bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Dye Adsorption Kinetics of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kim Sungjune , Lee Jihyun , Son Younghu , Yoon Minyoung
Published: August 2020

Water can easily be contaminated by many dye molecules because of its high solubility with dense color. Dye‐contaminated water requires purification via the adsorptive removal of dye molecules, employing various porous materials. To increase the removal efficiency and selectivity, demands for developing new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for dye removal continue to increase. Herein, we present a study on the dye‐adsorption properties of MOFs based on their structures and pore sizes. The effects of dye molecule charge and size were also investigated. Three different MOFs (Universitetet i Oslo; UiO‐66, UiO‐67, Materials of Institute Lavoisier; MIL‐100 [Fe]) and four dye molecules (Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B, Tropaeolin O, and Amaranth) were employed. The results suggest that the surface properties and framework structure of the MOFs affect dye adsorption capacity and kinetics, as characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and adsorption kinetics analysis. These results provide opportunities for the development of MOFs for dye removal from aqueous solution.
Human development index in a context of human development: Review on the western Balkans countries
Authors: Dasic Boban , Devic Zeljko , Denic Nebojsa , Zlatkovic Dragan , Ilic Ivana D. , Cao Yan , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Le Hiep Van
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The Human Development Index (HDI), as one of the more complex composite indicators of the level of human potential and quality of life, is a combination of three dimensions (indicators, factors): life expectancy at birth, the middle number of years of education and the expected number of years of schooling combined into a single education index and economic benefits expressed by production, or GDP (gross domestic product) according to purchasing power (PPP US $).

Methods

The same measures and average achievements in the field of health, education, and living standards are presented. The HDI was first developed in 1990 under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and is published as Human Development Reports (HDR). At present, it has become the most widely used complex indicator suitable for international comparisons and assessments of the achieved development level of a particular country or region.

Results

The paper deals specifically with the more perspective view of human development in the Western Balkans, with a series of socio‐economic implications for the development policy of the countries under observation.

Conclusion

The particular significance of the conducted research stems from the fact that in the countries of the Western Balkans are identified factors at the beginning of the transition period were often marginalized in the creation of macroeconomic policies, but in recent years there have been more positive developments in that regard.
Physicochemical properties of protein from pearling fractions of wheat kernels
Authors: Dai Meiyao , Zhang Yingquan , Pan Weichun , Zhang Bo , Guo Boli , Wei Yimin
Published: August 2020

Backgrounds and objectives

The protein from various parts of the wheat kernel has different physicochemical properties, which is one of the reasons for the different processing characteristics of the corresponding flour made from these parts. In this study, wheat kernels were pearled into seven fractions from the outermost to the innermost layers to evaluate the quantitative and conformational properties of protein fractions from different pearling fractions.

Findings

The crude protein and protein fraction content was lower in the corresponding pearling fractions that were closer to the center of the endosperm. The albumin and SDS‐soluble protein contents in the total protein from the pearling fractions exhibited a similar trend, whereas the dry gluten content exhibited an opposite trend. The average molar mass (Mw), polydispersity index (Mw/Mn), and density (ρ) of the SDS‐soluble protein were decreased, but there was no significant difference in the Rgz. And the G′ plateau values of glutenin macropolymer (GMP) were increased.

Conclusions

Protein conformation of the inner endosperm was looser than the other pearling fractions. Loose network wrapped more protein that led to the increased proportion of dry gluten. And it may increase aggregate entanglement that attributed to GMP became more elastic.

Significance and novelty

The changes in protein conformation in pearling fractions of wheat kernels further explained changes in physicochemical properties of protein from different pearling fractions.
Design of polymeric materials: Experiences and prescriptions
Authors: Scott Alison J. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: August 2020

As process engineering has matured, research interest has shifted towards polymer product quality. In the past 20 years or so, the shift has progressed even further, as interest in polymer product quality has morphed into polymer product design. Product design is intended to be a targeted pursuit of optimal conditions that will yield polymers with desirable properties for a specific application. This can be achieved by following a systematic design framework that employs sequential, iterative steps informed by prior knowledge and experience. This overview provides some background information regarding the need for design (including some examples from previous experience), especially in terms of structure‐property relationships. When links between kinetics (synthesis conditions), polymer structure, and application properties are well‐understood, it becomes possible to essentially reverse‐engineer the polymeric material; the researcher can start with known application requirements and synthesize polymers with tailor‐made properties using an optimized recipe (according to the polymerization kinetics). A suggested design approach is presented herein, followed by the application of the design approach to two large case studies. The number of applications for polymeric materials is essentially limitless; the current work provides typical examples of a systematic polymeric material design framework (and related case studies).
The Latest Research Progress of New Self‐Repairing Energetic Composites†
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Jie , Xia Min , Yang Wei , Yang Fan‐Zhi , Li Guo‐Ping , Luo Yun‐Jun
Published: August 2020

