bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power flow management analysis using compensating techniques for managing congestion within electrical energy network
Authors: Jobanputra Jalpa , Kotwal Chetan
Published: January 2021

In a deregulated electrical energy system with increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, rescheduling of the power generation(s) is required, and it is going to congest some of the power lines in the complex power system. The power flow can be managed using different compensating techniques. This study presents power flow management analysis using selected compensation technologies (i.e. series, shunt, series-shunt, and D-FACTS) for congestion alleviation. In this work, an IEEE 6 bus distributed network is used and the mentioned compensating techniques are evaluated for congestion management considering a case of power line outage. It is observed some of the power lines are overloaded by 10%. To reduce the overloading; the series, shunt, series-shunt, D-FACTS compensation technologies are used and found that they can reduce the active power overloading of the congested line by 27%, 9.5%, 12%, and 27% respectively. But the apparent power congestions can be reduced using series and D-FACTS techniques by 14% compare to shunt and series-shunt techniques. It is affirmed that the D-FACTS can effectively manage the power flow compare to other compensation techniques and can offer other benefits (e.g. voltage quality, line power flows, injection of power at the buses, reduction in power losses, etc.).
Effect of the distance between primary pivots on the stability of two-chain cargo suspension arrangement
Authors: Nikitin Yevgeny V. , Podporin Sergei A.
Published: January 2021

The effect of distance between the primary pivots on stability of the two-chain suspension arrangement of a load has been explored. Based on the concept and methodology for calculating static stability, developed in previous works, it has been shown that the arrangement with narrow placement of the primary pivots is generally less stable than a normal arrangement. The reduced stability of such a system is primarily associated with a decrease in the length of the base of the stability triangle (ST) inside which the gravity center of the load (GCL) must be positioned. The minimal distance between primary pivots that provides equal stability to both arrangements (with narrow and normal primary pivots) has been also determined. An analytical inequality has been obtained, which allowed us to develop a decision rule to answer the question whether the stability of a system with narrow primary pivots is the same as that of a normal system. It has been shown that for the same geometric dimensions of both systems (with narrow and normal primary pivots) and the weight of the load, the fulfillment of the decisive inequality (rule) depends on the mass of the spreader. It has been shown that the stability of the system with wide position of the primary pivots is the same as for a normal system. Nevertheless, since the longer spreader is usually heavier than the normal one then the arrangement with wide primary pivots will be more stable than the normal arrangement.
Rapid and simultaneous purification of aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol using their monoclonal antibodies and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Hyuk-Mi , Kang Hwan-Goo
Published: January 2021

To develop a new simple and simultaneous purification method for mycotoxins in feeds and grains, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against mycotoxins were used to separate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON). For a single spike of each mycotoxin into the buffer solution (16% MeOH in PBS), mean recoveries were 93.1–95.0% for AFB1 (5–20 ng/mL spiked), 87.2–96.0% for ZEA (125–500 ng/mL spiked) and 75.2–96.9% for DON (250–1,000 ng/mL spiked) by HPLC and ELISA. Recoveries of AFB1 (20 ng/mL) and ZEA (500 ng/mL) simultaneously spiked into the buffer solution were 87.0 and 99.8%, respectively. Recovery rates of AFB1/DON and DON/ZEA spiked simultaneously were 86.2%/76.6% and 92.0%/86.7%, respectively, at concentrations of 20 ng/mL AFB1, 500 ng/mL ZEA, and 1,000 ng/mL DON. Recoveries using the novel mAb–MNP conjugated system in a buffer solution simultaneously spiked with AFB1, ZEA and DON were 82.5, 94.6 and 73.4%, respectively. Recoveries of DON in animal feed were 107.7–132.5% at concentrations of 250–1,000 ng/g spiked in feed. The immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) clean-up method was compared with the purification method using novel mAb–MNP. After fortification of animal feed with AFB1 (5, 10 and 20 ng/g feed) and ZEA (125, 250 and 500 ng/g feed), AFB1 and ZEA were purified using both the methods. In the case of the novel mAb-MNP conjugated system, mean recoveries for AFB1 were 89.4, 73.1 and 88.3% at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 ng/g feed, respectively. For ZEA, mean recoveries were 86.7, 85.9 and 79.1% at concentrations of 125, 250 and 500 ng/g, respectively. For IAC purification, recoveries were 42.9–45.1% for AFB1 and 96.8–103.2% for ZEA. In conclusion, the present purification method using monoclonal antibodies conjugated to MNPs can be used for simple and simultaneous purification of mycotoxins from feed and maize.
Deliberate hypotension as a mechanism to decrease intraoperative surgical site blood loss in resource limited setting: A systematic review and guideline
Authors: Tegegne Shimelis Seid , Gebregzi Amare Hailekiros , Arefayne Nurhussen Riskey
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Intraoperative surgical site bleeding is usually common in different types of surgeries. Even though there are different prevention techniques for intraoperative bleeding disorder, now adays deliberate hypotension is highly recommended as management options. Uncontrolled intraoperative bleeding may contribute to disability and even death. It can be the initial sign, and lead to incapacitating symptoms in patients undergoing moderate to major surgery.

