bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axi‐symmetrization near Point Vortex Solutions for the 2D Euler Equation
Authors: Ionescu Alexandru , Jia Hao
Published: January 2021

We prove asymptotic stability of point vortex solutions to the full Euler equation in two dimensions. More precisely, we show that a small, Gevrey smooth, and compactly supported perturbation of a point vortex leads to a global solution of the Euler equation in 2D, which converges weakly as t → ∞ to a radial profile with respect to the vortex. The position of the point vortex, which is time dependent, stabilizes rapidly and becomes the center of the final, radial profile. The mechanism that leads to stabilization is mixing and inviscid damping. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of PTC596, a Novel Tubulin‐Binding Agent, in Subjects With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Shapiro Geoffrey I. , O'Mara Edward , Laskin Oscar L. , Gao Lan , Baird John D. , Spiegel Robert J. , Kaushik Diksha , Weetall Marla , Colacino Joseph , O'Keefe Kylie , Branstrom Arthur , Goodwin Elizabeth , Infante Jeffrey , Bedard Philippe L. , Kong Ronald
Published: January 2021

PTC596 is a novel, orally bioavailable, small‐molecule tubulin‐binding agent that reduces B‐cell–specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 activity and is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors. A phase 1, open‐label, multiple‐ascending‐dose study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of the drug in subjects with advanced solid tumors. PTC596 was administered orally biweekly based on body weight. Dose escalation followed a modified 3 + 3 scheme using doses of 0.65, 1.3, 2.6, 5.2, 7.0, and 10.4 mg/kg. Following oral administration, PTC596 was rapidly absorbed, and between 0.65 and 7.0 mg/kg reached a maximum plasma concentration 2 to 4 hours after dosing. Area under the plasma concentration–time curve increased proportionally with body weight–adjusted doses. Maximum plasma concentration increased with dose, although the increase was less than dose proportional at dose levels >2.6 mg/kg. No accumulation occurred after multiple administrations up to 7.0 mg/kg. PTC596 had a terminal half‐life ranging 12 to 15 hours at all doses except for the highest dose of 10.4 mg/kg, where the half‐life was approximately 20 hours. Overall, PTC596 was well tolerated. The most frequently reported PTC596‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea (54.8%), nausea (45.2%), vomiting (35.5%), and fatigue (35.5%). Only 1 patient treated with 10.4 mg/kg experienced dose‐limiting toxicity of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, both of which were reversible. Stable disease as best overall response was observed among 7 patients, with 2 patients receiving the study drug up to 16 weeks. These results support the further development of PTC596 for the treatment of solid tumors.
Do Secondary Electrostatic Interactions Influence Multiple Dihydrogen Bonds? AA−DD Array on an Amine‐Borane Aza‐Coronand: Theoretical Studies and Synthesis
Authors: Bella Giovanni , Santoro Antonio , Nicolò Francesco , Bruno Giuseppe , Cordaro Massimiliano
Published: January 2021

Hydrogen bond plays a key role in a wide range of inorganic, organic, as well as biological systems. The understanding on how the chemical environment can affect this kind of interaction is crucial to predict its binding strength and consequently the robustness and the dynamic properties of many supramolecular systems. In this paper a new donor‐acceptor complex was synthesized and characterized by SCXRD, showing for the first time in an organic system an AA−DD pattern of a particular hydrogen interaction, calleddihydrogen bond. Over 250 functionals were computationally evaluated to select the best method to reproduce the binding interaction geometry of this new pattern. Moreover, a new vector force model was used to split the contribution of primary and secondary electrostatic interactions (SEIs), in order to evaluate how the latter one can modify the binding strength of this unusual hydrogen‐hydrogen interaction.
Pharmacological Interventions for the Prevention of Fetal Growth Restriction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bettiol Alessandra , Avagliano Laura , Lombardi Niccolò , Crescioli Giada , Emmi Giacomo , Urban Maria Letizia , Virgili Gianni , Ravaldi Claudia , Vannacci Alfredo
Published: January 2021

The prevention of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is challenging in clinical practice. To date, no meta‐analysis summarized evidence on the relative benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions for FGR prevention. We performed a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NetMA), searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until November 2019. We included clinical trials and observational studies on singleton gestating women evaluating antiplatelet, anticoagulant, or other treatments, compared between each other or with controls (placebo or no treatment), and considering the pregnancy outcome FGR (primary outcome of the NetMA). Secondary efficacy outcomes included preterm birth, placental abruption, and fetal or neonatal death. Safety outcomes included bleeding and thrombocytopenia. Network meta‐analyses using a frequentist framework were conducted to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 18,780 citations, we included 30 studies on 4,326 patients. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), alone or associated with low‐dose aspirin (LDA), appeared more efficacious than controls in preventing FGR (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.27–3.16 and OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.21–5.89 for controls vs. LMWH and LDA + LMWH, respectively). No difference between active treatments emerged in terms of FGR prevention, but estimates for treatments other than LMWH +/‐ LDA were imprecise. Only the confidence in the evidence regarding LMWH vs. controls was judged as moderate, according to the Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis framework. No treatment was associated with an increased risk of bleeding, although estimates were precise enough only for LMWH. These results should inform clinicians on the benefits of active pharmacological prophylaxis for FGR prevention.
Hyperspectral inversion of maize biomass coupled with plant height data
Authors: Li Changchun , Cui Yingqi , Ma Chunyan , Niu Qinlin , Li Jingbo
Published: January 2021