This review summarizes research progress in self‐repairing energetic composites based on the design of chemical structure of binders and the introduction of self‐repairing properties between composite interfaces. Researchers have prepared the polyurethane‐urea binder and the GAP self‐repairing binder based on the disulfide bond, the polyurethane binder and FTPB‐PDMI binder based on the Diels‐Alder reaction, and the polyurethane binder based on dynamic photocrosslinking reaction. In addition, PVDF‐co‐HFP/EMIOTf/graphene achieves the self‐repairing behavior of the polymer bonded explosive (PBX). The future development of self‐repairing energetic composites is proposed. It is pointed out that the mechanical properties, processing properties and energy properties should be improved together with the introduction of self‐repairing properties, and the energetic composites which can be repaired in various ways should be prepared.
Clinical Data Combined With Modeling and Simulation Indicate Unchanged Drug‐Drug Interaction Magnitudes in the Elderly
Authors: Stader Felix , Courlet Perrine , Kinvig Hannah , Penny Melissa A. , Decosterd Laurent A. , Battegay Manuel , Siccardi Marco , Marzolini Catia
Published: August 2020

Age‐related comorbidities and consequently polypharmacy are highly prevalent in the elderly, resulting in an increased risk for drug‐drug interactions (DDIs). The effect of aging on DDI magnitudes is mostly uncertain, leading to missing guidance regarding the clinical DDI management in the elderly. Clinical data obtained in aging people living with HIV ≥ 55 years, who participated in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, demonstrated unchanged DDI magnitudes with advanced aging for four studied DDI scenarios. These data plus published data for midazolam in the presence of clarithromycin and rifampicin in elderly individuals assessed the predictive potential of the used physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to simulate DDIs in the elderly. All clinically observed data were generally predicted within the 95% confidence interval of the PBPK simulations. The verified model predicted subsequently the magnitude of 50 DDIs across adulthood (20–99 years) with 42 scenarios being only verified in adults aged 20–50 years in the absence of clinically observed data in the elderly. DDI magnitudes were not impacted by aging regardless of the involved drugs, DDI mechanism, mediators of DDIs, or the sex of the investigated individuals. The prediction of unchanged DDI magnitudes with advanced aging were proofed by 17 published, independent DDIs that were investigated in young and elderly subjects. In conclusion, this study demonstrated by combining clinically observed data with modeling and simulation that aging does not impact DDI magnitudes and thus, clinical management of DDIs cana prioribe similar in aging men and women in the absence of severe comorbidities.
Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers for CYP2B6 Enzyme Activity
Authors: Ipe Joseph , Li Rudong , Metzger Ingrid F. , Bo Li Lu Jessica , Gufford Brandon T. , Desta Zeruesenay , Liu Yunlong , Skaar Todd C.
Published: August 2020

The CYP2B6 gene is highly polymorphic and its activity shows wide interindividual variability. However, substantial variability in CYP2B6 activity remains unexplained by the known CYP2B6 genetic variations. Circulating, cell‐free micro RNAs (miRNAs) may serve as biomarkers of hepatic enzyme activity. CYP2B6 activity in 72 healthy volunteers was determined using the disposition of efavirenz as a probe drug. Circulating miRNA expression was quantified from baseline plasma samples. A linear model consisting of the effects of miRNA expression, genotype‐determined metabolizer status, and demographic information was developed to predict CYP2B6 activity. Expression of 2,510 miRNAs were quantified out of which 7 miRNAs, together with the CYP2B6‐genotypic metabolizer status and demographics, was shown to be predictive markers for CYP2B6 activity. The reproducibility of the model was evaluated by cross‐validation. The average Pearson’s correlation (R) between the predicted and observed maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) ratios of efavirenz and its metabolite—8‐OH efavirenz using the linear model with all features (7 miRNA + metabolizer status + age + sex + race) was 0.6702. Similar results were also observed using area under the curve (AUC) ratios (Pearson correlation’s R = 0.6035). Thus, at least 36% (R2) of the variability of in vivo CYP2B6 activity was explained using this model. This is a significant improvement over the models using only the genotype‐based metabolizer status or the demographic information, which explained only 6% or less of the variability of in vivo CYP2B6 activity. Our results, therefore, demonstrate that circulating plasma miRNAs can be valuable biomarkers for in vivo CYP2B6 activity.
Simple and secure device authentication mechanism for smart environments using Internet of things devices
Authors: Hussain Muzzammil , Jain Usha
Published: August 2020

Enormous growth in digital electronics technology has paved path for the development of advanced networks, and smart environment is one among them. Smart environment is a network of smart devices connected to provide comfort, security, remote access and many more to end‐users. Devices in smart environments usually collect very sensitive data of the end‐users and disseminate it as required. The privacy of the end‐user has to be ensured in these applications, and security becomes a prime concern. The security system in smart environments has to ensure privacy and need to be more resource‐aware. An efficient authentication mechanism can ensure the privacy of end users and secrecy of the sensitive data; it may avoid unauthorized access of data and resources, ensuring privacy and security. In this paper, we proposed a mechanism for device authentication which enables smart devices to mutually authenticate each other. The proposed mechanism enables smart devices to acquire security credentials from the server and use these credentials to authenticate each other. The mechanism used exclusive OR (XOR), concatenation, one‐way hash, and symmetric key encryption techniques. The security analysis of the mechanism is done and proved that the mechanism is secure. The performance analysis proved that the computational and communications overheads are 8% less than existing mechanisms and storage overhead is also least.
Experimental distributive fluvial systems: Bridging the gap between river and rock record
Authors: Terwisscha van Scheltinga Renske C. , McMahon William J. , van Dijk Wout M. , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: August 2020

