bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized phase I clinical trial of anti–α‐synuclein antibody BIIB054
Authors: Brys Miroslaw , Fanning Laura , Hung Serena , Ellenbogen Aaron , Penner Natalia , Yang Minhua , Welch Mackenzie , Koenig Erica , David Eric , Fox Tara , Makh Shavy , Aldred Jason , Goodman Ira , Pepinsky Blake , Liu YuTing , Graham Danielle , Weihofen Andreas , Cedarbaum Jesse M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Pathological and genetic evidence implicates toxic effects of aggregated α‐synuclein in the pathophysiology of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in Parkinson's disease. Immunotherapy targeting aggregated α‐synuclein is a promising strategy for delaying disease progression.

Objective

This study (NCT02459886) evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of BIIB054, a human‐derived monoclonal antibody that preferentially binds to aggregated α‐synuclein, in healthy volunteers and participants with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A total of 48 healthy volunteers (age 40–65, 19 women) and 18 Parkinson's disease participants (age 47–75, 5 women, Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤2.5) were in the study. Volunteers were enrolled into 6 single‐dose cohorts of BIIB054 (range 1–135 mg/kg) or placebo, administered intravenously; Parkinson's disease participants received a single dose of BIIB054 (15 or 45 mg/kg) or placebo. All participants were evaluated for 16 weeks with clinical, neuroimaging, electrocardiogram, and laboratory assessments. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid BIIB054 concentrations were measured. BIIB054/α‐synuclein complexes were measured in plasma.

Results

Most adverse events were mild and assessed by investigators as unrelated to the study drug. Pharmacokinetic parameters for volunteers and the Parkinson's disease participants were similar. BIIB054 serum exposure and maximum concentrations were dose proportional during the dose range studied. In volunteers and the Parkinson's disease participants, the serum half‐life of BIIB054 was 28 to 35 days; the cerebrospinal fluid–to‐serum ratio ranged from 0.13% to 0.56%. The presence of BIIB054/α‐synuclein complexes in plasma was confirmed; all Parkinson's disease participants showed almost complete saturation of the BIIB054/α‐synuclein complex formation.

Conclusions

BIIB054 has favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profiles in volunteers and Parkinson's disease participants, supporting further clinical development. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA NORAD promotes the occurrence and development of non‐small cell lung cancer by adsorbing MiR‐656‐3p
Authors: Chen Tianyu , Qin Shaoyun , Gu Yinan , Pan Huaqin , Bian Dachen
Published: June 2019

Background

To explore the role of non‐coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD), a long non‐coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its possible mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was adopted for the detection of the expression levels of NORAD, micro RNA (miR)‐656‐3p, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). The effects of NORAD, miR‐656‐3p, and AKT1 on cell proliferation and migration were examined through the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and Transwell assay. Subsequently, the binding relationships between miR‐656‐3p and AKT1 and between miR‐656‐3p and NORAD were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, the potential mechanisms of action of NORAD and miR‐656‐3p were explored through the torsion experiment.

Results

The lncRNA NORAD expression level in NSCLC patients was notably higher than that in people in control group, that in patients with metastasis was higher than that in patients without metastasis, and that in patients with NSCLC in stage III‐IV was significantly higher than that in patients with NSCLC in stage I‐II. Elevation of NORAD stimulated the proliferation and migration of NSCLC A549/H460 cells. According to the reporter gene assay, NORAD could bind to miR‐656‐3p. Besides, miR‐656‐3p was significantly under‐expressed in cancer tissues of patients with NSCLC, and overexpression of miR‐656‐3p could block the proliferation and migration of A549/H460 cells and reversed promotion on cell proliferation and migration by NORAD. Furthermore, the reporter gene assay revealed that the overexpression of AKT1, a miR‐656‐3p target gene, could reverse miR‐656‐3p's inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of A549/H460 cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA NORAD is capable of promoting the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells, and its mechanism may be that it increases the AKT1 expression by adsorbing miR‐656‐3p.
Rational Design, Structure–Activity Relationship, and Immunogenicity of Hypoallergenic Pru p 3 Variants
Authors: Eichhorn Stephanie , Hörschläger Angelika , Steiner Markus , Laimer Josef , Jensen Bettina M , Versteeg Serge A , Pablos Isabel , Briza Peter , Jongejan Laurian , Rigby Neil , Asturias Juan A , Portolés Antonio , Fernandez‐Rivas Montserrat , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G , Mari Adriano , Poulsen Lars K , Lackner Peter , van Ree Ronald , Ferreira Fatima , Gadermaier Gabriele
Published: June 2019

Scope

Allergies to lipid transfer proteins involve severe adverse reactions; thus, effective and sustainable therapies are desired. Previous attempts disrupting disulfide bonds failed to maintain immunogenicity; thus, the aim is to design novel hypoallergenic Pru p 3 variants and evaluate the applicability for treatment of peach allergy.

