bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeine Upregulates Hepatic Sex Hormone‐Binding Globulin Production by Increasing Adiponectin Through AKT/FOXO1 Pathway in White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Briansó‐Llort Laura , Fuertes‐Rioja Lidia , Ramos‐Perez Lorena , Hernandez Cristina , Simó Rafael , Selva David M.
Published: July 2020

Scope

Epidemiological studies have shown that caffeine increases serum sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels. The relationship between caffeine and SHBG production has never been studied before at molecular level. The aim of this study is to examine whether caffeine regulates SHBG production and to determine the associated molecular mechanisms.

Methods and results

Two different studies are performed; in vitro studies using human HepG2 cells treated with caffeine (100 and 500 µm) and in vivo studies using a humanized SHBG transgenic mice drinking caffeine in the water (0.1 mg mL−1) for 12 days. The results show that caffeine does not change SHBG production in HepG2 cells. By contrast, caffeine treatment increases significantly hepatic SHBG production in human SHBG transgenic mice when compared with control mice. Caffeine increases adiponectin levels in epididymal adipose tissue of human SHBG transgenic mice. Moreover, caffeine increases adiponectin production by reducing protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation which increases forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) protein levels in 3T3‐L1 mature adipocytes and human SHBG transgenic mice. Finally, caffeine‐induced increase in adiponectin in turn upregulates hepatic hepatocyte nuclear receptor 4‐alpha (HNF‐4α) levels in human SHBG transgenic mice.

Conclusions

The results show that caffeine upregulates hepatic SHBG expression by increasing adiponectin production through AKT/FOXO1 pathway in the adipose tissue.
High‐efficiency utilization of carbon materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhang Su , Wang Lin , Wei Tong , Qiu Zhipeng , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: July 2020

With the rapid development of mobile electronics and electric vehicles, the future development of supercapacitors focuses on not only high energy and power densities but also device minimization and lightweight. Although activated carbon based on an electric double‐layer mechanism has been used in commercialized supercapacitors, it is unsatisfied with the ever‐increasing demands for high energy and power device in a limited space. Therefore, it is urgent for the design and preparation of advanced carbon electrode materials with both high gravimetric and volumetric performance without sacrificing their inherent high‐rate ability and long‐lifespan. This review presents the latest developments in high‐efficiency utilization of carbon materials for supercapacitors including the carbon surface and space. We discuss the impact of pore engineering, conductive network, and surface engineering on the energy storage ability of the carbon materials, and highlight the synthesis and characterization as well as the relationship between their structural properties and electrochemical performance. Finally, future research towards developing advanced carbon supercapacitors, perspectives, and challenges are outlined.
Possible association between the integrity of cerebellar pathways and neurocognitive performance in children with posterior fossa tumors
Authors: Liguoro Ilaria , Passone Eva , Zilli Tiziana , Maieron Marta , De Colle Maria Cristina , Skrap Miran , Dolcemascolo Valentina , Sommariva Giulia , Cogo Paola , Tomasino Barbara
Published: July 2020

Background

Cerebellar tumor survivors often exhibit neuropsychological deficits that could be related to alterations in cerebro‐cerebellar networks. This is a pilot study designed to understand if diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based tractography is able to identify possible correlations between cerebellar white matter structure and cognitive outcome in children on long‐term follow‐up for posterior fossa (PF) tumors who were thoroughly assessed for neuropsychological functioning.

Methods

DTI‐based tractography was performed in pediatric patients with PF tumors. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and volumetric measurements of spinocerebellar, dentorubrothalamocortical and corticopontocerebellar tracts were analyzed. Cognitive and neuropsychological functioning was assessed by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–IV Edition (WISC‐IV) and the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY II). The associations between Full‐Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), NEPSY‐II scores, and fiber tracts were tested by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Seven patients (median age at diagnosis five years, range, 3‐13) treated for medulloblastoma (2/7; 29%) and pilocytic astrocytoma (5/7; 71%) were retrospectively evaluated. All children had complete surgery. The median FSIQ was 84 (range, 67‐93). Patients presented with several deficits on many NEPSY‐II tasks; in particular, memory was impaired in nearly half of them. FSIQ and neurocognitive tasks significantly correlated with specific corticopontocerebellar tracts.

Conclusion

Children on follow‐up for PF tumor showed scattered cognitive impairments, including deficits in long‐term and immediate memory. Tractography allowed us to describe a possible association between the integrity of cerebellar pathways and neurocognitive performance, suggesting that the myelinization of these fibers may represent an indicator for the development of long‐term cognitive sequelae.
Synthesis of supercritical carbon dioxide‐philic phospholipids and determination of their solubility
Authors: Song Junying , Jiao Zhen , Cheng Jiangrui , Ruan Ningjie , Yang Lixia
Published: July 2020