A debate has called into question as to which fluvial channel patterns are most widely represented in the stratigraphic record, with some advocating that distributive fluvial systems (DFS) predominate and others that a broad diversity of fluvial styles may become preserved. Critical to both sides is the adequate recognition of original channel planform from geological outcrops separated from their formative processes by millions or even billions of years. In this study the river and rock record are linked through experimentally created DFSs with both aggrading channel beds and floodplains. This approach allows depositing processes and deposited strata to be studied in tandem. Proximal areas comprise coarse, amalgamated channel‐fills with scarce fine‐grained floodplain material. The overall spread of sandbody dimensions become far more varied in medial stretches, with an overall reduction in mean width and depth. In these areas channel‐fills may be sand‐rich or mud‐rich and, following avulsion, all channels are covered by floodplain sediment. Channels, levees and splays form discrete depositional bodies each with varying aspect ratios; a novel breadth of deposits and morphologies in aggrading experiments largely concurrent with proposed trends indicative of DFSs. The proportion of floodplain material increases distally, resulting in decreased interconnectedness of distal channel‐fills. Muddy floodplain sediments significantly change DFSs behaviour and subsequent stratigraphic architecture by enhancing bank stability and reducing avulsion through the filling of floodbasins. The laboratory methods utilised here open up the possibility of controlled experimentation on the effects and mechanisms of DFSs sedimentation, which is important since the modelled stratigraphic trends are rarely so tractable in ancient geological outcrop belts.
Prediction of ethanol self‐administration in pre‐weanling, adolescent, and young adult rats
Authors: Soledad Fernández Macarena , Edward Nizhnikov Michael , García Virgolini Rodrigo , Marcos Pautassi Ricardo
Published: August 2020

Alcohol (ethanol) use is almost normative by late adolescence, in most western countries. It is important to identify factors that distinguish those who progress from alcohol initiation to sustained use of the drug, from those that keep a controlled pattern of drinking. The factors precipitating this transition may change across development. This study analyzed associations between behavioral endophenotypes and ethanol intake at three developmental periods. Exp. 1 measured ethanol drinking at postnatal day 18, via an intraoral infusion procedure, in male or female pre‐weanling rats screened for anxiety response in the light‐dark box test and for distance traveled in a novel open field. Exp. 2 measured, in juvenile/adolescent or young adult rats, the association between shelter seeking, exploratory/risk‐taking behaviors, anxiety or hedonic responses, and ethanol intake. Ethanol intake in pre‐weanlings was explained by distance traveled in a novel environment, whereas anxiety responses, measured in the multivariate concentric square field apparatus (MSCF), selectively predicted ethanol intake at adolescence, but not at adulthood. Those juvenile/adolescents with lower mean duration of visit to areas of the MSCF that evoke anxiogenic responses exhibited heightened ethanol intake. These findings suggest that the association between anxiety and ethanol intake may be specifically relevant during adolescence.
Evolution of breeding plumages in birds: A multiple‐step pathway to seasonal dichromatism in New World warblers (Aves: Parulidae)
Authors: Terrill Ryan S. , Seeholzer Glenn F. , Wolfe Jared D.
Published: August 2020

Many species of birds show distinctive seasonal breeding and nonbreeding plumages. A number of hypotheses have been proposed for the evolution of this seasonal dichromatism, specifically related to the idea that birds may experience variable levels of sexual selection relative to natural selection throughout the year. However, these hypotheses have not addressed the selective forces that have shaped molt, the underlying mechanism of plumage change. Here, we examined relationships between life‐history variation, the evolution of a seasonal molt, and seasonal plumage dichromatism in the New World warblers (Aves: Parulidae), a family with a remarkable diversity of plumage, molt, and life‐history strategies. We used phylogenetic comparative methods and path analysis to understand how and why distinctive breeding and nonbreeding plumages evolve in this family. We found that color change alone poorly explains the evolution of patterns of biannual molt evolution in warblers. Instead, molt evolution is better explained by a combination of other life‐history factors, especially migration distance and foraging stratum. We found that the evolution of biannual molt and seasonal dichromatism is decoupled, with a biannual molt appearing earlier on the tree, more dispersed across taxa and body regions, and correlating with separate life‐history factors than seasonal dichromatism. This result helps explain the apparent paradox of birds that molt biannually but show breeding plumages that are identical to the nonbreeding plumage. We find support for a two‐step process for the evolution of distinctive breeding and nonbreeding plumages: That prealternate molt evolves primarily under selection for feather renewal, with seasonal color change sometimes following later. These results reveal how life‐history strategies and a birds' environment act upon multiple and separate feather functions to drive the evolution of feather replacement patterns and bird coloration.
Three‐Layer Structured SnO2@C@TiO2 Hollow Spheres for High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Tian Yu , Hu Ping , Zhu Ting , Liu Zhenhui , Hu Guangwu , Cai Congcong , Jian Zelang , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2020

