses a challenge for bean producers and vendors as they encounter significant losses in crop value due to decreased consumer preference for darker beans. Here, we identified a novel allele of the P gene, Psd, responsible for the slow darkening seed coat in pintos, and identified trait‐specific sequence polymorphisms which are utilized for the development of new gene‐specific molecular markers for breeding. These tools can be deployed to help tackle this economically important issue for bean producers.

Postharvest seed coat darkening in pinto bean is an undesirable trait that reduces the market value of the stored crop. Regular darkening (RD) pintos darken faster after harvest and accumulate higher level of proanthocyanidins (PAs) compared to slow darkening (SD) cultivars. Although the markers cosegregating with the SD trait have been known for some time, the SLOW DARKENING (Sd) gene identity had not been proven.

Here, we identified Psd as a candidate for controlling the trait. Genetic complementation, transcript abundance, metabolite analysis, and inheritance study confirmed that Psd is the Sd gene. Psd is another allele of the P (Pigment) gene, whose loss‐of‐function alleles result in a white seed coat.

Psd encodes a bHLH transcription factor with two transcript variants but only one is involved in PA biosynthesis. An additional glutamate residue in the activation domain, and/or an arginine to histidine substitution in the bHLH domain of the Psd‐1 transcript in the SD cultivar is likely responsible for the reduced activity of this allele compared to the allele in a RD cultivar, leading to reduced PA accumulation.

Overall, we demonstrate that a novel allele of P, Psd, is responsible for the SD phenotype, and describe the development of new, gene‐specific, markers that could be utilized in breeding to resolve an economically important issue for bean producers.
Effects of horse riding simulator on sitting motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Chinniah Hemachithra , Natarajan Meena , Ramanathan Ramanathan , Ambrose John William Felix
Published: August 2020

Background

Horse riding simulator (HRS) is an electronic horse, working under the principles of hippotherapy. It is one of the advanced therapeutic methods to improve postural control and balance in sitting, which could be recommended in the rehabilitation of cerebral palsy if real horses are unavailable.

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic effects of HRS on sitting motor function in children with spastic diplegia and evaluate the changes in sitting motor function at different periods of time (4, 8 and 12 weeks).

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Thirty children with spastic diplegia age between 2 and 4 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I–III were included and divided into two groups. The control group received the conventional physiotherapy while the experimental group received HRS along with conventional physiotherapy. Sitting motor function was assessed by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)‐88 (sitting dimension B) at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐intervention scores were measured and analysed.

Results

The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups before the intervention withp> .01. The observed mean value of GMFM in both groups improved over a period of 12 weeks. The results denote that the sitting motor function gradually improved over a period of time in both groups and the experimental group showed significant improvement (p< .01) than the control group in all the weeks.

Conclusion

The study results confirmed that gradual improvement in sitting motor function was observed in both groups. Children exposed to HRS show better improvement than the children in the control group. It was concluded that HRS is effective in improving the sitting motor function in children with spastic diplegia and the continuous provision of HRS in longer duration provide more benefits than the shorter duration.
The metabolic effects of mirabegron are mediated primarily by β3‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Dehvari Nodi , Sato Masaaki , Bokhari Muhammad Hamza , Kalinovich Anastasia , Ham Seungmin , Gao Jie , Nguyen Huong T. M. , Whiting Lynda , Mukaida Saori , Merlin Jon , Chia Ling Yeong , Wootten Denise , Summers Roger J. , Evans Bronwyn A. , Bengtsson Tore , Hutchinson Dana S.
Published: August 2020