Methods and results

Pru p 3 proline variant (PV) designed using in silico mutagenesis, cysteine variant (CV), and wild‐type Pru p 3 (WT) are purified from Escherichia coli. Variants display homogenous and stable protein conformations with an altered secondary structure in circular dichroism. PV shows enhanced long‐term storage capacities compared to CV similar to the highly stable WT. Using sera of 33 peach allergic patients, IgE‐binding activity is reduced by 97% (PV) and 71% (CV) compared to WT. Both molecules show strong hypoallergenicity in Pru p 3 ImmunoCAP cross‐inhibition and histamine release assays. Immunogenicity of PV is demonstrated with a phosphate‐based adjuvant formulation in a mouse model.

Conclusions

An in silico approach is used to generate a PV without targeting disulfide bonds, T cell epitopes, or previously reported IgE epitopes of Pru p 3. PV is strongly hypoallergenic while structurally stable and immunogenic, thus representing a promising candidate for peach allergen immunotherapy.
Polarization‐independent multiband metamaterials absorber by fundamental cavity mode of multilayer microstructure
Authors: Fang Bo , Li Boya , Peng Yandong , Li Chenxia , Hong Zhi , Jing Xufeng
Published: June 2019

We propose a multiband metamaterial absorber consisting of silicon brick array on metal substrate in infrared range. Using the regular hexagon array of silicon bricks, the absorption rate can reach to 90% over the bandwidth of 100 nm, and four absorption peaks with the absorption rate of more than 98% can be obtained. The absorber is independent on polarization angle. The multiband absorption performance can be attributed to primary cavity mode and Mie resonance in silicon bricks. Importantly, when the all‐dielectric silicon bricks are replaced by metal‐dielectric‐metal sandwich structure, the absorption rate above 75% with the bandwidth of more than 200 nm in the absorber can be realized, and it is polarization‐insensitive. The absorption peaks are increased to obtain broadband absorption. Our designed sandwich microstructure can generate the resonance effect of magnetic dipole among coupled layers, leading to the characteristics of broadband absorption.
Role of intraluminal thrombus in abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures: A hemodynamic point of view
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wang Yi , Fan Yubo , Peng Liqing , Liu Rong , Zhao Jichun , Yuan Ding , Zheng Tinghui
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Intraluminal thrombus (ILTs) are found in most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) of clinically relevant size; however, the role of ILTs in AAA ruptures remains unclear. This study investigated the role of the presence and thickness of ILTs in AAA ruptures by analyzing the hemodynamic environment in ruptured AAAs (RAAAs).

Methods

Three‐dimensional reconstructions from computed tomography scans were performed, and 13 RAAA cases were categorized into a no‐ILT group, a thin‐layered ILT group (thickness < 3 mm), and a thick‐layered ILT group. The hemodynamic features of the RAAAs were assessed using computational fluid dynamics simulation.

Results

The thin‐ and thick‐layered ILT groups showed significant differences in aneurysm diameters (P < 0.05). The three types of AAAs ruptured at different flow regions, with different hemodynamic features: (a) the no‐ILT AAAs ruptured at regions of flow recirculation where velocity and wall shear stresses (WSSs) were close to zero; (b) the thin‐layered ILT AAAs ruptured at sites at which the dominant flow impinged the wall; and (c) the thick‐layered ILT AAAs ruptured at the border of the dominant flow channel and recirculation zone where the flow velocity and pressure changed dramatically.

Conclusions

Hemodynamic characteristics influence the rupture mechanisms of particular AAAs differently on the basis of the presence and thickness of ILTs. Recirculation flows and low WSSs may have negative effects by inducing local rupture or positive effects by promoting the formation of thin‐layered ILTs. However, eccentrically located thick‐layered ILTs may increase the rupture risk of small AAAs because of their location in the sac lumen, which results in chaotic flow patterns and rapid increases in flow resistance.
Automatic quantitative analysis of pulmonary vascular morphology in CT images
Authors: Zhai Zhiwei , Staring Marius , Hernández Girón Irene , Veldkamp Wouter J. H. , Kroft Lucia J. , Ninaber Maarten K. , Stoel Berend C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Vascular remodeling is a significant pathological feature of various pulmonary diseases, which may be assessed by quantitative computed tomography (CT) imaging. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop and validate an automatic method for quantifying pulmonary vascular morphology in CT images.

Methods

The proposed method consists of pulmonary vessel extraction and quantification. For extracting pulmonary vessels, a graph‐cuts‐based method is proposed which considers appearance (CT intensity) and shape (vesselness from a Hessian‐based filter) features, and incorporates distance to the airways into the cost function to prevent false detection of airway walls. For quantifying the extracted pulmonary vessels, a radius histogram is generated by counting the occurrence of vessel radii, calculated from a distance transform‐based method. Subsequently, two biomarkers, slope α and intercept β, are calculated by linear regression on the radius histogram. A public data set from the VESSEL12 challenge was used to independently evaluate the vessel extraction. The quantitative analysis method was validated using images of a three‐dimensional (3D) printed vessel phantom, scanned by a clinical CT scanner and a micro‐CT scanner (to obtain a gold standard). To confirm the association between imaging biomarkers and pulmonary function, 77 scleroderma patients were investigated with the proposed method.

