bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bubble‐Propelled Janus Gallium/Zinc Micromotors for the Active Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Lin Zhihua , Gao Changyong , Wang Daolin , He Qiang
Published: January 2021

We report a bubble‐propelled Janus gallium/zinc (Ga/Zn) micromotor with good biocompatibility and biodegradability for active target treatment of bacteria. The Janus Ga/Zn micromotors are fabricated by asymmetrically coating liquid metal Ga on Zn microparticles and display self‐propulsion in simulated gastroenteric acid (pH 0.5) at a speed of up to 383 μm s−1, propelled by hydrogen bubbles generated by the zinc–acid reaction. This motion of Ga/Zn micromotors is enhanced by the Ga–Zn galvanic effect. The GaIII cations produced from the degradation of Ga/Zn micromotors serve as a built‐in antibiotic agent. The movement improves the diffusion of GaIII and results in a significant increase of the antibacterial efficiency against H. pylori, compared with passive Ga microparticles. Such Ga/Zn micromotors combine the self‐propulsion, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, and Ga‐based antibacterial properties, providing a proof of concept for the active treatment of bacterial infections.
ZIF‐8 Membrane Permselectivity Modification by Manganese(II) Acetylacetonate Vapor Treatment
Authors: Hayashi Mikio , Lee Dennis T. , de Mello Matheus Dorneles , Boscoboinik J. Anibal , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: January 2021

Vapor‐phase treatment of ZIF‐8 membranes with manganese(II) acetylacetonate (Mn(acac)2) allows permselectivity tuning. Propylene/propane selectivity increases from 31 to 210 after the Mn(acac)2 treatment at 165 °C for 30 min, while selectivities increase from 14.6 to 242 for H2/CH4, from 2.9 to 38 for CO2/CH4, from 2.4 to 29 for CO2/N2, and from 2.9 to 7.5 for O2/N2, after Mn(acac)2 treatment at 175 °C for 30 min. Stable equimolar propylene/propane mixture selectivity of 165 at ambient temperature and 4 bar equimolar feed with a propylene flux of 8.3×10−4 mol m−2 s−1 is established. A control experiment excludes thermal treatment alone causing these changes. XPS analysis reveals the presence of Mn(acac)2 on the outer surface of the vapor‐treated ZIF‐8 membranes while no other changes are detectable by X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy.
The Mother‐in‐Law Mystique: A Tale of Conflict, Criticism and Resistance
Authors: Ward Fiona , Linn Ruth
Published: January 2021

While women have been described in various disciplines as the kin keepers of family relationships, empirical data show that the greatest rivalry in newly constructed heterosexual families exists between two women: the mother‐in‐law and the daughter‐in‐law. Numerous rituals are employed across cultures in order to ease the expected tension between these two rival women. Yet, the topic seems to have been overlooked by feminist and family therapy research alike. Inspired by Bowen's (1978) concept of differentiation of self and Linn's (1998) and Gilligan's (Linn & Gilligan, 1990) ideas of the resisting self, the present study examines these female rivals as moral critics in the war zone of the family. The study sample consists of 14 mothers‐in‐law, daughters‐in‐law, and sons/husbands, belonging to five Israeli families of diverse cultural origin. Gilligan's Listening Guide was used to assess how participants saw the dilemmas of their situation, adopted a critical distance, and formed an authoritative moral voice.
A Data Driven Approach Reveals That Anomalous Motor System Connectivity is Associated With the Severity of Core Autism Symptoms
Authors: Lidstone Daniel E. , Rochowiak Rebecca , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Nebel Mary Beth
Published: January 2021

This study examined whether disruptions in connectivity involving regions critical for learning, planning, and executing movements are relevant to core autism symptoms. Spatially constrained ICA was performed using resting‐state fMRI from 419 children (autism spectrum disorder (ASD) = 105; typically developing (TD) = 314) to identify functional motor subdivisions. Comparing the spatial organization of each subdivision between groups, we found voxels that contributed significantly less to the right posterior cerebellar component in children with ASD versus TD (P <0.001). Next, we examined the effect of diagnosis on right posterior cerebellar connectivity with all other motor subdivisions. The model was significant (P = 0.014) revealing that right posterior cerebellar connectivity with bilateral dorsomedial primary motor cortex was, on average, stronger in children with ASD, while right posterior cerebellar connectivity with left‐inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral dorsolateral premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area was stronger in TD children (all P ≤0.02). We observed a diagnosis‐by‐connectivity interaction such that for children with ASD, elevated social‐communicative and excessive repetitive‐behavior symptom severity were both associated with right posterior cerebellar‐left‐IPL hypoconnectivity (P ≤0.001). Right posterior cerebellar and left‐IPL are strongly implicated in visuomotor processing with dysfunction in this circuit possibly leading to anomalous development of skills, such as motor imitation, that are crucial for effective social‐communication.