Method:

Electronic search strategies used the following databases: Cochrane library, Pub Med, Medline and various internet search routines, for English publications. Key search terms included in our review are: Deliberate/controlled/induced/permissive hypotension, Intraoperative blood loss, Bleeding control, Intraoperative monitoring, Complication and anesthetic management. Availability of each referenced literature database was assessed until March 15–2019. References classified by evidence levels were selected by one individual and checked by another investigator.

Discussion:

Deliberate hypotension is listed as one of the blood conservation techniques to be considered with MAP between 50 and 65 mmHg and SBP between 80 and 90 mmHg with little to no reports of complication. A reduction of the patient's blood pressure improved the surgical field operating conditions. Resuscitation should be started after bleeding sites arrested. The most significant factor in deciding when to transfuse is based on one's attitude towards transfusion and the related ‘trigger’ criterion for transfusion.

Conclusion:

Hypotensive anesthesia protocol allowed perfect hemostasis control significantly with shorter operative time compared with other intraoperative controlling mechanisms for prevention of surgical site bleeding. The range of mean arterial pressure and blood pressure has to be closely monitored and any decrement from the expected range should be managed with vasoactive drugs.

Highlights
Singularly Perturbed Methods for Nonlinear Elliptic Problems
Authors: Cao Daomin , Peng Shuangjie , Yan Shusen
Published: January 2021

This introduction to the singularly perturbed methods in the nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations emphasises the existence and local uniqueness of solutions exhibiting concentration property. The authors avoid using sophisticated estimates and explain the main techniques by thoroughly investigating two relatively simple but typical non-compact elliptic problems. Each chapter then progresses to other related problems to help the reader learn more about the general theories developed from singularly perturbed methods. Designed for PhD students and junior mathematicians intending to do their research in the area of elliptic differential equations, the text covers three main topics. The first is the compactness of the minimization sequences, or the Palais-Smale sequences, or a sequence of approximate solutions; the second is the construction of peak or bubbling solutions by using the Lyapunov-Schmidt reduction method; and the third is the local uniqueness of these solutions.
A DRIVER's Guide to European Repositories
Authors: Godtsenhoven Karen van
Published: January 2021

The Driver's Guide is a practical guide for repository managers and institutions who want to build their own repository. This title is available in the OAPEN Library - http://www.oapen.org.
Optimal unstirred state of a passive scalar
Authors: Chen L. , Yeates A.R. , Russell A.J.B.
Published: January 2021

Given a passive tracer distribution

$f(x,y)$

, what is the simplest unstirred pattern that may be reached under incompressible advection? This question is partially motivated by recent studies of three-dimensional (3-D) magnetic reconnection, in which the patterns of a topological invariant called the field line helicity greatly simplify until reaching a relaxed state. We test two approaches: a variational method with minimal constraints, and a magnetic relaxation scheme where the velocity is determined explicitly by the pattern of

$f$

. Both methods achieve similar convergence for simple test cases. However, the magnetic relaxation method guarantees a monotonic decrease in the Dirichlet seminorm of

$f$

, and is numerically more robust. We therefore apply the latter method to two complex mixed patterns modelled on the field line helicity of 3-D magnetic braids. The unstirring separates

$f$

into a small number of large-scale regions determined by the initial topology, which is well preserved during the computation. Interestingly, the velocity field is found to have the same large-scale topology as

$f$

. Similarity to the simplification found empirically in 3-D magnetic reconnection simulations supports the idea that advection is an important principle for field line helicity evolution.
The link between fear about COVID-19 and insomnia: mediated by economic concerns and psychological distress, moderated by mindfulness
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul , Azeem Muhammad Umer , Khalid Samia
Published: January 2021

This paper adds to extant research by examining the relationship between employees’ fear of coronavirus disease 2019 and their suffering from insomnia. It specifically proposes mediating roles of employees' economic concerns and psychological distress and a moderating role of mindfulness in this process. The research hypotheses are tested with survey data collected through two studies among Pakistani-based professionals: 316 in study 1 and 421 in study 2. The results pinpoint a salient risk for employees who experience fear during a pandemic crisis, in that the associated economic and psychological hardships make the situation worse by undermining their sleep quality, which eventually could diminish the quality of their lives even further. It also reveals how organizations can mitigate this risk if employees can leverage pertinent personal resources, such as mindfulness.
From Playground to Boardroom: Endowed Social Status and Managerial Performance
Authors: Du Fangfang
Published: January 2021

Using U.S. census survey data on CEOs’ residence in their formative years, I document a negative relation between CEOs’ endowed family wealth and managerial performance. Consistent with the view that CEOs born into low-income families face higher entry barriers but may possess greater levels of ability that enable them to become CEOs, I find that CEOs born into less privileged families outperform those from higher-wealth families. The outperformance of CEOs from less wealthy families is not driven by risk taking or omitted variables. Overall, my results suggest that CEOs’ social endowment provides a useful signal for their managerial ability.
A scoping review of the detection, epidemiology and control ofCyclospora cayetanensiswith an emphasis on produce, water and soil
Authors: Totton S. C. , O'Connor A. M. , Naganathan T. , Martinez B. A. F. , Vriezen E. R. , Torrence M. E. , Sargeant J. M.
Published: January 2021

