bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Affinity IgE Receptors on Dendritic Cells Exacerbate Th2-Dependent Inflammation
Authors: Sallmann Eva , Reininger Bärbel , Brandt Sabine , Duschek Nikolaus , Hoflehner Elisabeth , Garner-Spitzer Erika , Platzer Barbara , Dehlink Eleonora , Hammer Martina , Holcmann Martin , Oettgen Hans C. , Wiedermann Ursula , Sibilia Maria , Fiebiger Edda , Rot Antal , Maurer Dieter
Published: May 2011

The IgE-mediated and Th2-dependent late-phase reaction remains a mechanistically enigmatic and daunting element of human allergic inflammation. In this study, we uncover the FcεRI on dendritic cells (DCs) as a key in vivo component of this form of allergy. Because rodent, unlike human, DCs lack FcεRI, this mechanism could be revealed only by using a new transgenic mouse model with human-like FcεRI expression on DCs. In the presence of IgE and allergen, FcεRI+ DCs instructed naive T cells to differentiate into Th2 cells in vitro and boosted allergen-specific Th2 responses and Th2-dependent eosinophilia at the site of allergen exposure in vivo. Thus, FcεRI on DCs drives the cascade of pathogenic reactions linking the initial allergen capture by IgE with subsequent Th2-dominated T cell responses and the development of late-phase allergic tissue inflammation.
Group X Secretory Phospholipase A2 Enhances TLR4 Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Shridas Preetha , Bailey William M. , Talbott Kayla R. , Oslund Rob C. , Gelb Michael H. , Webb Nancy R.
Published: May 2011

Secretory phospholipase A2s (sPLA2) hydrolyze glycerophospholipids to liberate lysophospholipids and free fatty acids. Although group X (GX) sPLA2 is recognized as the most potent mammalian sPLA2 in vitro, its precise physiological function(s) remains unclear. We recently reported that GX sPLA2 suppresses activation of the liver X receptor in macrophages, resulting in reduced expression of liver X receptor-responsive genes including ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), and a consequent decrease in cellular cholesterol efflux and increase in cellular cholesterol content (Shridas et al. 2010. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 30: 2014–2021). In this study, we provide evidence that GX sPLA2 modulates macrophage inflammatory responses by altering cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Transgenic expression or exogenous addition of GX sPLA2 resulted in a significantly higher induction of TNF-α, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 in J774 macrophage-like cells in response to LPS. This effect required GX sPLA2 catalytic activity, and was abolished in macrophages that lack either TLR4 or MyD88. The hypersensitivity to LPS in cells overexpressing GX sPLA2 was reversed when cellular free cholesterol was normalized using cyclodextrin. Consistent with results from gain-of-function studies, peritoneal macrophages from GX sPLA2-deficient mice exhibited a significantly dampened response to LPS. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were significantly lower in GX sPLA2-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice after LPS administration. Thus, GX sPLA2 amplifies signaling through TLR4 by a mechanism that is dependent on its catalytic activity. Our data indicate this effect is mediated through alterations in plasma membrane free cholesterol and lipid raft content.
MUC5AC Expression through Bidirectional Communication of Notch and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathways
Authors: Kang Jin Hyun , Lee Eun Hee , Park Sung Woo , Chung Il Yup
Published: May 2011

Hyperproduction of goblet cells and mucin in the airway epithelium is an important feature of airway inflammatory diseases. We investigated the involvement of Notch signaling in MUC5AC expression in NCI-H292 cells, a human lung carcinoma cell line. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated generation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in a RBP-Jκ–dependent manner. Treatment with γ-secretase inhibitors L-685,458 or DAPT or introduction of small interfering RNA directed against Notch1 reduced EGF-induced MUC5AC expression. The inhibitory effect of L-685,458 on EGF-induced MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression was also observed in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Blockage of Notch signaling with L-685,458 or Notch siRNA resulted in a decrease in EGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK. These results suggested that ERK activation is necessary for the regulation of EGF receptor (EGFR)–mediated MUC5AC expression by Notch signaling. Conversely, forced expression of NICD induced both EGFR and ERK phosphorylation with MUC5AC expression even in the absence of EGF. Treatment of the NICD-expressing cells with EGF further augmented ERK phosphorylation in an additive manner. The ERK phosphorylation induced by exogenous NICD was inhibited by treatment with an Ab that antagonizes EGFR activity as well as by inhibitors of EGFR and ERK, implying that Notch signaling induces MUC5AC expression by activating the EGFR pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that MUC5AC expression is regulated by a bidirectional circuit between Notch and EGFR signaling pathways.
Reduction of the Peripheral Blood CD56bright NK Lymphocyte Subset in FTY720-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Johnson Trina A. , Evans Barbara L. , Durafourt Bryce A. , Blain Manon , Lapierre Yves , Bar-Or Amit , Antel Jack P.
Published: May 2011

