bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Leukocyte Invasion during Hyperacute Human Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kollikowski Alexander M. , Schuhmann Michael K. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Müllges Wolfgang , Stoll Guido , Pham Mirko
Published: January 2020

Objective

Bridging the gap between experimental stroke and patients by ischemic blood probing during the hyperacute stage of vascular occlusion is crucial to assess the role of inflammation in human stroke and for the development of adjunct treatments beyond recanalization.

Methods

We prospectively observed 151 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with embolic large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. In all these patients, we attempted microcatheter aspiration of 3 different arterial blood samples: (1) within the core of the occluded vascular compartment and controlled by (2) carotid and (3) femoral samples obtained under physiological flow conditions. Subsequent laboratory analyses comprised leukocyte counting and differentiation, platelet counting, and the quantification of 13 proinflammatory human chemokines/cytokines.

Results

Forty patients meeting all clinical, imaging, interventional, and laboratory inclusion criteria could be analyzed, showing that the total number of leukocytes significantly increased under the occlusion condition. This increase was predominantly driven by neutrophils. Significant increases were also apparent for lymphocytes and monocytes, accompanied by locally elevated plasma levels of the T‐cell chemoattractant CXCL‐11. Finally, we found evidence that short‐term clinical outcome (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at 72 hours) was negatively associated with neutrophil accumulation.

Interpretation

We provide the first direct human evidence that neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, accompanied by specific chemokine upregulation, accumulate in the ischemic vasculature during hyperacute stroke and may affect outcome. These findings strongly support experimental evidence that immune cells contribute to acute ischemic brain damage and indicate that ischemic inflammation initiates already during vascular occlusion. Ann Neurol 2020;87:466–479
Abiotic Chemical Fuels for the Operation of Molecular Machines
Authors: Biagini Chiara , Di Stefano Stefano
Published: January 2020

Natural molecular machines require a continuous fuel supply to perform motions and/or remain in a functional state. Consequently, the aim of developing artificial devices and materials with life‐type properties has motivated a growing interest in abiotic chemical fuels and in their supply modalities. Many artificial molecular machines have been developed in which the sequential addition of several chemical reagents allows the machine to perform complete cycles of motion. Only recently, examples of molecular machines whose cycles of motion are triggered by a single pulse of fuel have been reported. The latter systems are the object of this Minireview where the abiotic chemical fuels used so far to trigger the complete cycles of motion of molecular machines are described, with particular emphasis on the operation mechanism of the machine/fuel systems.
High shape‐memory effect of hindered phenol/nitrile–butadiene rubber composites by forming hydrogen bonding
Authors: Hu Shi‐Kai , Shou Tao , Chen Si , Zhao Xiu‐Ying , Lu Yong‐Lai , Zhang Li‐Qun
Published: January 2020

To widen the type and scope of use of shape memory polymers (SMPs), we added hindered phenol (AO‐80) to nitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) to gain a group of AO‐80/NBR rubber composites. The glass transition temperature (Tg), structure, mechanical properties, and shape memory properties of the AO‐80/NBR rubber composites were characterized. It was concluded that the dispersion of AO‐80 in the NBR matrix was homogeneous and intra‐molecular hydrogen bonds were formed between the hydroxyl groups (OH) of AO‐80 and the cyano groups (CN) of NBR molecular chain. The dosage of AO‐80 added could be changed to tune the Tg. AO‐80/NBR rubber composites revealed outstanding shape fixity and shape recovery. The method for tuning the Tg of AO‐80/NBR rubber composites will provide an idea for the fabrication and design of new SMPs. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48911.
Action of silicic acid derived from sodium silicate precursor toward improving performances of porous gelatin membrane
Authors: Zhang Zetian , Liu Jun , Gao Wenwei , Sun Liying , Li Zhengjun
Published: January 2020

To gain an insight into understanding how the silica network generated from hydrolysis and condensation of silicic acid, derived from sodium silicate, enhancing hydrothermal stability and mechanical properties of the leather, and particularly which active groups playing a main role for interaction of silica with collagen protein molecules, herein, effects of incorporated amino or carboxyl groups on the properties of silicic acid modified gelatin (GE) membrane were intensively studied. We found when lots of amino groups were introduced by adding a modified melamine, the thermal denaturation temperature, uniformity of pore diameter distribution and mechanical strength of GE membrane distinctly increased, while incorporating plenty of carboxyl groups by adding low polymerization degree acrylic acid polymer, no obvious change of performances of GE film was discovered. In addition, utilization of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane had a positive effect on the porosity and flexibility of GE membrane. Importantly, our results indicated that hydrogen bonding probably played the most important role toward improving performances of porous GE film when treated with silicic acid. These findings are greatly beneficial for developing a chrome‐free tanning technology based on silicon containing materials, and are also suggestive for fabricating porous silica‐GE hybrid materials using sodium silicate as a precursor. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48912.
Drawing in 3D: Using 3D printer pens to draw chemical models
Authors: Bernard Paweł , Mendez James D.
Published: January 2020

