bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A minimal length uncertainty approach to cosmological constant problem
Authors: Diab Abdel Magied , Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: February 2021

Based on quantum mechanical framework for the minimal length uncertainty, we demonstrate that the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) parameter could be best constrained by recent gravitational waves observations on one hand. On the other hand, this suggests modified dispersion relations (MDRs) enabling an estimation for the difference between the group velocity of gravitons and that of photons. Utilizing features of the UV/IR correspondence and the obvious similarities between GUP (including non‐gravitating and gravitating impacts on Heisenberg uncertainty principle) and the discrepancy between the theoretical and the observed cosmological constant (apparently manifesting gravitational influences on the vacuum energy density), we suggest a possible solution for the cosmological constant problem.
The role of quark matter surface tension in magnetars
Authors: Grunfeld Ana Gabriela , Lugones Germán
Published: February 2021

In spite of its key role in compact star physics, the surface tension of quark matter is not well comprehended yet. In this work, we analyze the behavior of the surface tension of three‐flavor quark matter in the outer and inner core of cold deleptonized magnetars, proto magnetars born in core collapse supernovae, and hot magnetars produced in binary neutron stars mergers. We explore the role of temperature, baryon number density, trapped neutrinos, droplet size, and magnetic fields within the multiple reflection expansion formalism. Quark matter is described within the MIT bag model and is assumed to be in chemical equilibrium under weak interactions. We discuss some astrophysical consequences of our results.
Einstein and Møller energies of a particular asymptotically Reissner–Nordström non‐singular black hole solution
Authors: Radinschi Irina , Grammenos Theophanes , Sahoo Pradyumn Kumar , Chattopadhyay Surajit , Cazacu Marius Mihai
Published: February 2021

The localization of energy‐momentum for a four‐dimensional charged, static, and spherically symmetric, non‐singular black hole solution that asymptotically behaves as a Reissner–Nordström solution, is studied. The space–time geometry is distinguished by a particular distribution function entering the mass function m(r). The non‐singular character of the metric is warranted by the coupling of general relativity with a non‐linear electrodynamics, whereby the resulting electric field is everywhere non‐singular and asymptotically tends to the Maxwell field. The energy and momentum distributions are computed by applying the Einstein and Møller energy‐momentum complexes. It is found that all the momenta vanish, while the energies depend on the electric charge, the mass, and the radial coordinate. Finally, the behavior of the energies near the origin, near infinity, as well as in the case of a vanishing electric charge is examined.
Cyg X‐3: A gamma‐ray binary
Authors: Sinitsyna Vera G. , Sinitsyna Vera Yu.
Published: February 2021

Cygnus X‐3 (Cyg X‐3) is the famous binary system containing a black hole. It is actively studied through the wide range of electromagnetic spectra from radio band up to ultrahigh energies. Cyg X‐3 has long been considered an object for very high energy gamma‐ray observations. We present the results of more than 20‐year‐long studies of Cyg X‐3 in the range of 800 GeV to 100 TeV with the SHALON telescope. The detected TeV γ‐ray source was identified with Cyg X‐3 based on the detection of the γ‐ray flux modulation during the orbital period of this binary system of 4.8 hr. The detected modulation of TeV γ‐ray emission with orbit, together with the high luminosity of the companion star of Cyg X‐3 and the close orbit, leads to the efficient generation of the part of γ‐ray emission in the inverse Compton scattering. The correlation of TeV flux increases with the flaring activity of Cyg X‐3 in X‐ray and radio ranges is found, which could be associated with powerful mass ejections from the central regions around the black hole.
Enzyme engineering and its industrial applications
Authors: Victorino da Silva Amatto Isabela , Gonsales da Rosa‐Garzon Nathalia , Antônio de Oliveira Simões Flávio , Santiago Fernanda , Pereira da Silva Leite Nathália , Raspante Martins Júlia , Cabral Hamilton
Published: February 2021

Recently, there has been an increase in the demand for enzymes with modified activity, specificity, and stability. Enzyme engineering is an important tool to meet the demand for enzymes adjusted to different industrial processes. Knowledge of the structure and function of enzymes guides the choice of the best strategy for engineering enzymes. Each enzyme engineering strategy, such as rational design, directed evolution, and semi‐rational design, has specific applications, as well as limitations, which must be considered when choosing a suitable strategy. Engineered enzymes can be optimized for different industrial applications by choosing the appropriate strategy. This review features engineered enzymes that have been applied in food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, medical applications, bioremediation, biofuels, and detergents.
Standortübergreifende Forschung zu Carbonbetonstrukturen im SFB/TRR 280
Authors: Beckmann Birgit , Bielak Jan , Scheerer Silke , Schmidt Christopher , Hegger Josef , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2021