FTY720 (fingolimod) treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) results in lymphopenia due to increased recruitment into and decreased egress from secondary lymphoid organs of CCR7+ lymphocytes. Although absolute numbers of NK lymphocytes were reported as being unaltered in FTY720-treated MS patients (MS-FTY), such analyses did not detect a change in a minor subset. Because expression of CCR7 has been described on CD56bright NK cells, a minority population of NK cells, we investigated the effect of FTY720 treatment on the phenotype and function of human NK cells in the peripheral circulation of MS patients. MS-FTY patients displayed a decreased proportion of peripheral CD56brightCD62L+CCR7+ NK cells compared with untreated MS and healthy donors. In vitro treatment with FTY720-P increased migration of untreated donor NK cells to CXCL12 while reducing the response to CX3CL1 with similar migration responses seen in NK cells from MS-FTY patients. FTY720-P inhibited sphingosine 1-phosphate–directed migration of CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells subsets from untreated healthy donors. IL-12– and IL-15–stimulated NK cells from MS-FTY patients displayed similar capacity to produce IFN-γ, TNF, IL-10, and MIP-1α cytokines/chemokines compared with NK cells from untreated healthy donors and displayed comparable levels of degranulation in response to K562 tumor cells compared with untreated donors. Subset alterations and function of NK cell populations will need to be considered as part of assessing overall immunosurveillance capacity of patients with MS who will receive sustained FTY720 therapy.
Rescue of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes from Activation-Induced Cell Death Enhances the Antitumor CTL Response in CD5-Deficient Mice
Authors: Tabbekh Mouna , Franciszkiewicz Katarzyna , Haouas Houda , Lécluse Yann , Benihoud Karim , Raman Chander , Mami-Chouaib Fathia
Published: May 2011

The CD5 coreceptor is expressed on all T cells and on the B1a B cell subset. It is associated with TCR and BCR, and modulates intracellular signals initiated by both Ag receptor complexes. Human CD5 contributes to regulation of the antitumor immune response and susceptibility of specific CTL to activation-induced cell death (AICD) triggered by the tumor. In this study, we compared the T cell response to the B16F10 melanoma engrafted into CD5-deficient and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Compared with wild-type mice, CD5 knockout animals displayed delayed tumor growth, associated with tumor infiltration by T cell populations exhibiting a more activated phenotype and enhanced antitumor effector functions. However, control of tumor progression in CD5−/− mice was transient due to increased AICD of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. Remarkably, in vivo protection of T cells from TCR-mediated apoptosis by an adenovirus engineered to produce soluble Fas resulted in a dramatic reduction in tumor growth. Our data suggest that recruitment of tumor-specific T cells in the tumor microenvironment occurs at early stages of cancer development and that tumor-mediated AICD of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes is most likely involved in tumor escape from the immune system.
A Role for IL-27 in Limiting T Regulatory Cell Populations
Authors: Tait Wojno Elia D. , Hosken Nancy , Stumhofer Jason S. , O’Hara Aisling C. , Mauldin Elizabeth , Fang Qun , Turka Laurence A. , Levin Steven D. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: May 2011

IL-27 is a cytokine that regulates Th function during autoimmune and pathogen-induced immune responses. Although previous studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Tregs) express the IL-27R, and that IL-27 inhibits forkhead box P3 upregulation in vitro, little is known about how IL-27 influences Tregs in vivo. The studies presented in this article show that mice that overexpress IL-27 had decreased Treg frequencies and developed spontaneous inflammation. Although IL-27 did not cause mature Tregs to downregulate forkhead box P3, transgenic overexpression in vivo limited the size of a differentiating Treg population in a bone marrow chimera model, which correlated with reduced production of IL-2, a vital cytokine for Treg maintenance. These data identify an indirect role for IL-27 in shaping the Treg pool.
A Balance of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase and SHIP Activation Regulates B Cell Receptor Cluster Formation by Controlling Actin Remodeling
Authors: Liu Chaohong , Miller Heather , Hui King Lam , Grooman Brian , Bolland Silvia , Upadhyaya Arpita , Song Wenxia
Published: May 2011

The activation of the BCR, which initiates B cell activation, is triggered by Ag-induced self-aggregation and clustering of receptors at the cell surface. Although Ag-induced actin reorganization is known to be involved in BCR clustering in response to membrane-associated Ag, the underlying mechanism that links actin reorganization to BCR activation remains unknown. In this study, we show that both the stimulatory Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) and the inhibitory SHIP-1 are required for efficient BCR self-aggregation. In Btk-deficient B cells, the magnitude of BCR aggregation into clusters and B cell spreading in response to an Ag-tethered lipid bilayer is drastically reduced, compared with BCR aggregation observed in wild-type B cells. In SHIP-1−/− B cells, although surface BCRs aggregate into microclusters, the centripetal movement and growth of BCR clusters are inhibited, and B cell spreading is increased. The persistent BCR microclusters in SHIP-1−/− B cells exhibit higher levels of signaling than merged BCR clusters. In contrast to the inhibition of actin remodeling in Btk-deficient B cells, actin polymerization, F-actin accumulation, and Wiskott–Aldrich symptom protein phosphorylation are enhanced in SHIP-1−/− B cells in a Btk-dependent manner. Thus, a balance between positive and negative signaling regulates the spatiotemporal organization of the BCR at the cell surface by controlling actin remodeling, which potentially regulates the signal transduction of the BCR. This study suggests a novel feedback loop between BCR signaling and the actin cytoskeleton.
Mechanical Interactions between Dendritic Cells and T Cells Correlate with T Cell Responsiveness
Authors: Lim Tong Seng , Mortellaro Alessandra , Lim Chwee Teck , Hämmerling Günter J. , Ricciardi-Castagnoli Paola
Published: May 2011