Results

In the independent evaluation with the public data set, our vessel segmentation method obtained an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.976. The median radius difference between clinical and micro‐CT scans of a 3D printed vessel phantom was 0.062 ± 0.020 mm, with interquartile range of 0.199 ± 0.050 mm. In the studied patient group, a significant correlation between diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and the biomarkers, α (R = −0.27, P = 0.018) and β (R = 0.321, P = 0.004), was obtained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed method was validated independently using a public data set resulting in an area under the ROC curve of 0.976 and using a 3D printed vessel phantom data set, showing a vessel sizing error of 0.062 mm (0.16 in‐plane pixel units). The correlation between imaging biomarkers and diffusion capacity in a clinical data set confirmed an association between lung structure and function. This quantification of pulmonary vascular morphology may be helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular diseases.
Dosimetric evaluation of synthetic CT for head and neck radiotherapy generated by a patch‐based three‐dimensional convolutional neural network
Authors: Dinkla Anna M. , Florkow Mateusz C. , Maspero Matteo , Savenije Mark H. F. , Zijlstra Frank , Doornaert Patricia A. H. , van Stralen Marijn , Philippens Marielle E. P. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Seevinck Peter R.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a patch‐based convolutional neural network (CNN) to generate synthetic computed tomography (sCT) images for magnetic resonance (MR)‐only workflow for radiotherapy of head and neck tumors. A patch‐based deep learning method was chosen to improve robustness to abnormal anatomies caused by large tumors, surgical excisions, or dental artifacts. In this study, we evaluate whether the generated sCT images enable accurate MR‐based dose calculations in the head and neck region.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on 34 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent both CT and MR imaging for radiotherapy treatment planning. To generate the sCTs, a large field‐of‐view T2‐weighted Turbo Spin Echo MR sequence was used from the clinical protocol for multiple types of head and neck tumors. To align images as well as possible on a voxel‐wise level, CT scans were nonrigidly registered to the MR (CTreg). The CNN was based on a U‐net architecture and consisted of 14 layers with 3 × 3 × 3 filters. Patches of 48 × 48 × 48 were randomly extracted and fed into the training. sCTs were created for all patients using threefold cross validation. For each patient, the clinical CT‐based treatment plan was recalculated on sCT using Monaco TPS (Elekta). We evaluated mean absolute error (MAE) and mean error (ME) within the body contours and dice scores in air and bone mask. Also, dose differences and gamma pass rates between CT‐ and sCT‐based plans inside the body contours were calculated.

Results

sCT generation took 4 min per patient. The MAE over the patient population of the sCT within the intersection of body contours was 75 ± 9 Hounsfield Units (HU) (±1 SD), and the ME was 9 ± 11 HU. Dice scores of the air and bone masks (CTreg vs sCT) were 0.79 ± 0.08 and 0.70 ± 0.07, respectively. Dosimetric analysis showed mean deviations of −0.03% ± 0.05% for dose within the body contours and −0.07% ± 0.22% inside the >90% dose volume. Dental artifacts obscuring the CT could be circumvented in the sCT by the CNN‐based approach in combination with Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence that typically is less prone to susceptibility artifacts.

Conclusions

The presented CNN generated sCTs from conventional MR images without adding scan time to the acquisition. Dosimetric evaluation suggests that dose calculations performed on the sCTs are accurate, and can therefore be used for MR‐only radiotherapy treatment planning of the head and neck.
Testing for response shift in treatment evaluation of change in self‐reported psychopathology amongst secondary psychiatric care outpatients
Authors: Carlier Ingrid V.E. , van Eeden Wessel A. , de Jong Kim , Giltay Erik J. , van Noorden Martijn S. , van der Feltz‐Cornelis Christina , Zitman Frans G. , Kelderman Henk , van Hemert Albert M.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

If patients change their perspective due to treatment, this may alter the way they conceptualize, prioritize, or calibrate questionnaire items. These psychological changes, also called “response shifts,” may pose a threat to the measurement of therapeutic change in patients. Therefore, it is important to test the occurrence of response shift in patients across their treatment.

Methods

This study focused on self‐reported psychological distress/psychopathology in a naturalistic sample of 206 psychiatric outpatients. Longitudinal measurement invariance tests were computed across treatment in order to detect response shifts.

Results

Compared with before treatment, post‐treatment psychopathology scores showed an increase in model fit and factor loading, suggesting that symptoms became more coherently interrelated within their psychopathology domains. Reconceptualization (depression/mood) and reprioritization (somatic and cognitive problems) response shift types were found in several items. We found no recalibration response shift.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that response shift can occur in adult psychiatric patients across their mental health treatment. Future research is needed to determine whether response shift implies an unwanted potential bias in treatment evaluation or a desired cognitive change intended by treatment.
Open‐label pilot study of oral methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with friedreich ataxia
Authors: Patel Maya , Schadt Kimberly , McCormick Ashley , Isaacs Charles , Dong Yi Na , Lynch David R.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In this study we assessed the effect of methylprednisolone on safety, tolerability, and ability in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA).

Methods

The study was an open‐label trial of pulse methylprednisolone on 11 participants with FRDA. All participants followed a 28‐day treatment cycle, repeated 7 times. Patients were assessed with the timed 25‐foot walk (T25FW), 1‐minute walk (1MW), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS), and the 9‐hole peg test (9HPT). Efficacy was tested by comparing baseline and week 26 visits, separated into adult and pediatric groups.