Development of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has started a new chapter for in‐classroom modeling of chemical molecules. The technology provides the opportunity to design and produce various types of personalized models. However, using classical 3D printers is time consuming, and it is hard to involve students in the modeling process during traditional class times. One solution can be using hand‐held 3D printers (3D pens) that allow users to instantly draw geometrical structures. Unfortunately, drawing directly in 3D is very difficult, and precise modeling of even small molecules is simply not possible. In this article, a new approach to 3D modeling is described. It is based on 3D templates that enable the drawing of molecular models directly in three dimensions. The modular nature of the templates allows for the creation of a wide variety of structures. The resulting models provide an accurate representation of molecules including correct bond angles and geometry. This approach makes 3D pens a powerful tool for the modeling of chemical structures.
MicroRNA‐221 promotes breast cancer resistance to adriamycin via modulation of PTEN/Akt/mTOR signaling
Authors: Yin Yingchun , Wang Xinmei , Li Tangyue , Ren Qi , Li Liang , Sun Xiaoyu , Zhang Baohua , Wang Xinyun , Han Hongmei , He Yangyang , Cao Zhen , Sun Xiaojie , Zhou Ziqiang
Published: January 2020

As a prevalent tumor among women, breast cancer is still an incurable disease due to drug resistance. In this study, we report microRNA‐221 to have a significant effect on breast cancer resistance to adriamycin. The microRNA‐221 is elevated in tumor tissue compared with nearby nontumor samples, as well as in breast cancer cell line with adriamycin resistance (MCF‐7/ADR) compared to its parental line (MCF‐7) and the normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF‐10A). Enforced level of microRNA‐221 promotes cancer resistance to adriamycin, which in turn sustains cell survival and exacerbates malignant formation. Reciprocally, the silence of microRNA‐221 in cancer cells augments the sensitivity to chemotherapy, thereby resulting in enhanced apoptosis of MCF‐7/ADR cells. Mechanistically, we identify PTEN as a direct target of microRNA‐221, which was conversely associated with a microRNA‐221 level in breast tumors. The knock‐down of PTEN partially reversed the stimulatory role of microRNA‐221 in the modulation of the Akt/mTOR signaling. Taken together, these findings suggest microRNA‐221 suppresses PTEN transcription and activates Akt/mTOR pathway, which in turn enhances breast cancer resistance to adriamycin and promotes cancer development. Our data thus illuminate the microRNA‐221/PTEN axis may act as a promising strategy for the treatment of chemotherapy‐resistant breast tumors.
High‐Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors Facilitated by N‐doped Porous Vertical Graphene Nanomesh Arrays
Authors: Chi Kai , Zhang Xiangyu , Tian Xin , Zhang Zheye , Wu Zhu , Xiao Fei , Wang Shuai
Published: January 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Shuai Wang from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, China). The cover picture shows the fabrication of N‐doped porous vertical graphene nanomesh arrays (NVGMs) on flexible carbon cloth substrate and the decoration of MnO2 nanosheets and polypyrrole films on the NVGMs to develop two types of hierarchical nanohybrid electrodes for flexible asymmetric supercapacitor. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201901499.
AgCoO2−Co3O4/CMC Cloudy Architecture as High Performance Electrodes for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Manohara Babu I. , William J. Johnson , Muralidharan G.
Published: January 2020

This work represents the design of superior supercapacitor electrode that comprised of 3D cloud like silver cobalt oxide/cobalt oxide (AgCoO2−Co3O4) and carbon architecture. AgCoO2−Co3O4/C architecture can be fabricated from Co−Ag nitrate precursors with the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose followed by annealing. Mesoporous 3D cloudy architecture provides higher specific capacitance (575 F g−1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1) and rate performance (666 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1). The combined effect of AgCoO2 embedded Co3O4 and carboxymethyl cellulose (carbon) highly favors for outstanding cycle life (around 1 % capacitance degradation even after 5000 cycles). Presence of such porous 3D architecture with carbon backbone delivers admirable energy/power density. Also, an advanced asymmetric supercapacitor with an operating range of 1.2 V is designed by utilizing this porous 3D cloudy architecture as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode. The fabricated design shows a robust energy density of 17 W h kg−1 with a high power density of 166 W kg−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The findings of the current study underline the potential of AgCoO2−Co3O4/C electrodes for supercapacitor applications.
Catechol Thioesters: Ligands for Hierarchically Formed Lithium‐Bridged Titanium(IV) Helicates and Helicate‐Based Switches
Authors: Kwamen A. Carel N. , de Macedo Gilles S. , Wiederhold Constanze , Oppel Iris M. , Albrecht Markus
Published: January 2020

The thioester moiety is introduced as a lithium binding unit for the hierarchical formation of titanium(IV) catecholate‐based lithium‐bridged helicates. In solution, the coordination compounds show a monomer–dimer equilibrium which —in comparison to the oxo esters— is significantly shifted towards the monomers. In addition, the influence of the thioester side chain on the dimerization behavior is investigated and an expansible/compressible molecular switch is synthesized. In the latter case expansion and compression are performed reversibly in methanol, whereas in DMSO spontaneous expansion occurs.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Methylated Terpene Analogues Using the Plasticity of Bacterial Terpene Synthases
Authors: Hou Anwei , Lauterbach Lukas , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: January 2020