Lay Summary

This study examines whether communication between various brain regions involved in the control of movement are disrupted in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We show communication between the right posterior cerebellum and left IPL, a circuit important for efficient visual‐motor integration, is disrupted in children with ASD and associated with the severity of ASD symptoms. These results may explain observations of visual‐motor integration impairments in children with ASD that are associated with ASD symptom severity.
Fünfteilige Fichtenlamellen zur Erzielung eines zweidimensionalen Laminierungseffekts in Brettschichtholz
Authors: Egner Sebastian , Strübel Stephan , Frese Matthias
Published: January 2021

Brettschichtholz besitzt gegenüber dem Brettmaterial, aus dem es schichtweise aufgebaut ist, verbesserte Festigkeiten. Darin zeigt sich der Laminierungseffekt. Er beruht auf Lastumlagerungen und günstigen Beanspruchungen der Bretter im Verbund. Dieser bei Brettschichtholz eindimensional vorhandene Effekt lässt sich wiederum auf einzelne Lamellen übertragen, indem diese aus einzelnen Leisten unterschiedlicher Bretter aufgebaut werden. Durch solche Lamellen kann lokal in Brettschichtholz ein zweidimensionaler Laminierungseffekt realisiert werden. Das wird in besonderen Anwendungen bereits technisch genutzt. Diese Arbeit zeigt, dass fünfteilige Fichtenlamellen, die durch Auftrennen von fünflagigen Brettschichtholzquerschnitten industriell produziert wurden, zur Verstärkung hoher Querschnitte grundsätzlich geeignet sind. 126 solcher Lamellen wurden hergestellt und wiederum keilgezinkt. Lamellen und Keilzinkenverbindungen wurden in Zug‐ bzw. Biegeversuchen geprüft und die Festigkeitswerte in ein Rechenmodell eingegeben, mit dem Biegeversuche an verstärkten Brettschichtholzträgern simuliert und Biegefestigkeiten erzeugt wurden. Einfache Zuverlässigkeitsanalysen geben Anzeichen dafür, dass sich der zweidimensionale Laminierungseffekt insbesondere auf statistische Lagemaße unterhalb des 5 %‐Quantils positiv auswirkt. Im direkten Vergleich mit unverstärkten Trägern bewirken fünfteilige Lamellen dann ein Anheben der Zuverlässigkeit bzw. eine Verbesserung der Wirtschaftlichkeit.
DNA topoisomerases: Advances in understanding of cellular roles and multi‐protein complexes via structure‐function analysis
Authors: McKie Shannon J. , Neuman Keir C. , Maxwell Anthony
Published: January 2021

DNA topoisomerases, capable of manipulating DNA topology, are ubiquitous and indispensable for cellular survival due to the numerous roles they play during DNA metabolism. As we review here, current structural approaches have revealed unprecedented insights into the complex DNA‐topoisomerase interaction and strand passage mechanism, helping to advance our understanding of their activities in vivo. This has been complemented by single‐molecule techniques, which have facilitated the detailed dissection of the various topoisomerase reactions. Recent work has also revealed the importance of topoisomerase interactions with accessory proteins and other DNA‐associated proteins, supporting the idea that they often function as part of multi‐enzyme assemblies in vivo. In addition, novel topoisomerases have been identified and explored, such as topo VIII and Mini‐A. These new findings are advancing our understanding of DNA‐related processes and the vital functions topos fulfil, demonstrating their indispensability in virtually every aspect of DNA metabolism.
Optimization hydrothermal synthesis conditions for nano‐sized (Na0.5Bi0.495Nd0.005)TiO3 particles by an orthogonal experiment and their luminescence performance
Authors: He Xiyue , Li Wenxiang , Fang Bijun , Zhang Shuai , Lu Xiaolong , Ding Jianning
Published: January 2021

By designing an orthogonal experiment with four factors and three levels, (Na0.5Bi0.495Nd0.005)TiO3 (NBT‐Nd) nanopowders were prepared using a hydrothermal method under different conditions to determine the optimum hydrothermal synthesis conditions. The synthesized NBT‐Nd nanopowders were characterized using X‐ray diffraction measurement, ultraviolet–visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra, and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the orthogonal experimental conditions. The results showed that NBT‐Nd powders with excellent crystalline and luminescence properties could be obtained at 160°C, with a 16 h reaction time, 8 mol·L−1 NaOH, and with 0.4489 g C19H42BrN. The optimized hydrothermal method‐prepared NBT‐Nd powder has a rather pure rhombohedral perovskite structure at room temperature, and exhibits an aggregated polycrystalline structure containing nanotubes and nano‐sized particles. Under excitation of 247 nm light, strong fluorescence emissions are excited at 423 nm and 441 nm in the NBT‐Nd powder that were generated by transitions of Nd3+ from 2D5/2 to 4I9/2 and from 4G11/2 to 4I9/2, respectively. Through CIE1931 chromaticity calculation of the emission peaks, the NBT‐Nd powder was shown to emit indigo blue fluorescent light.
Virus‐like particle preparation is improved by control over capsomere‐DNA interactions during chromatographic purification
Authors: Gerstweiler Lukas , Bi Jingxiu , Middelberg Anton Peter Jacob
Published: January 2021