Results

In comparisons of participants’ baseline and week 26 visits, only the pediatric cohort's 1MW score showed change (P < 0.05). The T25FW, the primary outcome measure, did not change significantly.

Discussion

Pediatric participants improved their gait distance in the 1MW, but did not significantly improve in other measures in this overall negative study. Methylprednisolone was generally well tolerated, suggesting that it may be useful for ambulatory children with FRDA if benefit is found with further study.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for reaching and maintaining critical state
Authors: Theocharis Alexandros I. , Vairaktaris Emmanouil , Dafalias Yannis F. , Papadimitriou Achilleas G.
Published: June 2019

According to classical critical state theory (CST) of granular mechanics, two analytical conditions on the ratio of stress invariants and the void ratio are postulated to be necessary and sufficient for reaching and maintaining critical state (CS). The present work investigates the sufficiency of these two conditions based on the results of a virtual three‐dimensional discrete element method experiment, which imposes continuous rotation of the principal axes of stress with fixed stress principal values at CS. Even though the fixity of the stress principal values satisfies the two analytical CST conditions at the initiation of rotation, contraction and abandonment of CS occur, which proves that these conditions may be necessary but are not sufficient to maintain CS. But if fixity of stress and strain rate directions in regard to the sample is considered at CS, the two analytical conditions of CST remain both necessary and sufficient. The recently proposed anisotropic critical state theory (ACST) turned this qualitative requirement of fixity into an analytical condition related to the CS value of a fabric anisotropy variable A defined in terms of an evolving fabric tensor and the plastic strain rate direction, thus, enhancing the two CST conditions by a third. In this way, the three analytical conditions of ACST become both necessary and sufficient for reaching and maintaining CS. In addition, the use of A explains the observed results by relating the stress‐strain response, in particular the dilatancy, to the evolution of fabric by means of the relevant equations of ACST.
Dispersion analysis of the gradient weighted finite element method for acoustic problems in one, two, and three dimensions
Authors: Wang Gang , Zeng Guodong , Cui Xiangyang , Feng Shizhe
Published: June 2019

This paper reports a detailed analysis on the numerical dispersion error in solving one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional acoustic problems governed by the Helmholtz equation using the gradient weighted finite element method (GW‐FEM) in comparison with the standard FEM and the modified methods presented in the literatures. The discretized system equations derived based on the gradient weighted operation corresponding to the considered method are first briefed. The discrete dispersion relationships relating the exact and numerical wave numbers defined in different dimensions are then formulated, which will be further used to investigate the dispersion effect mainly caused by the approximation of field variables. The influence of nondimensional wave number and wave propagation angle on the dispersion error is detailedly studied. Comparisons are made with the classical FEM and high‐performance algorithms. Results of both theoretical and numerical experiments show that the present method can effectively reduce the pollution effect in computational acoustics owning to its crucial effectiveness in handing the dispersion error in the discrete numerical model.
Overvaluation of Weight or Shape and Loss‐of‐Control Eating Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Ivezaj Valentina , Wiedemann Ashley A. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Little is known regarding overvaluation of weight or shape, a key cognitive feature of eating disorders, among individuals with disordered eating following bariatric surgery. This study examined the significance of overvaluation of weight or shape among post‐bariatric surgery patients with loss‐of‐control (LOC) eating.

Methods

Participants were 145 individuals who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy within the previous 6 months and reported regular LOC eating. Overvaluation of weight or shape, LOC eating, and eating disorder psychopathology were assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE)‐Bariatric Surgery Version interview; depressive symptoms and disability were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II) and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), respectively.

Results

Overvaluation of weight or shape, examined continuously, was correlated significantly with higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology (EDE), depression (BDI‐II), and disability (SDS). Categorically, using established clinical cut points, relative to the subclinical overvaluation group (n = 70 [48.3%]), the clinical overvaluation group (n = 75 [51.7%]) reported significantly greater frequency of LOC eating episodes and higher EDE, BDI‐II, and SDS scores. The two groups did not differ significantly in current BMI or percent weight loss following surgery.

Conclusions

These findings, which highlight the clinical significance of overvaluation of weight or shape among patients with LOC eating following bariatric surgery, are similar to those previously reported for binge‐eating disorder. Postoperatively, overvaluation of weight or shape was associated with greater eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and disability.
Outcome of relapse in children and adolescents with B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and mature acute leukemia: A report from the French LMB study
Authors: Rigaud Charlotte , Auperin Anne , Jourdain Anne , Haouy Stephanie , Couec Marie‐Laure , Aladjidi Nathalie , Gandemer Virginie , Lambliotte Anne , Plat Geneviève , Landman‐Parker Judith , Michon Jean , Leblanc Thierry , Patte Catherine , Minard‐Colin Veronique
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In order to describe relapsed B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and mature acute leukemia in children/adolescents treated with the Lymphomes Malins B (LMB) regimen and their outcome in the rituximab era, relapses in the French LMB2001 study were reviewed.