Ag recognition is achieved through the communication across intercellular contacts between T cells and APCs such as dendritic cells (DC). Despite remarkable progress in delineating detailed molecular components at the intercellular contacts, little is known about the functional roles of physical cross-junctional adhesion between T and DC in shaping T cell responses. In addition, the mechanisms underlying sensitivity and specificity of Ag discrimination by T cells at intercellular contacts remain to be elucidated. In this study, we use single-cell force spectroscopy to probe the mechanical interactions between DC and T cells in response to stimulation with a panel of altered peptide ligands. The results show that intercellular interactions of DC–T cell conjugates exhibited different ranges of interaction forces in peptide-dependent manners that match the ability of the peptides to activate T cells. Elevated calcium mobilization and IL-2 secretion by T cells were only promoted in response to antigenic peptides that induce strong interaction forces, suggesting that mechanically stable DC–T cell contacts are crucial for driving T cell activation. Strong interactions were not solely dependent on cell-surface molecules such as TCRs and the adhesion molecule LFA-1, but were also controlled by cytoskeletal dynamics and the integrity of membrane lipid rafts. These data provide novel mechanical insights into the effect of Ag affinity on intercellular contacts that align with T cell responsiveness.
IL-13 Antibodies Influence IL-13 Clearance in Humans by Modulating Scavenger Activity of IL-13Rα2
Authors: Kasaian Marion T. , Raible Donald , Marquette Kimberly , Cook Timothy A. , Zhou Simon , Tan Xiang-Yang , Tchistiakova Lioudmila
Published: May 2011

Human studies using Abs to two different, nonoverlapping epitopes of IL-13 suggested that epitope specificity can have a clinically significant impact on clearance of IL-13. We propose that Ab modulation of IL-13 interaction with IL-13Rα2 underlies this effect. Two Abs were administered to healthy subjects and mild asthmatics in separate dose-ranging studies and allergen-challenge studies. IMA-638 allows IL-13 interaction with IL-13Rα1 or IL-13Rα2 but blocks recruitment of IL-4Rα to the IL-13/IL-13Rα1 complex, whereas IMA-026 competes with IL-13 interaction with IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2. We found ∼10-fold higher circulating titer of captured IL-13 in subjects treated with IMA-026 compared with those administered IMA-638. To understand how this difference could be related to epitope, we asked whether either Ab affects IL-13 internalization through cell surface IL-13Rα2. Humans inducibly express cell surface IL-13Rα2 but lack the soluble form that regulates IL-13 responses in mice. Cells with high IL-13Rα2 expression rapidly and efficiently depleted extracellular IL-13, and this activity persisted in the presence of IMA-638 but not IMA-026. The potency and efficiency of this clearance pathway suggest that cell surface IL-13Rα2 acts as a scavenger for IL-13. These findings could have important implications for the design and characterization of IL-13 antagonists.
Serum Amyloid A Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Promotes Th17 Allergic Asthma in Mice
Authors: Ather Jennifer L. , Ckless Karina , Martin Rebecca , Foley Kathryn L. , Suratt Benjamin T. , Boyson Jonathan E. , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Flavell Richard A. , Eisenbarth Stephanie C. , Poynter Matthew E.
Published: May 2011

IL-1β is a cytokine critical to several inflammatory diseases in which pathogenic Th17 responses are implicated. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by microbial and environmental stimuli can enable the caspase-1–dependent processing and secretion of IL-1β. The acute-phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) is highly induced during inflammatory responses, wherein it participates in systemic modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Elevated levels of IL-1β, SAA, and IL-17 are present in subjects with severe allergic asthma, yet the mechanistic relationship among these mediators has yet to be identified. In this study, we demonstrate that Saa3 is expressed in the lungs of mice exposed to several mixed Th2/Th17-polarizing allergic sensitization regimens. SAA instillation into the lungs elicits robust TLR2-, MyD88-, and IL-1–dependent pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation. Furthermore, SAA drives production of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and PGE2, causes dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and requires TLR2, MyD88, and the NLRP3 inflammasome for secretion of IL-1β by DCs and macrophages. CD4+ T cells polyclonally stimulated in the presence of conditioned media from SAA-exposed DCs produced IL-17, and the capacity of polyclonally stimulated splenocytes to secrete IL-17 is dependent upon IL-1, TLR2, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, in a model of allergic airway inflammation, administration of SAA to the lungs functions as an adjuvant to sensitize mice to inhaled OVA, resulting in leukocyte influx after Ag challenge and a predominance of IL-17 production from restimulated splenocytes that is dependent upon IL-1R signaling.
Cutting Edge: An NK Cell-Independent Role for Slamf4 in Controlling Humoral Autoimmunity
Authors: Brown Daniel R. , Calpe Silvia , Keszei Marton , Wang Ninghai , McArdel Shannon , Terhorst Cox , Sharpe Arlene H.
Published: May 2011