Biomass is an important indicator in estimating the growth and yield of crops. Mastering the growth state of crops by evaluating and monitoring biomass is crucial. Correlation analysis was used to identify hyperspectral sensitive bands with the best correlation with biomass, and a hyperspectral vegetation index was constructed. Plant height data was coupled with hyperspectral reflectance and vegetation index data, and a biomass inversion model was constructed using partial least squares (PLS), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) regression analysis. The R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) were calculated to verify the accuracy of the model. Plant height coupled with hyperspectral reflectance and vegetation index data, R2, RMSE, and NRMSE of the biomass model establishment and validation, compared with the hyperspectral data alone, improved model accuracy of the three algorithms for maize (Zea mays L.) biomass inversion coupled with plant height data with the relative improvement in accuracy of 13.58, 9.6, and 1.05%, respectively. Additionally, the model becomes more stable, overcoming the spectral saturation of canopy to a certain extent. It provides supporting information for accurate farmland planning, growth monitoring, and yield estimation.
Green supplier integration and environmental innovation in Chinese firms: The joint effect of governance mechanism and trust
Authors: Zhao Yunhui , Zhao Chuanli , Guo Yi , Sheng Hongyan , Feng Taiwen
Published: January 2021

Despite the importance of green supplier integration, how different governance mechanisms affect its influence on environmental innovation is still debated. This article explores the moderating effect of governance mechanisms (i.e., relational norms and contractual control) on the effects of green supplier integration and two dimensions of environmental innovation (i.e., environmental incremental and radical innovation), as well as the moderating roles of trust on the above moderating effects. We examine hypothesized relationships using two‐waved survey data from 206 Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Our results suggest that contractual control positively moderates the impact of green supplier integration on environmental incremental innovation, whereas relational norms negatively moderate this impact. However, both relational norms and contractual control fail to moderate the impact of green supplier integration and environmental radical innovation. Further, trust in supplier strengthens the negative moderating effect of relational norms on the impact of green supplier integration on environmental radical innovation, which reveals the “dark side” of trust in supplier.
How do firms achieve corporate social performance? An integrated perspective
Authors: Ben‐Amar Walid , Francoeur Claude , Marsat Sylvain , Sijamic Wahid Aida
Published: January 2021

This study provides an integrated view of the combined direct and indirect effects of the main drivers of CSR performance, at country, firm and CEO levels respectively. We extend prior literature by showing that the institutional context, firm CSR governance practices, and CSR‐related compensation incentives have impacts of different magnitudes on CSR performance, as well as significant combined effects. Using an international sample of 1272 observations over 20 countries, we document significant indirect cascading effects of the institutional setting and firm‐specific governance practices on CSR performance. From a managerial perspective, we find that firms operating in countries that are less oriented towards satisfying the needs of the stakeholders still have the ability to counterbalance this institutional impact and achieve relatively high CSR performance by implementing sound firm‐level CSR governance practices and incentives.
Modelling the impact of corporate reputation on customers' behaviour
Authors: Burlea‐Schiopoiu Adriana , Balan Dragos Alexandru
Published: January 2021

The research aims to develop and to test a conceptual model to measure corporate reputation and assesses its impact on altering customers' normal behaviour. The findings add to the existing literature by empirically demonstrating that corporate reputation should be interpreted as a reflective construct that can be measured by the means of 25 items, grouped in seven major factors. The analysis validated a medium‐to‐high impact of reputation on customers' loyalty, word‐of‐mouth, and adoption of new product or service introductions, while the desire to pay a premium price was rejected. This study explains why executive managers should embrace corporate reputation as an imperative for the company's efforts to influence customers' behaviours and ultimately to outpace competitors. It also provides the executive management with an actionable tool to map out the corporate issues that need to be addressed and proved that companies can shorten the path to purchase by means of reputation, without a huge cost.
Hypercrosslinked Polymers as a Photocatalytic Platform for Visible‐Light‐Driven CO2Photoreduction Using H2O
Authors: Schukraft Giulia E. M. , Woodward Robert T. , Kumar Santosh , Sachs Michael , Eslava Salvador , Petit Camille
Published: January 2021