The unsatisfactory conductivity and large volume variation severely handicap the application of SnO2 in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we design unique three‐layer structured SnO2@C@TiO2 hollow spheres to tackle the above‐mentioned issues. The hollow cavity affords empty space to accommodate the volume variation of SnO2, while the C and TiO2 protecting shells strengthen the structural integrity and enhances the electrical conductivity. As a result, the three‐layer structured SnO2@C@TiO2 hollow spheres demonstrate enhanced Na storage performances. The SnO2@C@TiO2 manifests a reversible capacity two times to that of pristine SnO2 hollow spheres. In addition, Ex situ XRD reveals highly reversible alloying and conversion reactions in SnO2@C@TiO2 hollow spheres. This study suggests the introduction of a hollow cavity and robust protecting shells is a promising strategy for constructing SIB anode materials.
Blade‐coating Perovskite Films with Diverse Compositions for Efficient Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhong Jun‐Xing , Wu Wu‐Qiang , Ding Liming , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: August 2020

In this research highlight, recent significant advances with hot‐assisted blade‐coating or air knife‐assisted blade‐coating of different perovskite compositions with bandgaps ranging from 1.3 eV to 1.9 eV (i.e. wide‐bandgap or small‐bandgap perovskites with mixed cations and anions, 2D/3D perovskites, Pb/Sn binary perovskites, and all‐inorganic perovskites) for single‐junction or tandem PSCs are discussed, with an emphasis on elucidating the distinct ink formulation engineering strategies, crystal growth mechanisms, crystallization kinetics, and optoelectronic properties of the different perovskite compositions.
The significance of aragonite in the interpretation of the microscopic archaeological record
Authors: Toffolo Michael B.
Published: August 2020

Aragonite is one of the metastable polymorphs of calcium carbonate and is commonly found at archaeological sites in the form of mollusk shells and speleothems. Other occurrences include corals, fish otoliths, seed endocarps, wood ash, and lime plaster. These materials contain microscopic embedded information of fundamental importance for the assessment of the state of preservation of the archaeological record, the reconstruction of paleoenvironments, the identification of pyrotechnological processes, and the establishment of absolute chronologies. However, this information can be used only if the aragonite found at archaeological sites preserves its pristine structure and chemistry. Aragonite is metastable at ambient conditions and tends to dissolve and recrystallize into secondary aragonite or calcite, a process that entails the loss of its original elemental and isotopic signature. Therefore, well‐grounded archaeological interpretations depend on the correct identification of aragonite and the careful characterization of its basic properties. This article reviews the dissolution processes of different types of aragonite, the methods used for their identification, and the archaeological information that can be extracted. Particular emphasis is given to the discussion of key issues regarding absolute dating and postdepositional processes of archaeological sediments, and to a detailed overview of the recently observed pyrogenic aragonite.
Transport of magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid in a microchannel based on mixture theory with particle shape effect
Authors: Sindhu Sundar , Gireesha Bijjanal Jayanna
Published: August 2020

Intensification of heat transport in a thermal system has attracted researchers nowadays. Among various methods, suspension of nanoparticles of distinct shapes plays a vital role in enhancing the heat transfer phenomenon. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the consequences of induced magnetic field on nanofluid flow in an horizontal microchannel formed by two parallel plates. Imports of heat source and convective boundary condition on flow and thermal field are deliberated. The modeled equations are nondimensionalized using dimensionless variables. The resultant nonlinear system have been computed via Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg method combined with the shooting technique. Magnetic and nonmagnetic nanoparticles are considered to pronounce the diverse flow and thermal properties. The upshots of the current investigations are visualized through graphical elucidation. It is established that rate of heat transfer is augmented for larger Biot number and heat source parameter. Also, it is verified that the Nusselt number at the upper plate of the microchannel satisfies the identity .
Bone marrow coagulated and low‐level laser therapy accelerate bone healing by enhancing angiogenesis, cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and mineralization
Authors: Santinoni Carolina S. , Neves Adrieli P. C. , Almeida Breno F. M. , Kajimoto Natália C. , Pola Natália M. , Caliente Eliana A. , Belem Eduarda L. G. , Lelis Joilson B. , Fucini Stephen E. , Messora Michel R. , Garcia Valdir G. , Bomfim Suely R. M. , Ervolino Edilson , Nagata Maria J. H.
Published: August 2020