Neue Materialien ermöglichen neue Bauformen und Konstruktionsarten. Erste Bauprojekte mit den neuen Materialien zeigten aber, dass zunächst weiterhin nach traditionellen – im Falle von Carbonbeton dem Stahlbeton entlehnten – Konstruktionsprinzipien gebaut wird, herkömmliche Materialien also lediglich substituiert werden. Erst in Verbindung mit intelligenten Konstruktionsstrategien wird das volle Potenzial innovativer Werkstoffe ausgenutzt. Losgelöst von etablierten Denkmustern sollen im Sonderforschungsbereich/Transregio (SFB/TRR) 280 „Konstruktionsstrategien für materialminimierte Carbonbetonstrukturen – Grundlagen für eine neue Art zu bauen“ an der Technischen Universität Dresden und der RWTH Aachen University die Grundlagen für eine neue Form des Bauens mit Beton auf Basis tiefgreifender Erkenntnisse zum strukturmechanischen Verhalten neuartiger, mineralisch basierter Komposite geschaffen werden. Die neuen Leichtbau‐Konstruktionsstrategien und Werkstoffkombinationen reduzieren Ressourcen‐ und Energieverbrauch bei gleichzeitig hoher Gebrauchstauglichkeit, Tragsicherheit und Dauerhaftigkeit; eine anspruchsvolle Ästhetik leistet einen Beitrag zur Baukultur. Der langjährige Forschungsverbund von TU Dresden und RWTH Aachen vereint exzellente Kompetenzen, was die Erforschung des materialminimierten Bauens mit mineralischen Kompositen beflügeln wird. Im Beitrag werden die für den Zeitraum Juli 2020 bis Juni 2024 geplanten Forschungsaktivitäten vorgestellt.
Dorsal penile nerve block alleviates pain in men undergoing rigid cystoscopy: A single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Qiu Yan , Liu Xinhao , Wei Wuran , Du Guizhi
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) compared with tetracaine gel in analgesia for men undergoing rigid cystoscopy.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and single‐center trial. Men undergoing diagnostic rigid cystoscopy were randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 86 each): (1) tetracaine gel group (DPNB with saline), (2) DPNB group (DPNB with ropivacaine + plain lubricant), and (3) combination group (DPNB with ropivacaine + tetracaine gel). The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at cystoscopic inspection of the external sphincter.

Results

VAS (median [interquartile]) at inspection of the external sphincter was significantly lower in both DPNB and combination groups than that in tetracaine gel group (4 [3–6] and 4 [3–5] vs 6 [5–7], P < .0001), with a 33% reduction of median VAS. Overall pain level during procedure was significantly alleviated in the DPNB and combination groups with more stabilized HR and MAP when compared with tetracaine gel group. No adverse events were observed during DPNB including penile hematoma, erection, local anesthetic toxicosis or incompletion of cystoscopy.

Conclusion

Our study suggests analgesia provided by DPNB with or without tetracaine gel instilled is superior to that provided by tetracaine gel alone in men undergoing diagnostic rigid cystoscopy.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02502487.
Is mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production proportional to oxygen consumption? A theoretical consideration
Authors: Hou Chen , Metcalfe Neil B. , Salin Karine
Published: February 2021

It has been assumed that at the whole organismal level, the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is proportional to the oxygen consumption. Recently, a number of researchers have challenged this assumption, based on the observation that the ROS production per unit oxygen consumed in the resting state of mitochondrial respiration is much higher than that in the active state. Here, we develop a simple model to investigate the validity of the assumption and the challenge of it. The model highlights the significance of the time budget that mitochondria operate in the different respiration states. The model suggests that under three physiologically possible conditions, the difference in ROS production per unit oxygen consumed between the respiration states does not upset the proportionality between the whole animal ROS production and oxygen consumption. The model also shows that mitochondrial uncoupling generally enhances the proportionality.
Pulmonary fibrosis: Therapeutic and mechanistic insights into the role of phytochemicals
Authors: Hosseini Seyede Atefe , Zahedipour Fatemeh , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the devastating consequence of various inflammatory diseases of the lung. PF leads to a reduction of lung function, respiratory failure, and death. Several molecular pathways are involved in PF, such as inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), tumor necrosis factor β1 (TNFβ1), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and interleukin 4 (IL‐4), reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteases, and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β). Targeting these processes involved in the progression of PF is essential for the treatment of this disease. Natural products, including plant extracts and active compound that directly target the processes involved in PF, could be suitable therapeutic options with less adverse effects. In the present study, we reviewed the protective effects and the therapeutic role of various bioactive compounds from plants in PF management.
Seizures as onset symptoms and rapid course in preschool children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: Liao Shuang , Zhong Min , Zou Nan , Li Tingsong , Jiang Li
Published: February 2021

Background

The clinical features and outcomes of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in younger children are different from those of adults, leading easily to misdiagnosis during the early stage. So far, there are limited data related to SSPE in preschool children.

Methods

In order to summarize the clinical data and evolution of SSPE in preschool children and to expand the phenotypes of SSPE, the medical charts of preschool patients diagnosed with SSPE were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed; the clinical outcomes of the enrolled cases were evaluated and followed up.

Results

Overall, we included three cases in the study. Their onset age was 5 years and 2 months, 4 years and 3 months, and 4 years and 2 months, respectively. All patients presented drop attacks or jerks as the onset symptom, and one patient had concurrent gait disturbance. Atypical periodic complexes on electroencephalography (EEG) were recorded in all patients. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of two cases showed demyelinating lesions predominantly on the white matter. The neurological conditions of all cases deteriorated rapidly. Two children died at 21 months and 6 months after onset, respectively. The other case progressively developed vegetative status and akinetic mutism within 4 months.