The design of robust, high‐performance photocatalysts is key for the success of solar fuel production by CO2conversion. In this study, hypercrosslinked polymer (HCP) photocatalysts have been developed for the selective reduction of CO2to CO, combining excellent CO2sorption capacities, good general stabilities, and low production costs. HCPs are active photocatalysts in the visible light range, significantly outperforming the benchmark material, TiO2P25, using only sacrificial H2O. It is hypothesized that superior H2O adsorption capacities facilitate access to photoactive sites, improving photocatalytic conversion rates when compared to sacrificial H2. These polymers are an intriguing set of organic photocatalysts, displaying no long‐range order or extended π‐conjugation. The as‐synthesized networks are the sole photocatalytic component, requiring no added cocatalyst doping or photosensitizer, representing a highly versatile and exciting platform for solar‐energy conversion.
Effects of All‐Organic Interlayer Surface Modifiers on the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Joseph Yeow Wan Foong Japheth , Febriansyah Benny , Jyoti Singh Rana Prem , Ming Koh Teck , Jun Jie Tay Darrell , Bruno Annalisa , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Mathews Nripan
Published: January 2021

Surface imperfections created during fabrication of halide perovskite (HP) films could induce formation of various defect sites that affect device performance and stability. In this work, all‐organic surface modifiers consisting of alkylammonium cations and alkanoate anions are introduced on top of the HP layer to passivate interfacial vacancies and improve moisture tolerance. Passivation using alkylammonium alkanoate does not induce formation of low‐dimensional perovskites species. Instead, the organic species only passivate the perovskite's surface and grain boundaries, which results in enhanced hydrophobic character of the HP films. In terms of photovoltaic application, passivation with alkylammonium alkanoate allows significant reduction in recombination losses and enhancement of open‐circuit voltage. Alongside unchanged short‐circuit current density, power conversion efficiencies of more than 18.5 % can be obtained from the treated sample. Furthermore, the unencapsulated device retains 85 % of its initial PCE upon treatment, whereas the standard 3D perovskite device loses 50 % of its original PCE when both are subjected to ambient environment over 1500 h.
Reconfigurable FIFO memory circuit for synchronous and asynchronous communication
Authors: Abdel‐hafeez Saleh , Gordon‐Ross Ann
Published: January 2021

We present a new FIFO (first‐in first‐out) architecture for both synchronous and asynchronous communication for high‐speed and low‐power operation. Our FIFO design is reconfigurable and scalable using a separate datapath with an 8T‐Cell SRAM and control circuits, which enables specialization for different application requirements. The datapath uses a two‐phase clock system of nonoverlapping signals such that one signal increments the address pointer, while the other signal activates the memory decoder for data reading and writing. This structure halves the critical path delay and simplifies the timing operations between the memory decoder and address pointer while maintaining robustness against process‐voltage‐temperature (PVT) variations. Our design uses two alternative control circuits to manage separate synchronous and asynchronous operations by generating nonoverlapping control signals that drive the datapath circuit. The empty‐full flag circuitry records only the state of the address pointers' rollover independent of the memory size, and, thus, improves scalability and reconfigurability. Compared to prior works, our design is 5X faster with a 2.3X lower power consumption and has a throughput of 1 Giga‐Word/s. For a 64‐bit word size with a free latency cycle. Additionally, our design functions clocklessly with the synthesizable structure for asynchronous communication that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) and Networks on Chip (NoCs) applications.
NNT‐induced tumor cell “slimming” reverses the pro‐carcinogenesis effect of HIF2a in tumors
Authors: Xiong Zhiyong , Xiong Wei , Xiao Wen , Yuan Changfei , Shi Jian , Huang Yu , Wang Cheng , Meng Xiangui , Chen Zhixian , Yang Hongmei , Chen Ke , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: January 2021

Background

HIF2a and lipid accumulation play key roles in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Tumor cell “slimming” is a new concept in which tumor cells with abnormal lipids efficiently consume lipids to inhibit tumor progression without producing additional ATP. However, their respective regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this study is uncovering the links between these three key elements of ccRCC to elucidate new mechanisms of ccRCC metabolic abnormalities and providing a basis for new drug development for ccRCC.

Methods

Bioinformatics screening and analyses were performed in ccRCC according to TCGA‐KIRC database. qRT‐PCR, luciferase reporter assay, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, and other biological methods were used to explore and verify related pathways. Various cell line models and animal models were used to perform related functional experiments.