Expression of viral capsomeres in bacterial systems and subsequent in vitro assembly into virus‐like particles is a possible pathway for affordable future vaccines. However, purification is challenging as viral capsomeres show poor binding to chromatography media. In this study, the behavior of capsomeres in unfractionated bacterial lysate was compared with that for purified capsomeres, with or without added microbial DNA, to better understand reasons for poor bioprocess behavior. We show that aggregates or complexes form through the interaction between viral capsomeres and DNA, especially in bacterial lysates rich in contaminating DNA. The formation of these complexes prevents the target protein capsomeres from accessing the pores of chromatography media. We find that protein–DNA interactions can be modulated by controlling the ionic strength of the buffer and that at elevated ionic strengths the protein–DNA complexes dissociate. Capsomeres thus released show enhanced bind‐elute behavior on salt‐tolerant chromatography media. DNA could therefore be efficiently removed. We believe this is the first report of the use of an optimized salt concentration that dissociates capsomere–DNA complexes yet enables binding to salt‐tolerant media. Post purification, assembly experiments indicate that DNA–protein interactions can play a negative role during in vitro assembly, as DNA–protein complexes could not be assembled into virus‐like particles, but formed worm‐like structures. This study reveals that the control over DNA–protein interaction is a critical consideration during downstream process development for viral vaccines.
Analysis of Nucleoside Triphosphate Hydrolysis by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Helicase
Authors: Woo Hye‐Min , Pyo So‐Hee , Jeong Yong‐Joo
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to measure the nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) hydrolysis by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) helicase in the presence of different types of nucleic acids (NAs) for the determination of the optimal condition of hydrolysis activity. The steady‐state NTP hydrolysis analysis demonstrated that the MERS‐CoV helicase only (and considerably) hydrolyzed the ATP in the presence of poly(U). On the contrary, only UTP was considerably hydrolyzed in the presence of poly(C). When we used the DNAs as a substrate, the single‐stranded M13 DNA considerably stimulated the ATP and UTP hydrolysis. However, the ATP hydrolysis was not detected in the presence of ds DNA. The pH‐dependent ATP hydrolysis analysis demonstrated that the helicase optimally hydrolyzed ATP at a pH value of 7.0. The ATP hydrolysis was also performed in the presence of four different kinds of divalent cations, which demonstrated that only Mg2+ ions stimulated the ATP hydrolysis activity.
Targeting TRIM Proteins: A Quest towards Drugging an Emerging Protein Class
Authors: D'Amico Francesca , Mukhopadhyay Rishov , Ovaa Huib , Mulder Monique P. C.
Published: January 2021

The ubiquitylation machinery regulates several fundamental biological processes from protein homeostasis to a wide variety of cellular signaling pathways. As a consequence, its dysregulation is linked to diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmunity. With this review, we aim to highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting E3 ligases, with a special focus on an emerging class of RING ligases, named tri‐partite motif (TRIM) proteins, whose role as targets for drug development is currently gaining pharmaceutical attention. TRIM proteins exert their catalytic activity as scaffolds involved in many protein–protein interactions, whose multidomains and adapter‐like nature make their druggability very challenging. Herein, we give an overview of the current understanding of this class of single polypeptide RING E3 ligases and discuss potential targeting options.
Investigation of the Electrocatalytic Activity of CuRu Alloy and Its Mechanism for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Cui Zhao , Duan Shengquan , Yao Shuangshuang , Pan Ting , Dai Dongmei , Gao Hongtao
Published: January 2021

Non‐precious metal alloys are expected to replace noble‐metal Pt catalysts for electro‐catalysts hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to solve both energy crisis and environmental problems. CuRu binary alloy has been designed theoretically, whose electronic properties were investigated to illustrate its electrical conductivity and stability. The d‐band center was close to the Fermi level in electronic structure, indicating its potential catalytic activity. The CuRu alloy was prepared by a facile liquid phase reduction method, which owned its catalytic activity with a low over potential of 86.7 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 M KOH solution, with a corresponding small Tafel slope of 40 mV ⋅ dec−1. The adsorption site of H on CuRu (101) surface, adsorption capacity, HER mechanism and reaction kinetics were investigated by first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to reveal highly efficient and fast kinetic reaction of CuRu alloy.
A Concise Total Synthesis of Dehydroantofine and Its Antimalarial Activity against Chloroquine‐Resistant Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Yamasaki Naoto , Iwasaki Ikumi , Sakumi Kazu , Hokari Rei , Ishiyama Aki , Iwatsuki Masato , Nakahara Masataka , Higashibayashi Shuhei , Sugai Takeshi , Imagawa Hiroshi , Kubo Miwa , Fukuyama Yoshiyasu , Ōmura Satoshi , Yamamoto Hirofumi
Published: January 2021

The total synthesis of dehydroantofine was achieved by employing a novel, regioselective, azahetero Diels–Alder reaction of easily accessible 3,5‐dichloro‐2H‐1,4‐oxazin‐2‐one with 14 a as a key step. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that dehydroantofine is a promising candidate as a new antimalarial agent in a biological assay with chloroquine‐resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
Catellani Reaction: An Enabling Technology for Vicinal Functionalization of Aryl Halides by Palladium(0)/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Dong Sichan , Luan Xinjun
Published: January 2021