Several genes within a syntenic region of human and mouse chromosome 1 are associated with predisposition to systemic lupus erythematosus. Analyses of lupus-prone congenic mice have pointed to an important role for the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family (slamf)6 surface receptor in lupus pathogenesis. In this article, we demonstrate that a second member of the Slamf gene family, Slamf4 (Cd244), contributes to lupus-related autoimmunity. B6.Slamf4−/− mice spontaneously develop activated CD4 T cells and B cells and increased numbers of T follicular helper cells and a proportion develop autoantibodies to nuclear Ags. B6.Slamf4−/− mice also exhibit markedly increased autoantibody production in the B6.C-H-2bm12/KhEg → B6 transfer model of lupus. Although slamf4 function is best characterized in NK cells, the enhanced humoral autoimmunity of B6.Slamf4−/− mice is NK cell independent, as judged by depletion studies. Taken together, our findings reveal that slamf4 has an NK cell-independent negative regulatory role in the pathogenesis of lupus a normally non-autoimmune prone genetic background.
Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cell Responses to EBV Contrast with CD8 Responses in Breadth of Lytic Cycle Antigen Choice and in Lytic Cycle Recognition
Authors: Long Heather M. , Leese Alison M. , Chagoury Odette L. , Connerty Shawn R. , Quarcoopome Jared , Quinn Laura L. , Shannon-Lowe Claire , Rickinson Alan B.
Published: May 2011

EBV, a B lymphotropic herpesvirus, encodes two immediate early (IE)-, >30 early (E)-, and >30 late (L)-phase proteins during its replication (lytic) cycle. Despite this, lytic Ag-induced CD8 responses are strongly skewed toward IE and a few E proteins only, all expressed before HLA I presentation is blocked in lytically infected cells. For comparison, we examined CD4+ T cell responses to eight IE, E, or L proteins, screening 14 virus-immune donors to overlapping peptide pools in IFN-γ ELISPOT assays, and established CD4+ T cell clones against 12 defined epitopes for target-recognition assays. We found that the lytic Ag-specific CD4+ T cell response differs radically from its CD8 counterpart in that it is widely distributed across IE, E, and L Ag targets, often with multiple reactivities detectable per donor and with IE, E, or L epitope responses being numerically dominant, and that all CD4+ T cell clones, whether IE, E, or L epitope-specific, show strong recognition of EBV-transformed B cell lines, despite the lines containing only a small fraction of lytically infected cells. Efficient recognition occurs because lytic Ags are released into the culture and are acquired and processed by neighboring latently infected cells. These findings suggested that lytic Ag-specific CD4 responses are driven by a different route of Ag display than drives CD8 responses and that such CD4 effectors could be therapeutically useful against EBV-driven lymphoproliferative disease lesions, which contain similarly small fractions of EBV-transformed cells entering the lytic cycle.
A Novel Study and Meta‐Analysis of the Genetic Variation of the Serotonin Transporter Promoter in the Italian Population Do Not Support a Large Effect on Alzheimer′s Disease Risk
Authors: Polito Letizia , Prato Francesca , Rodilossi Serena , Ateri Eleonora , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio , Clerici Francesca , Mariani Claudio , Forloni Gianluigi , Albani Diego
Published: June 2011

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose clinical onset is mainly characterized by memory loss. During AD progression, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) frequently occur. In this paper we evaluated the association between AD and the short/long (S/L) functional polymorphism of the promoter region of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) transporter gene (SLC6A4). The S‐allele shows a 2‐fold reduced transcriptional rate, causing an imbalance in 5‐HT intracellular availability that might in turn trigger behavioral and cognitive alterations. We also genotyped the SLC6A4 promoter functional variant rs25531 (A → G). By comparing the genotypic and allelic frequencies in an Italian population of 235 AD and 207 controls, we found an association between 5-HTTLPR and AD (odds ratio for the L‐allele versus the S‐allele: 0.74, associated P value = .03), while no difference was found for the rs25531. A meta‐analysis of studies in Italy assessing 5-HTTLPR and AD risk gave an estimation of odds ratio for the L‐allele versus the S‐allele of 0.85 (associated P value = .08). Overall, our findings are not supportive of a large genetic effect of the explored polymorphisms on AD risk.
Bihemispheric Subcortical Infarcts in the Middle Cerebral Artery Territory
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Kumazawa Masahiro , Izumi Tesseki , Ueno Satoshi
Published: June 2011

Background and purpose

Previous studies have suggested embolic mechanisms for bihemispheric subcortical infarcts involving the anterior and posterior circulation. However, the mechanism of bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in middle cerebral artery (MCA) territories remains uncertain. We describe a patient with acute bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in restricted MCA territories suggesting an embolic mechanism.

Case description

A 62-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia suddenly presented with left hemiplegia. Diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resolution imaging of the brain showed multiple subcortical high intensity in the MCA territories. There were no acute infarctions in the cerebrum, brain stem, or cerebellum, including cortical lesions. The patient had no carotid, internal carotid artery, or MCA disease.

