bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA LINC00210 regulated radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells via miR‐342‐3p/GFRA1 axis
Authors: He Pan , Xu Yong‐qiang , Wang Zhi‐jun , Sheng Bin
Published: August 2020

Background

Radiotherapy is an effective strategy for preventing cancer metastasis, including osteosarcoma. However, cancer radioresistance limits the efficiency of radiotherapy. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the mechanism of osteosarcoma radioresistance.

Methods

The osteosarcoma tissues and adjacent healthy tissues were collected from 53 osteosarcoma patients. The expression of LINC00210, miR‐342‐3p, and GFRA1 mRNA were determined using qRT‐PCR. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, and cell surviving fraction were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and colony formation assay, respectively. Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels. Luciferase assay was conducted to verify the relationship between LINC00210, miR‐342‐3p, and GFRA1.

Results

LINC00210 and GFRA1 were up‐regulated, and miR‐342‐3p was down‐regulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. The expression of LINC00210 in osteosarcoma was negatively related to miR‐342‐3p expression and positively associated with GFRA1. Besides, there was a negative correlation between LINC00210 and GFRA1 expression in osteosarcoma. Also, LINC00210 and GFRA1 were up‐regulated, and miR‐342‐3p was down‐regulated in osteosarcoma cells exposed to 4 Gy irradiation treatment. Furthermore, either LINC00210 knockdown or miR‐342‐3p overexpression enhanced the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, LINC00210 increased GFRA1 expression via sponging miR‐342‐3p. Additionally, LINC00210 knockdown improved the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells by regulating GFRA1 expression via sponging miR‐342‐3p.

Conclusion

LINC00210 modulated the radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells via the miR‐342‐3p/GFRA1 axis, making LINC00210 a novel target for improving radiotherapy efficiency in osteosarcoma.
Moderating effects of dysregulation and fear of positive emotions on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive memory count
Authors: Contractor Ateka A. , Weiss Nicole H. , Forkus Shannon R.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

We examined moderating effects of positive emotion dysregulation and fear of positive emotions in the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity and positive memory count.

Method

Participants were 205 trauma‐exposed community individuals (Mage = 35.44; 61.50% female).

Results

Moderation analyses indicated interaction effects of PTSD severity with nonacceptance of positive emotions (b = −0.01, p = .002) and difficulties with goal‐directed behaviors when experiencing positive emotions (b = −0.01, p = .006) on positive memory count.

Conclusions

Greater PTSD severity was associated with more specific positive memories when individuals reported less nonacceptance of positive emotions and fewer difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Greater PTSD severity was associated with fewer specific positive memories when individuals reported greater nonacceptance of positive emotions and greater difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions. Results support addressing positive emotion dysregulation in memory‐focused interventions for PTSD.
Combating HIV stigma in low‐ and middle‐income healthcare settings: a scoping review
Authors: Smith M. Kumi , Xu Richie H. , Hunt Shanda L. , Wei Chongyi , Tucker Joseph D. , Tang Weiming , Luo Danyang , Xue Hao , Wang Cheng , Yang Ligang , Yang Bin , Li Li , Joyner Benny L. , Sylvia Sean Y.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Nearly 40 years into the HIV epidemic, the persistence of HIV stigma is a matter of grave urgency. Discrimination (i.e. enacted stigma) in healthcare settings is particularly problematic as it deprives people of critical healthcare services while also discouraging preventive care seeking by confirming fears of anticipated stigma. We review existing research on the effectiveness of stigma interventions in healthcare settings of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), where stigma control efforts are often further complicated by heavy HIV burdens, less developed healthcare systems, and the layering of HIV stigma with discrimination towards other marginalized identities. This review describes progress in this field to date and identifies research gaps to guide future directions for research.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of HIV reduction interventions in LMIC healthcare settings using Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus (through March 5, 2020). Information regarding study design, stigma measurement techniques, intervention features and study findings were extracted. We also assessed methodological rigor using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for systematic reviews.

Results and discussion

Our search identified 8766 studies, of which 19 were included in the final analysis. All but one study reported reductions in stigma following the intervention. The studies demonstrated broad regional distribution across LMIC and many employed designs that made use of a control condition. However, these strengths masked key shortcomings including a dearth of research from the lowest income category of LMIC and a lack of interventions to address institutional or structural determinants of stigma. Lastly, despite the fact that most stigma measures were based on existing instruments, only three studies described steps taken to validate or adapt the stigma measures to local settings.