Methylated analogues of isopentenyl diphosphate were synthesised and enzymatically incorporated into methylated terpenes. A detailed stereochemical analysis of the obtained products is presented. The methylated terpene precursors were also used in conjunction with various isotopic labellings to gain insights into the mechanisms of their enzymatic formation.
Age dependence of modern clinical risk groups for localized prostate cancer—A population‐based study
Authors: Huynh‐Le Minh‐Phuong , Myklebust Tor Åge , Feng Christine H. , Karunamuni Roshan , Johannesen Tom Børge , Dale Anders M. , Andreassen Ole A. , Seibert Tyler M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Optimal prostate cancer (PCa) screening strategies will focus on men likely to have potentially lethal disease. Age‐specific incidence rates (ASIRs) by modern clinical risk groups could inform risk stratification efforts for screening.

Methods

This cross‐sectional population study identified all men diagnosed with PCa in Norway from 2014 to 2017 (n = 20,356). Age, Gleason score (primary plus secondary), and clinical stage were extracted. Patients were assigned to clinical risk groups: low, favorable intermediate, unfavorable intermediate, high, regional, and metastatic. Chi‐square tests analyzed the independence of Gleason scores and modern PCa risk groups with age. ASIRs for each risk group were calculated as the product of Norwegian ASIRs for all PCa and the proportions observed for each risk category.

Results

Older age was significantly associated with a higher Gleason score and more advanced disease. The percentages of men with Gleason 8 to 10 disease among men aged 55 to 59, 65 to 69, 75 to 79, and 85 to 89 years were 16.5%, 23.4%, 37.2%, and 59.9%, respectively (P < .001); the percentages of men in the same age groups with at least high‐risk disease were 29.3%, 39.1%, 60.4%, and 90.6%, respectively (P < .001). The maximum ASIRs (per 100,000 men) for low‐risk, favorable intermediate‐risk, unfavorable intermediate‐risk, high‐risk, regional, and metastatic disease were 157.1 for those aged 65 to 69 years, 183.8 for those aged 65 to 69 years, 194.8 for those aged 70 to 74 years, 408.3 for those aged 75 to 79 years, 159.7 for those aged ≥85 years, and 314.0 for those aged ≥85 years, respectively. At the ages of 75 to 79 years, the ASIR of high‐risk disease was approximately 6 times greater than the ASIR at 55 to 59 years.

Conclusions

The risk of clinically significant localized PCa increases with age. Healthy older men may benefit from screening.
Can ultrasound systems for risk stratification of thyroid nodules identify follicular carcinoma?
Authors: Castellana Marco , Piccardo Arnoldo , Virili Camilla , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Grani Giorgio , Durante Cosimo , Giovanella Luca , Trimboli Pierpaolo
Published: January 2020

Background

Ultrasound (US) risk stratification systems (RSSs) have been developed to reduce the number of unnecessary fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of thyroid nodules. These systems were designed primarily to identify papillary thyroid carcinomas, thus their performance on follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is debatable. The present study was undertaken to investigate the accuracy of RSSs in selecting FTCs for FNA.

Methods

Patients with FTC who underwent US examinations between 2012 and 2018 in 2 institutions were selected. US images were reviewed retrospectively, and FTCs were reclassified according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist/American College of Endocrinology/Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (AACE/ACE/AME), American College of Radiology (ACR‐TIRADS), 2015 American Thyroid Association, British Thyroid Association, European Thyroid Association, Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology and Korean Society of Radiology, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS). Risk class and indication for FNA were assessed.

Results

Forty‐five FTCs from 45 consecutive patients were included in the study. The median tumor diameter was 32 mm (range, 11‐100), and ovoid isoechoic nodule with or without lobulated margins was the most frequent presentation. When FTCs were classified according to RSSs, the most common categories were intermediate and high risk, though 1 case in 3 was not classifiable. FTCs were classified as high risk/high suspicion/malignant in 11% to 74% of cases, with a statistically significant difference among the systems. FNA was indicated in 69% to 100% of cases, with good agreement among AACE/ACE/AME, ACR‐TIRADS, and TIRADS.