Cyclospora cayetanensisis a parasite causing cyclosporiasis (an illness in humans). Produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs), water and soil contaminated withC. cayetanensishave been implicated in human infection. The objective was to conduct a scoping review of primary research in English on the detection, epidemiology and control ofC. cayetanensiswith an emphasis on produce, water and soil. MEDLINE® (Web of ScienceTM), Agricola (ProQuest), CABI Global Health, and Food Science and Technology Abstracts (EBSCOhost) were searched from 1979 to February 2020. Of the 349 relevant primary research studies identified, there were 75 detection-method studies, 40 molecular characterisation studies, 38 studies ofCyclosporain the environment (33 prevalence studies, 10 studies of factors associated with environmental contamination), 246 human infection studies (212 prevalence/incidence studies, 32 outbreak studies, 60 studies of environmental factors associated with non-outbreak human infection) and eight control studies. There appears to be sufficient literature for a systematic review of prevalence and factors associated with human infection withC. cayetanensis. There is a dearth of publicly available detection-method studies in soil (n= 0) and water (n= 2), prevalence studies on soil (n= 1) and studies of the control ofCyclospora(particularly on produce prior to retail (n= 0)).
Successful combination treatment with transcatheter balloon atrioseptostomy and bilateral pulmonary artery banding in a collapsed preterm neonate
Authors: Kuroda Hiroyuki , Nakano Yusuke , Machida Daisuke
Published: January 2021

There has been an increase in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe neonatal cardiac failure. However, the frequency of complications is high, particularly in preterm and low-birth-weight neonates. Herein, we present combination treatment with transcatheter balloon atrioseptostomy and bilateral pulmonary artery banding in a collapsed preterm neonate. This strategy can be an alternative to circulatory support using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Coronary aneurysms, myocardial dysfunction, and shock in a COVID-19 child, role of ECMO, immunomodulation, and cardiac CT
Authors: Mustafa Muhammad R. , Carter Michael J. , Wong James , Bell Aaron , Salih Caner
Published: January 2021

Coronary artery aneurysms in children were observed as a rare complication associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case report describes the severe end of the spectrum of the new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a 12-year-old child with coronary aneurysms, myocardial dysfunction, and shock, managed successfully with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and immunomodulation therapy. This report also highlights the additional benefits of cardiac CT in the diagnosis and follow-up of coronary aneurysms.
Management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tamura Jocelyn K. , Carvalho Isabelle P. , Leanna Lui M. W. , Feng Jia Nuo , Rosenblat Joshua D. , Mansur Rodrigo , Lee Yena , Cha Danielle S. , Teopiz Kayla , Ahmad Zara , Nasri Flora , Kim Jiin , McIntyre Roger S.
Published: January 2021

Cognitive impairment is common in bipolar disorder and is emerging as a therapeutic target to enhance quality of life and function. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and Embase databases for blinded or open-label randomized controlled trials evaluating the pro-cognitive effects of pharmacological, neurostimulation, or psychological interventions for bipolar disorder. Twenty-two trials were identified, evaluating a total of 16 different pro-cognitive interventions. The methodological quality of the identified trials were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Currently, no intervention (i.e., pharmacologic, neurostimulation, cognitive remediation) has demonstrated robust and independent pro-cognitive effects in adults with bipolar disorder. Findings are preliminary and methodological limitations limit the interpretation of results. Methodological considerations including, but not limited to, the enrichment with populations with pre-treatment cognitive impairment, as well as the inclusion of individuals who are in remission are encouraged. Future trials may also consider targeting interventions to specific cognitive subgroups and the use of biomarkers of cognitive function.
Development of an antimicrobial stewardship implementation model involving collaboration between general practitioners and pharmacists: GPPAS study in Australian primary care
Authors: Saha Sajal K. , Kong David C.M. , Thursky Karin , Mazza Danielle
Published: January 2021

Background:

Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in primary care is a growing concern and a threat to community health. The rise of AMR can be slowed down if general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) could work as a team to implement antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs for optimal use of antimicrobial(s). However, the evidence supporting a GP pharmacist collaborative AMS implementation model (GPPAS) in primary care remains limited.

Aim:

With an aim to design a GPPAS model in Australia, this paper outlines how this model will be developed.

Methods:

This exploratory study undertakes a systematic review, a scoping review, nationwide surveys, and qualitative interviews to design the model. Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and Normalization Process Theory are utilized as guides. Reviews will identify the list of effective GPPAS interventions. Two AMS surveys and paired interviews of GPs and CPs across Australia will explore their convergent and divergent views about the GPPAS interventions, attitudes towards collaboration in AMS and the perceived challenges of implementing GPPAS interventions. Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS 2.0) model and factor analyses will guide the structure of GPPAS model through identifying the determinants of GPPAS uptake. The implementable GPPAS strategies will be selected based on empirical feasibility assessment by AMS stakeholders using the APEASE (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects and safety, Equity) criteria.