Conclusions

Combating healthcare stigma in LMIC demands interventions that can simultaneously address resource constraints, high HIV burden and more severe stigma. Our findings suggest that this will require more objective, reliable and culturally adaptable stigma measures to facilitate meaningful programme evaluation and comparison across studies. All but one study concluded that their interventions were effective in reducing healthcare stigma. Though encouraging, the fact that most studies measured impact using self‐reported measures suggests that social desirability may bias results upwards. Homogeneity of study results also hindered our ability to draw substantive conclusions about potential best practices to guide the design of future stigma reduction programmes.
The levels of bioactive ingredients in Citrus aurantium L. at different harvest periods and antioxidant effects on H2O2‐induced RIN‐m5F cells
Authors: Tang Qi , Zhang Ruiying , Zhou Jiali , Zhao Kanghong , Lu Ying , Zheng Yajie , Wu Changqiao , Chen Feng , Mu Detian , Ding Zixuan , Xie Hongqi , He Yingjie
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Citrus aurantium L. (Aurantii fructus) is a multi‐purpose citrus fruit with high medicinal and nutritional value, but currently there are no data that can be used to investigate the appropriate harvest time to obtain high‐quality citrus bioactive ingredients from it.

RESULTS

Phytochemicals and the levels of the main bioactive ingredients were investigated by ultra high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF/MS). The flavanone, polymethoxyflavone, coumarin, synephrine, and limonin content in the citrus fruit was analyzed at different harvest periods, and significant differences, ranging from 0.03 ± 0.01 to 116.26 ± 40.20 g kg−1 (DW), were shown. These compounds were present in higher amounts in June and then decreased gradually, while the biomass accumulation of most of them showed an increasing tendency around harvest time. The H2O2‐induced RIN‐m5F cells model was employed to evaluate their antioxidant capacity. Citrus fruit harvested from June 11 to July 7 possessed an excellent antioxidant capacity by inhibiting the intensity of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.01) and improving superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) activity (P < 0.01). The chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of citrus leaves, stems, and roots were also evaluated, and these showed great variation compared with other citrus fruits. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that harvesting time was related closely to the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION

Citrus fruit can be appropriately harvested from June to early July when the levels of bioactive ingredients and antioxidant activity reach higher values. This research provides practical information for producing high‐quality citrus products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Proximal femur sarcomas with intra‐articular disease—Do intra‐articular resections provide adequate local control?
Authors: Nayak Prakash , Gupta Srinath , Patil Akshay , Gulia Ashish , Puri Ajay
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Hip preserving (intra‐articular) resections for proximal femur sarcoma have better function compared to peri‐acetabular (extra‐articular) resections, which are more complex and morbid. But, do intra‐articular resections in selected cases with intra‐articular disease provide adequate local control?

Method

Extra‐articular resection or intra‐articular resection in cases without pathologic fracture or away from joint/capsule was classified as a planned safe margin (SM). Circumferential removal of labrum without acetabular resection in cases without gross joint contamination was classified as planned close margins (CM). We analyzed local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) (death as a competing event) for 86 proximal femur resections (SM = 55, CM = 31).

Results

The 5 years LRFS was 84% (n = 6/55, 10%) in the SM group and 67% (n = 4/31, 12%) in the CM group. There was no worsening of local recurrence (LR) in the CM group (subdistribution hazard [sH] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21‐2.29;P = .56). Poor chemotherapy‐induced necrosis predicted worse LR (sH = 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.8;P = .03). Overall survival was 16% (SE 8%) at 5 years with LR vs 64% (SE 7%) without LR (P = .0076).

Conclusion

In proximal femur sarcomas with potential for involvement of the hip joint, a CM in selected cases did not worsen LR; providing an option for avoiding additional morbidity with extra‐articular resections.
Exosomal CLIC1 released by CLL promotes HUVECs angiogenesis by regulating ITGβ1‐MAPK/ERK axis
Authors: Geng Hua‐Yun , Feng Zhen‐Jun , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Li Guang‐Yao
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidences have suggested that exosomes are closely associated with tumor progression by affecting cell‐cell communication. Here, we aimed to investigate the roles and regulatory mechanism of exosomes released from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The expression levels of genes and proteins in cells and exosomes were examined by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. MEC‐1 cell‐derived exosomes were obtained and co‐cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), then the capabilities of cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of HUVECs were measured by CCK‐8, wound healing, transwell and tube formation assay, respectively. Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) was significantly increased in CLL patients and markedly enriched in exosomes secreted by CLL cells. Exosomal CLIC1 secreted from MEC‐1 cells were successfully transferred into HUVECs and significantly promoted the phenotypes of proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Mechanically, exosomal CLIC1 secreted from MEC‐1 cells obviously activated MAPK/ERK signaling through upregulating integrin β1 (ITGβ1) expression in HUVECs. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that either silencing ITGβ1 or PD98059 treatment obviously reversed the regulatory effects of exosomal CLIC1 secreted from MEC‐1 cells in HUVECs. In conclusion, CLL cell‐derived exosomes accelerated HUVECs metastasis and angiogenesis through transferring CLIC1 to regulate ITGβ1‐MAPK/ERK signaling, indicating that CLIC1 may be a therapeutic target of CLL exosomes in the tumor microenvironment.
Isolated Photonic Flatband with the Effective Magnetic Flux in a Synthetic Space Including the Frequency Dimension
Authors: Yu Danying , Yuan Luqi , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2020