The Catellani reaction, originally discovered by Catellani in 1997, and further developed by Catellani, Lautens and others, has emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of polysubstituted arenes, which would be difficult to access via traditional methods. In this process, both ortho‐ and ipso‐positions of aryl halides could be functionalized simultaneously with different electrophiles and terminating agents under the cooperative catalysis of palladium and norbornene (NBE). This review focuses on the significant progress of such transformations, and the section of typical Catellani reactions is divided into five parts according to the functionalization mode of ortho‐C—H bond: alkylation, arylation, amination, acylation or thiolation.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity, and Molecular Docking of Benzoic Hydrazide or Amide Derivatives Containing a 1,2,3‐Triazole Group as Potential SDH Inhibitors
Authors: Ding Yue , Zhang Ling , Yang Song , Li Zhong , Wang Pei‐Yi
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The present study was carried out in an attempt to synthesize a new class of antimicrobial agents containing a 1,2,3‐triazole motif formed by classical copper catalyzed click chemistry. Antifungal bioassay results showed that five compounds 5a, 5e, 5h, 5j, and 5k possessed a remarkable growth inhibitory activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea, Rhizoctonia solani and Gibberella zeae with EC50 values within 10.0—0.306 μg/mL. The in vitro efficacy was better than those of the commercial agrochemicals Azoxystrobin, Boscalid, and Fluxapyroxad. In vivo trials showed that compound 5l was effective for the control of rice sheath blight and wheat scab with the effects of 75% and 95%, respectively. Antifungal mechanism studies suggested that target compounds were potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs), which were proposed by the agreeable molecular docking study and restrained SDH activity (IC50 = 3.95 μg/mL, 5l). Interestingly, compounds 5r and 5s displayed good antibacterial activity against phytopathogens. In vivo screening of 5r and 5s against rice bacterial blight afforded a superior control effect (up to 51%) than those of commercial agents Bismerthiazol and Thiodiazole copper. The current studies could support some title compounds to be the lead compounds for exploring highly bioactive antimicrobial substrates, particularly the potential SDHIs.
Immune cell infiltrates as prognostic biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McGuigan Andrew J , Coleman Helen G , McCain R Stephen , Kelly Paul J , Johnston David I , Taylor Mark A , Turkington Richard C
Published: January 2021

Immune cell infiltration has been identified as a prognostic biomarker in several cancers. However, no immune based biomarker has yet been validated for use in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of immune cell infiltration, measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC), as a prognostic biomarker in PDAC. All other IHC prognostic biomarkers in PDAC were also summarised. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched between 1998 and 2018. Studies investigating IHC biomarkers and prognosis in PDAC were included. REMARK score and Newcastle–Ottawa scale were used for qualitative analysis. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool results, where possible. Twenty‐six articles studied immune cell infiltration IHC biomarkers and PDAC prognosis. Meta‐analysis found high infiltration with CD4 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51–0.83.) and CD8 (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.55–0.84.) T‐lymphocytes associated with better disease‐free survival. Reduced overall survival was associated with high CD163 (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.03–2.56). Infiltration of CD3, CD20, FoxP3 and CD68 cells, and PD‐L1 expression was not prognostic. In total, 708 prognostic biomarkers were identified in 1101 studies. In summary, high CD4 and CD8 infiltration are associated with better disease‐free survival in PDAC. Increased CD163 is adversely prognostic. Despite the publication of 708 IHC prognostic biomarkers in PDAC, none has been validated for clinical use. Further research should focus on reproducibility of prognostic biomarkers in PDAC in order to achieve this.
Varying Efficacies of Fenton's Oxidation Treatment on Pharmaceutical Industry Effluents of Contrasting Viscosity Profiles
Authors: Lalwani Jitesh , Thatikonda Shashidhar , Challapalli Subrahmanyam
Published: January 2021

The present study investigates the applicability of Fenton's oxidation for the treatment of a highly refractory, viscous, bulk drug industry effluent. The effluent is found to behave as a Newtonian fluid, thrice as viscous as water. Fenton's oxidation experiments on the undiluted effluent are conducted in accordance with central composite design (CCD), considering the operating factors of pH (3–11), FeSO4 dosage (3–15 g L−1), H2O2 dosage (7–19 mL L−1), and treatment time (30–150 min). The treatment yielded a maximum total organic carbon (TOC) reduction of 28% at neutral pH, FeSO4, and H2O2 dosages of 9 g L−1 and 13 mL L−1, respectively, for 150 min of operation. The maximal treatment efficacy observed at neutral pH is explained by the non‐radical mechanism of Fenton's oxidation, and further correlated with viscosity and type of fluid (here, Newtonian), as judged from the generated viscosity profiles. Upon comparison with previous effluent samplings, differing treatment efficacies are observed for different fluid types, that is, Newtonian and non‐Newtonian (shear thinning), with the latter obtaining twice the TOC reduction, under similar experimental conditions. Hence, the effect of viscosity and fluid type on the effectiveness of Fenton's oxidation treatment is experimentally validated and discussed.
The role of cytology in endometrial cancer: Diagnostic and clinical considerations from peritoneal/pelvic washings. Is it still a heated debate?
Authors: Angelico Giuseppe , Santoro Angela , Rossi Esther Diana , Zannoni Gian Franco
Published: January 2021

This editorial explores the diagnostic criteria and clinical implications of cytopathologic samples obtained from peritoneal/pelvic washings in patients with endometrial cancer.
Weighted ensemble networks formultiviewbased tiny object quality assessment
Authors: Zhou Yichao , Wu Wanyin , Zou Jie , Qiao Jianwang , Cheng Jun
Published: January 2021

