bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronan primes the oxidative burst in human neutrophils
Authors: Niemietz Iwona , Moraes Abigail T , Sundqvist Martina , Brown Kelly L
Published: May 2020

Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that in its natural, high molecular mass (HMM) form, promotes tissue repair and homeostasis. With inflammation, HA metabolism and HMM HA fragmentation to low molecular mass (LMM) forms is greatly enhanced. Considerable evidence suggests that LMM HA may act as a damage-associated molecular pattern to initiate innate immune responses. However, the responsiveness of myeloid cells to LMM HA is controversial and largely unknown for neutrophils. Peripheral blood cells from healthy donors were incubated ex vivo with pharmaceutical grade HA of different molecular mass (HMM, LMM, and HA fragments <10 kDa). Key innate immune functions were assessed, namely production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species release (ROS), granule mobilization, and apoptosis. None of the tested sizes of HA altered cytokine production by PBMC and neutrophils. Also, HA had no effect on neutrophil granule mobilization and apoptosis. In contrast, HA primed neutrophils for rapid and robust release of ROS in response to a secondary stimulus (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine). Priming occurred within 20 min of exposure to HA and was similar for all tested molecular mass. The observed effect was independent of granule mobilization and associated with the activation of intracellular signaling pathways involving Src family kinases, glycogen synthase kinase-3, and the proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa. Our findings provide new evidence that HA, irrespective of molecular mass, is a specific priming agent of the neutrophil oxidative burst, which is a critical, early component of an innate immune response.
Spatiotemporal evaluation of the geomorphological state of beach‐dune systems using management criteria
Authors: Roig‐Munar Francesc X. , Garcia‐Lozano Carla , Pintó Josep , Martín‐Prieto José A.
Published: May 2020

This article analyses the spatiotemporal evolution (spanning 1956 to 2016) of two large bays located on the Costa Brava coast: the Gulf of Roses and Bay of Pals (NW Mediterranean, Spain). This research demonstrates how the status of dunes is related to management measures. For this purpose, a matrix of 11 variables was used to assess the management procedures and geo‐environmental conservation status of each sector. The 12 beach‐dune systems assessed have been classified into four stages according to their degree of degradation over time: 1—systems in a natural state (two beaches), 2—very altered or disappeared dune systems (three beaches), 3—remaining systems (three beaches), and 4—systems in recovery state (four beaches). The results show that well‐conserved and recovered dunes are strongly associated with management measures such as rope off dunes, managed paths, and lack of mechanical cleaning. On the contrary, remaining and beaches where dunes have disappeared are located in urban or semiurban areas associated with a lack of management measures. The sustainable and soft management actions applied during the recent years in the studied area have led the dunes toward their recovery after degradation caused by visitors.
Individual Nudix hydrolases affect diverse features of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Drabinska Joanna , Ziecina Mateusz , Modzelan Marta , Jagura‐Burdzy Grazyna , Kraszewska Elzbieta
Published: May 2020

Nudix proteins catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate bonds in a variety of substrates and are ubiquitous in all domains of life. The genome of an important opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, encodes multiple Nudix proteins. To determine the role of nine Nudix hydrolases of the P. aeruginosa PAO1161 strain in its fitness, virulence or antibiotic resistance mutants devoid of individual enzymes were constructed and analyzed for growth rate, motility, biofilm formation, pyocyanin production, and susceptibility to oxidative stress and different antibiotics. The potential effect on bacterial virulence was studied using the Caenorhabditis elegans–P. aeruginosa infection model. Of the nine mutants tested, five had an altered phenotype in comparison with the wild‐type strain. The ΔPA3470, ΔPA3754, and ΔPA4400 mutants showed increased pyocyanin production, were more resistant to the β‐lactam antibiotic piperacillin, and were more sensitive to killing by H2O2. In addition, ΔPA4400 and ΔPA5176 had impaired swarming motility and were less virulent for C. elegans. The ΔPA4841 had an increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. These changes were reversed by providing the respective nudix gene in trans indicating that the observed phenotype alterations were indeed due to the lack of the particular Nudix protein.
Myoclonus: An Electrophysiological Diagnosis
Authors: Merchant Shabbir Hussain I. , Vial‐Undurraga Felipe , Leodori Giorgio , van Gerpen Jay A. , Hallett Mark
Published: May 2020

Background

Many different movement disorders have similar “jerk‐like” phenomenology and can be misconstrued as myoclonus. Different types of myoclonus also share similar phenomenological characteristics that can be difficult to distinguish solely based on clinical exam. However, they have distinctive physiologic characteristics that can help refine categorization of jerk‐like movements.