The β3‐adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron is approved for use for overactive bladder and has been purported to be useful in the treatment of obesity‐related metabolic diseases in humans, including those involving disturbances of glucose homeostasis. We investigated the effect of mirabegron on glucose homeostasis with in vitro and in vivo models, focusing on its selectivity at β‐adrenoceptors, ability to cause browning of white adipocytes, and the role of UCP1 in glucose homeostasis. In mouse brown, white, and brite adipocytes, mirabegron‐mediated effects were examined on cyclic AMP, UCP1 mRNA, [3H]‐2‐deoxyglucose uptake, cellular glycolysis, and O2 consumption. Mirabegron increased cyclic AMP levels, UCP1 mRNA content, glucose uptake, and cellular glycolysis in brown adipocytes, and these effects were either absent or reduced in white adipocytes. In brite adipocytes, mirabegron increased cyclic AMP levels and UCP1 mRNA content resulting in increased UCP1‐mediated oxygen consumption, glucose uptake, and cellular glycolysis. The metabolic effects of mirabegron in both brown and brite adipocytes were primarily due to actions at β3‐adrenoceptors as they were largely absent in adipocytes derived from β3‐adrenoceptor knockout mice. In vivo, mirabegron increased whole body oxygen consumption, glucose uptake into brown and inguinal white adipose tissue, and improved glucose tolerance, all effects that required the presence of the β3‐adrenoceptor. Furthermore, in UCP1 knockout mice, the effects of mirabegron on glucose tolerance were attenuated. Thus, mirabegron had effects on cellular metabolism in adipocytes that improved glucose handling in vivo, and were primarily due to actions at the β3‐adrenoceptor.
Expression and functional analysis of cytochrome P450 genes in the integument of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker)
Authors: Huang Yong , Yin Hongqin , Zhu Zeng , Jiang Xingchuan , Li Xiuxia , Dong Yongcheng , Sheng Chengwang , Liao Min , Cao Haiqun
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Mythimna separata is a devastating agricultural pest that has recently developed insecticide resistance. Integument‐specific cytochrome P450s were reported to participate in cuticle formation and could be potential targets for pesticide synthesis.

RESULTS

The transcriptome of integuments of M. separata larvae was constructed, generating a total of 38 058 unigenes with an average length of 1243 bp. These unigenes are enriched in functional categories such as lipid transport and metabolism, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport and catabolism. Amongst unigenes, cytochrome P450s were identified and 66 unique P450s with complete open reading frames were named. These P450s were divided into 17 families and 32 subfamilies, containing conserved motifs such as helix C, helix I, helix K, and the heme‐binding region. RNA‐Seq and RT‐qPCR analyses showed different expression levels of P450s in integuments of M. separata larvae. Further RT‐qPCR analysis of P450s among different tissues showed that five P450s, especially CYP4G199, were specifically highly expressed in integuments. Moreover, knockdown of CYP4G199 disturbed cuticle formation, leading to imperfection in larval cuticle, and prevented pupation of M. separata.

CONCLUSION

Transcriptome of larval integuments provided sequence and expression of genes in M. separata. CYP4G199 is specifically highly expressed in larval integuments and is important for cuticle formation in M. separata.
C‐terminal tails mimicking bioactive intermediates cause different plasma degradation patterns and kinetics in neuropeptides γ‐MSH, α‐MSH, and neurotensin
Authors: Palazzi Luana , Pasquato Antonella , Vicario Mattia , Roulin Alexandre , Polverino de Laureto Patrizia , Cendron Laura
Published: August 2020

Peptides are attractive drugs because of their specificity and minimal off‐target effects. Short half‐lives are within their major drawbacks, limiting actual use in clinics. The golden standard in therapeutic peptide development implies identification of a minimal core sequence, then modified to increase stability through several strategies, including the introduction of nonnatural amino acids, cyclization, and lipidation. Here, we investigated plasma degradations of hormone sequences all composed of a minimal active core peptide and a C‐terminal extension. We first investigated pro‐opimelanocortin (POMC) γ2/γ3‐MSH hormone behavior and extended our analysis to POMC‐derived α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone/adrenocorticotropic hormone signaling neuropeptides and neurotensin. We demonstrated that in all the three cases analyzed in this study, few additional residues mimicking the natural sequence alter both peptide stability and the mechanism(s) of degradation of the minimal conserved functional pattern. Our results suggest that the impact of extensions on the bioactivity of a peptide drug has to be carefully evaluated throughout the optimization process.
Molecular characterization and immunohistochemical localization of tilapia piscidin 3 in response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia
Authors: Mahrous Karima F. , Mabrouk Dalia M. , Aboelenin Mohamad M. , Abd El‐Kader Heba A.M. , Gaafar Alkhateib Y. , Younes Abdelgayed M. , Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , Khalil Wagdy K.B. , Hassanane Mohamed S.
Published: August 2020