As demand for intelligent manufacturing continues to grow, tiny object quality assessment (TOQA) is becoming increasingly importance in industrial automation. Recently, visual‐based TOQA has attracted an increasing attention, since the physical appearance is the foremost assessment index for evaluating the tiny object quality. It is exhausted and challenging to determine the quality of tiny object by manual visual inspection, and thus some machine vision systems are developed for automatic TOQA. Existing systems often use a limited number of cameras to capture the image of fallen tiny object, and thus may be not reliable since the tiny object may be unsound (such as cracked or damaged) in an invisible side. In this article, we develop a novel system for automatic TOQA that captures images of tiny object from multiple (more than two) view points, and propose a novel method termed weighted ensemble network (WENet) to effectively integrate the information of different views. In particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are adopted to extract features from the images of different views. Then the multiview features are weighted combined for tiny object quality prediction. Traditional ensemble approaches usually directly applying average or voting to the prediction results of different views, or learn fixed weights to combine the results. Different from these approaches, the weights are adaptively determined in our method according to the quality of the captured image, since the features extracted from a low‐quality (e.g., blurred) image should contribute less to the final prediction. Handcrafted features and deep features are integrated in a sophisticated way in our method, and we empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on grain quality assessment by investigating different CNN architectures for feature extraction and comparing with the conventional ensemble approaches.
Blind separation of noncooperative paired carrier multiple access signals based on improved quantum‐inspired evolutionary algorithm and receding horizon optimization
Authors: Deng Qi , Zhang Shanshan , Chen Gang , Lu Huaxiang
Published: January 2021

The single‐channel blind source separation of paired carrier multiple access (PCMA) signal is a key technology in satellite communications. Due to the high‐order complexity of existing separation methods and the uncertainty of channel parameters, the processing of noncooperative PCMA signals with long memory remains a great challenge. In this article, the blind separation was solved as the joint channel estimation and sequence detection, and a novel blind separation algorithm based on the improved quantum‐inspired evolutionary algorithm (IQEA) and receding horizon optimization was proposed. Considering the practical scenarios, a mixed PCMA signal model with noninteger period sampling was presented in advance. Combined with the proposed signal model, the IQEA was applied to recover the uplink signals from the mixed PCMA signals by its iterative estimation. Meanwhile, to reduce the computational complexity caused by long memory of PCMA signals, the receding horizon optimization was introduced to process the whole signal sequence as a dynamic programming problem. The simulation results verified that the proposed RH‐IQEA outperforms existing state‐of‐the‐art separation algorithms in the blind separation of noncooperative PCMA signals, with higher accuracy, lower‐order complexity and stronger robustness to parameter estimation errors.
The Cytotoxic Effect of α‐Synuclein Aggregates
Authors: Melo Francisco , Caballero Leonardo , Zamorano Esteban , Ventura Natalia , Navarro Camilo , Doll Irving , Zamorano Pedro , Cornejo Alberto
Published: January 2021

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving a functional protein, α‐synuclein, whose primary function is related to vesicle trafficking. However, α‐synuclein is prone to form aggregates, and these inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, are the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. α‐synuclein can alter its conformation and acquire aggregating capacity, forming aggregates containing β‐sheets. This protein's pathogenic importance is based on its ability to form oligomers that impair synaptic transmission and neuronal function by increasing membrane permeability and altering homeostasis, generating a deleterious effect over cells. First, we establish that oligomers interfere with the mechanical properties of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) membrane, as demonstrated by nanoindentation curves. In contrast, nanoindentation revealed that the α‐synuclein monomer's presence leads to a much more resistant lipid bilayer. Moreover, the oligomers’ interaction with cell membranes can promote lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, suggesting the activation of cytotoxic events.
Polygenic risk scores for Alzheimer's disease are related to dementia risk in APOE ɛ4 negatives
Authors: Najar Jenna , van der Lee Sven J. , Joas Erik , Wetterberg Hanna , Hardy John , Guerreiro Rita , Bras Jose , Waern Margda , Kern Silke , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Skoog Ingmar , Zettergren Anna
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Studies examining the effect of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on incident dementia in very old individuals are lacking.

Methods

A population‐based sample of 2052 individuals ages 70 to 111, from Sweden, was followed in relation to dementia. AD‐PRSs including 39, 57, 1333, and 13,942 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used.

Results

AD‐PRSs (including 39 or 57 SNPs) were associated with dementia (57‐SNPs AD‐PRS: hazard ratio 1.09, confidence interval 1.01–1.19,P = .03), particularly inAPOEɛ4 non‐carriers (57‐SNPs AD‐PRS: 1.15, 1.05–1.27,P = 4 × 10–3, 39‐SNPs AD‐PRS: 1.22, 1.10–1.35,P = 2 × 10–4). No association was found with the other AD‐PRSs. Further,APOEɛ4 was associated with increased risk of dementia (1.60, 1.35–1.92,P = 1 × 10–7). In those aged ≥95 years, the results were similar for the AD‐PRSs, whileAPOEɛ4 only predicted dementia in the low‐risk tertile of AD‐PRSs.