Methods

Between February 2001 and December 2011, 33 patients out of 773 (4.3%) relapsed; 27 had Burkitt lymphoma and six large B‐cell histology. Median age at diagnosis was 10.1 years. One patient was initially treated in risk group A, 21 in group B, and 11 in group C.

Results

Median time to relapse after diagnosis was 4.5 months (range 2.4‐13.6). Thirty‐two patients received salvage therapy. Twenty‐seven received rituximab mainly in addition to high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide (n = 18) and/or ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (n = 7). First‐line salvage chemotherapy response rate was 66% with 47% being complete remission (CR). Twenty‐one patients received high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous (n = 13) or allogeneic (n = 8) transplant. With a median follow‐up of 6.8 years, the 5‐year survival rate after relapse was 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22‐53%). Twelve patients were still alive; all but one (group A) received consolidation treatment. Achieving CR before consolidation was significantly associated with better survival, with a 5‐year survival rate of 75% (95% CI 46.8‐91.1%) for patients in CR before HDC, 33% (95% CI 9.7‐70%) for patients in partial remission, and 0% for nonresponders (P = .033).

Conclusion

Survival of children/adolescents with mature B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia remains poor after relapse with no apparent improvement with rituximab. Response rates to salvage chemo‐immunotherapies are insufficient and new drugs are urgently needed to improve disease control.
Synthesizing radiation‐hard polymer and copolymers usinglaccolmonomers extracted from lacquer treetoxicodendron succedaneavia cationic polymerization
Authors: Arachchilage Imalka H. A. M. , Patel Milly K. , Harmon Julie P.
Published: June 2019

In recent years, lacquer chemistry stimulated more attention from the scientific community due to its environmental friendly applications. Additionally, the “laccol” possesses promising radiation resistance due to its highly crosslinked polymer network. In nature, lacquer polymerization is induced via enzymatic radical initiation. Herein, as a novel approach, lacquer polymer was synthesized via cationic polymerization with aluminum chloride‐ethyl acetate coinitiator. This approach was further improved by polymerizing copolymers of laccol and styrene designed for use in radiation‐hard materials. The infrared spectroscopic data clearly provide evidence for reactions with trans conjugated double bonds present in long side chain (988 and 966 cm−1are bending vibrations of conjugated alkenes) of laccol monomer accompanying polymerization. This was further verified with proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. An increase in hardness was observed for all the compositions: remarkably for neat laccol polymer, and 90% and 70% laccol‐styrene copolymers after the gamma irradiation using Co‐60 gamma irradiator. Properties such as thermal stability and hardness were improved after irradiation due to the increase in physical and small amounts of chemical crosslinking. Therefore, the developed materials are suitable candidates to produce radiation‐hard polymer and copolymer coatings for aerospace operations, nuclear reactors, and medicinal and automobile sectors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1611–1623 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Industrial waste origin succinic anhydride‐grafted atactic polypropylene as compatibilizer of full range polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends as revealed by dynamic mechanical analysis at the polypropylene glass transition
Authors: García‐Martínez Jesús‐María , Collar Emilia P.
Published: June 2019

This work deals with a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) study on the effect of a novel interfacial agent containing maleated grafts on an industrial waste origin atactic polypropylene. This contains 3% of bridge‐, backbone‐, and terminal‐grafted succinic anhydride groups (aPP‐SA/SA). By considering a polymer blend as a special case of composite where the dispersed phase is mobile, it is assumed that both the amounts of polyamide 6 (PA6) and the interfacial agent (aPP‐SA/SA)cause changes in the glass transition temperature of the polypropylene phase in the blend. In this work, we have used DMA parameters to evidence the real interfacial modifications caused by the presence of aPP‐SA/SAin the isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/PA6 system at the iPP glass transition temperature on the basis that this is an unfavorable scenario for the action of aPP‐SA/SA. Since each component of the blend is interacting with each other, and to include the influence of the dispersed phase, it is possible to use a Box–Wilson experimental design model by resembling the so‐called “agent based models” to obtain algorithms forecasting the dynamic mechanical parameters (storage,E’, and loss moduli,E”) at the glass transition of iPP, in all the composition range of whatever iPP/PA6/aPP‐SA/SA‐modified blend. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2458–2466, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
RNA‐Binding Motif Protein 6 is a Candidate Serum Biomarker for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Duan Baojun , Hu Xiaoyan , Fan Meiyang , Xiong Xiaofan , Han Lin , Wang Zheng , Tong Dongdong , Liu Liying , Wang Xiaofei , Li Wensheng , Yang Juan , Huang Chen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Early diagnosis is crucial to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients (PC). The present study is designed to identify differently expressed peptides involved in PC as potential biomarkers.

Experimental Design

The serum proteome of 22 PC patients, 12 pancreatitis patients (PP), and 45 healthy controls (HC) are analyzed using magnetic bead‐based weak cation exchange (MB‐WCX) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Next, a supervised neural network (SNN) algorithm model is established by ClinProTools and the candidate biomarker identified using liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Finally, the candidate biomarker is validated in tissue samples.