Conclusion

Bihemispheric subcortical infarcts in the MCA territory are likely to have a proximal embolic source and such infarcts could be associated with multiple subcortical infarcts due to small vessel disease.
Culture Differences and English Teaching
Authors: Wang Jin
Published: June 2011

Language is a part of culture, and plays a very important role in the development of the culture. Some sociologists consider it as the keystone of culture. They believe, without language, culture would not be available. At the same time, language is influenced and shaped by culture, it reflects culture. Therefore, culture plays a very important part in language teaching, which is widely acknowledged by English teaching circle. This thesis depicts the relationship between culture and language. As a result, the gap of cultural differences is one of the most important barriers in English teaching and study. Among the students, lacking of cultural background knowledge can, to a great extent, hold up the improvement of English teaching and become a noticeable problem. At present, the objective of English teaching has broken free from the traditional listening, speaking, reading and writing, and the demand for cultural background knowledge in language learning has been gradually concerned. Presentation of history of the country which has the target language, cultural background knowledge and customs is the proposed solution to the problem. This paper mainly discusses how to present cultural background knowledge and expose learners to it in the need of English teaching at Chinese schools so as to solve the problems caused by cultural differences, help learners grasp the crux of the language and develop their comprehensive English ability.
Investigating the Effect of Using Multiple Sensory Modes of Glossing Vocabulary Items in a Reading Text with Multimedia Annotations
Authors: Ali Rezaee Abbas , Sharbaf Shoar Neda
Published: June 2011

In recent years, improvements in technology have enhanced the possibilities of teaching and learning various subjects. This is specially the case in foreign language instruction. The use of technology and multimedia brings new opportunities for learning different areas of language. In this regard, the present study attempts to find out if the use of multimedia, images and movies, helps learners in learning vocabulary items included in a reading comprehension text. For this purpose, 70 students studying English at pre-intermediate level have been selected. These participants are then divided into three groups, each of which receives a different kind of instruction. The members of the first group were required to read some texts in which certain vocabulary items were included as the target of teaching. Those in the second group received the same texts with some pictures added so that the grasp of the unknown words would become facilitated. The students in the third group were exposed to the same material along with some movie strips. The strips were selected in a way to include the specific vocabulary items. The course duration was about 45 days. At the end of the course, all the students in the three aforementioned groups were sat for taking a vocabulary test. The test format was multiple-choice. The results of the ANOVA indicated that annotating reading comprehension passages with movie clips contributes to better learning and recall of vocabulary through reading texts.
Constructing a New Biomass‐Based Bistatic Window for Solar Regulation
Authors: Pu Jihong , Han Miao , Shen Chao , Wang Julian , Lu Lin
Published: May 2024

Smart windows effectively respond to the ever‐changing climatic conditions, offering a smart solution for low‐carbon buildings. However, current smart windows derived from chromic materials often have inferior solar modulation ability, or showcase high haze that obstructs outdoor views. Here, instead of developing new chromic materials, a new bistatic window is proposed for ultra‐high solar modulation and luminous transmission. The new developed window can reduce the indoor surface temperature for ≈11 °C, and reduce the building space cooling and heating energy consumption by 30% to 40%, providing significant energy‐related advances over traditional smart windows. In detail, the bistatic window exhibits excellent solar modulation ability (ΔTsol = 61%), high visible transmittance in both bleached (Tlum,bleached = 91%) and colored (Tlum,colored = 56%) states, low haze (< 1%), rapid switching response (switching time < 1 min), high color rendering index (CRI > 80), and long‐cyclic stability after 1000 cycles. With the advantages of facile fabrication and scalability, it is foreseen the developed bistatic window holds promising prospect for the next‐generation low‐carbon buildings, paving a new way for future advancements in the fields of smart windows.
Binarized Neural Network Comprising Quasi‐Nonvolatile Memory Devices for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Shin Yunwoo , Jeon Juhee , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: May 2024

This study presents a binarized neural network (BNN) comprising quasi‐nonvolatile memory (QNVM) devices that operate in a positive feedback loop mechanism and exhibit an extremely low subthreshold swing (≤ 5 mV dec−1) and a high on/off ratio (≥ 107). A pair of QNVM devices are used for a single synaptic cell in a cell array, in which its memory state represents the synaptic weight, and the voltages applied to the pair act as input in a complementary fashion. The array of synaptic cells performs matrix multiply‐accumulate (MAC) operations between the weight matrix and input vector using XNOR and current summation. All the results of the MAC operations and vector‐matrix multiplications are equivalent. Moreover, the BNN features a high accuracy of 93.32% in the MNIST image recognition simulation owing to high device uniformity (1.35%), which demonstrates the feasibility of compact and high‐performance neuromorphic computing.
Effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on bioimpedance health indicators in young adults
Authors: Falbová Darina , Beňuš Radoslav , Sulis Simona , Vorobeľová Lenka
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Herein, we investigate the relationships between the COVID‐19 pandemic and overcoming the virus, and its effects on body composition parameters in young adults from Slovakia.