Exploration of the flatband in photonics is fundamentally important, aiming to control the localization of light for potential applications in optical communications. Herein, the flatband physics is studied in a synthetic space including the frequency axis of light. A ring‐resonator array is used to construct a synthetic Lieb‐type lattice, where the modulation phase distribution supports a locally non‐zero effective magnetic flux pointing into the synthetic space. It is found that the flatband is isolated from other dispersive bands and the light can still be localized even with perturbation from the group velocity dispersion of the waveguide. This work points out a route towards manipulating the localization performance of a wavepacket of light along both the spatial dimension and the frequency dimension, which holds the potential implication for controlling the storage of optical information in dispersive materials.
Extracellular Vesicles as a Novel Therapeutic Option in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Carlson Kristin , Kink John , Hematti Peiman , Al‐Adra David P.
Published: August 2020

Longterm liver graft dysfunction and immunological rejection remain common adverse events, in part due to early acute rejection episodes initiated by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) immediately following transplantation. Novel treatment methods are therefore required to ameliorate liver IRI and to promote longterm allograft acceptance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from tolerogenic phenotype cells may serve as a novel therapeutic option in liver transplantation due to their immunomodulatory and proregenerative effects. Studies of hepatic IRI along with animal liver allograft models have demonstrated that EVs isolated from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, immature dendritic cells, and hepatocytes can reduce graft injury through mechanisms including enhancement of mitochondrial autophagy, inhibition of immune response, and promotion of tissue regeneration. These preclinical models may soon move translationally into clinical practice, necessitating the generation of robust methods to generate clinical‐grade EVs. These methods must address issues of reproducibility and ability to scale up the tolerogenic cell cultivation, EV isolation, and EV characterization. Once generated, the efficient delivery of EVs to the donor organ prior to transplantation remains an issue that could be resolved through the novel organ storage method ex vivo machine perfusion (EVMP). In this review, we summarize studies that have used tolerogenic cell–derived EVs to ameliorate hepatic IRI and promote liver allograft acceptance, discuss the steps toward generation of clinical‐grade EVs, and introduce EVMP as a novel method to efficiently deliver EVs.
Chain Extension, Phase Interface Reparation and Mechanical Property of Recycled Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene by Epoxidized Styrene‐Butadiene‐Styrene
Authors: Shu Luosheng , Li Yingchun , Li Jie , Wang Wengsheng , Vupputuri Sravanthi , Yang Dongdong , Dong Binbin , Cao Nuo , Pan Duo , Das Rajib , Guo Zhanhu
Published: August 2020

The demand for processing recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer plastics (R‐ABS) grows fast. Herein, epoxidized styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (ESBS) with reactive groups including polybutadiene (PB) phase, epoxidized polybutadiene (EPB) phase and polystyrene phase is prepared by modifying SBS with an in situ peroxyformic acid method. Both chain extension and phase interface reparation of R‐ABS are successfully reported by simple melt blending. Compared with R‐ABS, when ESBS content is 15 wt%, the average molecular weight (Mw) of the ESBS/R‐ABS is increased from 118.01 to 612.51 kDa. The particle size of the dispersed phase is decreased obviously. The compatibility between these two phases became better. The average notch impact strength of R‐ABS is 5.72 kJ m−2. When the ESBS content is 15 wt%, the average notch impact strength of ESBS/R‐ABS reaches 13.90 kJ m−2, which is increased by 143% compared with that of R‐ABS. The notch impact strength of ESBS/R‐ABS is close to that of virgin ABS. The reported high‐value usage of R‐ABS has a great potential for industrial‐scale applications.
Multi‐area transboundary pollution problems under learning by doing in Yangtze River Delta Region, China
Authors: Lu Zuliang , Huang Fei , Zhao Yongxiang , Li Lin , Hou Chunjuan , Yang Yin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we investigate transboundary pollution problems in the Yangtze River Delta Region where emission permits trading and abatement costs under learning by doing. At first, we use the optimal control theory to analyze two‐area transboundary pollution problems and give an empirical study for the Shanghai Municipality and Zhejiang Province by using four‐order Runge‐Kutta method and the authentic economic data. Then, we extend two‐area transboundary pollution problems to three‐area transboundary pollution problems and also give an empirical study by adopting the authentic economic data of Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, and Jiangsu Province. Finally, we get a similar conclusion that the abatement cost will decrease with the amelioration of abatement technology.
Nusselt number and friction factor variations in a capsule heat exchanger filled with eco‐friendly jatropha seed oil–based multi walled carbon nanotubes nanofluid
Authors: Rostami Sara , Aghaei Alireza , Hezaveh Hossein Mahdavi , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Shasavar Goldanlou Aysan
Published: August 2020