The present study evaluated bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing. It was created critical‐size defects (CSD) of 5 mm diameter in rat calvaria of 64 rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control (blood clot), BMA (coagulated BMA), LLLT (laser irradiation and blood clot), and BMA/LLLT (laser irradiation and coagulated BMA). Euthanasia was performed at 15 or 30 days postoperative. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed to identify vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). The markers were quantified, and data were statistically analyzed. Groups BMA/LLLT and LLLT presented significantly higher VEGF expression than group control. Group BMA/LLLT presented a significantly higher expression of PCNA than all experimental groups. Groups BMA and BMA/LLLT presented significantly higher expression of BMP‐2 than all experimental groups. Groups LLLT and BMA/LLLT presented significantly higher expression of OPN than groups control and BMA. Groups LLLT, BMA, and BMA/LLLT presented a significantly higher expression of OCN than group control. It can be concluded that the association of BMA and LLLT enhanced bone healing by improving expression of VEGF, PCNA, Runx2, BMP‐2, OPN, and OCN.
The degradation behavior of calcium‐rich hydroxyapatite foams in vitro
Authors: Zhang Qinghao , Wang Wenfu , Schmelzer Eva , Gerlach Jörg , Liu Changsheng , Nettleship Ian
Published: August 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a well‐known regenerative biomaterial. However, the slow degradation rate of HA is still an obstacle in clinical applications. In this study, we concentrated on investigating the degradation behavior of the calcium‐rich HA foams, which had a demonstrated effect on blood differentiation in previous studies. The HA foams were processed by an emulsion method and were infiltrated with calcium nitrate to create a calcium carbonate second phase, heterogeneously distributed on and under the surface of the foam. During the 28‐day solubility test, the calcium carbonate phase contributed to enhanced Ca2+ ion release into the saline compared to phase pure HA foams. Both types of foams were biocompatible as demonstrated by human endothelial cell culture on their surface. The release of calcium ions, the degradation behavior, and the endothelial cell differentiation behavior suggest this biphasic ceramic is a candidate for bone marrow in vitro culture and a possible bone substitute material.
The optimized research of the in vitro culture of preantral follicles in mice
Authors: Wang Xiyan , Wang Liguo , Sun Yanmei , Wu Di , Li Jiao , Zhu Lin , Jiang Shiwen , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: August 2020

Objective

Efficiency of preantral follicle culture in vitro is low and is dependent on species, development stage, and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration. Here, we optimized the preantral follicle in vitro culture system in mice.

Methods

The primary follicles (PM follicles, 80‐100 μm diameter ) and early secondary follicles (ES follicles, 110‐130 μm diameter) isolated from 14‐day female mice were cultured in mediums containing 10 mIU/mL or 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH. The follicle growth and oocyte maturation were observed. Estradiol (E2) was detected by ELISA. FSH receptor (FSHR), Ki‐67, 3β‐HSD, CYP17, and CYP19 levels were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.

Results

The antrum formation and oocyte maturation rates of ES follicles were significantly higher than those of PM follicles (P < .05). They were also significantly higher in ES follicles with 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH than with 10 mIU/mL r‐FSH (P < .05). A higher FSHR level was found in ES follicles. Meanwhile, with 10 mIU/mL r‐FSH, the ES follicles exhibited a pattern of flat growth, whereas a pattern of stereoscopic spatial growth was observed with 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH. The 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH stimulated granulosa cell proliferation more significantly than 10 mIU/mL r‐FSH. Moreover, FSH significantly promoted ES follicle granulosa cell proliferation compared to PM follicular granulosa cells. The secretion of E2 and the expressions of 3β‐HSD, CYP 17, and CYP 19 in ES follicles with 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH were significantly higher than those with 10 mIU/mL r‐FSH.

Conclusions

The 100 mIU/mL r‐FSH ideally promotes the development of ES follicles, whose growth pattern can more reasonably simulate the growth of follicles in vivo.
A novel circulating miRNA‐based signature for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Chengwei , Chen Zixuan , Zhao Lili , Zhao Weijun , Zhu Yonggang , Liu Jiayuan , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

Background

Non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant public health issue worldwide. The aim of our study was to develop a serum miRNA‐based molecular signature for the early detection and prognosis prediction of NSCLC.

Methods

The significantly altered circulating miRNAs were profiled in GSE24709. The top ten upregulated miRNAs were miR‐432, miR‐942, miR‐29c‐5p, miR‐601, miR‐613, miR‐520d‐3p, miR‐1261, miR‐132‐5p, miR‐302b, and miR‐154‐5p, while the top ten downregulated miRNAs were miR‐562, miR‐18b, miR‐9‐3p, miR‐154‐3p, miR‐20b, miR‐18a, miR‐487a, miR‐20a, miR‐103, and miR‐144. Then, the top four upregulated serum miRNAs (miR‐432, miR‐942, miR‐29c‐5p, and miR‐601) were validated by real‐time quantitative PCR. The clinical significance of two candidate serum miRNAs, miR‐942 and miR‐601, was further explored.