Conclusion

Current RSSs show high performance in selecting FTCs for FNA. This result is mainly due to the dimensional RSSs cutoffs indicating FNA. On the contrary, given the reported unsuspicious echo‐structural presentation of FTC and the recognized limitation of cytological assessment to detect it, caution is advised when using US to manage cytologically indeterminate nodules.
Does Pressure Break Mirror‐Image Symmetry? A Perspective and New Insights
Authors: Hochberg David , Cintas Pedro
Published: January 2020

This paper is aimed at dissecting and discussing the effect of high pressure on chirogenesis, thus unveiling the role of this universal force in astrochemical and primeval Darwinian scenarios. The first part of this contribution revisits the current status and recent experiments, most dealing with crystalline racemates, for which generation of metastable conglomeratic phases would eventually afford spontaneous resolution and hence enantioenriched mixtures. We then provide an in‐depth thermodynamic analysis, based on previous studies of non‐electrolyte solutions and dense mixtures accounting for the existence of positive excess volume upon mixing, to simulate the mirror symmetry breaking, the evolution of entropy production and dissipation due to enantiomer conversion. Results clearly suggest that mirror symmetry breaking under high pressure may be a genuine phenomenon and that enantioenrichment from initial scalemic mixtures may also take place.
3 D NiO Nanowall Hole‐Transporting Layer for the Passivation of Interfacial Contact in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Xin , Zhai Jifeng , Du Pingfan , Li Ni , Song Lixin , Xiong Jie , Ko Frank
Published: January 2020

Nickel oxide (NiO) materials with excellent stability and favorable energy bands are desirable candidates for hole‐selective contact (HSC) of inverted perovskite solar cell (PSC). However, studies that focus on addressing interfacial issues, which are induced by the poor NiO/perovskite contact or other defects, are scarce. In this study, a facile one‐step hydrothermal strategy is demonstrated for the development of a 3 D NiO nanowall (NW) film as a promising HSC. The new NiO NWs HSC exhibits a robust and homogenous mesoporous network structure, which improved the NiO/perovskite interface contact, passivated the interfacial defect and improved the quality of the perovskite film. The optimized interface features enabled a power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching 18 %. A diethanolamine (DEA) interlayer was introduced to further passivate the intrinsic defect of the NiO surface, resulting in better charge transfer with suppressed recombination loss. As a result, the champion PCE of the NiO NWs/DEA‐based device was increased to 19.16 % with a high open‐circuit voltage (≈1.11 V) and fill factor (>80 %), which is prominent in methylammonium lead iodide‐based inverted PSCs. Furthermore, the device exhibited better stability and lower hysteresis behavior than a conventional solution‐based NiO nanocrystal device.
Heterogeneous Catalyst Design Principles for the Conversion of Lignin into High‐Value Commodity Fuels and Chemicals
Authors: Gale Mark , Cai Charles M. , Gilliard‐Abdul‐Aziz Kandis Leslie
Published: January 2020

Lignin valorization has risen as a promising pathway to supplant the use of petrochemicals for chemical commodities and fuels. However, the challenges of separating and breaking down lignin from lignocellulosic biomass are the primary barriers to success. Integrated biorefinery systems that incorporate both homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysis for the upgrading of lignin intermediates have emerged as a viable solution. Homogeneous catalysis can perform selected chemistries, such as the hydrolysis and dehydration of ester or ether bonds, that are more suitable for the pretreatment and fractionation of biomass. Heterogeneous catalysis, however, offers a tunable platform for the conversion of extracted lignin into chemicals, fuels, and materials. Tremendous effort has been invested in elucidating the necessary factors for the valorization of lignin by using heterogeneous catalysts, with efforts to explore more robust methods to drive down costs. Current progress in lignin conversion has fostered numerous advances, but understanding the key catalyst design principles is important for advancing the field. This Minireview aims to provide a summary on the fundamental design principles for the selective conversion of lignin by using heterogeneous catalysts, including the pairing of catalyst metals, supports, and solvents. The review puts a particular focus on the use of bimetallic catalysts on porous supports as a strategy for the selective conversion of lignin. Finally, future research on the valorization of lignin is proposed on the basis of recent progress.
A new rank‐order clustering algorithm for prolonging the lifetime of wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mostafavi Seyedakbar , Hakami Vesal
Published: January 2020

Energy efficient resource management is critical for prolonging the lifetime of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Clustering of sensor nodes with the aim of distributing the traffic loads in the network is a proven approach for balanced energy consumption in WSN. The main body of literature in this topic can be classified as hierarchical and distance‐based clustering techniques in which multi‐hop, multi‐level forwarding, and distance‐based criteria are utilized for categorization of sensor nodes. In this study, we propose the approximate rank‐order wireless sensor networks (ARO‐WSNs) clustering algorithm as a combined hierarchical and distance‐based clustering approach. Different from absolute distance, ARO‐WSN algorithm utilizes a new rank‐order distance measure for agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Specifically, for each sensor node, we generate a ranking order list by sorting all other sensor nodes in the neighborhood by absolute distance. Then, the rank‐order distance of two sensor nodes is computed using their ranking orders. The designed algorithm iteratively group all sensor nodes into a small number of sub‐clusters. The results show that ARO‐WSN outperforms the competitive clustering algorithms in terms of efficiency and precision/recall. The lifetime of the network with the first node death criterion improved relative to LEACH, LEACH‐C, LEACH with fuzzy descriptors, and BPA‐CRP by 60%, 85%, 22%, and 18%, respectively, and with last node death criterion improved relative to K‐means, LEACH, LEACH‐C, and LEACH with fuzzy descriptors by 42%, 67%, 64%, and 24%, respectively.
Fate of cypermethrin in Malaysian oil palm plantation
Authors: Sulaiman Najwa , Chee Beng Yeoh , Ahmad Bustamam Farah Khuwailah , Khairuddin Nik Sasha Khatrina , Muhamad Halimah
Published: January 2020

Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used to control bagworm infestation in oil palm plantations. It is applied through spraying onto the leaves where the bagworms reside. This article reports the fate of cypermethrin used in a Malaysian oil palm plantation during a typical dry season through the analysis of cypermethrin residue in environmental and palm oil samples collected from a supervised field trial. Residues of cypermethrin were not detected in the soil samples collected at different depths, water samples collected at different points in the experimental plots, and oil samples extracted from fresh fruit bunches (FFB) harvested from each plot for both single and double dosages of treatment throughout the study interval. Analysis of leaf samples, however, revealed that cypermethrin residue was detected for both pesticide treatments up to day 2 after cypermethrin application.
Mitogenome evolution in ladybirds: Potential association with dietary adaptation
Authors: Yuan Ming‐Long , Zhang Li‐Jun , Zhang Qi‐Lin , Zhang Li , Li Min , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Feng Run‐Qiu , Tang Pei‐An
Published: January 2020

Dietary shifts can alter the relative availability of different nutrients and are therefore associated with metabolic adaptation in animals. The Coccinellidae (ladybirds) exhibits three major types of feeding habits and provides a useful model to study the effects of dietary changes on the evolution of mitogenomes, which encode proteins directly involved in energy metabolism. Here, mitogenomes of three coccinellid species were newly sequenced. These data were combined with other ten previously sequenced coccinellid mitogenomes to explore the relationship between mitogenome evolution and diets. Our results indicate that mitogenomic data can be effectively used to resolve phylogenetic relationships of Coccinellidae. Strong codon usage bias in coccinellid mitogenomes was predominantly determined by nucleotide composition. The 13 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes (PCGs) globally evolved under negative constraints, with some PCGs showing a stronger purifying selection. Six PCGs (nad3,nad4L,andnad5from Complex I;cox1andcox3from Complex IV; andatp6from Complex V) displayed signs of positive selection. Of these, adaptive changes incox3were potentially associated with metabolic differences resulting from dietary shifts in Coccinellidae. Our results provide insights into the adaptive evolution of coccinellid mitogenomes in response to both dietary shifts and other life history traits.
A High Sensitive, Reproducible and Disposable Immunosensor for Analysis of SOX2
Authors: Tarimeri Nur , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal
Published: January 2020

In this study, an ITO (indium tin oxide) based biosensor was constructed to detect SOX2. SOX2 helps the regulation of cell pluripotency and is closely related to early embryonic development, neural and sexual differentiation. SOX2 is amplified and overexpressed in some malignant tumors such as squamous cell, lung, prostate, breast, esophageal cell, colon, ovarian, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To generate a hydroxylated clean electrode surface, ITO electrodes were treated with NH4OH/H2O2/H2O. Later, ITO‐PET electrode surfaces were modified with 3‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (3‐GOPS). Then, Anti‐SOX2 was covalently immobilized onto the electrode surfaces. 3‐GOPS concentration, Anti‐SOX2 concentration and incubation time, SOX2 incubation time were optimized. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were utilized in order to follow up the immobilization processes and the optimization steps of the biosensor. To characterize the analytical properties of constructed immunosensor; linear range, repeatability, reproducibility and regeneration studies were investigated. The linear range of the immunosensor was detected as 0.625 pg/mL–62.5 pg/mL. Square wave voltammetry technique was also applied to the biosensor. Storage life of the biosensor was determined for identifying the possible usability of the biosensor in clinical field. Finally, the designed biosensor was applied to the real human serum samples. The results obtained with the presented biosensor were also compared with ELISA results.
Modelling the decadal dynamics of reach‐scale river channel evolution and floodplain turnover in CAESAR‐Lisflood
Authors: Feeney Christopher J. , Chiverrell Richard C. , Smith Hugh G. , Hooke Janet M. , Cooper James R.
Published: January 2020