The present 3‐D numerical paper investigates Nusselt number and friction factor variations in a capsule heat exchanger filled with eco‐friendly jatropha seed oil–based MWCNTs nanofluid. For all studied models, inlet nanofluid temperature is Tin = 310 K, and the hot source with q = 650 W/m2 is adopted. Due to achieve the most efficient Newtonian nanofluid in present study, solid nanoparticles of MWCNT are added to the base fluid in volume concentration of 0.2% to 0.8%. Also, different riser heights (25, 35, and 50 cm) and different emissivity values of capsule walls (ε = 0.3 and 0.7) are studied in this paper. In the current modeling, the SST k – ω turbulence model has been assumed as the turbulence model. Based on achieved results in this paper, the model with capsule angle of β = 30° has better heat transfer than the other studied slopes, which is followed with models with β = 60° and β = 90°, respectively. Also, it is seen that gravity has a significant influence on velocity contours, and in model with β = 90° more pressure drop may be seen, which is followed with models with β = 60° and β = 90°, respectively. Moreover the predicted pressure drop values from inlet to outlet always increase by increase of Reynolds numbers; therefore, there is an optimum Reynolds number during the studied range of flow velocities which leads to the minimum pressure drop penalty. Also, it is realized that usage of nanofluid at higher nanoparticles volume concentrations leads to higher Nusselt numbers during all studied Reynolds numbers. The model with nanoparticles volume fraction of ϕ = 0.8% has the highest values of predicted average Nusselt number which is followed with the models with ϕ = 0.6%, ϕ = 0.4%, and ϕ = 0.2%, respectively. Besides, it is clearly found that usage of walls with different emissivity values has not a significant influence on thermal–hydraulic characteristics of studied capsule heat exchanger.
Quantitative 1H MRI and MRS of fatty acid composition
Authors: Peterson Pernilla , Trinh Lena , Månsson Sven
Published: August 2020

Adipose tissue as well as other depots of fat (triglycerides) are increasingly being recognized as active contributors to the human function and metabolism. In addition to the fat concentration, also the fatty acid chemical composition (FAC) of the triglyceride molecules may play an important part in diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, osteoporosis, and cancer. MR spectroscopy and chemical‐shift‐encoded imaging (CSE‐MRI) are established methods for non‐invasive quantification of fat concentration in tissue. More recently, similar techniques have been developed for assessment also of the FAC in terms of the number of double bonds, the fraction of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, or semi‐quantitative unsaturation indices. The number of papers focusing on especially CSE‐MRI‐based techniques has steadily increased during the past few years, introducing a range of acquisition protocols and reconstruction algorithms. However, a number of potential sources of bias have also been identified. Furthermore, the measures used to characterize the FAC using both MRI and MRS differ, making comparisons between different techniques difficult. The aim of this paper is to review MRS‐ and MRI‐based methods for in vivo quantification of the FAC. We describe the chemical composition of triglycerides and discuss various potential FAC measures. Furthermore, we review acquisition and reconstruction methodology and finally, some existing and potential applications are summarized. We conclude that both MRI and MRS provide feasible non‐invasive alternatives to the gold standard gas chromatography for in vivo measurements of the FAC. Although both are associated with gas chromatography, future studies are warranted.
Potential trade, welfare and revenue implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Ghana: An application of partial equilibrium model
Authors: Bayale Nimonka , Ibrahim Muazu , Atta‐Mensah Joseph
Published: August 2020

This study estimates the potential implications of the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement for Ghana in terms of trade, welfare and revenue effects. By applying the WITS‐SMART simulation model on 2018 disaggregated international trade data, the paper finds that total trade effects in Ghana are likely to surge by US$ 148.3 million while promoting consumers' welfare by US$ 8.597 million. However, revenue losses are imminent as the country might experience a drop in tariff revenue of US$ 8.604 million. Overall, the free trade area is expected to improve on the country's trade balance as exports are envisaged to outweigh imports. In order to mitigate the revenue losses, the paper recommends that the country keep substantial portion of tariff lines for sensitive and excluded products over a longer period during the liberalization.
Mechanical property evolution and life prediction of carbon fiber and pultruded carbon fiber reinforced polymer plate exposed to elevated temperatures
Authors: Li Chenggao , Xian Guijun
Published: August 2020