Results

Our results showed that the expression levels of serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 were significantly upregulated in NSCLC. In addition, serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 showed better performance than CEA, CYFRA21‐1, and SCCA for early diagnosis of NSCLC. Combining serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 enhanced the efficacy of detecting early‐stage NSCLC. Moreover, high serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 were both associated with adverse clinical variables and poor survival. The NSCLC patients with simultaneously high serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 suffered worst clinical outcome, while those with simultaneously low serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 had most favorable outcome. The multivariate analysis showed that serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC.

Conclusions

Taken together, serum miR‐942 and serum miR‐601 might serve as a promising molecular signature for the early detection and prognosis prediction of NSCLC.
Slow‐sustained delivery of naloxone reduces typical naloxone‐induced precipitated opioid withdrawal effects in male morphine‐dependent mice
Authors: Lewter Lakeisha A. , Johnson Marisa C. , Treat Anny C. , Kassick Andrew J. , Averick Saadyah , Kolber Benedict J.
Published: August 2020

Thousands of individuals die each year from opioid‐related overdoses. While naloxone (Narcan®) is currently the most widely employed treatment to reverse opioid toxicity, high or repeated doses of this antidote often lead to precipitated opioid withdrawal (POW). We hypothesized that a slow linear release of naloxone from a nanoparticle would induce fewer POW symptoms compared to high‐dose free naloxone. First, we measured the acute impact of covalent naloxone nanoparticles (Nal‐cNPs) on morphine‐induced antinociception in the hotplate test. We found that Nal‐cNP treatment blocked the antinociceptive effect of morphine within 15 min of administration. Next, we tested the impact of Nal‐cNPs on POW symptoms in male morphine‐dependent mice. To induce morphine dependence, mice were treated with 5 mg/kg morphine (or saline) twice‐daily for six consecutive days. On day 7 mice received 5 mg/kg morphine (or saline) injections 2 hr prior to receiving treatment of either unmodified free naloxone, a high or low dose of Nal‐cNP, empty nanoparticle (cNP‐empty), or saline. Behavior was analyzed for 0–6 hr followed by 24 and 48 hr time points after treatment. As expected, free naloxone induced a significant increase in POW behavior in morphine‐dependent mice compared to saline‐treated mice upon free naloxone administration. In comparison, reduced POW behavior was observed with both doses of Nal‐cNP. Side effects of Nal‐cNP on locomotion and fecal boli production were measured and no significant side‐effects were observed. Overall, our data show that sustained release of naloxone from a covalent nanoparticle does not induce severe POW symptoms in morphine‐dependent mice.
Role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors in stroke prevention and therapy—The best is yet to come?
Authors: Gamdzyk Marcin , Lenahan Cameron , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: August 2020

Role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) in the pathophysiology of stroke and protective effects of PPAR ligands have been widely investigated in the last 20 years. Activation of all three PPAR isoforms, but especially PPAR‐γ, was documented to limit postischemic injury in the numerous in vivo, as well as in in vitro studies. PPARs have been demonstrated to act on multiple mechanisms and were shown to activate multiple protective pathways related to inflammation, apoptosis, BBB protection, neurogenesis, and oxidative stress. The aim of this review was to summarize two decades of PPAR research in stroke with emphasis on in vivo animal studies. We focus on each PPAR receptor separately and detail their implication in stroke. This review also discusses recent clinical efforts in the field and the epidemiological data with regard to role of PPAR polymorphisms in susceptibility to stroke, and tries to draw conclusions and describe future perspectives.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Demonstrates a High Burden of Coronary Artery Disease Despite Low‐Risk Nuclear Studies in Pre–Liver Transplant Evaluation
Authors: Löffler Adrián I. , Gonzalez Jorge A. , Sundararaman Shriram K. , Mathew Roshin C. , Norton Patrick T. , Hagspiel Klaus D. , Kramer Christopher M. , Ragosta Michael , Rogers Campbell , Shah Neeral L. , Salerno Michael
Published: August 2020

We investigated the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) candidates using coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as compared with the prevalence of normal and abnormal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). A total of 140 prospective OLT candidates without known CAD underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans with (n = 77) or without CCTA and coronary computed tomography angiography–derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT; n = 57) using a dual‐source computed tomography (CT) and were followed for 2.6 ± 1.4 years. Coronary plaque was quantified using the segment‐involvement score (SIS) and segment stenosis score (SSS). The mean age was 59 ± 6 years, and 65.0% of patients were male. Mean Agatston CACS was 367 ± 653, and 15.0% of patients had CACSs of 0; 83.6% received a SPECT MPI, of which 95.7% were interpreted as normal/probably normal. By CCTA, 9.1% had obstructive CAD (≥70% stenosis), 67.5% had nonobstructive CAD, and 23.4% had no CAD. Nonobstructive CAD was diffuse with mean SIS 3.0 ± 2.9 and SSS 4.5 ± 5.4. Only 14 patients had high risk‐findings (severe 3v CAD, n = 4, CACS >1000 n = 10) that prompted X‐ray angiography in 3 patients who had undergone CCTA, resulting in revascularization of a high‐risk obstruction in 1 patient who had a normal SPECT study. Patients with end‐stage liver disease have a high prevalence of nonobstructive CAD by CCTA, which is undiagnosed by SPECT MPI, potentially underestimating cardiovascular risk. Deferring X‐ray angiography unless high‐risk CCTA findings are present is a potential strategy for avoiding unnecessary X‐ray angiography.
Invasive Carp Reproduction Phenology in Tributaries of the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Camacho C. A. , Sullivan C. J. , Weber M. J. , Pierce C. L.
Published: August 2020