Conclusions

In younger children, the characteristic features of SSPE may be seizures and gait instability as onset manifestations, atypical periodic complexes on EEG, and rapid worsening of neurological conditions.
Aberrant central plasticity underlying synchronous sensory phenomena in brachial plexus injuries after contralateral cervical seventh nerve transfer
Authors: Cai Zeyu , Lei Gaowei , Li Jie , Shen Yundong , Gu Yudong , Feng Juntao , Xu Wendong
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds

Contralateral cervical seventh (C7) nerve transfer aids motor and sensory recovery in total brachial plexus avulsion injuries (TBPI), but synchronous sensation often persists postoperatively. The mechanism underlying synchronous sensory phenomena remain largely unknown.

Objective

To investigate the role of central plasticity in sensory recovery after contralateral C7 nerve transfer.

Methods

Sixteen right TBPI patients who received contralateral C7 nerve transfer for more than 2 years were included. Sensory evaluations included Semmes–Weinstein monofilament assessment (SWM), synchronous sensation test, and sensory evoked action potential (SNAP) test. Smaller value in the SWM assessment and larger amplitude of SNAP indicates better tactile sensory. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed while stimulations delivered to each hand separately in block‐design trials for central plasticity analysis.

Results

The SWM value of the injured right hand was increased compared with the healthy left side (difference: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.37–2.15, p < .001), and all 16 patients developed synchronous sensation. In functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, sensory representative areas of the injured right hand were located in its ipsilateral S1, and 23.4% of this area overlapped with the representative area of the left hand. The ratio of overlap for each patient was significantly correlated with SWM value and SNAP amplitude of the right hand.

Conclusion

The tactile sensory functioning of the injured hand was dominated by its ipsilateral SI in long‐term observation, and its representative area largely overlapped with the representative area of the intact hand, which possibly reflected a key mechanism of synchronous sensation in patients with TBPI after contralateral C7 transfer.
Prospective study of plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk in a low‐income population in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Shidal Chris , Yoon Hyung‐Suk , Zheng Wei , Wu Jie , Franke Adrian A. , Blot William J. , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Cai Qiuyin
Published: February 2021

Background

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a ubiquitous molecule in living organisms serving as a cofactor in energy production. Epidemiological studies have reported low CoQ10 levels being associated with an increased risk of various cancers. We conducted the first study to evaluate the association of CoQ10 concentrations with lung cancer risk.

Methods

A nested case‐control study including 201 lung cancer cases and 395 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study was conducted. Plasma CoQ10 levels were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with photo‐diode array detection. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk.

Results

Plasma CoQ10 concentration was inversely associated with the risk of lung cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, the OR (95% CI) comparing the third to first tertile was 0.57 (0.36–0.91, P for trend = 0.02). Further adjustments for smoking, alcohol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and body mass index attenuated the point estimate slightly (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.34–1.08, P for trend = 0.11), comparing third to first tertiles. Stratified analyses identified a significant inverse association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk in current smokers, but not in former/never smokers. The association was more evident in cases who were diagnosed within 1 year of blood draw than in cases diagnosed after 1 year.

Conclusions

Low plasma CoQ10 was significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk, particularly among current smokers. The stronger association seen shortly following the blood draw suggests that CoQ10 may be related to disease progression.
Two‐Dimensional Polydopamine Positive Electrodes for High‐Capacity Alkali Metal‐Ion Storage
Authors: Lee Byeongyong , Lee Kyungbin , Li Mochen , Noda Suguru , Lee Seung Woo
Published: February 2021

Redox‐active organic compounds have attracted substantial attention as charge storage materials, owing to their high theoretical capacity. Herein, a two‐dimensional organic electrode material is prepared by using hydrothermally polymerized dopamine molecules on graphene nanosheets. Two‐dimensional polydopamine is employed as a positive electrode for storing alkali metal ions based on the surface redox reaction between oxygen functional groups and alkali ions. The two‐dimensional polydopamine positive electrodes deliver high capacities of 255 mAh g−1 in Li cells, 150 mAh g−1 in Na cells, and 124 mAh g−1 in K cells at 0.1 A g−1, demonstrating a promising organic positive electrode for rechargeable alkali‐ion batteries.
Forschungsarbeiten am Institut für Verfahrenstechnik der Otto‐von‐Guericke‐Universität Magdeburg
Authors: Reichl Udo , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Sundmacher Kai , Tsotsas Evangelos , van Wachem Berend
Published: February 2021

Seit der Gründung der Otto‐von‐Guericke‐Universität Magdeburg (OVGU) wurde der Forschungsbereich Verfahrenstechnik dort stetig ausgebaut. Heute umfasst die Fakultät für Verfahrens‐ und Systemtechnik der OVGU die vier Institute Verfahrenstechnik, Chemie, Strömungstechnik und Thermodynamik sowie Apparate‐ und Umwelttechnik. In diesem Beitrag stellen die fünf Lehrstühle des Instituts für Verfahrenstechnik (Bioprozesstechnik, Chemische Verfahrenstechnik, Systemverfahrenstechnik, Thermische Verfahrenstechnik und Mechanische Verfahrenstechnik) ihre Forschungsaktivitäten anhand ausgewählter Projekte vor.
Lüftungsanlagen optimieren
Authors: Staffa Christoph
Published: February 2021