Sedimentary deposits provide records of environmental change quantifying erosion fluxes conditioned by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. These fluxes are lagged by internal storage, particularly within floodplains, complicating reconstruction of environmental changes. The time sediment remains in storage underpins the interpretation of sedimentary records and accurate monitoring of pollutant fluxes. Turnover time is a measure of the timeframe to erode every floodplain surface. CAESAR‐Lisflood is used to simulate fluvial evolution at reach scale, providing a basis for quantifying environmental changes on the timescales of sediment storage. We evaluate the accuracy of CAESAR‐Lisflood simulations of channel changes and turnover times for alluvial floodplains using historical channel changes reconstructed for 10 reaches in northern England to quantify model accuracy in replicating mean annual erosion, deposition and channel lateral migration rates, alongside planform morphology. Here, a split‐sample testing approach is adopted, whereby five of the reaches were calibrated and the resulting parameter values were applied to the other reaches to evaluate the transferability of parameter settings. The lowest overall integrated error identified the best‐fit simulations and showed that modelled process rates were within ~25–50% of rates from historical reconstructions, generally. Calibrated parameters for some reaches are widely transferable, producing accurate geomorphic changes for some uncalibrated sites. However, large errors along some reaches indicate that reach‐specific parameterization is recommended. Turnover times are underpinned by the assumption that areas of floodplain previously unvisited by the channel are reworked. This assumption has been challenged by studies that show floodplain (re)occupation rates vary spatially. However, this limitation is less important for the short‐duration simulations presented here. The simulations reconstruct floodplain turnover times estimated by mapped rates mostly successfully, demonstrating the potential applicability of calibrated parameters over much longer timescales. Errors in the form of under‐predicted erosion rates propagated, resulting in over‐predicted turnover times by even greater magnitudes. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Systematic review of genetic association studies in people with Lewy body dementia
Authors: Sanghvi Hazel , Singh Ricky , Morrin Hamilton , Rajkumar Anto P.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Lewy body dementia (LBD) causes more morbidity, disability, and earlier mortality than Alzheimer disease. Molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in LBD are poorly understood. We aimed to do a systematic review of all genetic association studies that investigated people with LBD for improving our understanding of LBD molecular genetics and for facilitating discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LBD.

Methods

We systematically reviewed five online databases (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42018087114) and completed the quality assessment using the quality of genetic association studies tool.

Results

Eight thousand five hundred twenty‐one articles were screened, and 75 articles were eligible to be included. Genetic associations of LBD with APOE, GBA, and SNCA variants have been replicated by two or more good quality studies. Our meta‐analyses confirmed that APOE‐ε4 is significantly associated with dementia with Lewy bodies (pooled odds ratio [POR] = 2.70; 95% CI, 2.37‐3.07; P < .001) and Parkinson's disease dementia (POR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.21‐2.11; P = .001). Other reported genetic associations that need further replication include variants in A2M, BCHE‐K, BCL7C, CHRFAM7A, CNTN1, ESR1, GABRB3, MAPT, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup H, NOS2A, PSEN1, SCARB2, TFAM, TREM2, and UCHL1.

Conclusions

The reported genetic associations and their potential interactions indicate the importance of α‐synuclein, amyloid, and tau pathology, autophagy lysosomal pathway, ubiquitin proteasome system, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in LBD. There is a need for larger genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for identifying more LBD‐associated genes. Future hypothesis‐driven studies should aim to replicate reported genetic associations of LBD and to explore their functional implications.
Does forgiving in a collectivistic culture affect only decisions to forgive and not emotions? REACH forgiveness collectivistic in Indonesia
Authors: Kurniati Ni Made Taganing , Worthington Everett L. , Widyarini Nilam , Citra Ajeng Furida , Dwiwardani Carissa
Published: January 2020

According to some theorising, in collectivistic societies, forgiveness is mainly enacted to maintain relationships, not engender emotional transformation. This present study was designed to explore whether forgiveness affects decisional and emotional forgiveness in Indonesia, a country categorised as collectivistic. The evidence‐based REACH Forgiveness psychoeducational group intervention was adapted to collectivistic culture (REACH forgiveness collectivistic; REACH‐FC), and its efficacy was assessed in a randomised controlled trial. Undergraduates in Indonesia (N = 97; 24 male; 73 female; ages 16–21) were randomly assigned within a 2 × 3(S) quasi‐experimental repeated‐measures design comparing immediate treatment (IT) and waiting list (WL) conditions [Condition (IT, WL) × Time ([S] 3 time points). Harmonious value, a personality variable assessing the strength of participants' desire for group harmony, was the covariate. The condition × time (S) interactions for both decisional and emotional forgiveness were significant, challenging some previous literature. Clearly, not all forms of collectivism have similar effects when individuals and communities deal with transgressions.
Adherent‐invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC): Cause or consequence of inflammation, dysbiosis, and rupture of cellular joints in patients with IBD?
Authors: Perna Angelica , Hay Eleonora , Contieri Marcella , De Luca Antonio , Guerra Germano , Lucariello Angela
Published: January 2020

There are many factors contributing to the development of gastrointestinal diseases, grouped into genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In recent years attention has fallen on pathogens; in particular, Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Helicobacter pylori have been studied. Several points remain to be clarified, and above all, as regards the adherent‐invasive E. coli strains of E. coli, one wonders if they are a cause or a consequence of the disease. In this review, we have tried to clarify some points by examining a series of recent publications regarding the involvement of the bacterium in the pathology, even if other studies are necessary.
Investigations of operant ABA renewal during differential reinforcement
Authors: Kimball Ryan T. , Greer Brian D. , Randall Kayla R. , Briggs Adam M.
Published: January 2020