Discussion

These results provide information to identify individuals at increased risk of dementia.
Expression pattern of the V5‐Ostm1 protein in bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice
Authors: Pata Monica , Yousefi Behzadi Pardis , Vacher Jean
Published: January 2021

Mutations in the osteopetrotic transmembrane protein 1 (Ostm1) gene are responsible for the most severe form of autosomal recessive osteopetrosis both in humans and in the gray lethal (gl/gl) mouse. This defect leads to increased bone mass with bone marrow occlusion and hematopoietic defects. To establish the expression profile of the mouse Ostm1 protein in vivo, homologous recombination in bacteria was designed to generate a V5‐Ostm1 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) that was subsequently integrated in the mouse genome. Tissue expression of the transgene V5‐Ostm1 RNA and protein in transgenic mice follow the endogenous expression profile. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated expression in neuronal populations from central and peripheral nervous system and defined a unique cellular expression pattern. Importantly, together with appropriate protein post‐translational modification, in vivo rescue of the osteopetrotic bone gl/gl phenotype in BAC V5‐Ostm1 gl/gl mice is consistent with the expression of a fully functional and active protein. These mice represent a unique tool to unravel novel Ostm1 functions in individual tissue and neuronal cell populations and the V5‐Ostm1 transgene represents an easy visual marker to monitor the expression of Ostm1 in vitro and in vivo.
An experimental test of stabilizing forces in the field niche
Authors: Siefert Andrew , Friesen Maren L. , Zillig Kenneth W. , Aguilar Jessica , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: January 2021

Modern coexistence theory holds that stabilizing mechanisms, whereby species limit the growth of conspecifics more than that of other species, are necessary for species to coexist. Here, we used experimental and observational approaches to assess stabilizing forces in eight locally co‐occurring, annual, legume species in the genus Trifolium. We experimentally measured self‐limitation in the field by transplanting Trifolium species into each other's field niches while varying competition and related these patterns to the field coexistence dynamics of natural Trifolium populations. We found that Trifolium species differed in their responses to local environmental gradients and performed best in their home environments, consistent with habitat specialization and presenting a possible barrier to coexistence at fine scales. We found significant self‐limitation for 5 of 42 pairwise species combinations measured experimentally with competitors absent, indicating stabilization through plant–soil feedbacks and other indirect interactions, whereas self‐limitation was largely absent when neighbors were present, indicating destabilizing effects of direct plant–plant interactions. The degree of self‐limitation measured in our field experiment explained year‐to‐year dynamics of coexistence by Trifolium species in natural communities. By assessing stabilizing forces and environmental responses in the full n‐dimensional field niche, this study sheds light on the roles of habitat specialization, plant–soil feedbacks, and plant interactions in determining species coexistence at local scales.
Updating the CSIC Reaction (2003–2020)
Authors: Dobrydnev Alexey V. , Marco‐Contelles José
Published: January 2021

Herein, we have updated the progress and developments of the Carbanion‐mediated Sulfonate (or Sulfonamide) Intermolecular Coupling, and Intramolecular Cyclization, abbreviated as CSIC reaction (CSICr), in the last seventeen years from the seminal review published in 2003 in this same Journal. CSICr has proven to be a useful and versatile synthetic tool, efficiently providing a number of open‐chain [alkane(sulfonamide)sulfonates] or cylic (sultams and sultones) synthetic intermediates or final products of high value in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis (FVP) of cis‐N‐phenyl‐hexahydro‐2H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐2‐imine and Thiazin‐2‐imine Derivatives
Authors: Pinilla Peña Diana C. , Ruiz Pereyra Elba N. , Firpo Guadalupe , Ceballos Noelia M. , Fülöp Ferenc , Szakonyi Zsolt , Iriarte Ana G. , Peláez Walter J.
Published: January 2021

Cis‐N‐phenyl‐hexahydro‐2H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐2‐imines and cis‐N‐phenyl‐hexahydro‐2H‐benzo[d][1,3]thiazin‐2‐imines were prepared and subjected to Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis (FVP). NH− and NCH3− oxazines reacted at lower temperatures than the thio‐ analogs, showing lower thermal stability, while NCH2Ph− compounds presented the opposite behavior. Oxazines and thiazines yielded different products through homolytic fragmentations of the heterocycle moiety, the stability of which increased with the N− substitution. Based on the analysis of the reaction temperatures and the unraveling of the obtained products, it is proposed that any heterocyclic ring‐opening reactions (initiated by X3−C4, C8a−N1, or C2−X3 bond rupture) require less energy than the retro‐Diels–Alder process (RDA) that yields butadiene. This concerted reaction path is only achieved at temperatures higher than 470 °C. Kinetic measurements reveal negative entropies of activation, which suggest a partially concerted way of reaction or slightly asynchronous fragmentation processes, with higher energy of activation (Ea) values for the N‐substituted derivatives compared to the unsubstituted ones. Experimental results agree with calculations at the DFT level (B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)) and M06‐2X (6‐311+G(d,p)) from Gaussian09 software.
The preferred method for reminding a child's vaccination schedule among Iranian parents
Authors: Ahmadian Leila , Hashemi Zohreh , Khajouei Reza , Najaf Najafi Mona
Published: January 2021

Background

The most important reason for vaccination delay is the unawareness of the parents of vaccination schedule. The use of reminders can result in better vaccination coverage.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the preferred method of receiving vaccination reminders from the parents' perspective.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We studied the parents of under 7‐year‐old children who visited one of the six urban health centres in Mashhad for vaccination of their children in 2017. Three hundred parents were participated based on the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of five sections. Five Medical Informatics specialists confirmed the validity of the questionnaire. The data were analysed by descriptive‐inferential statistics and the significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Around 94% of the participants wanted to be reminded about their children's vaccination schedule. Most of them (74.3%) preferred to receive reminders by short text messaging (SMS) and 42% preferred to be reminded 1 day before the vaccination date (n = 42%). The tendency to receive reminders and the preferred method had no significant correlation with participants' age, education degree and residential area.