Objectives

In this review, we briefly summarize the clinical, physiologic, and pathophysiologic characteristics of different types of myoclonus. The methodology and technical considerations for the electrophysiologic assessment of jerk‐like movements are reviewed. A simplistic pragmatic approach for the classification of myoclonus and other jerk‐like movements based on objective electrophysiologic characteristics is proposed.

Conclusions

Clinical neurophysiology is an underutilized tool in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. Various jerk‐like movements have distinguishing physiologic characteristics, differentiated in the milliseconds range, which is beyond human capacity. We argue that the categorization of movement disorders as myoclonus can be refined based on objective physiology that can have important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Analytical study of the performance of the IMERG over the Indian landmass
Authors: Thakur Manoj Kumar , Kumar T. V. Lakshmi , Narayanan M. S. , Kundeti Koteswara Rao , Barbosa Humberto
Published: May 2020

The paper compares the final run of Integrated Multi‐Satellite Retrieval of Global Precipitation Mission (IMERG) products with India Meteorological Department (IMD) gridded data over the Indian land mass during the southwest monsoon period (June–September) in the period 2014–2017. Spatiotemporal variations of the IMERG are evaluated with IMD rainfall by employing different statistical techniques, and the capability of the IMERG is examined using the categorical skill metrics. A region in central India is the focus in order to study the southwest monsoon's static and dynamic characteristics, such as rainfall distribution and monsoon activity, using the IMERG in conjunction with IMD rainfall data sets. The integrated condensation rate (ICR) was estimated using the specific humidity profiles, and it correlated with the IMERG and IMD rainfall. The IMERG is found to be a potential source for adequately reflecting the ground gauge‐gridded data of categorical rainfall amounts, from very light rain (trace–2.4 mm) to very heavy rain (about 115.6–204.4 mm). However, the IMERG does not reflect satisfactorily the extreme heavy rain events (≥ 204.5 mm·day–1) during the study period. The significant correlation between IMERG/IMD rainfall and the ICR suggests that improved adjustments methods are required for better results when depicting accurate extreme heavy rainfall events by the IMERG.
A novel dominant mutation in CRYAB gene leading to a severe phenotype with childhood onset
Authors: Marcos Ana T. , Amorós Diego , Muñoz-Cabello Beatriz , Galán Francisco , Rivas Infante Eloy , Alcaraz‐Mas Luis , Navarro‐Pando José M.
Published: May 2020

Background

αB‐crystallin is a promiscuous protein involved in numerous cell functions. Mutations in CRYAB have been found in patients with different pathological phenotypes that are not properly understood. Patients can present different diseases like cataracts, muscle weakness, myopathy, cardiomyopathy, respiratory insufficiency or dysphagia, but also a variable combination of these pathologies has been found. These mutations can show either autosomal dominant or recessive mode of inheritance and variable penetrance and expressivity. This is the first report of congenital cataracts and myopathy described in childhood due to a CRYAB mutation with autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.

Methods

The whole exome sequence was subjected to phenotype‐driven analysis and a novel variant in CRYAB was detected: c.514delG, p.(Ala172ProfsTer14). The mutation was located in the C‐terminal domain of the protein, which is essential for chaperone activity. The deduced protein was analyzed searching for alterations of the relevant physico‐chemical properties described for this domain. A muscle biopsy was also tested for CRYAB with immunohistochemical and histoenzymatic techniques.

Results

CRYAB displayed a mild immunoreactivity in the subsarcolemmal compartment with no pathological sarcoplasmic accumulation. It agrees with an alteration of the physico‐chemical properties predicted for the C‐terminal domain: hydrophobicity, stiffness, and isomerization.