Methods

We assessed 773 adults aged 18 to 30 years in pandemic‐status sub‐groups. Individual lifestyles and overcoming the COVID‐19 effects were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire, and body composition parameters were analyzed using the InBody 770 bioimpedance analyzer.

Results

Statistically significant lower values were observed in the male group during the pandemic for the following parameters; proteins and minerals, fat free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), lean body mass (LBM) and its values in the right and left arm and trunk, total body water (TBW) and its values in the right and left arm and trunk, body cell mass (BCM), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and phase angle (PA). The regression analysis confirmed the negative pandemic effect and the negative impact of COVID‐19 on men in the following parameters: proteins (p = .027 for pandemic and p = .005 for COVID‐19), FFM (p = .023 for pandemic and p = .005 for COVID‐19), LBM (p = .022 for pandemic and p = .004 for COVID‐19), SMM (p = .028 for pandemic and p = .005 for COVID‐19), TBW (p = .020 for pandemic and p = .004 for COVID‐19), BMR (p = .024 for pandemic and p = .005 for COVID‐19) and PA (p = .009 for pandemic). Physical activity was a further significant predictor in men for all the above parameters.

Conclusions

We observed significantly lower body composition parameters associated with fat free mass in young adult men during the pandemic than before it. However, future research is warranted to determine if these effects have long‐term significance.
Recent Insights into the Antimicrobial Properties of Phyllanthus emblica L.: A Comprehensive Review of Wonder Berry
Authors: Begum Mosammat Asia , Hossain Rajib , Jain Divya , Murti Yogesh , Agrawal Krishn Kumar , Janmeda Pracheta , Neto Ivo Cavalcante Pita , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Raposo António , Saraiva Ariana , Han Heesup , Romão Bernardo , Lisboa Poliana , Moreira Pablo , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: May 2024

Phyllanthus emblica L., or Amla, is known for its therapeutic properties and has been used as a medicinal plant. It is rich in vitamin C and other bioactive phytochemicals like polyphenols, gallic acid, chebulagic acid, leutolin, quercetin, etc. Different parts of this plant are used to treat various viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. This review article summarizes the recent literature relevant to the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of P. emblica. A variety of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia, etc.), fungi (Alternaria alternate Botroyodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum corcori, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium exquisite, Fusarium solanii, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Colletotrichum gleosparoitis, and Macrophomina phaseolina) and viruses, like Influenza A virus strain H3N2, hepatitis B, Human Immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1), Simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and type 2 (HSV‐2) have experimented. Different techniques were used based on the way of identification. ‘For example, disc diffusion, dilution methods, sound diffusion, Immuno‐peroxidase monolayer assay, serum HBV and HBsAg assay, enzyme immunoassay, etc. The present review analyzed and summarized the antimicrobial activities of P. emblica and possible mechanisms of action to provide future directions in translating these findings clinically.
Design and Synthesis of Marine Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Gao Ning , Gao Cheng‐Long , Chen Sha , Wang Meng‐Xue , Li Xu‐Wen
Published: May 2024

Natural polybrominated diphenyl ethers are generally isolated from sponges and possess a broad range of biological activities. Through screening of our marine natural product library, we discovered that polybrominated diphenyl ethers 5 and 6 exhibit considerable anti‐inflammatory activity. In order to expand our repertoire of derivatives for further biological activity studies, we designed and synthesized a series of 5‐related polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Importantly, compound 5a showed comparable anti‐inflammatory activity while much lower cytotoxicity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, western blotting analysis showed that 5a reduced the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK). Besides, molecular docking experiments were conducted to predict and elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the varying anti‐inflammatory activities exhibited by compounds 5a, 5, and 6.
Almost sharp lower bound for the nodal volume of harmonic functions
Authors: Logunov Alexander , Priya M. E. Lakshmi , Sartori Andrea
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on a relation between the growth of harmonic functions and the Hausdorff measure of their zero sets. Let be a real‐valued harmonic function in with and . We prove
where the doubling index is a notion of growth defined by
This gives an almost sharp lower bound for the Hausdorff measure of the zero set of , which is conjectured to be linear in . The new ingredients of the article are the notion of stable growth, and a multiscale induction technique for a lower bound for the distribution of the doubling index of harmonic functions. It gives a significant imuprovement over the previous best‐known bound , which implied Nadirashvili's conjecture.
RNA‐Seq Data Analysis: A Practical Guide for Model and Non‐Model Organisms
Authors: Pola‐Sánchez Enrique , Hernández‐Martínez Karen Magdalena , Pérez‐Estrada Rafael , Sélem‐Mójica Nelly , Simpson June , Abraham‐Juárez María Jazmín , Herrera‐Estrella Alfredo , Villalobos‐Escobedo José Manuel
Published: May 2024

RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) has emerged as a powerful tool for assessing genome‐wide gene expression, revolutionizing various fields of biology. However, analyzing large RNA‐seq datasets can be challenging, especially for students or researchers lacking bioinformatics experience. To address these challenges, we present a comprehensive guide to provide step‐by‐step workflows for analyzing RNA‐seq data, from raw reads to functional enrichment analysis, starting with considerations for experimental design. This is designed to aid students and researchers working with any organism, irrespective of whether an assembled genome is available. Within this guide, we employ various recognized bioinformatics tools to navigate the landscape of RNA‐seq analysis and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different tools for the same task. Our protocol focuses on clarity, reproducibility, and practicality to enable users to navigate the complexities of RNA‐seq data analysis easily and gain valuable biological insights from the datasets. Additionally, all scripts and a sample dataset are available in a GitHub repository to facilitate the implementation of the analysis pipeline. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Analysis of data from a model plant with an available reference genome

Basic Protocol 2: Gene ontology enrichment analysis

Basic Protocol 3: De novo assembly of data from non‐model plants
Impact of malnutrition in patients with severe heart failure
Authors: Pagnesi Matteo , Serafini Lisa , Chiarito Mauro , Stolfo Davide , Baldetti Luca , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Tomasoni Daniela , Adamo Marianna , Lombardi Carlo M. , Sammartino Antonio M. , Loiacono Ferdinando , Maccallini Marta , Villaschi Alessandro , Gasparini Gaia , Montella Marco , Contessi Stefano , Cocianni Daniele , Perotto Maria , Barone Giuseppe , Anker Stefan D. , Merlo Marco , Cappelletti Alberto M. , Sinagra Gianfranco , Pini Daniela , Metra Marco
Published: May 2024

Aim

The role of malnutrition among patients with severe heart failure (HF) is not well established. We evaluated the incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of malnutrition in patients with severe HF.

Methods and results

Nutritional status was measured using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), based on body weight, height and serum albumin concentration, with malnutrition defined as GNRI ≤98. It was assessed in consecutive patients with severe HF, defined by at least one high‐risk ‘I NEED HELP’ marker, enrolled at four Italian centres between January 2020 and November 2021. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. A total of 510 patients with data regarding nutritional status were included in the study (mean age 74 ± 12 years, 66.5% male). Among them, 179 (35.1%) had GNRI ≤98 (malnutrition). At multivariable logistic regression, lower body mass index (BMI) and higher levels of natriuretic peptides (B‐type natriuretic peptide [BNP] > median value [685 pg/ml] or N‐terminal proBNP > median value [5775 pg/ml]) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of malnutrition. Estimated rates of all‐cause death at 1 year were 22.4% and 41.1% in patients without and with malnutrition, respectively (log‐rank p < 0.001). The impact of malnutrition on all‐cause mortality was confirmed after multivariable adjustment for relevant covariates (adjusted hazard ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.43–2.89, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a contemporary, real‐world, multicentre cohort of patients with severe HF, malnutrition (defined as GNRI ≤98) was common and independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Lower BMI and higher natriuretic peptides were identified as predictors of malnutrition in these patients.
Convective heat and mass transfer in inclined parallel plates with fractional model: Dusty hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Khan Dolat , Kumam Poom , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the flow of a second‐grade viscoelastic fluid with dust particles under hydromagnetic effects between vertical plates. This study investigates the effects of the left plate's oscillations, which induce fluid motion, on heat and mass transfer, and particle temperature. The study also considers the variable temperature and concentration. Mathematical models are developed using partial differential equations to represent the flow regime. To generalize energy and concentration Fick's and Fourier's laws are employed. Laplace and finite Fourier‐Sine transforms are then used to solve the resulting system of dimensionless equations. Finally, Zakian's numerical technique is used in MATHCAD software to compute the Laplace inverse and obtain the final solution. The research concludes that the fractional approach is more realistic and practical than the classical approach. Changes in mass and heat transfer rates, as well as skin friction on the left plate, are observed over time across various physical parameters. Additionally, dust particles can be employed in various applications, including agriculture. In this sector, they can be mixed with water to create a dust suspension, which is subsequently sprayed over crops to enhance the effectiveness of pesticide application.
Incidence and prevention of skeletal‐related events in multiple myeloma patients: A population‐based real‐world experience
Authors: Røra Marie , Solberg Margrete Skretting , Moore Kari Lenita Falck , Slørdahl Tobias S.
Published: May 2024

Novel treatments in multiple myeloma (MM) could influence the incidence of skeletal‐related events (SREs). We aimed to examine the incidence of SRE and the preventive use of osteoclast inhibitors (OIs) in a cohort of MM patients in the era of modern treatment. In this real‐world retrospective study, we included 199 patients with a diagnosis of MM between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, with follow‐up at St. Olavs University Hospital. Data was extracted from The Myeloma Registry of Central Norway. SREs occurred in 46% of patients at baseline and 55.8% during follow‐up. Excluding baseline SREs, the incidence rate was 29 (95% confidence interval: 26–33) per 100 person years. 48% experienced > 1 SRE. The incidence of SREs was highest at baseline followed by a gradual increase in each subsequent line of treatment. The first two years after diagnosis 80% received bisphosphonates (BPs). The proportion of recommended dosage was 46%. Only two cases (1.2%) of symptomatic hypocalcemia and one case (0.6%) of osteonecrosis of the jaw were identified. SREs are still a common problem in an era of novel treatment. Cumulative dosage of BPs was lower than recommended, and treatment with BPs was safe in this population.
Suitability of selected hardwood species for the production of glued laminated timber
Authors: Lovrić Vranković J. , Boko I. , Uzelac Glavinić I. , Torić N. , Abramović M.
Published: May 2024