Results

Screening based on sequencing data after HIF2a knockdown and three independent mitochondrial metabolism‐related gene sets showed that nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) was a mediator between HIF2a and tumor cells “slimming.” Further research showed that NNT had significant prognostic predictive value and was downregulated in ccRCC. It is regulated by HIF2a and can significantly activate lipid browning‐mediated tumor cell “slimming.” Mechanistic investigations indicated that HIF2a enhanced the expression of miR‐455‐5p via binding to HIF2a‐related response elements in the miR‐455‐5p promoter, which suppresses NNT expression by binding to its 3′ untranslated region.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a novel mechanism by which HIF2a decreased NNT level through a microRNA that suppressed tumor cell “slimming,” resulting in the progression of ccRCC. This mechanism provides a fresh perspective of lipid accumulation in ccRCC and may help target novel strategies for the treatment of tumors with abnormal lipid metabolism.
Reiterative infusions of MSCs improve pediatric osteogenesis imperfecta eliciting a pro‐osteogenic paracrine response: TERCELOI clinical trial
Authors: Infante Arantza , Gener Blanca , Vázquez Miguel , Olivares Nerea , Arrieta Arantza , Grau Gema , Llano Isabel , Madero Luis , Bueno Ana Maria , Sagastizabal Belén , Gerovska Daniela , Araúzo‐Bravo Marcos J , Astigarraga Itziar , Rodríguez Clara I.
Published: January 2021

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disease characterized by bone fragility, with a wide range in the severity of clinical manifestations. The majority of cases are due to mutations in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes, which encode type I collagen. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as the progenitors of the osteoblasts, the main type I collagen secreting cell type in the bone, have been proposed and tested as an innovative therapy for OI with promising but transient outcomes.

Methods

To overcome the short‐term effect of MSCs therapy, we performed a phase I clinical trial based on reiterative infusions of histocompatible MSCs, administered in a 2.5‐year period, in two pediatric patients affected by severe and moderate OI. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of this cell therapy in nonimmunosuppressed OI patients. The host response to MSCs was studied by analyzing the sera from OI patients, collected before, during, and after the cell therapy.

Results

We first demonstrated that the sequential administration of MSCs was safe and improved the bone parameters and quality of life of OI patients along the cell treatment plus 2‐year follow‐up period. Moreover, the study of the mechanism of action indicated that MSCs therapy elicited a pro‐osteogenic paracrine response in patients, especially noticeable in the patient affected by severe OI.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of reiterative MSCs infusion for two pediatric OI and highlight the paracrine response shown by patients as a consequence of MSCs treatment.
An efficient host overload detection algorithm for cloud data center based on exponential weighted moving average
Authors: Kulshrestha Sudhanshu , Patel Sanjeev
Published: January 2021

The major aim of data center (DC) is to optimize the three parameters, viz., energy consumption, resource utilization, and quality of service (QoS). Our objective is to balance these three parameters by managing the virtual machine (VM) efficiently. Therefore, this paper presents a holistic view of VM consolidation and explains its constituent subprocesses: (i) host overload detection, (ii) VM selection for migration from the overloaded host, and (iii) VM placement for provisioning selected VMs on a new set of hosts. Later, this paper attempts to optimize the parameters mentioned above by proposing a host overload detection algorithm based onexponential weighted moving average(EWMA) and its variants. The performance of the proposed EWMA is compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms based on (i) local regression, (ii) median absolute deviation, and (iii) interquartile range. The efficacy of the proposed EWMA is evaluated in combination with four different existing VM selection policies: (i) minimum migration time, (ii) minimum utilization, (iii) maximum correlation, and (iv) random selection. The evaluation metrics comprise energy consumption, VM migration count from the overloaded hosts representing the resource utilization, service level agreement (SLA) violations describing the QoS, and the average execution time. Simulation experiments are carried out on the CloudSim simulator usingPlanetLabreal cloud trace as workload. The proposed EWMA consumes 18.33% less energy, causes 47.81% less VM migration, makes 9.91% less SLA violation, and takes 43.44% less average‐time for the execution of the entire workload as compared to state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Retracted: A smart transportation system in VANET based on vehicle geographical tracking and balanced routing protocol
Authors: Kandasamy Satheshkumar , Mangai S.
Published: January 2021

In present scenario, Vehicular Ad‐hoc Network (VANET) has obtained extensive attention because of its unique characteristics that handle high mobility of vehicles, reaping topological changes and frequent route breakages or failures. Hence, for providing smart transportation with enhanced traffic regulation and safety, a new position‐based routing protocol called Traffic Dynamism‐Balanced Routing Protocol (TDBRP) for VANET has been proposed in this paper. Moreover, the work concerns the instantaneous scenario of urban cities with the bidirectional and multilane roads. Efficient junction selection algorithm (EJSA) has been incorporated based on the traffic dynamism for establishing optimal route paths between nodes, hence, forwarding the data packets efficiently. Furthermore, the novel EJSP and the route framing between junctions are established on the basis of information gained from two‐hop neighbors, which tends to reduce end‐to‐end delay and enhances packet delivery ratio (PDR). The TDBRP has been implemented and evaluated in Network Simulator (NS 2.34). And the results are examined and compared with some existing protocols like Geographic Source Routing (GSR), Enhanced Greedy Traffic Aware Routing protocol (E‐GyTAR), and Anchor‐based Street and Traffic‐Aware Routing (A‐STAR). The outcomes outperform the existing works by minimizing the routing overhead and end‐to‐end delay by an average of 16% and 13%, respectively, and increase the PDR value by an average of 25% than others. The proposed protocol also evidences that the two‐hop neighbor information‐based packet forwarding provides better result and efficient routing than neighbor information.
Sea lion optimization algorithm based node deployment strategy in underwater acoustic sensor network
Authors: Kumar Gola Kamal , Chaurasia Nishant , Gupta Bhumika , Singh Niranjan Deepak
Published: January 2021