Discussion:

The GPPAS model might have potential implications to inform how to better involve GPs and CPs in AMS, and, to improve collaborative services to optimize antimicrobial use and reduce AMR in primary care.
Dating the Northwest Shelf of Australia Since the Pliocene
Authors: Groeneveld J. , De Vleeschouwer D. , McCaffrey J. C. , Gallagher S. J.
Published: January 2021

Accurate dating of marine sediments is essential to reconstruct past changes in oceanography and climate. Benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotope series from such sediments record long‐term changes in global ice volume and deep‐water temperature. They are commonly used in the Plio‐Pleistocene to correlate deep ocean records and to construct age models. However, continental margin settings often display much higher sedimentation rates due to variations in regional depositional setting and local input of sediment. Here, it is necessary to create a regional multi‐site framework to allow precise dating of strata. We create such a high‐resolution regional framework to determine the ages of events for the Northwest Shelf (NWS) of Australia, which was cored by International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 356. We employ benthic foraminiferal oxygen and carbon isotopes to construct an astronomically‐tuned age model for IODP Site U1463 (5.16–1.69 Ma). The age model is applied to the IODP Site U1463 downhole‐logging natural gamma radiation (NGR) depth‐series, which was then correlated to NGR depth‐series of several IODP sites and industry wells in the area. This approach allows assigning ages to regional seismic reflectors and the timing of key climate‐related siliciclastic phases in a predominantly carbonate‐rich sequence, like the late Miocene‐Pliocene Bare Formation. This age model is also used to chronologically calibrate planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic datums showing that the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) had shoaled enough in the early Pliocene to act as biogeographical barrier between the Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Androgen receptor promotes renal cell carcinoma (RCC) vasculogenic mimicry (VM) via altering TWIST1 nonsense-mediated decay through lncRNA-TANAR
Authors: You Bosen , Sun Yin , Luo Jie , Wang Keliang , Liu Qing , Fang Ruizhe , Liu Bingmei , Chou Fuju , Wang Ronghao , Meng Jialin , Huang Chi-Ping , Yeh Shuyuan , Chang Chawnshang , Xu Wanhai
Published: January 2021

While the androgen receptor (AR) may influence the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), its role to impact vasculogenic mimicry (VM) to alter the ccRCC progression and metastasis remains obscure. Here, we demonstrated that elevated AR expression was positively correlated with tumor-originated vasculogenesis in ccRCC patients. Consistently, in vitro research revealed AR promoted VM formation in ccRCC cell lines via modulating lncRNA-TANAR/TWIST1 signals. Mechanism dissection showed that AR could increase lncRNA-TANAR (TANAR) expression through binding to the androgen response elements (AREs) located in its promoter region. Moreover, we found that TANAR could impede nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) of TWIST1 mRNA by direct interaction with TWIST1 5′UTR. A preclinical study using in vivo mouse model with orthotopic xenografts of ccRCC cells further confirmed the in vitro data. Together, these results illustrated that AR-mediated TANAR signals might play a crucial role in ccRCC VM formation and metastasis, and targeting this newly identified AR/TANAR/TWIST1 signaling may help in the development of a novel anti-angiogenesis therapy to better suppress the ccRCC progression.
Gene signature of children with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Dapat Clyde , Kumaki Satoru , Sakurai Hiroki , Nishimura Hidekazu , Labayo Hannah Karen Mina , Okamoto Michiko , Saito Mayuko , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: January 2021

Background

The limited treatment options for children with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the host cellular response during infection. We aimed to identify host genes that are associated with severe RSV disease and to identify drugs that can be repurposed for the treatment of severe RSV infection.

Methods

We examined clinical data and blood samples from 37 hospitalized children (29 mild and 8 severe) with RSV infection. We tested RNA from blood samples using next-generation sequencing to profile global mRNA expression and identify cellular processes.

Results

Retractions, decreased breath sounds, and tachypnea were associated with disease severity. We observed upregulation of genes related to neutrophil, inflammatory response, blood coagulation, and downregulation of genes related to T cell response in children with severe RSV. Using network-based approach, 43 drugs were identified that are predicted to interact with the gene products of these differentially expressed genes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the changes in the expression pattern in the innate and adaptive immune responses may be associated with RSV clinical severity. Compounds that target these cellular processes can be repositioned as candidate drugs in the treatment of severe RSV.

Impact

Neutrophil, inflammation, and blood coagulation genes are upregulated in children with severe RSV infection.

Expression of T cell response genes are suppressed in cases of severe RSV.

Genes identified in this study can contribute in understanding the pathogenesis of RSV disease severity.