The fire resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite is a huge challenge for strengthening and repairing structures in civil engineering. In the present study, the effects of temperature exposure on the mechanical, thermal and microstructure properties of carbon fibers (~700°C) and CFRP plates (~300°C) with the bisphenol‐A epoxy matrix (E51) and hydantoin epoxy matrix (HY) were investigated. The thermal decomposition, void content, surface morphology, and internal microstructures were obtained to reveal the degradation mechanism of CFRP plates. Exposure at elevated temperatures brought about the obvious degradation of the tensile strength of carbon fiber and CFRP plate, and the final tensile strength retention rates of CFRP plates were 72.6% with the low glass transition temperature of CFRP (E51) and 72.3% with the high glass transition temperature of CFRP (HY), respectively. The allowable maximum exposure temperature was estimated to be 200°C to guarantee the desirable tensile stiffness for the CFPR plates. Oxidation of carbon fiber has an inhibition effect on the decomposition of E51 resin in CFRP (E51). By comparison, the decomposition of HY resin and oxidation of carbon fibers were independent in CFRP (HY). The increased void content of CFRP plates at elevated temperatures aggravated the debonding of fiber/resin interface and weakened the synchronous load‐bearing capacity between the fibers, which led to the decrease of mechanical properties. Finally, the rule‐of‐mixture and the elastic mechanics theory were applied to obtain the life prediction model of tensile strength of CFRP plate at elevated temperatures. According to the model, the limit exposure temperatures of tensile strength were 483°C for CFRP (E51) and 466°C for CFRP (HY), respectively.
The neural correlates of Chinese children's spontaneous trait inferences: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Jia Lei , Zhang Changjie , Heyman Gail D. , Wang Cheng , Wang Jun
Published: August 2020

The results of multiple behavioral investigations indicate that children can develop spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) starting from when they are 8–9 years of age. However, little is known about the neural correlates of STIs when they first develop. In the present study, we measured event‐related potentials (ERPs) and event‐related spectral perturbation (ERSP) using an N400 paradigm. Seventeen 9‐year‐old Chinese children were first instructed to remember facial photos and paired trait‐implying behaviors. Subsequently, they performed a lexical decision task in which faces were used to prime the inferred traits or their antonyms. Compared to the inferred traits, the antonyms exhibited a stronger amplitude on both N400 (370–500 ms) and negative slow wave (NSW; 550–800 ms). However, only N400 showed a right hemispheric dominance of STIs. In addition, ERSP results revealed stronger lower alpha band (7–10 Hz) activity for antonyms than inferred traits over the right parieto‐occipital area from 420 ms to 800 ms. These findings, coupled with the electroencephalography (EEG) source localization (standardized low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography [sLORETA]), provide evidence for a “monitoring‐control” two‐stage neural network.
Relating Self‐Reported Balance Problems to Sensory Organization and Dual‐Tasking in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Joseph Annie‐Lori C. , Lippa Sara M. , Moore Brian , Bagri Manjot , Row Jessica , Chan Leighton , Zampieri Cris
Published: August 2020

Background

Individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have residual balance problems. It remains unclear whether these balance problems are driven by vestibular dysfunction or gait automaticity deficits, particularly in the chronic stages of TBI recovery, because most studies include only acute/subacute cases.

Objectives

Compare performance on the Sensory Organization Test vestibular score and Dual‐Task test in individuals with and without subjective balance problems at least 1 year after a TBI. Investigate the ability of each test to predict perceived balance problems.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Rehabilitation department within a single institution.

Participants

Fifty adults (21‐71 years) with a history of mild, moderate, or severe TBI 1 to 5 years following nonpenetrating TBI.

Interventions

N/A.

Methods

Measures included the Dual‐Task test, Sensory Organization Test, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and assessments of four cognitive domains and depression. Participants who endorsed “feeling dizzy” and “loss of balance” on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory were classified as symptomatic (n = 26) and others as asymptomatic (n = 24). T‐tests, chi‐square, and regression analyses predicting the Dizziness Handicap Inventory total score were performed.

Results

Dual‐task gait cost was negatively associated with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (P = .044), controlling for depression and gender, whereas vestibular scores failed to predict balance‐related disability. Symptomatic individuals endorsed more balance problems (P < .001) and depression symptoms (P = .007), had poorer dual‐task cognitive output (P = .036), and slower dual‐task gait velocity (P = .036) than asymptomatic participants. Groups did not differ on Sensory Organization Test scores.

Conclusions

The nature of balance problems in chronic TBI may be related to automaticity of gait. These findings suggest that patients in the chronic stages of TBI may benefit from dual‐task assessments and interventions. Balance rehabilitation should be tailored to patient needs and assess cognition and affect.
Risk factors for atopic diseases and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Kansen Hannah M. , Lebbink Melanie A. , Mul Joeri , van Erp Francine C. , van Engelen Martine , de Vries Esther , Prevaes Sabine M. P. J. , Le Thuy My , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Verhagen Lilly M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The simultaneously increased prevalence of atopic diseases and decreased prevalence of infectious diseases might point to a link between the two entities. Past work mainly focused on either atopic diseases or recurrent infections. We aim to investigate whether risk factors for atopic diseases (ie, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and/or food allergy) differ from risk factors for recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were used from 5517 children aged 1 to 18 years who participated in an Electronic Portal for children between 2011 and 2019. Univariable/multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for any atopic disease and RRTIs.