Glued laminated timber made from hardwood is a sustainable structural product that is currently gaining momentum due to climatic changes and afforestation policy. Diversities in hardwood species have led to a lack of a complete standard for the production of glued laminated timber from hardwood in Europe. This paper addresses hardwood species available in Croatian forests, namely Carpinus Betulus L. (European hornbeam), Quercus Cerris L. (Turkey oak), and Acer Campestre L. (Maple), in terms of their suitability for the production of glued laminated timber. The suitability is assessed by a multi‐criteria analysis with seven criteria. Visual and physical properties include density, the occurrence of knots, and grain deviation in lamellas. Mechanical properties include the bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and shear strength of glue lines. In order to obtain physical and mechanical properties, corresponding experimental research has been carried out. Production costs have been evaluated in collaboration with the manufacturer. Results indicate a very high potential of European hornbeam and Turkey oak for the production of glued laminated timber.
The capability of diffuse coplanar surface barrier plasma to effectively remove contaminants from surfaces of various materials
Authors: Janík R. , Vargová V. , Kohutiar M. , Krbata M. , Moricová K.
Published: May 2024

Using the fluorescence method, the study quantifies the cleaning efficiency of flat surfaces of selected materials (steel, polymethyl methacrylate, glass) compared to the usual cleaning methods: cleaning using ultrasound and cleaning using solutions (ethanol/isopropyl alcohol – isopropanol). Cleaning using ethanol/isopropanol solutions was carried out in such a way as to simulate common procedures: rubbing, rinsing and a combination of application of the solution and ultrasound. Based on the prepared and evaluated (following the average at several places on the surface) values of fluorescence maps of material surfaces, the resulting values of fluorescence before/after cleaning or at the selected moment of degreasing/cleaning of surfaces (applies to steel) were determined. The application of diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge plasma discharge to the surfaces of flat materials can provide: a reduction in the environmental burden (no chemicals are needed to clean the surfaces) and an improvement in the efficiency of surface cleaning in industrial/manufacturing conditions (plasma cleaning usually takes a few seconds). diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge plasma can clean and simultaneously activate the surfaces of flat materials.
Experimental research of a novel binary solution for diffusion absorption cooling systems
Authors: Gurevich B. , Zohar A.
Published: May 2024

The diffusion absorption refrigeration (DAR) systems are driven by heat and utilize a binary solution along with an inert gas as the working fluid. In commercial applications, the choice of binary solutions operating with an auxiliary gas is typically limited to ammonia‐water or water‐lithium bromide combinations. The focus of this study is to explore the viability of using tetrafluoropropene (R‐1234yf, an HFO refrigerant) as the refrigerant, dimethylacetamide (DMAC) as the absorbent, and helium as the auxiliary gas. As the thermodynamic properties of this specific binary solution are yet to be studied, experimental investigations are conducted to obtain these properties. The results allow the establishment of the pressure‐temperature and concentration relationships and determine the mixture‘s enthalpy for various temperatures. Subsequently, both numerical and experimental analyses of the diffusion absorption system are performed. The experimental findings show that, under certain concentrations of the components and with appropriate heat input, temperatures in the evaporator reached below 0 °C. However, the system exhibits low coefficient of performance values, high generation temperatures, and overall inefficiency, suggesting that this particular binary solution may not be well‐suited for diffusion absorption cooling systems.
Analysis of the cause of noise when the drawbridge goes up and down through non‐destructive diagnosis
Authors: Kim K. J. , Lee J.‐W.
Published: May 2024

In the case of the Yeongdodaegyo bridge, abnormal noise occurred only in summer when it was opened, and the expected cause of noise was expected to be due to bearing damage or deformation friction. Therefore, a non‐destructive test was performed around the spherical bearing, which is a major part of the drawbridge components connected to the rotating shaft girder. For the measurement to analyze the cause of noise, the real‐time noise source was tracked during hoisting using an acoustic sensor according to the angular displacement of the rotating shaft. Through this, we tried to identify the noise source by identifying the left and right real‐time deformation (torsion, deflection, inclination) and the friction part of the damaged bearing. As a result of the analysis, irregular noise was generated from the left and right sides, and noise was generated when the twist, deflection, or tilt of the rotation shaft occurred. The bottom of the left and right bearings was found to be the main source of noise, and the bearing contact during deformation is considered to be the cause of the noise.
Preface
Authors: Öchsner A. , Altenbach H.
Published: May 2024

This special issue of Materials Science and Engineering Technology (Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik) contains selected papers presented at the 16th International Conference on Advanced Computational Engineering and Experimenting (ACE‐X 2023) held at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel in Crete during the period 3rd–7th July, 2023. The included papers are related to advanced structured materials, their design and analysis, and advanced manufacturing and processing techniques.