The supercritical technology is a promising green process in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, food, and feed industries. However, the poor solubility of phospholipid in supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) limits its application in some processes. In order to enhance the solubility, a modified phospholipid with ScCO2‐philic group (eg, polyvinyl acetate), is designed and successfully synthesized. The solubility of the ScCO2‐philic phospholipids in ScCO2 with ethanol as cosolvent (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mol%) is determined at the temperatures of 313.15, 318.15, 323.15, 328.15 K, and the pressure range of 9 to 15 MPa. The determination results indicate that the solubility of the modified phospholipid in ScCO2 is much higher than that of the soybean phospholipids. Furthermore, five semiempirical equations, namely, Chrastil‐G, MST‐S, Sodeifian‐Sajadian, Pérez, and Reddy, are used to correlate and predict the experimental results. The average absolute relative deviations of the correlation equations are 6.91%, 7.08%, 6.06%, 2.62%, and 6.15%, respectively, indicating that the solubility data can be well predicted.
Structural studies and cyclization of the neuroprotective octapeptide NAPVSIPQ to improve cell permeability
Authors: Ernenwein Dawn , St. John Sarah E. , Stewart Alistair J. , Morimoto Bruce H. , Chmielewski Jean , Lipton Mark A.
Published: July 2020

A secondary structural model for the neuroprotective octapeptide NAPVSIPQ in DMSO was developed using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. On the basis of this model, four cyclized analogues of NAPVSIPQ were designed to improve its cell permeability with a long‐term view to oral delivery and increasing central nervous system (CNS) penetration. Testing of cell permeability through a monolayer of Caco‐2 cells demonstrated that three of the four cyclized analogues did exhibit up to 5‐fold improved permeability through the Caco‐2 monolayer. Additionally, none of the peptides appears to be P‐glycoprotein substrates subject to cellular efflux.
Long‐term Follow‐up of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors: A Focus on Screening, Monitoring, and Therapeutics
Authors: Saunders Ila M. , Tan Marisela , Koura Divya , Young Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Annually, ~50,000 patients undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) worldwide with almost 22,000 of these patients receiving HCT in the United States. HCT is a curative option for a wide range of hematologic malignancies, and advances in transplantation medicine have resulted in an increase in HCT survivors. It is anticipated that the number of HCT survivors will more than double from 242,000 in 2020 to ~500,000 in 2030. Survivors of HCT are at an increased risk of developing late complications due to exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation in the pre‐, peri‐, and post‐HCT phases and these cumulative exposures have the potential to damage normal tissue. This tissue damage leads to the early onset of chronic health conditions resulting in premature mortality in HCT survivors, who have a 15‐year cumulative incidence of severe or life‐threatening chronic health conditions exceeding 40%. Due to the significant burden of morbidity in HCT survivors and the delay in the development of long‐term complications, this delicate patient population requires life‐long monitoring due to the risk for neuropsychological, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, ocular, skeletal, cardiac, endocrine, fertility, and sexual health complications, as well as secondary neoplasms. This review will focus on recent advances in screening, monitoring, and therapeutics for late‐occurring or long‐term complications in HCT survivors.
Exploring the physicochemical and morphological properties of peptide‐hybridized dendrimers (DendriPeps) and their aggregates
Authors: Smith Ryan J. , Fabiani Thomas , Wang Siyao , Ramesh Srivatsan , Khan Saad , Santiso Erik , da Silva Fernando Luis Barroso , Gorman Christopher , Menegatti Stefano
Published: July 2020

This article presents an integrated experimental and computational study of DendriPeps, a novel class of dendrimers featuring a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) backbone hybridized with peptide segments. Hydroxyl‐terminated Generation 2 (G.2) DendriPeps, comprising either four lysines (Lys) or four glutamic acids (Glu), and G.3 DendriPeps, comprising 8 Lys or 8 Glu, were first characterized in terms of hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and ζ‐potential in aqueous solution. Unlike PAMAM dendrimers, DendriPeps form aggregates with Rh between 60 and 980 nm and ζ‐potential between −130 and 80 mV despite their strong net charge. Upon application of shear, all aggregates disassemble into monomeric DendriPeps (Rh ~ 1–3 nm), but reform rapidly as shear is removed. Rheological characterization confirmed that DendriPep aggregates are disrupted by mild shear, but reform reversibly. Molecular dynamics simulations, informed by titrimetry, suggest that DendriPep aggregation derives from their multipolar structure and ability to rearrange the intermolecular/intramolecular pairing of titratable moieties at different pH values.
Method for calculating the liquid water fraction of saline soil during the freezing process
Authors: Xiao Zean , Lai Yuanming , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2020

The liquid water fraction is one of the most important parameters in the study of saline soils of cold regions, and has great influence on water migration. The freezing temperature and saturated concentration of pore solutions have been investigated according to thermodynamic theory, indicating that pore radius, temperature, and salt concentration are the three main influencing factors. Here, a method for calculating the liquid water fraction of saline soil is proposed, in which the liquid water fraction of saline soil can be calculated for different water contents and initial salt concentrations according to the pore size distribution. Comparison of the experimental data with the results of the model shows that the model provides reasonable calculations for the unfrozen water content of saline frozen soils, and both the first and the second phase transition can be modeled well. Considering the solubility of salt, the amount of salt crystallization and ice formation during cooling can also be obtained. The proposed method can be used to distinguish the proportion of salt expansion and frost heave, and also provide a novel approach for calculating the matric suction of saline soil during the freezing process.
Control efficacy and joint toxicity of thiamethoxam mixed with spirotetramat against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama
Authors: Tang Tao , Zhao Mingping , Wang Pei , Huang Shengkong , Fu Wei
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is one of the most devastating pests in citrus orchards, and has caused huge economic losses worldwide. Chemical control is the most effective way for psyllid control. Herein, the toxicity of nine insecticides to ACP adults and the joint action of thiamethoxam + spirotetramat were determined by a topical application method in the laboratory; field plot experiments were conducted to evaluate the control efficacy of one self‐made thiamethoxam + spirotetramat 40% suspension concentrate (SC) comparing with thiamethoxam 21% SC, spirotetramat 22.4% SC, tolfenpyrad 15% SC and bifenthrin 100 g/L emulsifiable concentrate against ACP using foliar sprays in 2018–2019.