Conclusions

The described mutation leads to elongation of the protein at the carboxi‐terminal domain (CTD) with altered properties, which are essential for solubility and activity. It suggests that can be the cause of the severe conditions observed in this patient.
Lawsuit targets coverage denial for MH residential treatment
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

Alleging illegal denial of residential treatment of mental health conditions, a Washington, D.C.–based law firm has filed a class‐action lawsuit against health insurer Anthem Inc. The complaint, filed April 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, was filed on behalf of two plaintiffs denied coverage for residential treatment of their mental health conditions, and all those similarly situated.
Psychiatrists, patients favor telemedicine; challenges exist
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

Despite some drawbacks, the transition to telemedicine in the early weeks of the COVID‐19 pandemic went more smoothly than expected, according to a majority of outpatient psychiatrists interviewed in a qualitative analysis published online in Psychiatric Services. Patients, they said, have also expressed satisfaction with virtual care.
A compact circularly polarized isosceles triangular microstrip patch antenna with parasitic elements for multiband application
Authors: Shaw Murari , Mandal Niranjan , Gangopadhyay Malay
Published: May 2020

In this research paper, a isosceles triangular radiating patch with two triangular coplanar parasitic elements has been used to design a compact circularly polarized (CP) microstrip patch antenna that can be used for (2.320‐2.345 GHz) satellite digital audio radio systems (SDARS), (2.30‐2.39 GHz) wireless broadband (WiBro), LTE 2300 (2.3‐2.4 GHz), and WIMAX (2.50‐2.69 GHz) application band. Corners of the two parasitic element along with a portion of driver patch has been cut and optimize to obtain CP characteristics of the antenna with broadside radiation pattern. A slot is also introduced and optimized on the radiating patch to improve the impedance matching. Frequency band generated by the antenna is (2.09‐2.64 GHz) having impedance bandwidth of (S11 ≤ −10 dB) 550 MHz 23.25% and two 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 5.1% (2.29‐2.41GHz) and 1.54% (2.58‐2.62 GHz). The size of proposed antenna is 56 × 52 × 3.2 mm3 in which, FR4 material has been used as dielectric substrate and thin copper plate as radiating patch and ground. Before physical fabrication, HFSS ver13 software has been used to design and analyzed the proposed antenna. It has been found that the measured results of fabricated antenna and simulated results are closely matching.
The efficacy and safety of Vibegron in treating overactive bladder: A systematic review and pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shi Hongbin , Chen Hongyan , Zhang Yong , Cui Yuanshan
Published: May 2020

Objective

Vibegron is a new kind of β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Vibegron for treating overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register and EMBASE were used to pick out randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Vibegron in treating OAB. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also studied. We used RevMan version 5.3.0. to analyze the data.

Results

Three high‐quality RCTs involving a total of 2120 OAB patients were adopted in the systematic review and pooled analysis. The mean number of micturitions episodes/d (mean difference [MD] = −0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.0 to −0.55; P < .00001); the mean number of urgency episodes/d (MD = −0.77; 95% CI = −1.03 to −0.52; P < .00001); mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/d (MD = −0.50; 95% CI = −0.64 to −0.35; P < .00001); mean number of incontinence episodes/d (MD = −0.45; 95% CI = −0.66 to −0.25; P < .0001); and mean volume voided/micturition (MD = 22.22; 95% CI = 17.36 to 27.07, P < .00001) showed that Vibegron was more efficacy in treating OAB than placebo. Dry mouth, drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE), serious adverse event (SAE), and discontinuations due to adverse event (AE) suggested that Vibegron was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and pooled analysis demonstrate that Vibegron 75 mg or 100 mg/d statistically significant improved OAB symptoms. The treatment was well‐tolerated, with a favorable safety profile.
Assessment of nonlinear exact geometry sampling surfaces solid‐shell elements and ANSYS solid elements for 3D stress analysis of piezoelectric shell structures
Authors: Kulikov G. M. , Plotnikova S. V. , Glebov A. O.
Published: May 2020