Results

Children aged ≥5 years were more likely to have any atopic disease (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.50‐2.77) and less likely to have RRTIs (OR: 0.68‐0.84) compared to children aged less than 5 years. Female sex (OR: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63‐0.81), low birth weight (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57‐0.97) and dog ownership (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.66‐0.95) reduced the odds of any atopic disease, but not of RRTIs. Daycare attendance (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.47) was associated with RRTIs, but not with atopic diseases. A family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and RRTIs was significantly associated with the same entity in children, with OR varying from 1.58 (95% CI: 1.35‐1.85) in allergic rhinitis to 2.20 (95% CI: 1.85‐2.61) in asthma.

Conclusion

Risk factors for atopic diseases are distinct from risk factors for RRTIs, suggesting that the changing prevalence of both entities is not related to shared risk factors.
The influence of Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation on gastroesophageal reflux in infants under the age of 1 year
Authors: Lievens Laure , Vandenplas Yvan , Vanlaethem Sylvie , Van Ginderdeuren Filip
Published: August 2020

Background

Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is an airway clearance technique used at any age to facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract. The effect of IPV on gastroesophageal reflux(GER) is not well documented. This study aimed to determine the influence of IPV on GER in infants.

Methods

During a 24‐hour multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH), infants in the intervention group received a20 minutes session of IPV in upright position, 2 hours postprandial. The control group received no intervention and was placed in the same position for 20 minutes, 2 hours postprandial. The number of reflux episodes (REs) during IPV as compared to the number of REs in the control group during the 20 minutes period.

Results

Fifty infants were included in each group;21 infants in the IPV group and 14 infants in the control group were diagnosed with abnormal MII‐pH (P = .142). During IPV, the number of REs was significantly lower than in the control group (P < .001). Also in the subgroups with abnormal or normal MII‐pH, a significantly lower number of REs during IPV was found (P = .011, P = .011 respectively).

Conclusion

IPV decreases the number of REs in infants independent of the results of MII‐pH.
Nematotoxicity of a Cyt‐like protein toxin from Conidiobolus obscurus (Entomophthoromycotina) on the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Chen Shani , Lu Feng , Guo Kai , Huang Linlin , Su Xiu , Chen Ye
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a destructive pest on Pinus trees and lacks effective control measures. The present study identified a novel nematotoxic cytolytic (Cyt)‐like protein originating from the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus obscurus.

RESULTS

The protein was successfully purified using heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and affinity chromatography. N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐rhodamine‐labeled Cyt‐like protein was used to establish the route of toxin uptake, and revealed that the toxin can enter the nematode via the stylet. In bioassays, the purified protein had high nematicide activity against B. xylophilus, with a median lethal concentration at 24 h of 15.8 and 29.4 μg mL–1 for juveniles and adults, respectively. Compared with the deionized water control, fecundity, thrashing, and egg hatching were significantly reduced by 97%, 98%, and 83%, respectively, with 40 μg mL–1 Cyt‐like protein at 24–36 h. Staining with Oil‐Red‐O showed a decrease in large lipid droplet formation in the protein‐treated adult nematodes.

CONCLUSION

The Cyt‐like protein toxin possesses high nematicide activity against B. xylophilus with effects on nematode vitality and fecundity. The potential exists to use the Cyt‐like protein for the control of B. xylophilus.
Toxicological and molecular profiling of insecticide resistance in a Brazilian strain of fall armyworm resistant to Bt Cry1 proteins
Authors: Boaventura Debora , Buer Benjamin , Hamaekers Niklas , Maiwald Frank , Nauen Ralf
Published: August 2020

Background

Spodoptera frugiperda, fall armyworm (FAW) is the major pest of maize in Brazil and has readily acquired field resistance to a broad range of synthetic insecticides and to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins expressed in important crops. This study aims to understand patterns of cross‐resistance in FAW by investigating the toxicological profile of a Bt‐resistant Brazilian strain (Sf_Des) in comparison to a Bt‐susceptible strain (Sf_Bra).

Results

Laboratory bioassays with 15 active substances of nine mode of action classes revealed that Sf_Des has a medium level of resistance to deltamethrin and chlorpyrifos. Very high cross‐resistance was observed among Cry1 toxins, but high susceptibility against Vip3A. Strain Sf_Des exhibited – depending on the substrate – up to 19‐fold increased cytochrome P450 activity in comparison to Sf_Bra. RNA‐Seq data support a major role of P450 enzymes in the detoxification of insecticides because we detected 85 P450 transcripts upregulated in Sf_Des. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis confirmed that CYP9A‐like and CYP6B39 are significantly upregulated (>200‐fold) in Sf_Des in comparison to Sf_Bra strain. No target‐site mutation linked to pyrethroid resistance was detected, but mutations in the AChE linked to organophosphate resistance were observed in Sf_Des. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) categorized most of them into the biological process category, involved in oxidation–reduction and metabolic processes.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that multiple/cross‐resistance mechanisms may have developed in the Sf_Des strain to conventional insecticides and Bt insecticidal proteins. The systematic toxicological analysis presented will help to guide recommendations for an efficient resistance management. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of agro‐ecological landscape on the distribution of Culicoides obsoletus in northeast China
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wang Long , Liu Tao , Xiao Jianhua , Wang Hongbin
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Culicoides obsoletus is an important pest for animal husbandry. In the world, it is a major vector of bluetongue disease, which has been added to the list of Class A Animal Diseases by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and must be reported in the event of an outbreak. Although numerous studies on Culicoides sampling in farms exist, the distribution of C. obsoletus in different landscapes remains unclear.