Die Corona Pandemie ausgelöst durch SARS‐CoV‐2 sorgt für verstärkte Diskussionen Über Innenraumlufthygiene in Deutschland. Ein Baustein dabei ist die Ausstattung von Lüftungsanlagen oder Raumlufttechnischen (RLT) Anlagen. Diese leisten einen wichtigen Bei
Dynamische Membranfiltration
Authors: Hoffner Udo
Published: February 2021

Die Filtration von feinstkörnigen Füllstoffen und Pigmenten erfordert ein leistungsstarkes und gleichzeitig produktschonendes Trennverfahren. Das Bokela BoCross Dynamic Filter bietet für solche herausfordernde Anwendungen zuverlässige Lösungen.
Kleiner, einfacher, besser
Authors: Jung Stefan
Published: February 2021

Durch das ATEX‐konforme Anlagenkonzept Condux Compact wird die Installation einer leistungsfähigen Mahlanlage für zahlreiche Produkte nun deutlich einfacher, denn Explosionsschutzventile oder Explosions‐Unterdrückungseinrichtungen, Explosions‐Entkoppelung
Diabetes and atrial fibrillation in hospitalized patients in the United States
Authors: Kumar Nilay , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: February 2021

Background

Data on the burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with diabetes among hospitalized patients are scarce. We assessed the AF‐related hospitalizations trends in patients with diabetes, and compared AF outcomes in patients with diabetes to those without diabetes.

Hypothesis

AF‐related health outcomes differ between patient with diabetes and without diabetes.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2004–2014, we studied trends in AF hospitalization rate among diabetic patients, and compared in‐hospital case fatality rate, length of stay (LOS), cost and utilization of rhythm control therapies, and 30‐day readmission rate between patients with and without diabetes. Logistic or Cox regression models were used to assess the differences in AF outcomes by diabetes status.

Results

Over the study period, there were 4 325 522 AF‐related hospitalizations, of which 1 075 770 (24.9%) had a diagnosis of diabetes. There was a temporal increase in AF hospitalization rate among diabetic patients (10.4 to 14.4 per 1000 hospitalizations among patients with diabetes; +4.4% yearly change, p‐trend < .0001). Among AF patients, those with diabetes had a lower in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.65–0.72) and LOS (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94–0.96), but no difference in costs (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94–0.96) and a higher 30‐day rate of readmissions compared with no diabetes (aHR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01–1.08), compared to individuals without diabetes.

Conclusion

AF and diabetes coexist among hospitalized patients, with rising trends over the last decade. Diabetes is associated with lower rates in‐hospital adverse AF outcomes, but a higher 30‐day readmission risk.
Diagnostic value of a comprehensive, urothelial carcinoma–specific next‐generation sequencing panel in urine cytology and bladder tumor specimens
Authors: Sun Tong , Hutchinson Lloyd , Tomaszewicz Keith , Caporelli Mandi‐Lee , Meng Xiuling , McCauley Kathleen , Fischer Andrew H. , Cosar Ediz F. , Cornejo Kristine M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Urine cytology can reliably diagnose high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) but not low‐grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC), and a more sensitive test is needed. Previously, a pilot study highlighted the possible diagnostic utility of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in identifying both LGUC and HGUC in urine cytology specimens.

Methods

Twenty‐eight urine ThinPrep cytology specimens and preceding or subsequent bladder tumor biopsy/resection specimens obtained within 3 months were included in the study (LGUC, n = 15; HGUC, n = 13). A customized, bladder‐specific NGS panel was performed; it covered 69 frequently mutated or altered genes in urothelial carcinoma (UC) that were reported by The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer.

Results

The sequencing results were compared between the urine cytology specimens and the corresponding bladder tumor biopsies/resections. TP53 was the most frequently identified mutation in HGUC cases (11 of 13 [85%]). PIK3CA and KDM6A were the most frequently identified mutations in LGUC: they occurred in 7 of 15 cases (47%) and in 6 of 15 cases (40%), respectively. Additional frequent mutations identified in the panel included ARID1A (n = 5), EP300 (n = 4), LRP1B (n = 3), ERBB2 (n = 2), STAG2 (n = 2), FGFR3 (n = 3), MLL (n = 2), MLL3 (n = 2), CREBBP1 (n = 1), RB1 (n = 1), and FAT4 (n = 1). Overall, the concordance between the cytology and surgical specimens was 75%. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying mutations in urine cytology specimens were 84% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

A bladder‐specific NGS panel increases the sensitivity and specificity of urine cytology's diagnostic utility in both low‐ and high‐grade tumors and may serve as a noninvasive surveillance method in the follow‐up of patients with UC harboring known mutations.
Native Isolation of 3×HA‐Tagged Protein Complexes to Characterize Protein‐Protein Interactions
Authors: Lim JiaWen , Iftner Thomas , Simon Claudia
Published: February 2021

Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) is a straightforward method that is widely used in studying direct protein‐protein interactions in physiological environments. This technique is based on the antigen‐antibody interaction: the protein of interest (bait) is captured by a specific antibody, followed by antibody‐bait precipitation. The proteins interacting with the bait protein (prey) co‐precipitate with the antibody‐bait complex from a cell lysate as an antibody‐bait/prey complex. Nowadays, a variety of surface‐functionalized materials with antibodies immobilized on agarose or magnetic beads are available, replacing the precipitation of antibodies and simplifying the application. However, unspecific binding of cellular proteins to matrix surfaces and/or antibodies has become a common issue. Unspecific binding that leads to false‐positive signals and a high background can hamper further analysis. Our protocol describes a strategy to tremendously reduce unspecific background when isolating native proteins and protein complexes. Instead of eluting our samples under denaturing conditions, we elute triple hemagglutinin (3×HA)‐tagged bait/prey complexes in their native form with a competitive peptide simulating the 3×HA tag of the bait protein. Matrix‐unspecific interacting proteins and Co‐IP antibodies remain on the matrix instead of being eluted under conventionally applied denaturing conditions. We optimized the elution by altering incubation time, eluent concentration, and temperature. These improvements result in more pure proteins. This strategy not only reduces background in SDS‐PAGE and western blot but also allows complex characterization in vitro. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.
Photoluminescence Mechanism in Heavily Si‐Doped GaAsN
Authors: Tsukasaki Takashi , Hiyoshi Ren , Fujita Miki , Makimoto Toshiki
Published: February 2021

The photoluminescence (PL) mechanism is discussed for heavily Si‐doped GaAsN, and the evaluation method of electron effective mass (me*) is proposed using its PL peak energy. PL peak energy monotonically decreases as increasing temperature, so the S‐shape characteristic is vanished for this heavily Si‐doped GaAsN as opposed to moderately Si‐doped GaAsN. This result shows that the dominant PL process is an optical transition from the Fermi energy to the top of valence band independent of temperature for this heavily Si‐doped GaAsN, as with degenerate n‐type GaAs. Because PL peak energy is expressed by the sum of bandgap energy, the increased energy of the Burstein–Moss effect, and the decreased energy of the bandgap narrowing, me* is calculated to be 0.098 m0 for this heavily Si‐doped GaAsN with nitrogen composition of 0.6%, where m0 is the electron mass. This result agrees well with previous studies, meaning that the method for estimation of me is effective for dilute GaAsN.
Prediction of Particle Number Density in Suspension by Measuring the Sizes of Bubbles Generated During Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Asakuma Yusuke , Shibatani Atsuya , Kan Haruka , Saptoro Agus
Published: February 2021

Past studies report that nucleation promotion is induced by quick heating of microwave in nanoparticle synthesis. However, how the nucleation promotion quantitatively affects particle number density is still unclear. In this study, the number density is predicted using bubble size profiles measured under microwave irradiation. This idea is based on a finding that the maximum bubble size during the irradiation is closely related to the particle number density due to homogeneous distribution of microwave absorbance energy to the particles. The results indicate that when solute concentration or anti‐solvent concentration is higher, the particle number density also increases due to the nucleation promotion caused by microwave quick heating. This new approach can be expected as an innovative and rapid method for quantitative estimation of particle number density in microwave‐assisted nanoparticle manufacture.
Modulation on Radiative Recombination Rate of CdS Nanobelts by Selective Rare Earth Ions
Authors: Ji Xu , Cheng Shuang
Published: February 2021

Rare earth ions Er3+, La3+, and Y3+ have been introduced into the lattice of CdS nanobelts (NBs) to modulate its radiative recombination rate (RRR) during photoluminescence (PL) process. It is found that these ions have different quenching effects on the RRRs of direct interband transition and defect related transition. Only the former is greatly reduced through Er3+ doping, however, both of them are suppressed to a certain extent by La3+ and Y3+ doping. It is valuable that specific solid color luminescence can be realized through well‐chosen rare earth ions.
Dissecting the role of TP53 alterations in del(11q) chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Quijada‐Álamo Miguel , Pérez‐Carretero Claudia , Hernández‐Sánchez María , Rodríguez‐Vicente Ana‐Eugenia , Herrero Ana‐Belén , Hernández‐Sánchez Jesús‐María , Martín‐Izquierdo Marta , Santos‐Mínguez Sandra , del Rey Mónica , González Teresa , Rubio‐Martínez Araceli , García de Coca Alfonso , Dávila‐Valls Julio , Hernández‐Rivas José‐Ángel , Parker Helen , Strefford Jonathan C. , Benito Rocío , Ordóñez José‐Luis , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐María
Published: February 2021

Background

Several genetic alterations have been identified as driver events in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis and oncogenic evolution. Concurrent driver alterations usually coexist within the same tumoral clone, but how the cooperation of multiple genomic abnormalities contributes to disease progression remains poorly understood. Specifically, the biological and clinical consequences of concurrent high‐risk alterations such as del(11q)/ATM‐mutations and del(17p)/TP53‐mutations have not been established.