In this work, the finite rotation exact geometry four‐node solid‐shell element using the sampling surfaces (SaS) method is developed for the analysis of the second Piola‐Kirchhoff stresses in laminated piezoelectric shells. The SaS method is based on choosing inside the layers the arbitrary number of SaS parallel to the middle surface and located at Chebyshev polynomial nodes in order to introduce the displacements and electric potentials of these surfaces as fundamental shell unknowns. The outer surfaces and interfaces are also included into a set of SaS. To circumvent shear and membrane locking, the hybrid‐mixed solid‐shell element on the basis of the Hu‐Washizu variational principle is proposed. The tangent stiffness matrix is evaluated by 3D analytical integration throughout the finite element. This novelty provides a superior performance in the case of coarse meshes. A comparison with the SOLID226 element showed that the developed exact geometry SaS solid‐shell element allows the use of load increments, which are much larger than possible with existing displacement‐based finite elements. Thus, it can be recommended for the 3D stress analysis of doubly‐curved laminated piezoelectric shells because the SaS formulation gives the opportunity to obtain the 3D solutions of electroelasticity with a prescribed accuracy.
A hybrid radial basis functions collocation technique to numerically solve fractional advection–diffusion models
Authors: Hussain Manzoor , Haq Sirajul
Published: May 2020

In this work, we propose a hybrid radial basis functions (RBFs) collocation technique for the numerical solution of fractional advection–diffusion models. In the formulation of hybrid RBFs (HRBFs), there exist shape parameter (c*) and weight parameter (ϵ) that control numerical accuracy and stability. For these parameters, an adaptive algorithm is developed and validated. The proposed HRBFs method is tested for numerical solutions of some fractional Black–Sholes and diffusion models. Numerical simulations performed for several benchmark problems verified the proposed method accuracy and efficiency. The quantitative analysis is made in terms of L∞, L2, Lrms, and Lrel error norms as well as number of nodes N over space domain and time‐step δt. Numerical convergence in space and time is also studied for the proposed method. The unconditional stability of the proposed HRBFs scheme is obtained using the von Neumann methodology. It is observed that the HRBFs method circumvented the ill‐conditioning problem greatly, a major issue in the Kansa method.
The third dimension in palaeopathology: How can three‐dimensional imaging by computed tomography bring an added value to retrospective diagnosis?
Authors: Coqueugniot Hélène , Dutailly Bruno , Dutour Olivier
Published: May 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) imaging is now extensively used for studying ancient human and animal bones. This method has been consensually adopted by palaeoanthropologists, but its interest in palaeopathology has been challenged. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the contribution of 3D reconstructions to retrospective diagnosis in palaeopathology. We selected six palaeopathological cases among our research corpus representing three nosographic categories (trauma, infection and neoplasia) from various periods ranging from the Middle Palaeolithic to the beginning of the Modern Era. For each case, we compared the diagnostic value of plain X‐ray, computed tomography (CT) slices, and 3D reconstructions. The latter were performed using TIVMI program, a free software for research use developed by one of us. Reconstructions are obtained by surface extraction that follows a segmentation process. We showed that this 3D method allowed reconstructing/quantifying pathological processes on ancient bones, usefully supplementing conventional radiological analyses and clearly bringing an added value to retrospective diagnosis in palaeopathology.
Investigation on microscale hygrothermal behavior of carbon nanotube‐reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Huang Zheng‐Wei , Gui Qin‐Feng , Dai Hong‐Liang
Published: May 2020

In this article, a simple and effective formulation of microscale deformation using to simplify the analysis of deformation and stress of carbon nanotube‐reinforced polymer composite (CNTRPC) material structures at the microscale is established. Using a numerical computation and a numerical simulation analysis, the effect of stress and deformation of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polymer matrix on different distribution mode of CNTs, temperature, or moisture is researched. The changing of the inside and outside surfaces' temperature of the material makes the deformation of polymer material unevenly. This work can provide some help to simplify the analysis of hygrothermal deformation and stress of CNTRPC material at both microscale and macroscale.
Prescribing cascade in mental health: the older person at risk
Authors: Hofmann Andrea , Khalid Ali , Mao Yao Hui , Al‐Nakeeb Sara , Obi Ijeoma , Essem Julius , Ruiz‐Mendoza Eladia
Published: May 2020

Older persons with mental illness are vulnerable to the prescribing cascade and the risks of exposure to adverse effects. This is not an uncommon occurrence and this case highlights that it is imperative that prescribers should endeavour to use an holistic approach to treating patients while considering the possibility of unintended consequences that may result from treatment.
Polymerization kinetic pathways of epoxidized linseed oil with aliphatic bio‐based dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Menager Charlotte , Guigo Nathanaël , Vincent Luc , Sbirrazzuoli Nicolas
Published: May 2020