RESULTS

The highest toxicity to ACP adults was achieved by beta‐cyfulthrin, bifenthrin, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid, with median lethal doses of 0.247 to 1.382 ng/adult at 24 h after treatment. High toxicity was observed by chlorpyrifos, spirotetramat and tolfenpyrad, but moderate toxicity by pyriproxyfen and buprofezin. For mixutres of thiamethoxam and spirotetramat, a 25:15 mass ratio showed the highest synergistic effect, with a co‐toxicity coefficient (CTC) of 246.52; while a 10:30 mass ratio exhibited an additive effect, with a CTC of 109.84. Thiamethoxam + spirotetramat 40% SC at 60–80 mg/kg can effectively control ACP with a control efficacy of 72.92 to 99.29% during 3–30 days. Moreover, foliar sprays of all tested insecticides at the tested rates had no phytotoxic effects on citrus trees.

CONCLUSION

A one‐time foliar spray of thiamethoxam + spirotetramat 40% SC at 80 mg/kg could be recommended to control ACP during its infestation period in citrus groves.
Exploring quinclorac resistance mechanisms in Echinochloa crus‐pavonis from China
Authors: Yang Xia , Han Heping , Cao Jingjing , Li Yongfeng , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen B
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa spp.) is a global weed in rice fields. Quinclorac is commonly used to control barnyardgrass. However, due to persistent use, quinclorac resistance has evolved. We obtained quinclorac‐susceptible (QS) and ‐resistant (QR1, QR2) lines from the progeny of a single resistant E. crus‐pavonis for a resistance mechanism study.

RESULTS

Line QR1 exhibited resistance to high quinclorac rates (up to 6400 g ha−1), whereas line QR2 exhibited a resistance/susceptibility segregation ratio of 3:1 at the field or lower rates (400, 100 g ha−1). Intriguingly, a lower level of 14C‐quinclorac metabolism and hence a higher level of 14C‐quinclorac translocation was observed in QR1 than QS plants. The basal expression levels of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase 2 (ACO2) genes did not differ significantly between the QR1 and QS lines. However, more expression of ACS and ACO genes was induced by quinclorac treatment in QS than in QR1. Basal levels of β‐cyanoalanine synthase (β‐CAS) gene expression were similar in QS and QR1 plants, but a greater level of down‐regulation was detected in QS than in QR1 plants after quinclorac treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate QR plants are less responsive to quinclorac than QS plants in terms of up‐regulating quinclorac metabolism and ethylene synthesis. Resistance in this E. crus‐pavonis line is likely controlled by a single major gene, involving possibly an alteration in auxin signal perception/transduction to the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. The β‐CAS is unlikely to play a major role in quinclorac resistance in this particular population.
Evolution of Optical, Electrical, and Structural Properties of Indium Tungsten Oxide upon High Temperature Annealing
Authors: Menzel Dorothee , Korte Lars
Published: July 2020

Optical, structural and electrical properties of thermally co‐evaporated indium tungsten oxide (IWOx) thin films with varied stoichiometry, from pure tungsten oxide to pure indium oxide (InOx) are investigated upon stepwise annealing, up to 700 °C. The thin films are candidate materials for carrier selective contacts in different types of solar cells, such as silicon hetero junction and perovskite solar cells. Three different phases for the thin films with different stoichiometry and crystallization temperatures of Tc > 500 °C for tungsten‐rich layers and Tc ≈ 200 °C for indium‐rich layers are found. The pronounced optical absorption of the as‐deposited InOx‐rich layers is strongly decreased after crystallization. Tungsten oxide rich layers show low optical absorption in the as‐deposited state as well as for all applied annealing temperatures. The lateral conductivity of the pure indium oxide can be increased from 1.24 × 10−2 up to 0.83 S cm−1 after 700 °C annealing. The conductivity of the pure tungsten oxide increases slightly after crystallization from 2.55 × 10−5 to 8.25 × 10−5 S cm−1 after annealing at 700 °C. However, for mixed oxide layers with ≈25% InOx‐fraction in the mixture, the highest conductivity of 4.0 × 10−6 S cm−1 cannot be increased by the applied annealing process.
Thermoelectric Properties of Low Te Concentration‐Doped Cu2ZnSnSe4‐Based Quaternary Alloys
Authors: Huo Taichang , Mehmood Fahad , Wang Hongchao , Su Wenbin , Wang Xue , Chen Tingting , Zhang Kaiqi , Feng Juanjuan , Wang Chunlei
Published: July 2020