Invasive Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Silver Carp H. molitrix, and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella are expanding throughout the upper Mississippi River (UMR) basin. Spawning has occurred in the main-stem UMR but could be limited to high-discharge events when dam operations create a free-flowing river. Alternatively, naturally free-flowing tributaries could offer alternative habitat for successful reproduction. Our objectives were to examine temporal and spatial variation in adult gonad development, ichthyoplankton densities, and back-calculated spawn dates of invasive carp collected in three UMR tributaries. We compared ichthyoplankton densities between the upstream and mouth reaches of tributaries and densities between the UMR and adjacent tributaries. Ichthyoplankton samples were collected every 10 d, and adult invasive carp were sampled monthly at nine sites throughout the Des Moines, Skunk, Iowa, Cedar, and Mississippi rivers during April–October 2014 and 2015. Peaks in adult gonadosomatic index, an increase in postspawn females, and ichthyoplankton collections suggested that peak spawning occurred during late May through June, when water temperatures were 18–30°C and channel velocities were at least 0.7 m/s. However, reproduction occurred as late as August in some tributaries. Ichthyoplankton densities were highest in the Des Moines River among tributaries, but tributary densities were similar to the UMR densities, suggesting that both tributaries and main-stem sites provide suitable spawning locations. Invasive carp reproduction in UMR tributaries provides additional sources of potential recruitment for further population expansion upstream in the UMR and should be considered when devising plans for controlling populations along the leading edge of the invasion.
Migration and Residency of Sandbar, Atlantic Sharpnose, Bull, and Nurse Sharks in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Altobelli Ashley N. , Szedlmayer Stephen T.
Published: August 2020

Acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movements and residency of Sandbar Sharks Carcharhinus plumbeus, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, Bull Sharks Carcharhinus leucas, and Nurse Sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum around artificial reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Transmitter-tagged sharks were monitored from November 2012 to July 2019. Residency comparisons were based on the percentage of days that an individual was present in the study area for each month. Sandbar Sharks had greater residencies in fall than spring and winter, Bull Sharks had greater residencies in summer, and Nurse Sharks had greater residencies in the fall. No seasonal patterns were detected for Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, but one individual returned to the study area in all 5 years that the transmitter was active. One Sandbar Shark and one Nurse Shark had long-term preferences (>3 years) for specific sites. Long-distance migrations (n = 7) away from the artificial reef area in the northern Gulf of Mexico were observed for three Sandbar Sharks (588, 589, and 1,894 km), two Bull Sharks (927 and 968 km), and two Nurse Sharks (903 and 943 km), with six of these migrating sharks returning to their tagging areas. Specifically, two Bull Sharks and two Nurse Sharks made winter migrations to the southern end of Florida (Florida Keys), and two Sandbar Sharks migrated to the middle of the west coast of Florida. A third Sandbar Shark made the longest distance migration and moved out of the Gulf of Mexico, into the Atlantic Ocean, and up to the South Carolina coast. Importantly, this Sandbar Shark returned to the same artificial reef where it was tagged and released in the northern Gulf of Mexico after its 3,788-km round trip migration. These long-distance migrations and subsequent homing behaviors, coupled with local residencies, indicate that the artificial reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico may have significance extending well beyond the localized areas of reef deployment.
Growth of Known-Age Muskellunge Stocked into Northwestern Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Hermus John W. , Gorne Jeremiah A. , Shaw Stephanie L. , Sass Greg G.
Published: August 2020

Growth information from known-age Muskellunge Esox masquinongy is relatively rare in the published literature. We tagged all extended-growth Muskellunge fingerlings stocked into 10 northwestern Wisconsin lakes during 2009–2019 with PIT tags and later recaptured these fish to establish known age and growth. Our objective was to use known age, and length upon recapture of each stocked Muskellunge, to determine sex-specific asymptotic length (L∞), Brody’s growth coefficient (K), and mean length at age using Wang’s parameterization of the von Bertalanffy growth function. Our results showed rapid juvenile growth with Muskellunge reaching lengths of about 67 cm by age 3, after which sexually dimorphic growth patterns were displayed and growth rates slowed. For example, the Wisconsin statewide minimum length limit for harvest (102 cm) was not achieved until age 9 for females, with males taking much longer or never achieving this length. Values of L∞ ± SE were 128.5 ± 7.6 cm for females and 102.0 ± 3.3 cm for males. Our study provides a method for managers to collect known age and length data for Muskellunge without sacrificing fish and validates current age and growth of northwestern Wisconsin stocked Muskellunge.
Impact of osmotic stress on the growth and root architecture of introgression lines derived from a wild ancestor of rice and a modern cultivar
Authors: Chen Lin , Czechowski Tomasz , Graham Ian A. , Hartley Sue E.
Published: August 2020