Results

The SNN algorithm model discriminates PC from HC with 92.97% sensitivity and 94.55% specificity. Seventy‐six differentially expressed peptides are identified, seven of which are significantly different among PC, PP, and HC (p < 0.05). Only one peak (m/z: 1466.99) tends to be upregulated in samples from HC, PP, and PC, which is identified as region of RNA‐binding motif protein 6 (RBM6). In subsequent tissue analysis, it is verified that RBM6 expression is significantly higher in PC tissues than paracancerous tissue.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The results indicate that RBM6 might serve as a candidate diagnostic biomarker for PC.

Clinical Relevance

Methods used in this study could generate serum peptidome profiles of PC, PP, and HC, and present an approach to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis of this malignancy.
Field‐evolved resistance by western corn rootworm to Cry34/35Ab1 and other Bacillus thuringiensis traits in transgenic maize
Authors: Gassmann Aaron J , Shrestha Ram B , Kropf Abigail L , St Clair Coy R , Brenizer Ben D
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely planted to manage agricultural insect pests. However, widespread adoption of Bt crops has led to the evolution of Bt resistance. The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is among the most serious pests of maize in the midwestern United States and is currently managed with Bt maize. To date, there is evidence of field‐evolved resistance to all Bt toxins used to manage this pest. While western corn rootworm resistance to Cry3Bb1, and the closely related mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab traits, is widely distributed within the Midwest, fewer cases of Cry34/35Ab1 resistance have been observed, and planting of Cry34/35Ab1 maize is one of the methods used to manage Cry3‐resistant rootworm.

RESULTS

We found that fields with high levels of root injury to Cry34/35Ab1 maize by western corn rootworm were associated with Cry34/35Ab1‐resistant western corn rootworm. Additionally, a population not associated with high levels of root injury was found to be resistant to Cry34/35Ab1. In all cases, populations that were resistant to Cry34/35Ab1 also were resistant to Cry3 traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Western corn rootworm resistance to Cry34/35Ab1 has continued to persist in the agricultural landscape and has likely increased. The presence of rootworm populations with resistance to all available Bt traits threatens the utility of current and future transgenic technologies to manage this pest. Decreased reliance on Cry34/35Ab1 and better use of integrated pest management will be essential to preserve Bt susceptibility in western corn rootworm. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Mulching as a cultural control strategy for Drosophila suzukii in blueberry
Authors: Rendon Dalila , Hamby Kelly A , Arsenault‐Benoit Arielle L , Taylor Christopher M , Evans Richard K , Roubos Craig R , Sial Ashfaq A , Rogers Mary , Petran Andrew , Van Timmeren Steven , Fanning Philip , Isaacs Rufus , Walton Vaughn
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Fruit growers largely depend on chemical control to reduce populations of the economically damaging invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). Drosophila suzukii is susceptible to high temperatures and low humidity; therefore, it may be possible to implement cultural control practices that create microclimates unfavorable for its development and survival. In addition to other fruit production benefits, in‐row mulches may impede the development of D. suzukii immatures when larvae leave the fruit to pupate in the soil. This study compared the effects of different mulches (black polypropylene fabric weedmats, sawdust, and wood chips) on temperature and relative humidity (RH), and on adult emergence of D. suzukii from larvae in blueberries and pupae, both above and below the ground surface in blueberry plantings (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

RESULTS

Across regions, both lower larval survival and longer periods with high suboptimal temperatures occurred above the ground in comparison to buried below the ground, regardless of mulch type. Fewer D. suzukii adults emerged from larvae on weedmat mulch at one site, but there was no effect of mulch type on temperature, RH, or D. suzukii emergence at most sites. The relationships between temperature, RH, and the emergence of adults from larvae and pupae varied by region. Natural infestation by D. suzukii in blueberries was lower over weedmat compared to wood‐based mulches at one site. Greenhouse experiments showed that larvae burrowed to pupate underneath sawdust mulch, but were unable to pupate underneath a weedmat mulch.

CONCLUSIONS

Although weedmats may not modify temperatures or RH enough to consistently affect D. suzukii emergence, they can reduce field suitability for D. suzukii by providing a barrier that prevents larvae from reaching favorable pupation microhabitats underground. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Gene silencing by RNAi via oral delivery of dsRNA by bacteria in the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta
Authors: Bento Flavia MM , Marques Rodrigo N , Campana Felippe B , Demétrio Clarice GB , Leandro Roseli A , Parra José Roberto P , Figueira Antonio
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) has been evaluated in several insect pests as a novel strategy to be included in integrated pest management. Lepidopterans are recognized to be recalcitrant to gene silencing by RNAi. As such, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery needs to be adjusted to assure its stability until it reaches the target gene transcript for silencing. Gene silencing by RNAi offers the potential to be used in the control of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), one of the main insect pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) worldwide. Here, we tested the delivery of dsRNA expressed in Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) and supplied to larvae in an artificial diet by screening target genes for silencing. We tested six target genes: juvenile hormone inducible protein (JHP); juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase protein (JHEH); ecdysteroid 25‐hydroxylase (PHM); chitin synthase A (CHI); carboxylesterase (COE); and arginine kinase (AK).