Quaternary Cu2ZnSnSe4 alloys have attracted more attentions as promising thermoelectric materials due to their instinct low thermal conductivity. Herein, Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Cu2ZnSn0.98Pb0.02Se4−xTex (x = 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030) alloys are successfully synthesized by melting, annealing, and hot pressing. All samples show main kesterite structure with slight Cu0.656Te0.344 impurity phases, high relative densities, and homogeneous element distribution. A higher power factor of 678.3 μW K−2m−1 is achieved at 673 K for Cu2ZnSn0.98Pb0.02Se3.975Te0.025 alloy, which is due to the reduction of the electrical resistivity. Meanwhile, the lattice thermal conductivity is slightly increased because the lattice structure is more symmetrical with Te‐doped samples. Combining the increased point defects, the minimum lattice thermal conductivity of 1.5 Wm−1 K−1 is achieved at 673 K. As the comprehensive result, the maximum figure of merit zT of 0.24 has been obtained at 673 K for Cu2ZnSn0.98Pb0.02Se3.975Te0.025 alloy, which is about 24% higher than that of the Cu2ZnSnSe4.
Crossover to Negative Dielectric Constant in Perovskite PrMnO3
Authors: Balu Santhosh Kumar , Shanker Nagararaj Praveen , Manikandan Marimuthu , Aparnadevi Natarajan , Mukilraj Thayanithi , Manimuthu Periyaswamy , Venkateswaran Chakravarthy
Published: July 2020

Negative dielectric constant (NDC) materials have the potential for unique optical and microwave applications and their use can greatly reduce the complexity of device architecture. The observation of temperature‐dependent NDC above 503 K in the perovskite PrMnO3 is reported which obeys the classical Drude theory. This is confirmed through impedance spectroscopy, and the principle behind the associated negative dielectric loss is explained using the Axelrod mechanism.
Mixed‐Cation MAxCs1−xPbBr3 Perovskite Single Crystals with Composition Management for High‐Sensitivity X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Fan Zhengfang , Liu Jiang , Zuo Wentao , Liu Guoqiang , He Xulin , Luo Kun , Ye Qinyan , Liao Cheng
Published: July 2020

High‐sensitivity X‐ray detection is widely applied in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Perovskite single crystals have been demonstrated to be a kind of potential material in X‐ray detection because of their large X‐ray attenuation coefficient, low crystal growth cost, and excellent photoelectric properties. In this study, a successful method to grow mixed‐cation MAxCs1−xPbBr3 single crystals with the assistance of an antisolvent and a highly sensitive X‐ray detector with symmetrical sandwich structure is reported. The analysis of absorption spectra of these crystals indicates the bandgap is tunable from 2.25 to 2.16 eV with increasing methylammonium (MA) compositions. Through the space‐charge‐limited current measurement, these mixed‐cation crystals achieve significantly improved electronic properties involving trap density, mobility, and conductivity, compared with the MAPbBr3 and CsPbBr3 crystals. The optimized electronic properties enable a high‐sensitivity X‐ray detector and a systematical analysis of crystal composition and detection performance. The X‐ray detectors based on mixed‐cation crystals exhibit a higher sensitivity and lower detection limit. The MA0.6Cs0.4PbBr3‐based detector achieves a sensitivity of up to 2017 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 1.2 μGyair s−1 under an applied voltage of 1 V, which is much better than our prepared MAPbBr3‐ and CsPbBr3‐based detectors.
Lower bounds for the number of inlets of hexagonal systems
Authors: Cruz Roberto , Duque Frank , Rada Juan
Published: July 2020

The number of inlets of a hexagonal system H is denoted by r(H) and defined as the sum of the fissures, bays, coves, and fjords of H. It is well known that the parameter r plays an important role in the theory of molecular descriptors. Let Λn and Γm denote the set of hexagonal systems with n vertices and m edges, respectively. In this paper we find sharp lower bounds for the number of inlets on Λn and Γm. As a consequence, we determine extremal values of the Randić, harmonic, and geometric‐arithmetic indices over Λn and Γm.
Gender inequality as the determinant of human trafficking in Rwanda
Authors: Gacinya John
Published: July 2020

Gender inequality is built on the premise that women have been marginalized in all aspects of life and this has resulted in poverty which is a function of human trafficking. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of gender inequality to human trafficking in Rwanda. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. The target population of the study comprised of 341 respondents and the sample size was 184 respondents. Among those who were issued a questionnaire only 154 responded. Stratified sampling technique and simple random sampling were used to obtain a representative sample. A questionnaire was used to collect the primary data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0 for windows was applied to analyze the quantitative data. The findings indicated that R = 0.50 and R2 = 0.30 which is a strong relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The significance of the F‐statistic is 0.000 which is less than 0.05. This implies that null hypothesis is rejected and conclude that there is a relationship between gender inequality and human trafficking. The proposed model shows that gender inequality (Beta = 0.539) was the most important in influencing human trafficking and the Y intercept is 0.969, Thus, the model is written as, Y = 0.969 + 0.539X. The study concludes that human trafficking in Rwanda is a result of socioeconomic marginalization. To overcome gender inequality and, therefore, human trafficking the government of Rwanda needs to encourage women do the nontraditional vocations which are mostly in off farm works and joining government decision‐making positions.
Variable selection for high‐dimensional partly linear additive Cox model with application to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wu Qiwei , Zhao Hui , Zhu Liang , Sun Jianguo
Published: July 2020