In the ocean, huge number of sensor nodes (SNs) are located to transfer the information between other nodes using the Underwater Acoustic Sensor Network (UASN) framework. An underwater acoustic communication technique is utilized by this UASN to exchange the information. Because of environmental conditions and adverse channel, the SNs in UASN may have link breakages. Likewise, maximum target coverage rate for SN deployment is considered as another issue. So it is very essential to create a strong communication system in underwater together with the different kind of variations in ocean environment. As a result, the system will perform better data transmission with the severely fluctuating underwater communication conditions. In this paper, a latest optimization algorithm named as Sea Lion Optimization (SLO) procedure is proposed to discover the optimal location for SN in underwater communication. This algorithm optimally places the acoustic SNs based on the maximum connectivity rate by finding the targeted optimal position. The Matlab tool is utilized for implementation purpose, and the different kinds of parameters like connectivity rate, coverage rate, and delay are taken to evaluate the performance of proposed methodology. Moreover, the existing methods like deployment scheme, Connected Dominating set based depth computation Approach (CDA) approach, and distributive approach are taken to contrast the performance of proposed methodology. When compared to the previous algorithms, our proposed methodology achieves 95% connectivity ratio for varying number of acoustic SNs.
Three‐dimensional virtual VR technology in environmental art design
Authors: Wang Yahong , Hu Xiao‐bing
Published: January 2021

More and more diversified environmental art design, combined with advanced 3‐D virtual virtual reality (VR) technology, has made great contributions to the development of modern display design. The purpose of this study is to use the combination of modern technology and traditional art to realize the cohesion of traditional environmental art and promote the economic and cultural development of the city and society. This experiment uses 3D virtual reality virtual technology, which usually takes the form of wearing glasses. There's a screen in front of your eyes. The sound can be transmitted via speakers or acoustics, so that people have an exciting feeling. The application of virtual reality technology to environmental art must follow three principles: the principle of truth in content, the principle of application in form and the principle of the quantity checked. Taking into account the virtual environment art projection function and the degree of user appreciation and referring to the virtual implementation method evaluation indicator in reality, five indices are also formed, such as degree of interaction, degree of photography, degree of function, degree of use, and degree of extension. The experimental results show that the weights of fast and accurate indexes are 0.74 and 0.36, respectively. Virtual interaction technology presents unlimited possibilities, breaks through the narrow nature of traditional display mode, opens up the current real exhibition development space, and provides new thinking for the design of environmental art.
Design and analysis of a novel compact spanner‐shaped ultra‐wideband antenna for MIMO systems
Authors: Addepalli Tathababu , Anitha V.R.
Published: January 2021

In this communication, a novel compact spanner shaped ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna is designed for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system applications. The proposed structure of size 24 × 32 mm2 (0.24λ0 × 0.32λ0, λ0 is calculated at lower band frequency) is designed and fabricated on widely available FR4 dielectric material with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and loss tangent of 0.02. The proposed structure comprises two spanner shaped antennas, a defected T‐shaped stub and a pair of small vertical strips. The defected T‐shaped stub and vertical strips are used for getting a complete UWB bandwidth and good isolation between two elements. It is performing from 3.0 to 11.0 GHz with isolation more than 20 dB in most of the operating region. The parametric studies have been done for the required parameters and figured out the surface current distribution at different resonant frequencies within the working region. The MIMO antenna diversity performance is confirmed with low values of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC < 0.005), channel capacity losses (CCL < 0.04 bits/s/Hz), acceptable mean effective gain (MEG ≤ −3 dB, MEG ratio = 0 dB), and total active reflection coefficient (TARC ≤ −10 dB) values. The peak gain values are varying from 1.5 to 6.0 dBi, and the radiation efficiency values are above 83% for the entire operating region. The simulated and measured values are well matched.
Contribution of small tissue biopsy and flow cytometry to preoperative cytological categorization of salivary gland fine needle aspirates according to the Milan System: Single center experience on 287 cases
Authors: Bağlan Tolga , Sak Serpil Dizbay , Ersöz Cevriye Cansız , Ceyhan Koray
Published: January 2021

Background

Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) was proposed to provide a standardized reporting system for salivary gland fine needle aspiration biopsies. Modified Menghini type semi‐automatic aspiration biopsy needles provide small tissue fragments (STFs), as well as cellular smears, and immunohistochemical and molecular studies can be performed using the STFs.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the contribution of STFs and ancillary techniques to pre‐operative diagnosis of salivary gland lesions.