RESULTS

Based on larval mortality, the duration of the larval stage in days, pupal weight, and the accumulation of the target gene transcript, we demonstrated the efficacy of bacterial dsRNA delivery for the functional effects on larval development. Providing dsRNA targeted to JHP, CHI, COE and AK by bacteria led to a significant decrease in transcript accumulation and an increase in larval mortality.

CONCLUSION

Bacteria expressing dsRNA targeting essential T. absoluta genes supplied in artificial diet are efficient to screen RNAi target‐genes. The oral delivery of dsRNA by bacteria is a novel potential alternative for the control of T. absoluta based on RNAi. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Targeting the potassium ion channel genes SK and SH as a novel approach for control of insect pests: efficacy and biosafety
Authors: Alshukri Baida , Astarita Federica , Al‐Esawy Mushtaq , El Halim Hesham Mohamed El Sayed Abd , Pennacchio Francesco , Gatehouse Angharad Margaret Roscoe , Edwards Martin Gethin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Potassium ion channels play a critical role in the generation of electrical signals and thus provide potential targets for control of insect pests by RNA interference.

RESULTS

Genes encoding the small conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (SK) and the voltage‐gated potassium channel (SH) were knocked down in Tribolium castaneum by injection and oral delivery of dsRNA (dsTcSK and dsTcSH, respectively). Irrespective of the delivery mechanism a dose‐dependent effect was observed for knockdown (KD) of gene expression and insect mortality for both genes. Larvae fed a 400 ng dsRNA mg–1 diet showed significant gene (P < 0.05) knockdown (98% and 83%) for SK and SH, respectively, with corresponding mortalities of 100% and 98% after 7 days. When injected (248.4 ng larva–1), gene KD was 99% and 98% for SK and SH, causing 100% and 73.4% mortality, respectively. All developmental stages tested (larvae, early‐ and late‐stage pupae and adults) showed an RNAi‐sensitive response for both genes. LC50 values were lower for SK than SH, irrespective of delivery method, demonstrating that the knockdown of SK had a greater effect on larval mortality. Biosafety studies using adult honeybee Apis mellifera showed that there were no significant differences either in expression levels or mortality of honeybees orally dosed with dsTcSK and dsTcSH compared to control‐fed bees. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the titre of deformed wing virus, used as a measure of immune suppression, between experimental and control bees.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the potential of using RNAi targeting neural receptors as a technology for the control of T. castaneum. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of synthetic amorphous silica powder on the cuticle of Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae using hyperspectral imaging technique
Authors: Li Yanyu , Agarwal Manjree , Cao Yang , Ren Yonglin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) is safe for human consumption. SAS damages insect cuticles. Qualitative measurement of cuticle properties of insects affected by SAS is essential to understand the mode of action and develop new pesticides. A hyperspectral reflectance imaging approach was used to directly indicate the impact of SAS on the insect cuticle.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the LT95 values of hydrophobic and hydrophilic SAS against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae (P < 0.01). T. castaneum was more susceptible to hydrophobic SAS while no difference was found for S. oryzae exposed to both SAS types. In a hyperspectral study, the ventral reflectance of control groups was higher than that of SAS‐treated groups in both visible and short‐wave near‐infrared wavelength ranges. The SAS‐treated groups showed much higher dorsal reflectance. The differences in absorption characteristics of cuticular fat and protein may contribute to the varied performance. The effects of both SASs on insect cuticles was significant, as the 100% recognition rate of the back propagation neural network models suggested. Consistent with the assumption that the efficacy was different between the two SAS types, the lowest rates of the model for two treatment groups were 62.2 and 73.3% in the target and output class.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy varied considerably between the two insect species and the two SASs. Hyperspectral image analyzing coupled with back propagation artificial neural network accurately recorded how SAS impacts the insect cuticle via the effective wavelengths. These findings showed that SAS is a promising candidate for new pesticide products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Stereoselective bioactivity, toxicity and degradation of the chiral triazole fungicide bitertanol
Authors: Li Lianshan , Gao Beibei , Wen Yong , Zhang Zhaoxian , Chen Rou , He Zongzhe , Kaziem Amir E , Shi Haiyan , Wang Minghua
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The chiral pesticide bitertanol has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of fungal diseases on many crops. However, research on bitertanol at the stereoisomer level has not been reported. Here, we study the stereoselective bioactivity, toxicity, and degradation of this pesticide under laboratory and field conditions.

RESULT

(1S,2R)‐Bitertanol was the most effective stereoisomer, showing 4.3–314.7 times more potent bioactivity than other stereoisomers against eight target pathogenic fungi. (1S,2R)‐Bitertanol showed 10.2 times greater inhibition of Botrytis cinerea spore germination than (1R,2S)‐bitertanol. According to the receptor‐drug docking results, the distances from the nitrogen atom in the heterocycle of (1S,2R)‐, (1R,2S)‐, (1R,2R)‐, and (1S,2S)‐bitertanol to the central Fe + atoms in the ferriporphyrin were 2.5, 3.8, 2.6, and 3.8 Å, respectively. (1S,2S)‐Bitertanol was 1.6–2.7 times more toxic than (1R,2R)‐bitertanol to Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The half‐lives of (1R,2S)‐, (1S,2R)‐, (1R,2R)‐, and (1S,2S)‐bitertanol were 3.7, 4.1, 4.1, and 4.8 d, respectively, in tomato.