Drugs that target cellular processes associated with severe RSV can be repositioned as potential therapeutic options.
The necroptotic cell death pathway operates in megakaryocytes, but not in platelet synthesis
Authors: Moujalled Diane , Gangatirkar Pradnya , Kauppi Maria , Corbin Jason , Lebois Marion , Murphy James M. , Lalaoui Najoua , Hildebrand Joanne M. , Silke John , Alexander Warren S. , Josefsson Emma C.
Published: January 2021

Necroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death program executed by the terminal effector, mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL). Previous studies suggested a role for the necroptotic machinery in platelets, where loss of MLKL or its upstream regulator, RIPK3 kinase, impacted thrombosis and haemostasis. However, it remains unknown whether necroptosis operates within megakaryocytes, the progenitors of platelets, and whether necroptotic cell death might contribute to or diminish platelet production. Here, we demonstrate that megakaryocytes possess a functional necroptosis signalling cascade. Necroptosis activation leads to phosphorylation of MLKL, loss of viability and cell swelling. Analyses at steady state and post antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia revealed that platelet production was normal in the absence of MLKL, however, platelet activation and haemostasis were impaired with prolonged tail re-bleeding times. We conclude that MLKL plays a role in regulating platelet function and haemostasis and that necroptosis signalling in megakaryocytes is dispensable for platelet production.
The m6A methylome of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells
Authors: Liu Jun’e , Xu Yan-Peng , Li Kai , Ye Qing , Zhou Hang-Yu , Sun Hanxiao , Li Xiaoyu , Yu Liu , Deng Yong-Qiang , Li Rui-Ting , Cheng Meng-Li , He Bo , Zhou Jia , Li Xiao-Feng , Wu Aiping , Yi Chengqi , Qin Cheng-Feng
Published: January 2021

The newly identified Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global health emergency because of its rapid spread and high mortality. The molecular mechanism of interaction between host and viral genomic RNA is yet unclear. We demonstrate herein that SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, as well as the negative-sense RNA, is dynamically N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified in human and monkey cells. Combined RIP-seq and miCLIP analyses identified a total of 8 m6A sites at single-base resolution in the genome. Especially, epidemic strains with mutations at these identified m6A sites have emerged worldwide, and formed a unique cluster in the US as indicated by phylogenetic analysis. Further functional experiments showed that m6A methylation negatively regulates SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection also triggered a global increase in host m6A methylome, exhibiting altered localization and motifs of m6A methylation in mRNAs. Altogether, our results identify m6A as a dynamic epitranscriptomic mark mediating the virus–host interaction.
Processing light with an optically tunable mechanical memory
Authors: Lake David P. , Mitchell Matthew , Sukachev Denis D. , Barclay Paul E.
Published: January 2021

Mechanical systems are one of the promising platforms for classical and quantum information processing and are already widely-used in electronics and photonics. Cavity optomechanics offers many new possibilities for information processing using mechanical degrees of freedom; one of them is storing optical signals in long-lived mechanical vibrations by means of optomechanically induced transparency. However, the memory storage time is limited by intrinsic mechanical dissipation. More over, in-situ control and manipulation of the stored signals processing has not been demonstrated. Here, we address both of these limitations using a multi-mode cavity optomechanical memory. An additional optical field coupled to the memory modifies its dynamics through time-varying parametric feedback. We demonstrate that this can extend the memory decay time by an order of magnitude, decrease its effective mechanical dissipation rate by two orders of magnitude, and deterministically shift the phase of a stored field by over 2π. This further expands the information processing toolkit provided by cavity optomechanics.
CD4 derived double negative T cells prevent the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sun Guangyong , Zhao Xinyan , Li Mingyang , Zhang Chunpan , Jin Hua , Li Changying , Liu Liwei , Wang Yaning , Shi Wen , Tian Dan , Xu Hufeng , Tian Yue , Wu Yongle , Liu Kai , Zhang Zhongtao , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2021

Hepatic inflammation is the driving force for the development and progression of NASH. Treatment targeting inflammation is believed to be beneficial. In this study, adoptive transfer of CD4+T cells converted double negative T cells (cDNT) protects mice from diet-induced liver fat accumulation, lobular inflammation and focal necrosis. cDNT selectively suppress liver-infiltrating Th17 cells and proinflammatory M1 macrophages. IL-10 secreted by M2 macrophages decreases the survival and function of cDNT to protect M2 macrophages from cDNT-mediated lysis. NKG2A, a cell inhibitory molecule, contributes to IL-10 induced apoptosis and dampened suppressive function of cDNT. In conclusion, ex vivo-generated cDNT exert potent protection in diet induced obesity, type 2 diabetes and NASH. The improvement of outcome is due to the inhibition on liver inflammatory cells. This study supports the concept and the feasibility of potentially utilizing this autologous immune cell-based therapy for the treatment of NASH.
Ion adsorption-induced reversible polarization switching of a van der Waals layered ferroelectric
Authors: Xu Dong-Dong , Ma Ru-Ru , Fu Ai-Ping , Guan Zhao , Zhong Ni , Peng Hui , Xiang Ping-Hua , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: January 2021