Operant renewal is a form of relapse in which a previously extinguished response recurs due to a change in context. We designed two experiments to examine the impact of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior on ABA renewal in a translational model of relapse with 12 children. We compared levels of renewal in two 3‐phase arrangements. In one arrangement, we reinforced target responding in Context A, extinguished responding in Context B, and returned to Context A while continuing to implement extinction. In a second arrangement, an alternative response produced reinforcement in Context B and during the return to Context A. Results across the 2 experiments indicated 3 general findings. First, extinction plus differential reinforcement disrupted target behavior more consistently in Context B relative to extinction alone. Second, renewal tended to be greater and more persistent during extinction alone relative to extinction plus differential reinforcement. Third, the renewal effect appeared to depend on whether the alternative response had a history of extinction in Context A. We discuss methodological implications for the treatment of severe destructive behavior.
Bacterial growth, morphology, and cell component changes in Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C exposed to high concentration of selenate
Authors: Chen Changmei , Tian Jinbao , Zhou Jiahui , Ni Xuechen , Lei Jia , Wang Xingguo
Published: January 2020

Selenium (Se) is a nonmetallic element of the chalcogens. It is primarily available in natural environments as selenate and selenite oxoanions. Although selenate/selenite reduction in many microbes is widely studied at low concentrations (<50 mM), the effects of high selenate stress on bacterial growth, morphology, and cell components have not yet been studied. In this study, the response of Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C to selenate stress at high concentration is investigated by microbiological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques as well as proteomic analysis. Bacterial growth was seriously inhibited under high selenate concentrations and its growth‐inhibitory phase was prolonged with the increase of selenate concentrations. More interestingly, this bacterium was able to recover its growth even if the selenate concentration was up to 400 mM. Its growth inhibition period shortened to 6 h when the bacterium growing in 200 mM selenate for 28 h was reinoculated to the Luria‐Bertani medium containing 200 mM selenate. The high concentration of selenate also induces marked changes in the cell dimension and surface roughness, as revealed by SEM, along with compositional changes in the cell wall shown by proteomic analysis. The bacterial growth inhibition results from the marked downregulation of the α‐subunit of DNA polymerase III and RNA helicase, whereas its growth recovery is related to its high antioxidative activities. More NADPH synthesis and the upregulation of thioredoxin reductase and GPx are beneficial for Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C to establish and maintain a balance between oxidant and antioxidant intracellular systems for defending selenate toxicity. This study is an important contribution to understanding why Herbaspirillum sp. WT00C survives in a high concentration of selenate and how the bacterial cells respond physiologically to selenate stress at high concentration.
Limitation of nitrogen source facilitated the production of nonmeiotic recombinants in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Sybuia Priscila A. , Pereira Tais S. , Esquissato Giovana N. M. , de Castro‐Prado Gabriela , de Oliveira Heloá C. G. , Azevedo João L. , Pamphile João A. , Pereira Omar C. N. , de Carvalho Nunes William M. , Zanutto Carlos A. , de Castro‐Prado Marialba A. A.
Published: January 2020

Aspergillus nidulans is a fungal model organism extensively used in genetic approaches. It may reproduce sexually and asexually, with a well‐defined parasexual cycle. The current paper demonstrates that the limitation of nitrogen source facilitates the production of A. nidulans's nonmeiotic recombinants directly from heterokaryons, without the recovery of the diploid phase. Heterokaryons formed between master strains were inoculated in sodium nitrate‐low (basal medium [BM]) and sodium nitrate‐rich media (minimal medium [MM]). All mitotic segregants produced by the heterokaryons were tested for their mitotic stability in the presence of benomyl, the haploidizing agent. Only mitotically stable haploid segregants were selected for subsequent analysis. Phenotypic analyses of such haploids favored the characterization of nonmeiotic recombinants. As the number of such recombinants was higher in BM than in MM, nitrogen limitation may have facilitated the isolation of nonmeiotic recombinants from heterokaryons by stimulating nuclear fusion still inside the heterokaryotic mycelium as a survival strategy.
Atmospheric moisture pathways of East Africa and implications for water recycling at Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Schumacher Benjamin , Katurji Marwan , Meyer Hanna , Appelhans Tim , Otte Insa , Nauss Thomas
Published: January 2020

The Mt. Kilimanjaro ecosystem depends on atmospheric moisture transport and recycling of water, yet limited knowledge on the relation between advective moisture pathways and local water recycling is available. This study uses a regional atmospheric model to analyse moisture source and sink processes as well as precipitation recycling at Mt. Kilimanjaro. The results indicate that locally produced precipitation is deposited mainly in June and July while trans‐regional effects are weak. Results also revealed the importance of tropical storm systems for local convection in the Kilimanjaro region and the effect of the Indian Ocean Zonal Mode phases on East African moisture pathways. The analysis further revealed connections between the Madagascar tip jet and the Turkana jet with implications for regional moisture pathways that have not been described before.
Tegmen attenuation in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is progressive
Authors: Handzel Ophir , Brenner‐Ullman Adi , Niry Dana , Neuman Uri , Cavel Oren , Yahav Oron , Fliss Dan M. , Ungar Omer J.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To prove that temporal bone tegmen attenuation in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is progressive.

Study Design

Retrospective blind study at a tertiary academic medical center.