RESULTS

This study aimed to assess the effect of landscape type on the distribution of C. obsoletus. Samples were collected using light traps during spring and fall. The effect of landscape type on the distribution of C. obsoletus samples was measured by the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt). Results show that C. obsoletus mainly appears in forests and pastures.

CONCLUSION

Our results may provide references for controlling the C. obsoletus population and provide suggestions of other areas that may also face the challenge of bluetongue.
New Efficient Scintillating and Photoconversion Materials Based on the Self‐Flux Grown Tb3Al5O12:Ce Single Crystal
Authors: Bartosiewicz Karol , Markovskyi Anton , Zorenko Tetiana , Yoshikawa Akira , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Yamaji Akihiro , Zorenko Yuriy
Published: August 2020

This research deals with a novel approach for the self‐flux growth of Tb3Al5O12:Ce single crystal using the micro‐pulling‐down method. The self‐flux method enables the fabrication of the crystals with excellent photoconversion and scintillation properties. Tb3Al5O12:Ce (TbAG:Ce) efficiently converts the blue light‐emitting diode (LED) radiation into bright white light. The gradual change of crystal thicknesses (0.2–1 mm) allows for tuning white light temperature from cold to neutral white. The scintillation response is comparable with that of a high‐quality single crystalline film counterpart with a light yield value of around 4500 photons MeV−1 under α particle excitation from 239 Pu radioisotope. This is the highest value obtained for the TbAG:Ce crystal yet.
Magnetic resonance imaging of human neural stem cells in rodent and primate brain
Authors: McGinley Lisa M. , Willsey Matthew S. , Kashlan Osama N. , Chen Kevin S. , Hayes John M. , Bergin Ingrid L. , Mason Shayna N. , Stebbins Aaron W. , Kwentus Jacquelin F. , Pacut Crystal , Kollmer Jennifer , Sakowski Stacey A. , Bell Caleb B. , Chestek Cynthia A. , Murphy Geoffrey G. , Patil Parag G. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: August 2020

Stem cell transplantation therapies are currently under investigation for central nervous system disorders. Although preclinical models show benefit, clinical translation is somewhat limited by the absence of reliable noninvasive methods to confirm targeting and monitor transplanted cells in vivo. Here, we assess a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent derived from magnetotactic bacteria, magneto-endosymbionts (MEs), as a translatable methodology for in vivo tracking of stem cells after intracranial transplantation. We show that ME labeling provides robust MRI contrast without impairment of cell viability or other important therapeutic features. Labeled cells were visualized immediately post-transplantation and over time by serial MRI in nonhuman primate and mouse brain. Postmortem tissue analysis confirmed on-target grft location, and linear correlations were observed between MRI signal, cell engraftment, and tissue ME levels, suggesting that MEs may be useful for determining graft survival or rejection. Overall, these findings indicate that MEs are an effective tool for in vivo tracking and monitoring of cell transplantation therapies with potential relevance to many cellular therapy applications.
A service‐oriented method for domain and business process modelling
Authors: Reggio Gianna , Leotta Maurizio , Ricca Filippo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present Precise SOM (Precise Service Oriented Modelling) —a novel lightweight method for integrated domain and business process modelling—which follows the service‐oriented paradigm, uses a UML profile as notation and provides detailed workflows to guide the production of the models. In our method, the UML models are precisely defined by means of a metamodel and of a set of constraints, and by restricting UML to the essential language constructs, to help modellers to avoid common mistakes and to guarantee, by construction, a good quality. Precise SOM has been validated by detailing how it can be used in various modelling tasks, some of them illustrated by a (industrial) case study.
Content‐Area Teachers’ Appropriation of Language Development Practices During Professional Learning
Authors: Molle Daniella
Published: August 2020

Persistent inequalities in the education of multilingual students make the effective integration of content and language instruction an urgent issue for theory and practice. This article contributes to the literature on content and language integration by exploring empirically the relationship between teacher learning and changes in teacher practice. The study was situated in a professional learning program for middle school content‐area teachers of multilingual youth. The author uses case study analysis to investigate how a team of three content‐area teachers took up and incorporated in practice ideas related to language‐focused instruction. The data analysis revealed a central contradiction that arose as the teachers engaged with instructional practices that were novel for them. The central contradiction, which remained unresolved for the duration of the professional development, consisted of privileging access to disciplinary content over opportunities for language development. The study offers recommendations for mitigating this contradiction in similar professional learning environments.
CCCDTD5: research diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Gauthier Serge , Chertkow Howard , Theriault Joseph , Chayer Céline , Ménard Marie‐Chantal , Lacombe Guy , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Ismail Zahinoor
Published: August 2020