Methods

We integrated next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 techniques to characterize the in vitro and in vivo effects of concurrent monoallelic or biallelic ATM and/or TP53 alterations in CLL prognosis, clonal evolution, and therapy response.

Results

Targeted sequencing analysis of the co‐occurrence of high‐risk alterations in 271 CLLs revealed that biallelic inactivation of both ATM and TP53 was mutually exclusive, whereas monoallelic del(11q) and TP53 alterations significantly co‐occurred in a subset of CLL patients with a highly adverse clinical outcome. We determined the biological effects of combined del(11q), ATM and/or TP53 mutations in CRISPR/Cas9‐edited CLL cell lines. Our results showed that the combination of monoallelic del(11q) and TP53 mutations in CLL cells led to a clonal advantage in vitro and in in vivo clonal competition experiments, whereas CLL cells harboring biallelic ATM and TP53 loss failed to compete in in vivo xenotransplants. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CLL cell lines harboring del(11q) and TP53 mutations show only partial responses to B cell receptor signaling inhibitors, but may potentially benefit from ATR inhibition.

Conclusions

Our work highlights that combined monoallelic del(11q) and TP53 alterations coordinately contribute to clonal advantage and shorter overall survival in CLL.
IACO‐ERP: An improved ACO‐based energy‐efficient routing protocol for fog‐based WSNs
Authors: Moussa Noureddine , Hamidi‐Alaoui Zakaria , El Belrhiti El Alaoui Abdelbaki
Published: February 2021

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) present numerous constraints, which motivate many researchers and which reside mainly in the fact that their resources are limited in terms of communication, calculations, and energy. In particular, the stress linked to energy is considered as a fundamental problem. Indeed, all the sensor elements need energy to function. Thus, controlling the energy consumption of a node remains a major problem for maximizing the lifetime of the network. The clustering and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms have been seen as a good solution to route data while maintaining a better network lifetime. However, the existing state‐of‐the‐art cluster and ACO‐based routing protocols perform re‐clustering and fail to restrict the ant searching scope. This consumes a high amount of energy and makes the convergence speed slow. For these reasons, this paper presents an Improved ACO‐based Energy‐efficient Routing Protocol (IACO‐ERP) to mitigate the hot spot problem by proposing a multiple Fog Nodes (FNs)‐based energy‐efficient network model. IACO‐ERP avoids re‐clustering and rotates the Cluster Head (CH) role based on energy among cluster members without any need for control overhead, and also, it proposes to limit the scope of ant searching for optimal route toward the sink based on some specific parameters such as energy and distance, thus avoiding routing loop, slow convergence speed, and excessive energy consumption. The proposed routing protocol is evaluated against some recent and relevant existing solutions. The simulations results reveal that IACO‐ERP provides significant improvement in comparison to its counterparts in terms of various main metrics.
Ancient DNA preserved in small bone fragments from the P.W. Lund collection
Authors: Seersholm Frederik V. , Hansen Kasper Lykke , Heydenrych Matthew , Hansen Anders J. , Bunce Michael , Allentoft Morten E.
Published: February 2021

The Lund collection is one of the oldest subfossil collections in the world. The vast assemblage of subfossils was collected in the 1830s and 1840s by Peter Wilhelm Lund in Lagoa Santa, Brazil, and was shipped to Copenhagen in 1848, where it was stored in various locations around the city with little attention for the future preservation of the collection. So far, successful genetic research on the material collected by Lund has been limited to two samples of human petrous bone. However, less is known about the preservation conditions of the vast amounts of small and fragmentary bones stored in the collection. To address this, we studied ancient DNA from bulk bone samples of approximately 100 bone fragments from the P.W. Lund collection from boxes with varying degrees of physical preservation conditions. Using bulk bone metabarcoding, we found a high species diversity in all samples. In total, we identified 17 species, representing 11 mammals, two birds, one fish, and three frogs. Of these, two species are new to the collection. Collectively, these results exhibit the potential of future genetic studies on the famous P.W. Lund collection and suggest that the effects of poor storage conditions are probably negligible compared with the long‐term in situ degradation that specimens undergo before excavation.
Fatty acid stable isotopes add clarity, but also complexity, to tracing energy pathways in aquatic food webs
Authors: Chiapella Ariana M. , Kainz Martin J. , Strecker Angela L.
Published: February 2021

Tracing the flow of dietary energy sources, especially in systems with a high degree of omnivory, is an ongoing challenge in ecology. In aquatic systems, one of the persistent challenges is in differentiating between autochthonous and allochthonous energy sources to top consumers. Bulk carbon stable isotope values of aquatic and terrestrial prey often overlap, making it difficult to delineate dietary energy pathways in food webs with high allochthonous prey subsidies, such as in many northern temperate waterbodies. We conducted a feeding experiment to explore how fatty acid stable isotopes may overcome the challenge of partitioning autochthonous and allochthonous energy pathways in aquatic consumers. We fed hatchery‐reared Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) diets of either benthic invertebrates, terrestrial earthworms, or a mixture of both. We then compared how the stable carbon isotopes of fatty acids (δ13CFA) distinguished between diet items and respective treatments in S. alpinus liver and muscle tissues, relative to bulk stable isotopes and fatty acid profiles. Although a high degree of variability of fatty acid stable carbon isotope values was present in all three measures, our results suggest that the ability of this method to overcome the challenges of bulk stable isotopes may be overstated. Finally, our study highlights the importance of further experimental investigation, and consideration of physiological and biochemical processes when employing this emerging method.
Carvedilol prevents impairment of the counterregulatory response in recurrently hypoglycaemic diabetic rats
Authors: Farhat Rawad , de Santana‐Van Vliet Eliane , Su Gong , Neely Levi , Benally Thea , Chan Owen
Published: February 2021