Materials and Methods

In this study, smears of 287 cases with histopathological correlation were re‐reviewed and assigned to one of the MSRSGC categories. In the second step, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in STFs were evaluated together with cytological findings. Final diagnoses were obtained with the inclusion of flow cytometry (FC) results when available. Risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated for each diagnostic category.

Results

In the evaluation based on smears, a specific diagnosis could be obtained in 64.8% of the cases. ROMs were 0% for nondiagnostic (ND), 5.6% for non‐neoplastic (NN), 55% for atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), 0.6% for benign neoplasm (BN), 27.8% for salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP), and 100% for suspicious for malignancy (SFM) and malignant (M) categories. With the addition of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings and FC results, a specific diagnosis could be obtained in 75.2% of the cases. ROMs were 0% for ND, 4.5% for NN, 53.8% for AUS, 0.6% for BN, 0% for SUMP, and 100% for SFM/M categories.

Conclusions

STFs contribute correct categorization of salivary gland lesions. The major contribution of ancillary methods is in the SUMP category.
HDAC6 inhibitor, ACY1215 suppress the proliferation and induce apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells and increased the chemotherapy effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin
Authors: Ruan Yi , Wang Luoluo , Lu Yeting
Published: January 2021

As an anti‐tumor agent, histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors have attracted wide attention. ACY1215 is a highly effective selective inhibitor of HDAC6, which can inhibit many kinds of tumors. Whether the expression of HDAC6 and its new inhibitor ACY1215 can inhibit the proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells and induce their apoptosis remains to be further studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of ACY1215 on the gallbladder cancer cells. Cell proliferation of GBC‐SD and SGC‐996 was assessed by cell counting kit‐8 assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of PCNA，KI67, and apoptosis‐related proteins of gallbladder cancer cells. The HDAC6 inhibitor ACY1215 suppressed the proliferation of GBC‐SD and SDC‐996 cells and promoted the apoptosis of gallbladder cancer cells. The HDAC6 inhibitor ACY1215 increases the chemotherapy effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. ACY1215 could suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of GBC‐SD and SGC‐996, and increased the chemotherapy effect of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, which provides a rationale for the combination of HDAC6 selective inhibitors with other anticancer agents in treating gallbladder cancer.
Overview of in situ gelling injectable hydrogels for diabetic wounds
Authors: Mude Lavanya , Sanapalli Bharat Kumar Reddy , V Anoop Narayanan , Singh Sachin Kumar , Karri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Reddy
Published: January 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine disorder that causes increased blood glucose than usual due to insulin impairment. In DM, several complications arise in which diabetic wound (DW) is the most devastating complication. About 25% of patients with DM expected to develop DWs in their lifetime and undergo limb amputations. Even though several treatments such as surgery, debridement, wound dressings, advanced therapies were available, the overall conclusion has been that with very few exceptions, patients still suffer from limitations like pain, frequent dress changing, high rates of failure, and cost involvement. Further, the treatments involving the delivery of therapeutic agents in treating DWs have limited success due to abnormal levels of proteases in the DW environment. In this backdrop, in situ gelling injectable hydrogels have gained special attention due to their easy encapsulation of therapeutic medications and prolonged release, filling the wound defect areas, ease of handling, and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Though the in situ gelling injectable hydrogels are developed a couple of decades ago, their use for treating DW has not yet been explored thoroughly. Thus, in this review, we have covered the sequential events of DW healing, pathophysiology, current treatments, and its limitations, along with a particular emphasis on the mechanism of action of these in situ gelling injectable hydrogels treating DWs.
Roles of culture and COMT Val58Met gene on neural basis of executive function: A comparison between Japanese and American children
Authors: Senzaki Sawa , Pott Uwe , Shinohara Ikuko , Moriguchi Yusuke
Published: January 2021

The development of executive functions (EF) is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors, including cultural background. Genetically, variation in the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphism has been linked to EF performance and differential regulation of prefrontal cortex activity. Based on the gene–culture interaction framework, we tested whether culture would moderate the association between the COMT gene and young children's behavioral responses and neural activities during a cognitive‐shifting EF task. The children who participated in this study were 5‐ to 6‐year‐olds in Japan (n = 44) and in the U.S. (n = 47). The results revealed that U.S.‐American children exhibited stronger activations than Japanese children in the right dorsolateral and bilateral prefrontal cortex regions. In addition, the children's genetic disposition and EF performance were marginally moderated by culture, with Val homozygote Japanese children performing better than Met‐allele carriers, whereas no such differences were found in U.S.‐American children. We have discussed the theoretical and empirical implications of the construction of a more complete understanding of EF development by incorporating both genetic and socio‐cultural factors.
Single hair analysis: Validation of a screening method for over 150 analytes and application on documented single‐dose cases
Authors: Wiedfeld Christopher , Skopp Gisela , Musshoff Frank
Published: January 2021