The antimicrobial activity of tilapia piscidin 3 (TP3) was determined in vitro against a locally isolated Aeromonas hydrophila. A 388 bp fragment was amplified from the TP3 cDNA and sequenced. The coding sequence (CDS) of TP3 was estimated to be 231 bp codes for 76 amino acids long and stop codon. In silico analysis was performed to detect both the signal peptide and the prodomain cleavage sites to follow the amino acids number 22 and 70, respectively. Based on this, a peptide 23 amino acids long with a remarkably high computed antimicrobial probability was synthesized and used in the subsequent experiments. The antimicrobial activity of TP3 was determined with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minim um bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. TP3 exhibited relatively weak antimicrobial activities against the tested bacteria. A challenge experiment was then performed in Nile tilapia with low and high doses of A. hydrophila, followed by timely recognition; after 3, 6, 24 h, and 7 days of the specific TP3 gene expression, immunohistochemical localization was also performed. Histopathological examination revealed provoked inflammatory responses and congestion in the same organs of TP3 expression. Immunohistochemical localization showed that A. hydrophila induced tilapia fish to express TP3 after 24 h within the gills, intestine, hepatopancreas, spleen, and posterior kidney. In quantitative real time (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, the high dose showed higher mRNA expression levels than the low dose, and its expression levels increased in the A. hydrophila‐infected fish. It was therefore concluded that TP3 plays an essential role in fish immunity.
Design and Simulation of a‐Si:H/PbS Colloidal Quantum Dots Monolithic Tandem Solar Cell for 12% Efficiency
Authors: Kashyap Savita , Pandey Rahul , Madan Jaya , Sharma Rajnish
Published: August 2020

Tandem solar cells (TSC) is the most promising photovoltaic technology, as it efficiently overcomes the thermalization and nonabsorption losses. In this context, thin‐film/colloidal quantum dot (CQD)‐based 2‐terminal monolithic TSCs are designed using a‐Si:H of wide bandgap (1.7 eV) as the top cell and PbS CQD of narrow bandgap (1.2 eV) as the bottom cell. Initially, top and bottom subcells are designed and calibrated to have state‐of‐the‐art power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 6.86% and 9.38%, respectively. Afterward, the thicknesses of the inverted bottom cell are optimized as 200 nm so as to obtain 8.34% efficiency. The standalone condition reflects current density (JSC)/open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 9.97 mA cm−2 and 0.91 V in the top cell and 21.28 mA cm−2/0.63 V in the bottom cell. Further, both subcells are evaluated for tandem configuration with ITO‐based interlayer to provide the current matching conditions. In the proposed tandem design, the thickness of the absorber layers is optimized to achieve the highest JSC, which is indeed limited by the top cell, due to a lower JSC value of 10.61 mA cm−2 in standalone conditions. Optimized tandem design with 200 nm/150 nm‐thick absorber layer‐based top/bottom subcell results in JSC of 10.52 mA cm−2, VOC of 1.59 V, FF of 71.65%, and PCE of 12.02%.
Free‐Space Communications Enabled by Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Pang Xiaodan , Ozolins Oskars , Zhang Lu , Schatz Richard , Udalcovs Aleksejs , Yu Xianbin , Jacobsen Gunnar , Popov Sergei , Chen Jiajia , Lourdudoss Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Future generations of wireless communication systems are expected to support orders of magnitude faster data transfer with much lower latency than the currently deployed solutions. Development of wireless transceivers of higher bandwidth, low energy consumption, and small footprint becomes challenging with radio frequency (RF) electronic technologies. Photonics‐assisted technologies show many advantages in generating signals of ultrabroad bandwidth at high carrier frequencies in the millimeter‐wave, terahertz, and IR bands. Among these frequency options, the mid‐IR band has recently attracted great interest for future wireless communication due to its intrinsic merits of low propagation loss and high tolerance of atmospheric perturbations. A promising source for mid‐IR free‐space communications is the semiconductor quantum cascade laser (QCL), which can be directly modulated at a high speed and facilitates monolithic integration for compact transceivers. Herein, the research and development of QCL‐based free‐space communications are reviewed and a recent experimental study of multi‐gigabit transmission with a directly modulated mid‐IR QCL and a commercial off‐the‐shelf IR photodetector is reported on. Up to 4 Gb s−1 transmission of two advanced modulation formats, namely, four‐level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM‐4) and discrete multitone (DMT) modulation, is demonstrated.
Thermally Activated Gold‐Mediated Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Exfoliation and a Unique Gold‐Mediated Transfer
Authors: Heyl Max , Burmeister David , Schultz Thorsten , Pallasch Sebastian , Ligorio Giovanni , Koch Norbert , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: August 2020