The CCCDTD5 reviewed the research diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease proposed in the NIA‐AA Research Framework and supports their use in research but not in clinical practice
Erratum to: The light-fermion contribution to the exact Higgs-gluon form factor in QCD
Authors: Harlander Robert V. , Prausa Mario , Usovitsch Johann
Published: August 2020

As pointed out in ref. [1], the Hg-term of eq. (3.7b) in the original paper is missing a renormalization scale-dependent prefactor.
Supersymmetry, Ricci flat manifolds and the String Landscape
Authors: Acharya B. S.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

A longstanding question in superstring/Mtheory is does it predict supersymmetry below the string scale? We formulate and discuss a necessary condition for this to be true; this is the mathematical conjecture that all stable, compact Ricci flat manifolds have special holonomy in dimensions below eleven. Almost equivalent is the proposal that the landscape of all geometric, stable, string/Mtheory compactifications to Minkowski spacetime (at leading order) are supersymmetric. For simply connected manifolds, we collect together a number of physically relevant mathematical results, emphasising some key outstanding problems and perhaps less well known results. For non-simply connected, non-supersymmetric Ricci flat manifolds we demonstrate that many cases suffer from generalised Witten bubble of nothing instabilities.
Random Walk on the Simple Symmetric Exclusion Process
Authors: Hilário Marcelo R. , Kious Daniel , Teixeira Augusto
Published: August 2020

We investigate the long-term behavior of a random walker evolving on top of the simple symmetric exclusion process (SSEP) at equilibrium, in dimension one. At each jump, the random walker is subject to a drift that depends on whether it is sitting on top of a particle or a hole, so that its asymptotic behavior is expected to depend on the density$$\rho \in [0, 1]$$ρ∈[0,1]of the underlying SSEP. Our first result is a law of large numbers (LLN) for the random walker for all densities$$\rho $$ρexcept for at most two values$$\rho _-, \rho _+ \in [0, 1]$$ρ-,ρ+∈[0,1]. The asymptotic speed we obtain in our LLN is a monotone function of$$\rho $$ρ. Also,$$\rho _-$$ρ-and$$\rho _+$$ρ+are characterized as the two points at which the speed may jump to (or from) zero. Furthermore, for all the values of densities where the random walk experiences a non-zero speed, we can prove that it satisfies a functional central limit theorem (CLT). For the special case in which the density is 1/2 and the jump distribution on an empty site and on an occupied site are symmetric to each other, we prove a LLN with zero limiting speed. We also prove similar LLN and CLT results for a different environment, given by a family of independent simple symmetric random walks in equilibrium.
Anosov flows, growth rates on covers and group extensions of subshifts
Authors: Dougall Rhiannon , Sharp Richard
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to study growth properties of group extensions of hyperbolic dynamical systems, where we do not assume that the extension satisfies the symmetry conditions seen, for example, in the work of Stadlbauer on symmetric group extensions and of the authors on geodesic flows. Our main application is to growth rates of periodic orbits for covers of an Anosov flow: we reduce the problem of counting periodic orbits in an amenable cover X to counting in a maximal abelian subcover $$X^{\mathrm {ab}}$$

X
ab

. In this way, we obtain an equivalence for the Gurevič entropy: $$h(X)=h(X^{\mathrm {ab}})$$

h

(
X
)

=
h

(

X
ab

)

if and only if the covering group is amenable. In addition, when we project the periodic orbits for amenable covers X to the compact factor M, they equidistribute with respect to a natural equilibrium measure — in the case of the geodesic flow, the measure of maximal entropy.
How accurate is circular dichroism-based model validation?
Authors: Nagy Gabor , Grubmüller Helmut
Published: August 2020

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is highly sensitive to the secondary structure (SS) composition of proteins. Several methods exist to either estimate the SS composition of a protein or to validate existing structural models using its CD spectrum. The accuracy and precision of these methods depend on the quality of both the measured CD spectrum and the used reference structure. Using a large reference protein set with high-quality CD spectra and synthetic data derived from this set, we quantified deviations from both ideal spectra and reference structures due to experimental limitations. We also determined the impact of these deviations on SS estimation, CD prediction, and SS validation methods of the SESCA analysis package. With regard to the CD spectra, our results suggest intensity scaling errors and non-SS contributions as the main causes of inaccuracies. These factors also can lead to overestimated model errors during validation. The errors of the used reference structures combine non-additively with errors caused by the CD spectrum, which increases the uncertainty of model validation. We have further shown that the effects of scaling errors in the CD spectrum can be nearly eliminated by appropriate re-scaling, and that the accuracy of model validation methods can be improved by accounting for typical non-SS contributions. These improvements have now been implemented within the SESCA package and are available at: https://www.mpibpc.mpg.de/sesca.