Hair is the matrix of choice in forensic toxicology when retrospective analysis is needed. Nonetheless, due to misalignment, different growth stages and segmentation lengths of 0.5–1 cm, resolution of time is limited. By segmental analysis of single hairs, most of these factors can be compensated and resolution of time is enhanced. A method for manually segmenting single hairs in 2‐mm sections and screening for 156 analytes by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and validated. The method was applied to 15 single‐dose cases concerning different pharmaceuticals by analyzing 10 hairs each, sampled 1 and 2 months after ingestion in most cases. The validation showed a lower limit of quantification of ≤1.25 pg/segment for ~90% of analytes and good accuracy. Many substances could be detected in the presented cases, whereas detection of benzodiazepines and low dosed opioids remains challenging. In positive cases, characteristic peak‐shaped concentration profiles across the hairs were obtained. The segment with most coinciding peak maxima can be allocated to the time of ingestion. A method for the determination of individual hair growth rate was applied and revealed a gap between expected and actual position of peak maxima. Additionally, different localization of simultaneously administered substances was observed. These findings were tried to be explained by different routes of incorporation and may contribute to current knowledge. The presented method may directly be applied to similar questions in hair analysis, and the findings are considered important for interpreting further results in single hair analysis.
Single‐cell analysis of nonhuman primate preimplantation development in comparison to humans and mice
Authors: Hu Youjin , Huang Kevin , Zeng Qiao , Feng Yun , Ke Qiong , An Qin , Qin Lian‐Ju , Cui YuGui , Guo Ying , Zhao Dicheng , Peng Yu , Tian Di , Xia Kun , Chen Yong , Ni Bin , Wang Jinmei , Zhu Xianmin , Wei Lai , Liu Yizhi , Xiang Peng , Liu Jia‐Yin , Xue Zhigang , Fan Guoping
Published: January 2021

Background

Genetic programs underlying preimplantation development and early lineage segregation are highly conserved across mammals. It has been suggested that nonhuman primates would be better model organisms for human embryogenesis, but a limited number of studies have investigated the monkey preimplantation development. In this study, we collect single cells from cynomolgus monkey preimplantation embryos for transcriptome profiling and compare with single‐cell RNA‐seq data derived from human and mouse embryos.

Results

By weighted gene‐coexpression network analysis, we found that cynomolgus gene networks have greater conservation with human embryos including a greater number of conserved hub genes than that of mouse embryos. Consistently, we found that early ICM/TE lineage‐segregating genes in monkeys exhibit greater similarity with human when compared to mouse, so are the genes in signaling pathways such as LRP1 and TCF7 involving in WNT pathway. Last, we tested the role of one conserved pre‐EGA hub gene, SIN3A, using a morpholino knockdown of maternal RNA transcripts in monkey embryos followed by single‐cell RNA‐seq. We found that SIN3A knockdown disrupts the gene‐silencing program during the embryonic genome activation transition and results in developmental delay of cynomolgus embryos.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study provided new insight into evolutionarily conserved and divergent transcriptome dynamics during mammalian preimplantation development.
Soil organic carbon is not just for soil scientists: measurement recommendations for diverse practitioners
Authors: Billings S. A. , Lajtha K. , Malhotra A. , Berhe A. A. , de Graaff M.‐A. , Earl S. , Fraterrigo J. , Georgiou K. , Grandy S. , Hobbie S. E. , Moore J. A. M. , Nadelhoffer K. , Pierson D. , Rasmussen C. , Silver W. L. , Sulman B. N. , Weintraub S. , Wieder W.
Published: January 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) regulates terrestrial ecosystem functioning, provides diverse energy sources for soil microorganisms, governs soil structure, and regulates the availability of organically bound nutrients. Investigators in increasingly diverse disciplines recognize how quantifying SOC attributes can provide insight about ecological states and processes. Today, multiple research networks collect and provide SOC data, and robust, new technologies are available for managing, sharing, and analyzing large data sets. We advocate that the scientific community capitalize on these developments to augment SOC data sets via standardized protocols. We describe why such efforts are important and the breadth of disciplines for which it will be helpful, and outline a tiered approach for standardized sampling of SOC and ancillary variables that ranges from simple to more complex. We target scientists ranging from those with little to no background in soil science to those with more soil‐related expertise, and offer examples of the ways in which the resulting data can be organized, shared, and discoverable.
Does fluctuating asymmetry of wing traits capture relative environmental stress in a lepidopteran?
Authors: Symanski Cole , Redak Richard A.
Published: January 2021

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is hypothesized to be a useful predictor of population canalization, especially for organisms at risk from environmental change.

Identification of traits that meet statistical criteria as FA measures remains a challenge.