Conclusions

The preferred reminder method from the parents' perspective was SMS. Despite the growth of information technology as well as people's access to the Internet, it seems that use of other methods such as SMS to remind and specifically educate parents in this respect is more common.
Performance evaluation of a solar‐powered flat‐plate multichannel liquid desiccant air conditioning system
Authors: Sharma Akash , Kaushal Rajneesh
Published: January 2021

There has been a limited application of liquid desiccant (LD) dehumidification systems in space air conditioning until now. The key elements responsible for this restricted implementation are leakage of desiccant solution, corrosion of components, and solution carryover along with the processed air to the space to be conditioned. To remove these problems, an evacuated tube solar heat collector‐driven multichannel liquid desiccant air conditioning system has been proposed and experimentally investigated. In this study, dehumidification and regeneration rate, their effectiveness, cooling effect of the dehumidifier, and indirect evaporative cooling unit have been analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the process air has been dehumidified and cooled by 6.32 g kg−1 and 5.26°C, respectively. The regeneration rate and effectiveness have been obtained to be 0.26 g s−1 and 0.31, respectively. In terms of the cooling effect, the system output of 0.703 and 0.130 kW has been obtained from the dehumidifier and indirect evaporative cooling unit of the system, respectively. The proposed system validates the possibility of the novel solar‐powered liquid desiccant air conditioning system concept and provides growth and development of the LD air conditioning technology for space air conditioning.
Thermal analysis of a novel retarder by using the nanofluid cooling system: Numerical and experimental approaches
Authors: Xu Xiaoqin , Chen Shumei , Chen Chengchun , Xu Changhua , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2021

To solve the problem of braking torque decline or even brake failure of vehicle retarders caused by high temperature due to long‐time or high‐power braking, the nanofluid with high thermal conductivity is introduced into the previously proposed novel retarder. To evaluate the nanofluid cooling capabilities, a model depicting the vertical fluid flow in the retarder is formulated. Adopting similarity transformations and a shooting method coupled with Runge–Kutta iterative technology, the model boundary value problem is tackled numerically. The cooling capabilities of three typical ethylene glycol (EG)‐based nanofluids: Cu–EG, Al2O3–EG, and TiO2–EG are investigated and compared. Finally, an experimental test is carried out to examine the temperature rise and the variation of braking torque for the retarder. It is demonstrated that Al2O3–EG nanofluid has the highest Nusselt number (rate of heat transfer), and more importantly, the braking torque of the proposed retarder decreases by only 8.2% under high‐power braking condition.
The vicinity of reservoirs and type of environment contribute to the occurrence of an exotic cladoceran, Daphnia lumholtzi (Sars, 1885), in a Neotropical drainage basin
Authors: Nunes Ariadine H. , Mantovano Tatiane , Pedroso Clemerson R. , Tanaka dos Santos Gabriela N. , Bonecker Claudia C.
Published: January 2021

Biological invasions are one of the major threats to the integrity of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. We examined the influence of reservoirs, availability of food resources, abiotic resistance, and biotic resistance on the distribution of Daphnia lumholtzi, a non‐native cladoceran that is spreading through habitats in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. We sampled 48 sites distributed in four habitat types: reservoirs, lakes, tributaries, and the main river. D. lumholtzi densities were higher in reservoirs than in other habitat types (lentic and lotic). We found a significant correlation between a higher density of D. lumholtzi and the distance from reservoirs to the other sampling points. Additionally, a relationship between D. lumholtzi and types of environments was noted. It is known that cladocerans, including D. lumholtzi, have a reduced swimming ability, which makes it difficult for them to overcome currents and consequently establish or maintain large populations in lotic environments. Further research is needed to identify other factors responsible for the species' occurrence in this system and to determine the possible effects this species may have on the native community.
Ibandronate Reduces the Surface Bone Resorption of Mandibular Bone Grafts: A Randomized Trial With Internal Controls
Authors: Abtahi Jahan , Klintström Benjamin , Klintström Eva
Published: January 2021

Autologous bone grafts are considered the gold standard for reconstruction of the edentulous alveolar ridges. However, this procedure is associated with unpredictable bone loss caused by physiological bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive drugs that act specifically on osteoclasts, thereby maintaining bone density, volume, and strength. It was hypothesized that the resorption of bone grafts treated with an ibandronate solution would be less advanced than bone grafts treated with saline. Ten patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were included in a randomized double‐blind trial with internal controls. Each patient received a bone graft treated with a solution of ibandronate on one side and a graft treated with saline (controls) contralaterally. Radiographs for the measurement of bone volume were obtained at 2 weeks and at 6 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was the difference in the change of bone volume between the control and the ibandronate bone grafts 6 months after surgery. All of the bone grafts healed without complications. One patient was excluded because of reoperation. In eight of the nine patients, the ibandronate bone grafts showed an increase in bone volume compared with baseline, with an average gain of 126 mm3 (40% more than baseline) with a range of +27 to +218 mm3. Only one ibandronate‐treated graft had a decrease in bone volume (8%). In the controls, an average bone volume loss of −146 mm3 (58% of baseline) with a range of −29 to −301 mm3 was seen. In the maxillofacial field, the reconstructions of atrophic alveolar ridges, especially in the esthetical zones, are challenging. These results show that bone grafts locally treated with ibandronate solution increases the remaining bone volume. This might lead to new possibilities for the maxillofacial surgeons in the preservation of bone graft volumes and for dental implant installations. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Reducing the effects of control materials based on interchangeability of estimates of day‐to‐day imprecision between commercial control materials and serum samples
Authors: Xie Qin , Tang Yi , Zhou Meihua , Dai Bing , Zhao Xiaomin , Cheng Yating , He Jun , Zhang Chenli , Deng Xiaoyan , Li Lishi , Tao Ran
Published: January 2021