CONCLUSION

The stereoselective bioactivity, toxicity, and degradation for bitertanol were first studied here. (1S,2R)‐Bitertanol was a high efficiency and low toxicity stereoisomer. Moreover, the stereoselective bioactivity among all stereoisomers correlated with the binding distances and calculated energy differences between stereoisomers and the target protein. This study also provides a foundation for a systematic evaluation of bitertanol at the stereoisomer level. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Gettering Mechanism of Copper in n‐Type Silicon Wafers
Authors: Ozaki Rie , Torigoe Kazuhisa , Mizuno Taisuke , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: June 2019

The dependence of the gettering efficiency for copper impurity in n‐type silicon wafers on the concentration of a dopant such as phosphorus, arsenic, or antimony is investigated by chemical analysis of the copper concentration and the observation of copper precipitates. It is found that the gettering efficiency decreases gradually with increasing dopant concentration in the range of 1014–1019 cm−3 and increases rapidly at concentrations higher than 1019 cm−3. Copper precipitates are observed in the bulk of silicon wafers doped with phosphorus in the concentration range of 1014–1019 cm−3, suggesting that the relaxation gettering of copper occurs. In contrast, no copper precipitates are observed at concentrations above 1019 cm−3. It is suggested that segregation gettering occurs as a result of the pairing reaction between copper and heavily doped phosphorus. It is concluded that the gettering mechanism of copper in n‐type silicon wafers changes from relaxation gettering to segregation gettering with increasing dopant concentration.
Unusual Polarization Dependence of Dislocation‐Related Luminescence in n‐GaN
Authors: Medvedev Oleg , Albrecht Martin , Vyvenko Oleg
Published: June 2019

Dislocation‐related luminescence (DRL) in n‐GaN from a‐screw dislocations introduced by cracking or nanoindentation is investigated using cathodoluminescence (CL) and polarization optical spectroscopy. In strain‐free samples with rare array of parallel dislocations, the polarization direction one of two DRL spectral components is directed parallel while for other components, it is inclined under the angle of about 40° to the dislocation line that is attributed to the theoretically predicted different orientations of chemical bonds in the cores of N and Ga partials of the dissociated a‐screw dislocation. DRL investigations near the indentation prick reveal the presence of two doublet broadbands polarized at 60° with respect to each other that is caused by two crossing families of screw dislocations observed with CL.
Commercial Upconversion Phosphors with High Light Harvesting: A Superior Candidate for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Mao Xiaoli , Yu Jianguo , Xu Jun , Wan Lei , Yang Yuanjun , Lin Hui , Xu Jinzhang , Zhou Ru
Published: June 2019

An efficient photoanode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires a particular feature of high light harvesting. Herein, a promising new type of upconversion phosphors (UCPs)‐TiO2 composite photoanode for enhanced light harvesting in DSSCs is designed, resorting to the use of commercial upconversion β‐NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ phosphors with submicrometer‐sized irregular shapes. The excellent light scattering coupled with an additional near‐infrared light‐harvesting effect of upconversion β‐NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles contribute to the greatly enhanced light harvesting. Meanwhile, the incorporation of such UCPs into photoanodes involves the aggravation of charge recombination at the interface of photoanode–electrolyte; this unfavorable influence is minimized via the coating of a thin TiO2 layer on UCPs. The successful balance of the competition between such positive and negative impacts results in an optimal weight ratio of 15% for UCPs/TiO2; the corresponding DSSC delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 7.17%, much higher than that of 5.45% for the bare TiO2 nanoparticle‐based device. This study highlights the great contributions of commercial β‐NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ UCPs to the efficient light harvesting for enhanced photovoltaic performance of DSSCs.
Physiological function of seminal vesicle secretions on male fecundity
Authors: Noda Taichi , Ikawa Masahito
Published: June 2019

Background

A mixture of spermatozoa and accessory gland secretions (from seminal vesicles, prostates, and coagulating glands) is ejaculated into the female reproductive tract at copulation. However, the physiological function of accessory glands on male fecundity remains unclear.

Methods

Publications regarding the physiological functions of male accessory glands were summarized.

Main findings (Results)

The functions of accessory glands have been studied using male rodents surgically removed coagulating glands (CG), prostates (PR), or seminal vesicles (SV). CG‐removed males are fertile or subfertile, while the fecundity of PR‐removed males is controversial. SV‐removed males show copulatory plug defects, leading to fewer sperm in the uterus and severe subfertility. TGM4, SVS2, and PATE4 were identified as essential factors for copulatory plug formation. When the sufficient number of epididymal spermatozoa was artificially injected into a uterus (AI method), they could efficiently fertilize oocytes, implicating that accessory gland secretions are not essential. Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs) improved fertilization rates only when low numbers of spermatozoa were used for AI. The changes of uterine environment by SVSs could not improve the pregnancy rate.

Conclusion

Accessory gland factors are critical for copulatory plug formation and support sperm fertilizing ability.