Aim

It has been suggested that repeated activation of the adrenergic system during antecedent episodes of hypoglycaemia contributes to the development of counterregulatory failure. We previously reported that treatment with carvedilol, a non‐specific β‐blocker, prevented the development of counterregulatory failure and improved hypoglycaemia awareness in recurrently hypoglycaemic non‐diabetic rats. The current study investigated whether carvedilol has similar benefits in diabetic rats.

Methods

Recurrently hypoglycaemic streptozotocin‐diabetic rats (STZ+RH) were treated with carvedilol for one week prior to undergoing a hypoglycaemic clamp. Hypoglycaemia awareness was evaluated in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats made hypoglycaemia unaware using repeated injections of 2‐deoxyglucose.

Results

Compared to hypoglycaemia‐naïve STZ‐diabetic controls, exogenous glucose requirements were more than doubled in the STZ+RH animals and this was associated with a 49% reduction in the epinephrine response to hypoglycaemia. Treating STZ+RH animals with carvedilol improved the epinephrine response to hypoglycaemia. Of note, neither recurrent hypoglycaemia nor carvedilol treatment affected the glucagon response in diabetic animals. Additionally, carvedilol treatment improved the feeding response to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in diabetic animals made ‘hypoglycaemia unaware’ using repeated injections of 2‐deoxyglucose, suggesting the treatment improved awareness of hypoglycaemia as well.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that carvedilol may be useful in preventing impairments of the sympathoadrenal response and the development of hypoglycaemia unawareness during recurring episodes of hypoglycaemia in diabetic animals.
Monitoring a minuscule madtom: Environmental DNA surveillance of the endangered pygmy madtom (Noturus stanauli Etnier & Jenkins 1980) in the Duck and Clinch rivers, Tennessee
Authors: Paine Robert T. R. , Hurt Carla R. , Mattingly Hayden T.
Published: February 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection has been shown to be an effective biosurveillance tool for freshwater fishes, but further research is needed to apply eDNA detection tools to small and rare fishes in large rivers. We developed an eDNA surveillance assay and protocol for monitoring the presence of the pygmy madtom (Noturus stanauli), a federally protected freshwater fish endemic to the Clinch and Duck rivers in Tennessee (United States, North America). Noturus stanauli is a diminutive fish that is exceedingly rare throughout its range; it is currently known only from a 115‐river‐km section of the Duck River and a 5‐river‐km section of the Clinch River. The aim of this research was to develop an eDNA assay to detect the presence of N. stanauli in both the Duck and Clinch rivers. We used this newly developed eDNA protocol to assess detection as a function of water depth and to further delineate the distribution of N. stanauli in both the Duck and Clinch rivers. Field sampling was performed to delineate the extent of N. stanauli's range in both rivers. Our results indicated that samples collected from three areas within the water column, as well as a sediment core samples, yielded equal detection rates. Our assay detected the presence of N. stanauli at a previously unknown site outside the current distribution in the Clinch River, located approximately 2.5‐river‐km downstream from the Tennessee‐Virginia state line. We demonstrated that eDNA detection is a promising tool for delineating the distribution of N. stanauli; however, further research is needed to assess environmental and life history variables that influence eDNA detection probability of small fish in large rivers.
The impact of frailty according to Clinical Frailty Scale on clinical outcome in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kanenawa Kenji , Isotani Akihiro , Yamaji Kyohei , Nakamura Miho , Tanaka Yuichi , Hirose‐Inui Kaoru , Fujioka Shimpei , Mori Shintaro , Yano Mariko , Ito Shinya , Morinaga Takashi , Fukunaga Masato , Hyodo Makoto , Ando Kenji
Published: February 2021

Aims

There is currently no gold standard in evaluating frailty in patients with heart failure (HF), and the prognostic value of frailty according to the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) on mortality in patients with HF is still unknown.