Layered materials like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) enable exciting new physics in their 2D limit. Combined with successful demonstrations of 2D transistors and devices, the need for high‐quality large‐scale monolayers increases. In this light, scalable gold‐mediated exfoliations attract broad attention to supersede the traditional scotch tape method as a means for high‐quality materials. Gold proved to be suitably adhesive for the exfoliation of several 2D materials, including TMDCs. Previously reported methods rely on a simple press and peel mechanism. However, herein, a gold‐mediated exfoliation enabled by low‐temperature annealing is presented for the first time. This simple modification potentially increases the range of external conditions under which gold‐mediated exfoliations operate in a robust manner. The exfoliation achieves scaling with parent crystal areas, rendering it on par with previously reported methods. On top of that, a unique gold‐mediated transfer concept is introduced, where gold is repurposed as a metallic (polymer‐free) transfer membrane. The transfer allows the deterministic and clean relocation of the exfoliated monolayers onto technologically relevant substrates like SiO2/Si. The process is benchmarked using MoS2 as the prototypical TMDC and monolayer areas up to ≈80 mm2 are successfully exfoliated and transferred.
An application of the mixed‐effects model and pattern mixture model to treatment groups with differential missingness suspected not‐missing‐at‐random
Authors: Gosho Masahiko , Maruo Kazushi
Published: August 2020

Likelihood‐based, mixed‐effects models for repeated measures (MMRMs) are occasionally used in primary analyses for group comparisons of incomplete continuous longitudinal data. Although MMRM analysis is generally valid under missing‐at‐random assumptions, it is invalid under not‐missing‐at‐random (NMAR) assumptions. We consider the possibility of bias of estimated treatment effect using standard MMRM analysis in a motivational case, and propose simple and easily implementable pattern mixture models within the framework of mixed‐effects modeling, to handle the NMAR data with differential missingness between treatment groups. The proposed models are a new form of pattern mixture model that employ a categorical time variable when modeling the outcome and a continuous time variable when modeling the missingness‐data patterns. The models can directly provide an overall estimate of the treatment effect of interest using the average of the distribution of the missingness indicator and a categorical time variable in the same manner as MMRM analysis. Our simulation results indicate that the bias of the treatment effect for MMRM analysis was considerably larger than that for the pattern mixture model analysis under NMAR assumptions. In the case study, it would be dangerous to interpret only the results of the MMRM analysis, and the proposed pattern mixture model would be useful as a sensitivity analysis for treatment effect evaluation.
A data‐driven maintenance policy for railway wheelset based on survival analysis and Markov decision process
Authors: de Almeida Costa Mariana , de Azevedo Peixoto Braga Joaquim Pedro , Ramos Andrade António
Published: August 2020

Wheelsets absorb a significant part of the maintenance budget of any train operating company. Although wheel wear has been an extensively discussed topic in the literature, wear rates are very rarely characterized by using degradation data in a real‐world case study aimed at identifying optimal maintenance policies including both degradation and recovery modeling. Furthermore, wheel defects, which impose an additional challenge to the modeling of the lifecycle of the wheels, are usually considered separately in the literature. In this study, conducted at a Portuguese train operating company, 17 years of inspection data are used to estimate wheel wear rates and survival curves, which are further incorporated into a Markov decision process (MDP) model. A bidimensional framework considering discrete intervals of wheel diameter along with a quantitative variable (kilometers since last turning/renewal) is used to represent the possible wheel states, while the probability of a defect interfering with the wheel maintenance schedule is modeled by contemplating survival curves derived from a Cox proportional‐hazards model. Optimal results in terms of minimal cost policy are discussed in the context of the MDP, but a more realistic and easy‐to‐implement policy fixing one of the parameters is compared with the optimal policy. Results showed that in practice train operating companies might benefit from using the easy‐to‐implement policy, which has an associated long‐run average cost only about 1% higher than the one suggested by the optimal decision map.
An extended CREAM model based on analytic network process under the type‐2 fuzzy environment for human reliability analysis in the high‐speed train operation
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Liu Xinwang , Qin Yong
Published: August 2020

Human error is one of the largest contributing factors to unsafe operation and accidents in high‐speed train operation. As a well‐known second‐generation human reliability analysis (HRA) technique, the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM) has been introduced to address HRA problems in various fields. Nevertheless, current CREAM models are insufficient to deal with the HRA problem that need to consider the interdependencies between the Common Performance Conditions (CPCs) and determine the weights of these CPCs, simultaneously. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid HRA model by integrating CREAM, the interval type‐2 fuzzy sets, and analytic network process (ANP) to overcome this drawback. Firstly, the interval type‐2 fuzzy sets are utilized to express the highly uncertain information of CPCs. Secondly, the ANP is incorporated into the CREAM to depict the interdependencies between the CPCs and determine their weights. Furthermore, human error probability (HEP) can be calculated based on the obtained weights. Finally, an illustrative example of the HRA problem in high‐speed train operation is proposed to demonstrate the application and validity of the proposed HRA model. The results indicate that experts prefer to express their preferences by fuzzy sets rather than crisp values, and the interdependences between the CPCs can be better depicted in the proposed model.