Many modern rice varieties have been intensively selected for high‐yielding performance under irrigated conditions, reducing their genetic diversity and potentially increasing their susceptibility to abiotic stresses such as drought. In this study, we tested benefits for stress tolerance of introducing DNA segments from wild ancestor Oryza rufipogon to the modern cultivar O. sativa cv Curinga (CUR) by applying a gradient of osmotic stress to both parents and seven introgressed lines. Shoot growth of O. rufipogon had a high tolerance to osmotic stress, and the number of total root tips increased under mild osmotic stress. One introgression line showed greater shoot growth, root growth, and higher number of total root tips than the parent line CUR under osmotic stress. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key hormone mediating plant responses to abiotic stresses. Both root and shoot growth of O. rufipogon were much more sensitive to ABA than CUR. Introgression lines varied in the extent to which the sensitivity of their growth responses to ABA and some lines correlated with their sensitivity to osmotic stress. Our results suggest that rice responses to ABA and osmotic stress are genotype dependent, and growth responses of rice to ABA are not a consistent indicator of resilience to abiotic stress in introgression lines.
A Retrospective Cohort Comparing Left and Right Middle Cerebral Artery Ischemic Stroke Functional Outcomes in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Rovito Craig , Park Albert , Goldstein Richard , Zafonte Ross , Black‐Schaffer Randie , Schneider Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2020

Background

To date, no large population studies compare left and right middle cerebral artery (MCA) strokes and corresponding patient performance in acute rehabilitation as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

Objective

To compare granular performance data using the six FIM subcategories between left and right MCA territory strokes. This may foster development of individualized rehabilitation programs and affect rehabilitation policy based on phenotypic variations.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities, using Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation data from 2015 to 2017.

Patients

Individuals with MCA strokes admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (n = 38 812).

Main Outcome Measures

Mean FIM efficiency and FIM gain within the six FIM subcategories (self‐care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition) were compared between left and right MCA strokes. All were stratified by admission FIM severity categories (<40, 40–80, >80). The study also examined length of stay and percentage discharged to home.

Results

Mean FIM efficiency was significantly higher for left MCA strokes compared to right MCA strokes. Left MCA strokes with admission FIM <40 and 40‐80 had significantly higher FIM efficiencies within the majority of FIM subcategories. However, left and right MCA strokes with admission FIM > 80 did not display any significant differences. Overall, patients with left MCA strokes were discharged to home at a significantly higher percentage. Patients with left MCA strokes with admission FIM 40–80 had on average a 2‐day shorter length of stay than those with right MCA strokes.

Conclusions

Overall, patients with left MCA ischemic strokes had shorter length of stays, higher FIM efficiencies, and larger FIM gains than those with right MCA strokes. These results allow clinicians to counsel patients regarding functional gains based on diagnosis and to tailor rehabilitation programs to impairments encountered in left and right MCA territories. Including laterality of stroke and admission functional status would also improve algorithms for determining reimbursement.
Spontaneous Recovery of Executive Function, Attention, and Processing Speed in Stroke Patients in Colombia
Authors: Pugh Mickeal , Olabarrieta‐Landa Laiene , Chagualá Amilkar Calderón , Perrin Paul B. , Arango‐Lasprilla Juan Carlos
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous literature has shown disparities between developing and developed regions in executive functioning, attention, and processing speed performance following stroke. Research on post‐stroke longitudinal outcomes in Latin America specifically is almost nonexistent.

Objectives

To assess spontaneous recovery among individuals with stroke in the absence of cognitive rehabilitation services in Colombia, South America during the first year post‐stroke by comparing their functioning to that of healthy controls across executive functioning, attention, and processing speed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Design

Cohort.

Setting

Stroke rehabilitation center at the regional hospital.

Participants

A sample of 50 individuals with stroke and 50 matched healthy controls from Colombia were included in this study. Consistent with the healthcare resources in this region, participants did not receive any inpatient or outpatient cognitive rehabilitation.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Executive functioning, attention, and processing speed.

Results

Hierarchical linear models suggested improvements over time for both individuals with stroke and controls, but trajectories of neuropsychological performance were significantly lower for individuals with stroke. Only on one of nine outcomes was there a significant time*group interaction, suggesting greater gains for the stroke group than controls.

Conclusions

These data suggest extremely minor spontaneous recovery among individuals with stroke in Colombia relative to practice effects in controls, and that apparent improvements in executive functioning after stroke were likely just due to practice effects. These findings underscore the bleak outcomes in cognitive functioning after stroke that occur in regions without cognitive rehabilitation.