Solid-liquid interface is a key concept of many research fields, enabling numerous physical phenomena and practical applications. For example, electrode-electrolyte interfaces with electric double layers have been widely used in energy storage and regulating physical properties of functional materials. Creating a specific interface allows emergent functionalities and effects. Here, we show the artificial control of ferroelectric-liquid interfacial structures to switch polarization states reversibly in a van der Waals layered ferroelectric CuInP2S6 (CIPS). We discover that upward and downward polarization states can be induced by spontaneous physical adsorption of dodecylbenzenesulphonate anions and N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-ammonium cations, respectively, at the ferroelectric-liquid interface. This distinctive approach circumvents the structural damage of CIPS caused by Cu-ion conductivity during electrical switching process. Moreover, the polarized state features super-long retention time (>1 year). The interplay between ferroelectric dipoles and adsorbed organic ions has been studied systematically by comparative experiments and first-principles calculations. Such ion adsorption-induced reversible polarization switching in a van der Waals ferroelectric enriches the functionalities of solid-liquid interfaces, offering opportunities for liquid-controlled two-dimensional ferroelectric-based devices.
Fast operando spectroscopy tracking in situ generation of rich defects in silver nanocrystals for highly selective electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Wu Xinhao , Guo Yanan , Sun Zengsen , Xie Fenghua , Guan Daqin , Dai Jie , Yu Fengjiao , Hu Zhiwei , Huang Yu-Cheng , Pao Chih-Wen , Chen Jeng-Lung , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: January 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) is highly attractive to curb global warming. The knowledge on the evolution of catalysts and identification of active sites during the reaction is important, but still limited. Here, we report an efficient catalyst (Ag-D) with suitable defect concentration operando formed during ECR within several minutes. Utilizing the powerful fast operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the evolving electronic and crystal structures are unraveled under ECR condition. The catalyst exhibits a ~100% faradaic efficiency and negligible performance degradation over a 120-hour test at a moderate overpotential of 0.7 V in an H-cell reactor and a current density of ~180 mA cm−2 at −1.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in a flow-cell reactor. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the adsorption of intermediate COOH could be enhanced and the free energy of the reaction pathways could be optimized by an appropriate defect concentration, rationalizing the experimental observation.
Fabrication of fluorescent nanospheres by heating PEGylated tetratyrosine nanofibers
Authors: Gallo Enrico , Diaferia Carlo , Balasco Nicole , Sibillano Teresa , Roviello Valentina , Giannini Cinzia , Vitagliano Luigi , Morelli Giancarlo , Accardo Antonella
Published: January 2021

Aromatic polypeptides have recently drawn the interest of the research community for their capability to self-assemble into a variety of functional nanostructures. Due to their interesting mechanical, electrical and optical properties, these nanostructures have been proposed as innovative materials in different biomedical, biotechnological and industrial fields. Recently, several efforts have been employed in the development of these innovative materials as nanoscale fluorescence (FL) imaging probes. In this context, we describe the synthesis and the functional properties of a novel fluorescent tyrosine (Tyr, Y)-based nanospheres, obtained by heating at 200 °C a solution of the PEGylated tetra-peptide PEG6-Y4. At room temperature, this peptide self-assembles into not fluorescent low ordered water-soluble fibrillary aggregates. After heating, the aggregation of different polyphenolic species generates Y4-based nanospheres able to emit FL into blue, green and red spectral regions, both in solution and at the solid state. The aggregation features of PEG6-Y4 before and after heating were studied using a set of complementary techniques (Fluorescence, CD, FT-IR, Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering and SEM). After a deep investigation of their optoelectronic properties, these nanospheres could be exploited as promising tools for precise biomedicine in advanced nanomedical technologies (local bioimaging, light diagnostics, therapy, optogenetics and health monitoring).
Visualization of microwave near-field distribution in sodium chloride and glucose aqueous solutions by a thermo-elastic optical indicator microscope
Authors: Baghdasaryan Zhirayr , Babajanyan Arsen , Odabashyan Levon , Lee Jung-Ha , Friedman Barry , Lee Kiejin
Published: January 2021