Variable selection has been discussed under many contexts and especially, a large literature has been established for the analysis of right‐censored failure time data. In this article, we discuss an interval‐censored failure time situation where there exist two sets of covariates with one being low‐dimensional and having possible nonlinear effects and the other being high‐dimensional. For the problem, we present a penalized estimation procedure for simultaneous variable selection and estimation, and in the method, Bernstein polynomials are used to approximate the involved nonlinear functions. Furthermore, for implementation, a coordinate‐wise optimization algorithm, which can accommodate most commonly used penalty functions, is developed. A numerical study is performed for the evaluation of the proposed approach and suggests that it works well in practical situations. Finally the method is applied to an Alzheimer's disease study that motivated this investigation.
Impact of Mineral Ions and Their Concentrations on Pasting and Gelation of Potato, Rice, and Maize Starches and Blends Thereof
Authors: Lemmens Elien , Waterschoot Jasmien , Smolders Erik , Delcour Jan A.
Published: July 2020

Blends of starches can undergo additive or non‐additive pasting and gelation. As the impact of this remains undocumented, the effect of (partial) cation removal from waxy rice starch (WRS), regular rice starch (RRS), waxy maize starch (WMS), regular maize starch (RMS), and blends thereof with regular potato starch (RPS) on their pasting and gelation is studied. This is done by prior extraction with water or a solution of singly protonated EDTA. The (partial) removal of cations lowers the gelatinization temperatures of individual starches, causes pasting to start at lower temperatures and the level of viscosity breakdown to increase. This indicates lower granular stability when removing cations. Blends of RPS with untreated WMS/RMS and WRS/RRS show more additive pasting than blends of RPS with the same starches from which cations have been partly removed. Additionally, the presence of cations in cereal starches reduces swelling and viscosity development of RPS. The high peak viscosities, breakdown, and setback values suggest that more granular breakdown results in higher availability of molecules for increased network formation in blends of RPS with treated starches than in those with untreated starches. The obtained results are of interest for food applications where different starches are combined.
MMP13 and TIMP1 are functional markers for two different potential modes of action by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells when treating osteoarthritis
Authors: Salerno Anna , Brady Kyla , Rikkers Margot , Li Chao , Caamaño-Gutierrez Eva , Falciani Francesco , Blom Ashley W. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Hollander Anthony P.
Published: July 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated as a potential injectable therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, with some evidence of success in preliminary human trials. However, optimization and scale-up of this therapeutic approach depends on the identification of functional markers that are linked to their mechanism of action. One possible mechanism is through their chondrogenic differentiation and direct role in neo-cartilage synthesis. Alternatively, they could remain undifferentiated and act through the release of trophic factors that stimulate endogenous repair processes within the joint. Here, we show that extensive in vitro aging of bone marrow-derived human MSCs leads to loss of chondrogenesis but no reduction in trophic repair, thereby separating out the two modes of action. By integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we found that reduced chondrogenesis with passage is linked to downregulation of the FOXM1 signaling pathway while maintenance of trophic repair is linked to CXCL12. In an attempt at developing functional markers of MSC potency, we identified loss of mRNA expression for MMP13 as correlating with loss of chondrogenic potential of MSCs and continued secretion of high levels of TIMP1 protein as correlating with the maintenance of trophic repair capacity. Since an allogeneic injectable osteoar therapy would require extensive cell expansion in vitro, we conclude that early passage MMP13+, TIMP1-secretinghigh MSCs should be used for autologous OA therapies designed to act through engraftment and chondrogenesis, while later passage MMP13−, TIMP1-secretinghigh MSCs could be exploited for allogeneic OA therapies designed to act through trophic repair.
Implementing “enhanced rehearsals” in a practice‐based TESOL methods course
Authors: Martel Jason
Published: July 2020

Although the practice‐based approach is gaining popularity in teacher preparation programs, the Master of Arts in TESOL (MATESOL) world is only beginning to engage with it, especially at the tertiary/adult level. Grounded in sociocultural principles of learning, practice‐based teacher education involves guiding teacher candidates through studying, rehearsing, and enacting core practices. Some core practices pertain to all academic subjects, whereas others are subject‐specific. In this concept‐based practice feature, the author explains tenets of the practice‐based approach and then describes a novel strategy he developed while implementing it in his methods course, which he calls “enhanced rehearsals.” The author concludes with critical reflections on the process of rendering his teaching more practice‐based.
Resistivity and Thermal Expansion (4.2–820 K) of Skutterudites after Severe Plastic Deformation via HPT
Authors: Rogl Gerda , Soprunyuk Viktor , Schranz Wilfried , Zehetbauer Michael J. , Bursik Jiri , Müller Herbert , Bauer Ernst , Rogl Peter F.
Published: July 2020