Background

Reduce the effects in the storage‐and‐thawing process of commercial control materials based on their interchangeability evaluation.

Methods

Seven assays—anti‐streptolysin O, complement 3, carcinoembryonic antigen, urea, ferritin, total bilirubin, and glucose—were selected. Commercial control materials and serum samples with similar concentrations were chosen as samples. The experiment was carried out in three stages. In the first stage, the assays with statistical differences in imprecision were screened. In the second stage, two specimens were sealed with parafilm and frozen at −80°C and thawed in the water bath, and the imprecision differences were compared again. Finally, the effective means to reduce the effects were included in the standard operating procedure to repeat confirmation.

Results

In the first stage, there was only a statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the imprecision of glucose and total bilirubin between two specimens, and the imprecision of control materials was higher than the serum samples. In the second stage, glucose imprecision was not statistically different (p > 0.05) and lower than in the first stage. In the third stage, the methods from the second stage were confirmed to be effective at reducing control material effects.

Conclusion

Finding variation factors and confirming and standardizing the measures will help lessen commercial control material effects.
Hydrogen sulfide and mesenchymal stem cells‐extracted microvesicles attenuate LPS‐induced Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Aboulhoda Basma E. , Rashed Laila A. , Ahmed Hoda , Obaya Eman M. M. , Ibrahim Walaa , Alkafass Marwa A. L. , Abd El‐Aal Sarah A. , ShamsEldeen Asmaa M.
Published: January 2021

Both hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) extracted microvesicles (MVs) are potent anti‐inflammatory molecules. They play an essential role in lowering the production of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). The latter could strongly stimulate MiR‐155 that contributes to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease (AD). miR‐155 could repress the expression of inositol 5‐phosphatase‐1 (SHIP‐1) leading eventually to activation of Akt kinase and neurofibrillary development in AD. The current study was conducted to evaluate the role of miR‐155 in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced AD and to investigate the effect of using MVs and H2S that were given either separately or combined in regulating pro‐inflammatory signaling. Thirty female Wistar albino rats aged 6 months to 1 year were equally divided into five groups; control group, LPS‐induced AD group, LPS + MVs group, LPS + NaHS group, and LPS + MVs and NaHS group. The increased miR‐155 level was associated with decreased SHIP‐1 level and positively correlated with TNF‐α. In addition, treatment with MVs and/or NaHS resulted in attenuation of inflammation, decreasing miR‐155, pAkt levels, and downregulation of apoptosis along with improvement of the hippocampal and cortical histopathological alterations. LPS enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels indicating oxidative stress‐induced neural damage, whereas MVs and NaHS could mitigate oxidative damage and accelerate antioxidant capacity via increasing catalase enzyme. In conclusion, downregulation of TNF‐α, miR‐155, and pAkt and increased SHIP‐1 could improve the neuro‐inflammatory state and cognitive function of LPS‐induced Alzheimer's disease.
Multi‐tissue stable isotope analyses reveal temporal changes in the feeding patterns of green turtles in the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Authors: Páez‐Rosas Diego , Salinas‐de‐León Pelayo , Proaño Alberto , Vaca‐Pita Leandro , Suarez‐Moncada Jenifer
Published: January 2021

Knowledge of feeding patterns of highly migratory species is critical for understanding their habitat use and informing the management of their populations. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most important nesting and feeding areas for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) across the tropical eastern Pacific, yet little is known about the feeding patterns of this species. The isotopic composition of different tissues has been used to gain insight into the trophic dynamics of mobile aquatic consumers whose trophic behavior is difficult to directly measure. To elucidate the temporal feeding patterns and isotopic niche sizes of Galapagos green turtles, stable isotope analyses were performed on multiple tissues (skin and carapace) collected at the two most important nesting areas in the archipelago: Bachas and Quinta Playa. The δ13C and δ15N signatures on the skin and carapace samples from 56 adult females revealed significant differences between tissues (p = .001 and p = .021, respectively) and nesting areas (p = .011 and p = .003, respectively). These differences suggest a shift from oceanic feeding grounds to neritic habitats before nesting. The carapace isotope values indicated an offshore feeding strategy and a greater isotopic niche (SEAc = 1.91‰2), whereas the skin isotope values represented an inshore feeding strategy with a narrower niche (SEAc = 1.37‰2), likely related to the consumption of specific coastal prey. Our results suggest that Galapagos green turtles feed across different habitats, and this information can be applied to improve the management of this endangered species.