In this study, a new optical method is presented to determine the concentrations of NaCl and glucose aqueous solutions by using a thermo-elastic optical indicator microscope. By measuring the microwave near-field distribution intensity, concentration changes of NaCl and glucose aqueous solutions were detected in the 0–100 mg/ml range, when exposed to microwave irradiation at 12 GHz frequency. Microwave near-field distribution intensity decreased as the NaCl or glucose concentration increased due to the changes of the absorption properties of aqueous solution. This method provides a novel approach for monitoring NaCl and glucose in biological liquids by using a CCD sensor capable of visualizing NaCl and glucose concentrations without scanning.
The loading effect of Pt clusters on Pt/graphene nano sheets catalysts
Authors: Siburian Rikson , Ali Ab Malik Marwan , Sebayang Kerista , Supeno Minto , Tarigan Kerista , Simanjuntak Crystina , Aritonang Sri Pratiwi , Hutagalung Fajar
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we report about chemically interaction between Pt Subnano-Clusters on Graphene Nano Sheets (GNS). The aim of this research is to clarify the size effect of Pt clusters on Pt 1–7 wt.%/GNS. This research is an experimental laboratory research. GNS was synthesized by using modified Hummer’s method and 1–7 wt.% Pt/GNS were prepared with impregnation method. Then, they were analyzed with TG/DTA, XRD, TEM and XPS, respectively. The results show that Pt clusters are well deposited on GNS (TG/DTA and TEM data). Those data also are consistent with XRD data. The weak and broad peaks appear at 2θ = 39°, indicating Pt metal exists on GNS. The state of Pt is confirmed by using XPS. The appearance of Pt 4f. peaks proves that Pt metal is chemical interaction on GNS. The size of Pt clusters may affect the chemically properties of Pt/GNS catalysts.
Metformin exerts anti-cancerogenic effects and reverses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition trait in primary human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Di Matteo Sabina , Nevi Lorenzo , Overi Diletta , Landolina Nadine , Faccioli Jessica , Giulitti Federico , Napoletano Chiara , Oddi Andrea , Marziani Augusto M. , Costantini Daniele , De Rose Agostino M. , Melandro Fabio , Bragazzi Maria C. , Grazi Gian Luca , Berloco Pasquale B. , Giuliante Felice , Donato Giuseppe , Moretta Lorenzo , Carpino Guido , Cardinale Vincenzo , Gaudio Eugenio , Alvaro Domenico
Published: January 2021

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly aggressive cancer with marked resistance to chemotherapeutics without therapies. The tumour microenvironment of iCCA is enriched of Cancer-Stem-Cells expressing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) traits, being these features associated with aggressiveness and drug resistance. Treatment with the anti-diabetic drug Metformin, has been recently associated with reduced incidence of iCCA. We aimed to evaluate the anti-cancerogenic effects of Metformin in vitro and in vivo on primary cultures of human iCCA. Our results showed that Metformin inhibited cell proliferation and induced dose- and time-dependent apoptosis of iCCA. The migration and invasion of iCCA cells in an extracellular bio-matrix was also significantly reduced upon treatments. Metformin increased the AMPK and FOXO3 and induced phosphorylation of activating FOXO3 in iCCA cells. After 12 days of treatment, a marked decrease of mesenchymal and EMT genes and an increase of epithelial genes were observed. After 2 months of treatment, in order to simulate chronic administration, Cytokeratin-19 positive cells constituted the majority of cell cultures paralleled by decreased Vimentin protein expression. Subcutaneous injection of iCCA cells previously treated with Metformin, in Balb/c-nude mice failed to induce tumour development. In conclusion, Metformin reverts the mesenchymal and EMT traits in iCCA by activating AMPK-FOXO3 related pathways suggesting it might have therapeutic implications.
The effects of short-term light exposure on subjective affect and comfort are dependent on the lighting time of day
Authors: Chen Lijun , Yan Fang-Fang , Fan Shuhan , Wu Yifan , Yang Jia , Yang Hua , Huang Chang-Bing
Published: January 2021

Light, one of the key environmental components for both life and work, played significant role in subjective feelings (e.g. affect and comfort), but the exact effects and mechanisms were still to be determined. The present study screened thirty healthy adults (13 females, 22.45 ± 3.26 years) and examined subjective affect and comfort under short-term white lights with different combination of correlated color temperature (CCT) and illuminance at different times of day (e.g. morning, afternoon, and evening). Our results showed a significant interaction between illuminance level and time-of-day on subjective comfort. Participants felt more comfortable under 50 lx and 100 lx instead of 500 lx in the evening, and more comfortable under 500 lx in the morning and afternoon. In addition, a positive correlation between illuminance and comfort in the morning and a negative correlation between them in the evening were found. No significant effect of CCT on any subjective feeling was revealed. Our results necessitate the consideration of time-of-day in understanding lighting effects and application of healthy lighting in daily life.
Screening for potential targets to reduce stenosis in bioprosthetic heart valves
Authors: Foth Rudi , Shomroni Orr , Sigler Matthias , Hörer Jürgen , Cleuziou Julie , Paul Thomas , Eildermann Katja
Published: January 2021

Progressive stenosis is one of the main factors that limit the lifetime of bioprosthetic valved conduits. To improve long-term performance we aimed to identify targets that inhibit pannus formation on conduit walls. From 11 explanted, obstructed, RNAlater presevered pulmonary valved conduits, we dissected the thickened conduit wall and the thin leaflet to determine gene expression-profiles using ultra deep sequencing. Differential gene expression between pannus and leaflet provided the dataset that was screened for potential targets. Promising target candidates were immunohistologically stained to see protein abundance and the expressing cell type(s). While immunostainings for DDR2 and FGFR2 remained inconclusive, EGFR, ErbB4 and FLT4 were specifically expressed in a subset of tissue macrophages, a cell type known to regulate the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of tissue repair. Taken toghether, our data suggest EGFR, ErbB4 and FLT4 as potential target candidates to limit pannus formation in bioprosthestic replacement valves.
Systematic profiling of the effective ingredients and mechanism of Scabiosa comosa and S. tschilliensis against hepatic fibrosis combined with network pharmacology
Authors: Chen Qianwen , Wang Yuanyuan , Ma Feixiang , Han Mengdi , Wang Zhen , Xue Peifeng , Lu Jingkun
Published: January 2021