Thermoelectric materials with a high figure of merit, ZT, are the essential basis to build thermoelectric generators, which can directly convert heat into electricity. Severe plastic deformation (SPD) via high‐pressure torsion (HPT) was successfully applied to enhance ZT of ball‐milled and hot‐pressed skutterudites as well as to produce bulk nanostructured skutterudites directly from powders. SPD introduces many defects into the sample and in parallel the crystallite size is significantly reduced. During measurement‐induced heating these defects anneal partially out, and the grains grow. In this work for the first time systematically the changes of the temperature‐dependent electrical resistivity and of thermal expansion were compared. It could be shown that for p‐ and n‐type skutterudites, being hot‐pressed and HPT‐processed as well as directly HPT‐processed from compacted powder, these changes occur more or less simultaneously within the same temperature ranges. This evaluation gives a much deeper insight into the thermoelectric behavior of HPT samples under the influence of changing temperature.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = (1, 0) anomaly multiplet relations in six dimensions
Authors: Córdova Clay , Dumitrescu Thomas T. , Intriligator Kenneth
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We consider conformal and ’t Hooft anomalies in six-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) superconformal field theories, focusing on those conformal anomalies that determine the two- and three-point functions of conserved flavor and SU(2)R currents, as well as stress tensors. By analyzing these correlators in superspace, we explain why the number of independent conformal anomalies is reduced in supersymmetric theories. For instance, non- supersymmetric CFTs in six dimensions have three independent conformal c-anomalies, which determine the stress-tensor two- and three-point functions, but in superconformal theories the three c-anomalies are subject to a linear constraint. We also describe anomaly multiplet relations, which express the conformal anomalies of a superconformal theory in terms of its ’t Hooft anomalies. Following earlier work on the conformal a-anomaly, we argue for these relations by considering the supersymmetric dilaton effective action on the tensor branch of such a theory. We illustrate the utility of these anomaly multiplet relations by presenting exact results for conformal anomalies, and hence current and stress-tensor correlators, in several interacting examples.
On the statistical treatment of the Cabibbo angle anomaly
Authors: Grossman Yuval , Passemar Emilie , Schacht Stefan
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We point out that testing the equality of the Cabibbo angle as extracted from Γ(K → πlν), the ratio Γ(K → lν)/Γ(π → lν) and nuclearβdecays is not identical to a test of first row unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. The reason is that a CKM unitarity test involves only two parameters, while the degrees of freedom for the assessment of the goodness-of-fit of the universality of the Cabibbo angle entailed by the Standard Model (SM) is equal to the number of measurements minus one. Beyond the SM all different processes could in principle give different Cabibbo angles. Consequently, the difference between the two tests becomes relevant starting from three observables giving results for the Cabibbo angle that are in tension with each other. With current data, depending on the treatment of the nuclearβdecays, we find that New Physics is favored over the SM at 5.1σor 3.6σwhile CKM unitarity is rejected at 4.8σor 3.0σ, respectively. We argue that the best method to test the SM is to test the equality of the Cabibbo angle, because CKM unitarity is only one aspect of the SM.
Effective quantum kinetic theory for spin transport of fermions with collsional effects
Authors: Yang Di-Lun , Hattori Koichi , Hidaka Yoshimasa
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We systematically derive the collision term for the axial kinetic theory, a quantum kinetic theory delineating the coupled dynamics of the vector/axial charges and spin transport carried by the massive spin-1/2 fermions traversing a medium. We employ the Wigner-function approach and propose a consistent power-counting scheme where the axial-charge distribution function, a non-conserved quantity for massive particles, is accounted as the first-order quantity in the ħ expansion, while the vector-charge distribution function the zeroth-order quantity. This specific power-counting scheme allows us to organize a reduced ħ expansion for the collision term and to formally identity the spin- diffusion effect and the spin-polarization effect at the same order. We confirm that the obtained collisional axial kinetic theory smoothly reduces to the chiral kinetic theory in the massless limit, serving as a consistency check. In the absence of electromagnetic fields, we further present the simplified axial kinetic equations suitable for tracking dynamical spin polarization of heavy and light fermions, respectively. As an application to the weakly coupled quark-gluon plasma at high temperature, we compute the spin-diffusion term for massive quarks within the leading-log approximation. The formal expression for the first- order terms provides a path toward evaluation of the spin polarization effect in quantum chromodynamics.
Pati-Salam axion
Authors: Di Luzio Luca
Published: July 2020

Abstract

I discuss the implementation of the Peccei-Quinn mechanism in a minimal realization of the Pati-Salam partial unification scheme. The axion mass is shown to be related to the Pati-Salam breaking scale and it is predicted via a two-loop renormalization group analysis to be in the window ma ∈ [10−11, 3 × 10−7] eV, as a function of a sliding Left-Right symmetry breaking scale. This parameter space will be fully covered by the late phases of the axion Dark Matter experiments ABRACADABRA and CASPEr-Electric. A Left-Right symmetry breaking scenario as low as 20 TeV is obtained for a Pati-Salam breaking of the order of the reduced Planck mass.
The Poincare Lemma, Antiexact Forms, and Fermionic Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
Authors: Kycia Radosław Antoni
Published: July 2020