Here, a laboratory experiment subjected immature butterflies (Vanessa cardui) to diet and temperature conditions of varying stress levels. Variation in dietary macronutrient ratio (protein: carbohydrate) and rearing temperature (optimal: 25°C; elevated: 32°C) was introduced as stressors. Temperature and nutrition are key variables influencing ectotherm growth and fitness and so are likely to be important stressors that influence FA.

Individuals subjected to stressful conditions were predicted to show elevated FA of three wing size traits, as well as increased mortality and decreased adult body size.

Trait FA did not vary across treatments. Instead, treatment levels impacted viability: The combined incidence of pupal death and expression of significant wing malformations increased in treatment levels designated as stressful. Variation in adult dry mass also reflected predicted stress levels. Results suggest that individuals predicted to display increased FA either died or displayed gross developmental aberrations.

This experiment illustrates important constraints on the investigation of FA, including selection of appropriate traits and identification of appropriate levels of stressors to avoid elevated mortality. The latter concern brings into question the utility of FA as an indicator of stress in vulnerable, natural populations, where stress levels cannot be controlled, and mortality and fitness effects are often not quantifiable.
Analysing the influence of a large flood on eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) distribution along the Missouri River using remote‐sensing techniques
Authors: Illeperuma Nadeesha D. , Dixon Mark D.
Published: January 2021

River floodplains are among the world's most altered ecosystems due to flow regulation by dams, development, and agriculture. Dam construction and flow regulation along the Missouri River have reduced flooding, modified geomorphic processes and altered floodplain vegetation. Since the commencement of flow regulation, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), which is native to upland areas, has invaded the understorey of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) forests along the Missouri River. A major flood in 2011, however, resulted in a significant die‐off of redcedar within the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR), South Dakota, and Nebraska, USA. The objectives of this study were to map and analyse the effects of the 2011 flood and soil drainage classes on redcedar distribution within the MNRR. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from winter scenes of Landsat satellite imagery was used to map the canopy cover of redcedar on pre‐ and post‐flood dates. Logistic regression was used to analyse the effects of soil drainage and flooding status (flooded or non‐flooded) on transitions between high (>20%) and low (<20%) canopy cover classes of redcedar. The odds of redcedar decline (from high to low canopy cover) were significantly greater in areas that flooded in 2011, and the odds of redcedar increase (low to high canopy cover) were greater on non‐flooded surfaces with well‐drained soils. This study produces evidence that large floods are important for constraining redcedar spread in floodplain habitats. In addition, soil drainage affects redcedar survival and spread within the study area, with colonization favoured on well‐drained soils.
Virtual synchronous generator control of power system including large‐scale wind farm by cooperative operation between battery and LFC hydro power plant
Authors: Nagaushi Kotaro , Umemura Atsushi , Takahashi Rion , Tamura Junji , Sakahara Atsushi , Tosaka Fumihito , Nakamoto Ryosuke
Published: January 2021

Penetration level of large‐scale wind farm into the existing power system has been increasing significantly which impacts on the transient stability during a network fault. This is because wind farm can be disconnected from the grid according to a grid code of the system when instantaneous voltage drop due to a network fault occurrs in the grid system. This paper proposes a new method to stabilize the system frequency drop and enhance the transient stability of the grid system by using a battery which is based on the new virtual synchronous generator control performed by the cooperative operation between the battery and LFC hydro power plant.
Evaluating deliberative participation from a social learning perspective: A case study of the 2012 National Energy Deliberative Polling in post‐Fukushima Japan
Authors: Ngar‐yin Mah Daphne , Siu Alice , Li Ka‐yan , Sone Yasunori , Lam Victor Wai Yin
Published: January 2021

Nuclear power has remained a hugely controversial energy technology since the 1970s and became particularly so after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. Engaging citizens in making energy decisions have thus become an increasingly important governing approach to post‐Fukushima energy transitions in many countries. Deliberative participatory processes and learning through social interactions have been increasingly regarded as critical elements of effective public engagement. Yet, little is known about who learns what, how they learn, and what impacts learning has on nuclear governance. Even less is known about the contextual factors influencing social learning. Advancing the literature on nuclear governance, deliberative participation, and social learning, this paper proposes a learning‐oriented framework to evaluate the outcomes of deliberative participation in the context of nuclear governance. We apply this framework in a case study of a national deliberative poll (DP) on energy conducted in Japan in 2012. We critically examine the extent to which and how social learning occurs under the influence of pre‐existing government‐industry‐society relations as a key contextual factor. Mainly based on a qualitative analysis of transcribed materials from a two‐day deliberation over the DP involving 285 citizens, this study has three main findings. First, participating citizens of the DP were able to acquire all of the three orders of social learning through deliberative processes in the DP process. Second, the provision of multiple sources of information, access to diverse perspectives, and the availability of plenty of dialogic processes are identified as factors that were found to facilitate advancement toward higher orders of learning. Third, the “nuclear iron triangle”—a pro‐nuclear coalition—appeared to constrain social learning impacts in the wider socio‐political systems of nuclear governance in Japan.