Scabiosa comosa and S. tschilliensis (SCST) are traditionally used for liver diseases in Mongolian medicine. However, their active ingredients and molecular mechanisms are unknown. The present study employed network pharmacology and experimental verification approaches to decipher the common pharmacological mechanisms of SCST on liver fibrosis, which is the key step in liver diseases. We predicted the targets of all available SCST ingredients with the SWISS and SuperPred servers and clustered the targets related to liver fibrosis from DrugBank, the OMIM database and the literature. We further evaluated the links between the herbal ingredients and pharmacological actions to explore the potential mechanism of action of SCST. We found that the PPARG signalling pathway could be regulated by SCST for liver fibrosis through enrichment analysis. The key targets included 8 co-targets, including HSP90AA1, PPARG, HSP90AB1, STAT1, etc., which play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Additionally, the top 15 key compounds included flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Central to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is trans-differentiation or activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Therefore, LX2 cells, an immortalized human HSC line, were studied. Here, a total 37 components were isolated and identified from the inflorescences of SCST, including the new compound tschilliensisin, and the first separated components, β-sitosterol and luteolin, and these compounds were assessed against anti-hepatic fibrosis. An MTT assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analyses demonstrated that the flavonoids of SCST revealed anti-hepatic fibrosis effects via anti-proliferation and increases in the Stat1, Pparg, Hsp90aa1 genes and STAT1 and PPARG proteins in LX-2 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that SCST has multi-targeted and multi-component synergistic anti-hepatic fibrosis effects.
Body mass index and cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: a dose–response meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Soltani Sepideh , Abdollahi Shima , Aune Dagfinn , Jayedi Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Although obesity has been associated with an increased cancer risk in the general population, the association in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains controversial. We conducted a dose–response meta-analysis of cohort studies of body mass index (BMI) and the risk of total and site-specific cancers in patients with T2D. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline until September 2020 for cohort studies on the association between BMI and cancer risk in patients with T2D. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Ten prospective and three retrospective cohort studies (3,345,031 participants and 37,412 cases) were included in the meta-analysis. Each 5-unit increase in BMI (kg/m2) was associated with a 6% higher risk of total cancer (RR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10; I2 = 55.4%, n = 6), and with a 12% increased risk in the analysis of breast cancer (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.05, 1.20; I2 = 0%, n = 3). The pooled RRs showed no association with prostate cancer (RR: 1.02, 95% CI 0.92, 1.13; I2 = 64.6%, n = 4), pancreatic cancer (RR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.84, 1.11; I2 = 71%, n = 3), and colorectal cancer (RR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.98, 1.13; I2 = 65.9%, n = 2). There was no indication of nonlinearity for total cancer (Pnon-linearity = 0.99), however, there was evidence of a nonlinear association between BMI and breast cancer (Pnon-linearity = 0.004) with steeper increases in risk from a BMI around 35 and above respectively. Higher BMI was associated with a higher risk of total, and breast cancer but not with risk of other cancers, in patients with T2D, however, further studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Hybrid model for ecological vulnerability assessment in Benin
Authors: Dossou Jacqueline Fifame , Li Xu Xiang , Sadek Mohammed , Sidi Almouctar Mohamed Adou , Mostafa Eman
Published: January 2021

Identifying ecologically fragile areas by assessing ecosystem vulnerability is an essential task in environmental conservation and management. Benin is considered a vulnerable area, and its coastal zone, which is subject to erosion and flooding effects, is particularly vulnerable. This study assessed terrestrial ecosystems in Benin by establishing a hybrid ecological vulnerability index (EVI) for 2016 that combined a composite model based on principal component analysis (PCA) with an additive model based on exposure, sensitivity and adaptation. Using inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation, point data were spatially distributed by their geographic significance. The results revealed that the composite system identified more stable and vulnerable areas than the additive system; the two systems identified 48,600 km2 and 36,450 km2 of stable areas, respectively, for a difference of 12,150 km2, and 3,729 km2 and 3,007 km2 of vulnerable areas, for a difference of 722 km2. Using Moran’s I and automatic linear modeling, we improved the accuracy of the established systems. In the composite system, increases of 11,669 km2 in the potentially vulnerable area and 1,083 km2 in the highly vulnerable area were noted in addition to a decrease of 4331 km2 in the potential area; while in the additive system, an increase of 3,970 km2 in the highly vulnerable area was observed. Finally, southern Benin was identified as vulnerable in the composite system, and both northern and southern Benin were identified as vulnerable in the additive system. However, regardless of the system, Littoral Province in southern Benin, was consistently identified as vulnerable, while Donga Province was stable.