The paper focuses on various properties and applications of the homotopy operator, which occurs in the Poincaré lemma. In the first part, an abstract operator calculus is constructed, where the exterior derivative is an abstract derivative and the homotopy operator plays the role of an abstract integral. This operator calculus can be used to formulate abstract differential equations. An example of the eigenvalue problem that resembles the fermionic quantum harmonic oscillator is presented. The second part presents the dual complex to the Dolbeault bicomplex generated by the homotopy operator on complex manifolds.
A longitudinal study of nest occupancy, trail networks and foraging in a polydomous wood ant population
Authors: Burns D. D. R. , Franks D. W. , Parr C. , Hawke C. , Ellis S. , Robinson E. J. H.
Published: July 2020

Most ant colonies live in a single nest (monodomy) or a group of nests (polydomy). However, the length of time for which nests are inhabited varies significantly between different species. Although colonies of some species frequently move nest sites, in others, colonies inhabit the same nest or group of nests for many years. Similarly, in some species foraging and resource-sharing trails are highly dynamic, while in other species trails are used for years. Wood ants are a group of keystone species that inhabit many northern hemisphere woodlands, where they are important predators of invertebrates and indirectly act as herbivores through the farming of aphids. Wood ant colonies exhibit both monodomy and polydomy, and can inhabit nests for many years. Trails in wood ant colonies are also thought to be relatively stable. However, information about colony dynamics is mostly anecdotal as, until now, no longitudinal datasets have been collected. In this study, we collected data from ten polydomous wood ant colonies annually for 8 years and a subset of four colonies 16 times over 2 years. We found that most polydomous wood ant nests are abandoned in the first 2 years after being constructed and are more likely to be abandoned in the latter part of the active season. However, the rate of nest abandonment decreases after 2 years and is lower in larger nests. We also found that wood ant trails are relatively static within an active season and become more static later in the season as trails become established.
Influence of variety and growing location on carotenoid and vitamin E contents of 184 different durum wheat varieties (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) in Germany
Authors: Groth Sabrina , Wittmann Ramona , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Böhm Volker
Published: July 2020

The influence of variety and growing location on the carotenoid and vitamin E content of 184 different varieties of durum wheat of each of the German locations Hohenheim and Seligenstadt was analyzed by HPLC. In addition, the yellow pigment content was measured as b value using a chroma meter. The results showed that the measured parameters vary both between sites and varieties, with higher variance between varieties. Finally, we elaborated a high genetic variance and heritability for lutein and total carotenoids and no negative correlations to important agronomic and quality traits in durum wheat. Thus, future durum breeding could produce varieties with improved agronomy, quality, and increased contents of lutein and total carotenoids. Vitamin E has only a minor importance due to the low contents in durum wheat. Due to the high correlation between the b value and the total carotenoid content, the b value could be used as a cheap and rapid method to initially screen high numbers of breeding lines before testing individual promising breeding lines with HPLC, warranting efficient and accurate selection of durum lines with increased carotenoid content.
Stochastic Navier–Stokes Equations on a Thin Spherical Domain
Authors: Brzeźniak Zdzisław , Dhariwal Gaurav , Le Gia Quoc Thong
Published: July 2020

Incompressible Navier–Stokes equations on a thin spherical domain $$Q_\varepsilon $$

Q
ε

along with free boundary conditions under a random forcing are considered. The convergence of the martingale solution of these equations to the martingale solution of the stochastic Navier–Stokes equations on a sphere $$\mathbb {S}^2$$

S

2

as the thickness converges to zero is established.
Determination of intra-oral surface areas by cone-beam computed tomography analysis and their relation with anthrometric measurements of the head
Authors: Assy Z. , Klop C. , Brand H. S. , Hoogeveen R. C. , Koolstra J. H. , Bikker F. J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Determination of intra-oral surface areas might contribute to our understanding of the physiology of the oral cavity and oral diseases. In previous studies, the intra-oral surface area was determined using a laborious and technically challenging method. Our aim was to develop an easy and non-invasive method to determine the intra-oral surface areas.

Methods

In this study, we used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital analysis in 20 human cadavers to determine various intra-oral surface areas, based on digital segmentation. Next, we explored whether there was a relationship between various intra-oral surface areas and anthropometric measurements of the head using Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

Using CBCT and digital analysis, it was possible to determine various intra-oral surface areas. On average, the total intra-oral surface area was 173 ± 19 cm2. Moderate, statistical significant correlations were observed between (1) the length of the head and the palatal surface area, as well as (2) the depth of the head and the surface area of the tongue. These correlations suggest the feasibility of estimating intra-oral surface areas without relying on CBCT imaging.