Methods and results

Among consecutive 596 patients after their discharge from HF in Kokura Memorial Hospital (Kitakyushu, Japan) during 2015, their frailty at discharge was assessed according to CFS. Patients were classified into three groups: low (N = 232, 38.9%), intermediate (N = 230, 38.6%), and high (N = 134, 22.5%). The primary endpoint was defined as 2 year all‐cause death. The mean age was 76.6 ± 10.1 years, and 55.3% were men in entire cohort. There were significant differences in age, living environment, and dementia among low, intermediate, and high CFS groups. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and co‐morbidities such as severe renal failure and severe anaemia tended to increase with frailty severity, while body mass index (BMI) and albumin level tended to decrease with frailty severity. Two year cumulative incidences of all‐cause death for the three groups were 12.8%, 25.4%, and 52.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. This significant difference in the risk for all‐cause death among the CFS groups was driven by the risk for cardiac (8.6%, 14.2%, and 31.0%, respectively, P < 0.001) and non‐cardiac death (4.6%, 13.0%, and 31.4%, respectively, P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that high frailty was independently associated with all‐cause death (intermediate CFS group: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43, 95% confidence interval, 0.86–2.36, P = 0.16; high CFS group: adjusted hazard ratio, 3.90, 95% confidence interval, 2.32–6.55, P < 0.001), and this result was consistent, irrespective of stratification based on age, sex, BMI, and LVEF without significant interaction.

Conclusions

The simple CFS tool was successful in predicting the risk for all‐cause death in patients with HF, and frailty according to CFS was independently associated with all‐cause death irrespective of stratification based on age, sex, BMI, and LVEF without significant interaction. The CFS is a valuable prognostic tool in clinical settings.
Different kinds of energy harvesters from human activities
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Geng , Han Bing , Liu Xiaoli
Published: February 2021

Human has abundant energy and can achieve energy from different human daily activities with energy harvesters. It can provide power for the wearable electronic devices, and the micro implanted electronic devices. Achieve the purpose of assisting movement, reducing metabolism, detecting life signals, and measuring metabolism level. Energy sources are mainly divided into mechanical energy and biochemical energy. According to the biomechanical energy achieved from different parts of the body, the energy harvesters are classified. The working principle, design idea, wearing style, and materials of the energy harvesters are compared and analyzed. It is indicated that the biochemical energy harvesting technology based on cell and molecular level is an innovative method which can be used for low‐power devices with great potential. While mechanical energy technology based on the principle can achieve more energy, but larger and heavy structure will lead to poor wearing experience. Meanwhile, they should complement each other and excavate human energy. This paper is not only a summary of the current research, but also points to weaknesses and outlines possible improvements that are suitable for practical applications through comparison and analysis of different energy harvesters.

Novelty Statement

Human has abundant energy and can achieve energy from different daily activities. Energy sources are divided into mechanical energy and biochemical energy. The biochemical energy harvesters based on cell and molecular level is an innovative method which can be used for low‐power devices. While mechanical energy harvesters can achieve more energy. This paper provides useful information for researchers to develop energy harvesters suitable for practical application in daily life.
Functional beverages improve insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis modulating lysophospholipids in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Rubio‐Rodríguez Julio C. , Reynoso‐Camacho Rosalia , Rocha‐Guzmán Nuria , Salgado Luis M.
Published: February 2021

Hypercaloric beverages increase the prevalence of insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diets with polyphenolic compounds improved these alterations. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of three functional beverages (prepared with: Roselle, green tea, cinnamon, Malabar tamarind, and peppermint in different proportions) on insulin resistance and NAFLD and their relation to liver phospholipid regulation in Wistar rats fed with a high‐fat and fructose (HFF) diet. The consumption of beverages showed lower liver triglycerides compared to HFF control group, being the called beverage B the successful triggering up to 30.1%. The consumption of functional beverages improved insulin resistance and decreased the abundance of LysoPC (20:2), LysoPC (16:0), LysoPC (14:0), LysoPE (18:0), LysoPC (15:0), and LysoPC (20:1), with beverage C being the one with the meaningful effect. The results indicate that the functional beverage consumption improves insulin resistance, and decrease the degree of NAFLD, these through modifications of lysophosphatidylcholines, and lipids metabolism.
Proteomic analysis of drought stress response mechanism in soybean (Glycine max L.) leaves
Authors: Yahoueian Seyed Hamid , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Babaei Hamid Reza , Bazargani Mitra Mohammadi
Published: February 2021

Knowledge of the physiological and molecular mechanisms of drought responses is fundamental for developing genetically drought tolerant and high yielding crops. To understand molecular mechanism of drought tolerance of soybean (Glycine max L.), we compared leaf proteome patterns of in two genotypes GN‐3074 (drought tolerant) and GN‐2032 (drought‐sensitive) under drought stress during vegetative stage. Proteins were extracted from leaves of well‐watered and drought‐treated plants by using the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)–acetone precipitation method and analyzed by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Out 488 reproducibly detected and analyzed on two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels, 26 proteins showed significant changes in at least one genotype. The identification of 20 differentially expressed proteins using mass spectrometry revealed a coordinated expression of proteins involved in cellular metabolisms including photosynthesis, oxidative stress defense, respiration, metabolism process, signal transduction, phosphorus transduction, and methyl transduction which enable plant to cope with drought conditions. The most identified proteins involved in photosynthesis and oxidative stress defense system. The up‐regulation of several photosynthetic proteins and also high abundance of oxidative stress defense proteins in GN‐3074 genotypes as compare to GN‐2032 genotypes might reflect the fact that drought tolerance of GN‐3074 is due to effective photosynthetic machinery and more defense against oxidative stress. Our results suggest that soybean plant might response to drought stress by applying efficiently stay‐green mechanism through coordinated gene expression during vegetative stage.