Methods

Enrolled were medical records of patients with IIH that included at least two sequential computed tomography (CT) scans. The vertical distances between the floor of the middle fossa to the superior and lateral semicircular canals (SSC and LSC, respectively), to the scutum and minimal squama thickness were measured. The same measurements were made in scans of control subjects. The impact of demographics and metabolic variables including opening lumbar puncture (LP) pressure were evaluated.

Results

Twenty medical records were enrolled. Median age at diagnosis was 21 years; 16 were females. The median body mass index (BMI) was 32 kg/m2. Initial LP pressure was 195 mm cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The median time interval between CT scans was 58 months. A median attenuation of 0.35 mm and 0.25 mm over the right and left LSC and of 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm over the right and left scutum, was found, respectively. The thicknesses of the SSC and squama remained stable. No attenuation was present in controls. The opening pressure on initial LP (median 195 mm CSF), was positively correlated with the degree of tegmen attenuation, but the age at diagnosis and BMI were not.

Conclusions

Tegmen attenuation may be progressive in patients with idiopathic increased intracranial pressure and correlated with the opening pressure on LP. Tegmen defects and CSF leak should be looked for in these patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2020
Approximation by nonlinear integral operators via summability process
Authors: Aslan Ismail , Duman Oktay
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we study the approximation properties of nonlinear integral operators of convolution‐type by using summability process. In the approximation, we investigate the convergence with respect to both the variation semi‐norm and the classical supremum norm. We also compute the rate of approximation on some appropriate function classes. At the end of the paper, we construct a specific sequence of nonlinear operators, which verifies the summability process. Some graphical illustrations and numerical computations are also provided.
Energy Renormalization for Coarse‐Graining Polymers with Different Fragilities: Predictions from the Generalized Entropy Theory
Authors: Xu Wen‐Sheng , Xia Wenjie
Published: January 2020

Bottom‐up prediction of physical performance of glass‐forming (GF) polymers via coarse‐grained (CG) modeling is challenging because these CG models normally experience significantly altered dynamics that strongly vary with temperature. Building upon the recently developed energy‐renormalization (ER) coarse‐graining method based on molecular dynamics simulations, generalized entropy theory (GET) is employed to theoretically investigate the influence of fundamental molecular parameters on CG modeling of polymers having different glass “fragilities” Taking a linear polymer melt as a model system within the GET framework, it is shown that the chain bending rigidity and cohesive interaction play critical roles in the glass formation of polymers and their CG analogs. To coarse‐grain polymers having a higher fragility index, it requires greater magnitudes of ER factor εCG to rescale the cohesive interaction strength under coarse‐graining and thus recover the atomistic relaxation dynamics over a wide temperature range. The GET further predicts that a higher degree of coarse‐graining generally requires greater magnitudes of εCG due to the influence of loss of configuration entropy sc on the dynamics. GET analyses herein theoretically demonstrate the efficacy of the ER method toward building a multiscale temperature transferable modeling framework for GF polymers, and confirm the importance of preserving sc in CG modeling of dynamics of soft materials.
Developmental aspects of FXAND in a man with the FMR1 premutation
Authors: Santos Ellery , Emeka‐Nwonovo Chinelo , Wang Jun Yi , Schneider Andrea , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Paul , Hagerman Randi
Published: January 2020

Background

Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation can cause developmental problems including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These problems fall under an umbrella term of Fragile X‐associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (FXAND) and is separate from Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder.

Methods/Clinical Case

A 26‐year‐old Caucasian male with the Fragile X premutation who presented with multiple behavior and emotional problems including depression and anxiety at 10 years of age. He was evaluated at 13, 18, and 26 years old with age‐appropriate cognitive assessments, psychiatric evaluations, and an MRI of the brain.

Results

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) was done at 13 years old and showed the patient has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An evaluation at 18 years old showed a full‐scale IQ of 64. A Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K‐SADS) performed at 26 years old confirmed the previous impression of social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia disorder, and selective mutism. His MRI acquired at 26 years old showed enlarged ventricles, increased frontal subarachnoid spaces, and hypergyrification.

Conclusion

This is an exemplary case of an FMR1 premutation carrier with significant psychiatric and cognitive issues that demonstrates Fragile X‐associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (FXAND) as separate from the other well‐known premutation disorders.
Design and implementation of an adaptive beamformer for phased array antenna applications
Authors: Adamidis George A. , Vardiambasis Ioannis O. , Ioannidou Melina P. , Kapetanakis Theodoros N.
Published: January 2020

A modular beamformer, fully scalable in amplitude and phase, to be used with transmitting antenna arrays operating in the Digital Cellular System (DCS)/Personal Communications Service (PCS) frequency band, is designed and fabricated in this paper. The implementation of the structure is simple and very low cost; its performance is evaluated by measuring the frequency response, as well as the radiation patterns produced by an antenna array connected to the output of the beamformer. The latter exhibits low return losses and average amplitude imbalance less than ±0.8 dB, whereas the phase deviations do not exceed ±6° on average, over its 300 MHz bandwidth.