Conclusions

This study presents a technique for measuring the intra-oral surface areas by CBCT imaging in combination with digital analysis. The results of this study suggest that anthropometric measurements of the head might be used to estimate the surface areas of the palate and tongue.
Interleukin-1 promotes autoimmune neuroinflammation by suppressing endothelial heme oxygenase-1 at the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Hauptmann Judith , Johann Lisa , Marini Federico , Kitic Maja , Colombo Elisa , Mufazalov Ilgiz A. , Krueger Martin , Karram Khalad , Moos Sonja , Wanke Florian , Kurschus Florian C. , Klein Matthias , Cardoso Silvia , Strauß Judith , Bolisetty Subhashini , Lühder Fred , Schwaninger Markus , Binder Harald , Bechman Ingo , Bopp Tobias , Agarwal Anupam , Soares Miguel P. , Regen Tommy , Waisman Ari
Published: July 2020

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 (IL-1) is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Herein, we studied the role of IL-1 signaling in blood–brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes and microglia for EAE development, using mice with the conditional deletion of its signaling receptor IL-1R1. We found that IL-1 signaling in microglia and astrocytes is redundant for the development of EAE, whereas the IL-1R1 deletion in BBB-ECs markedly ameliorated disease severity. IL-1 signaling in BBB-ECs upregulated the expression of the adhesion molecules Vcam-1, Icam-1 and the chemokine receptor Darc, all of which have been previously shown to promote CNS-specific inflammation. In contrast, IL-1R1 signaling suppressed the expression of the stress-responsive heme catabolizing enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in BBB-ECs, promoting disease progression via a mechanism associated with deregulated expression of the IL-1-responsive genes Vcam1, Icam1 and Ackr1 (Darc). Mechanistically, our data emphasize a functional crosstalk of BBB-EC IL-1 signaling and HO-1, controlling the transcription of downstream proinflammatory genes promoting the pathogenesis of autoimmune neuroinflammation.
COVID-19: clinical issues from the Japan Surgical Society
Authors: Mori Masaki , Ikeda Norihiko , Taketomi Akinobu , Asahi Yo , Takesue Yoshio , Orimo Tatsuya , Ono Minoru , Kuwayama Takashi , Nakamura Seigo , Yamada Yohei , Kuroda Tatsuo , Yuzawa Kenji , Hibi Taizo , Nagano Hiroaki , Unno Michiaki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: July 2020

In this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, several key issues must be addressed to ensure safe treatment and prevent rapid spread of the virus and a consequential medical crisis. Careful evaluation of a patient’s condition is crucial for deciding the triage plan, based on the status of the disease and comorbidities. As functionality of the medical care system is greatly affected by the environmental situation, the treatment may differ according to the medical and infectious disease circumstances of the institution. Importantly, all medical staff must prevent nosocomial COVID-19 by minimizing the effects of aerosol spread and developing diagnostic and surgical procedures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for COVID-19 infection, particularly in asymptomatic patients, should be encouraged as these patients are prone to postoperative respiratory failure. In this article, the Japan Surgical Society addresses the general principles of surgical treatment in relation to COVID-19 infection and advocates preventive measures against viral transmission during this unimaginable COVID-19 pandemic.
Peste des petits ruminants in Africa: a review of currently available molecular epidemiological data, 2020
Authors: Dundon William G. , Diallo Adama , Cattoli Giovanni
Published: July 2020

Small ruminants (e.g., sheep and goats) contribute considerably to the cash income and nutrition of small farmers in most countries in Africa and Asia. Their husbandry is threatened by the highly infectious transboundary viral disease peste des petits ruminants (PPR) caused by peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV). Given its social and economic impact, PPR is presently being targeted by international organizations for global eradication by 2030. Since its first description in Côte d’Ivoire in 1942, and particularly over the last 10 years, a large amount of molecular epidemiological data on the virus have been generated in Africa. This review aims to consolidate these data in order to have a clearer picture of the current PPR situation in Africa, which will, in turn, assist authorities in global eradication attempts.
Budget impact analysis of the use of oral and intravenous therapy regimens for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in Germany
Authors: Basic Edin , Kappel Mathias , Misra Arpit , Sellner Leopold , Ratsch Boris A. , Ostwald Dennis A.
Published: July 2020

Background

In Germany, several triplet therapies for treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) patients have recently been approved. While most of them are administered intravenously, ixazomib-based combination is the only orally bioavailable regimen.

Objective

To conduct a 1-year and 3-year budget impact analysis (BIA) of different novel triplets to treat patients with rrMM in second or subsequent therapy lines accounting for costs covered by German statutory health insurance (SHI).

Methods

A 3-state partitioned survival model (PSM) was developed to evaluate the budget impact of the following regimens: carfilzomib plus lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (KRd), elotuzumab plus lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (ERd), daratumumab plus lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (DRd), and ixazomib plus lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (IRd). The analysis included direct medical costs such as drug acquisition, comedication and preparation for parenteral solutions, drug administration and other 1-time costs, adverse event management costs and direct non-medical costs, such as transportation costs.

Results

Based on current drug market shares in German healthcare market, the estimated costs after 1 year of treatment was €551 million (KRd), €163 million (ERd), €584 million (DRd), and €95 million (IRd). The total budget impact of €1393 million is mainly driven by drug acquisition and subsequent therapy costs.

Conclusion

Among the regimens of interest, the oral-based therapy regimens offered cost advantages over intravenous-based therapy regimens. The higher overall costs of intravenous therapy regimens were attributed primarily to higher drug acquisition costs.