The curing of epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) with three different bio‐based dicarboxylic acids (sebacic acid, suberic acid, and succinic acid) has been investigated. No accelerators or catalysts were used and the resulting thermosets are 100% bio‐based. Structural investigations of the three crosslinked ELO resins were made using FTIR spectroscopy and TMA, that is, tensile tests, TGA, and DMA. As evidenced by FTIR measurements ELO and dicarboxylic acids reacts but no major differences can be distinguished between the dicarboxylic acids. Non‐isothermal curing has been conducted by rheological and DSC measurements. Advanced isoconversional analysis applied to DSC data in association with the complex viscosity variations gives new insights into the polymerization mechanism. The length of dicarboxylic acid carbon chain modifies the reaction rate. Then, a correlation between reaction rate, activation energy, pre‐exponential factors, polymerization mechanism, and change in rate‐limiting step was shown. DMA and tensile tests highlight the relationship between the carbon chain length, reactivity, and thermomechanical properties. The use of succinic acid allows reaching a higher Tg and thermal stability.
Patient participation in multidisciplinary tumor conferences: Providers' perceptions of patients' need satisfaction and emotional experiences
Authors: Diekmann Annika , Heuser Christian , Schellenberger Barbara , Bohmeier Barbara , Holmberg Christine , Ansmann Lena , Ernstmann Nicole
Published: May 2020

Objective

In some breast and gynecological cancer centers in Germany, patients participate in multidisciplinary tumor conferences (MTCs) during the discussion of their own case. The aim of this study was to explore providers' perceptions concerning patients' emotional experiences during participation in an MTC by comparing the perspectives of providers with and without experience with patient participation.

Methods

In this study, semi‐structured interviews with n = 30 providers in n = 6 breast and gynecological cancer centers in North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany, were conducted. One half of the providers had no experience and the other half had experience with patient participation in MTCs. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and content analysis was performed.

Results

The results of this study show a mixed picture of met, unmet and disappointed needs of patients and their emotional reactions, which mainly overlap between both provider groups. Our results show that both provider groups report positive and negative experiences or expectations.

Conclusion

The mixed results regarding expected and perceived patient experiences from the providers' perspective suggest that patient participation in MTCs may not be exclusively of benefit. Further research on advantages and disadvantages for patients and on feasibility from the providers' perspective is necessary and will be conducted within the PINTU project.
ImageBreed: Open‐access plant breeding web–database for image‐based phenotyping
Authors: Morales Nicolas , Kaczmar Nicholas S. , Santantonio Nicholas , Gore Michael A. , Mueller Lukas A. , Robbins Kelly R.
Published: May 2020

High‐throughput image‐phenotyping promises to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement in plant breeding through varietal selections informed by longitudinal growth models. To facilitate routine analyses and to drive breeding decisions, data integration is critical for effective management of germplasm, field experiment design, phenotyping, tissue sampling, genotyping, aerial‐phenotyping campaigns, image files, and geo‐spatial information. To this end, ImageBreed provides a software solution for end‐to‐end image‐based phenotyping integrated into the Breedbase plant breeding system. ImageBreed provides open‐source orthophotomosaic construction for raw image captures from standard color cameras and from the MicaSense RedEdge multispectral camera. Additionally, previously assembled orthophotomosaic raster images can be uploaded. Orthophotomosaic images allow for streamlined extraction of plot‐polygon images; however, ImageBreed plot‐polygon images can also be extracted directly from raw aerial image captures. A web–database interface streamlines assignment of plot‐polygon images from the orthophotomosaic or raw aerial‐captures to the field experiment design. Image processes spanning Fourier‐transform filtering, thresholding, and vegetation index masking are applied to reduce noise in extracted phenotypes. Summary‐statistic phenotypic values are extracted for every observed plot‐polygon image using a structured ontology. Plot‐polygon images are queryable against genotypic, phenotypic, and experimental design information for training of machine learning models and for driving breeding decisions in varietal advancement. ImageBreed is publicly available at http://imagebreed.org and built on the open‐source Breedbase system (https://github.com/solgenomics/sgn); all image‐processing scripts are available at https://github.com/solgenomics/DroneImageScripts and via a Docker image. All data deposited in http://imagebreed.org are publicly available for longitudinal model training and for driving future breeding decisions.
Transportable system for on‐site calibration of permafrost temperature sensors
Authors: Merlone Andrea , Sanna Francesca , Coppa Graziano , Massano Laura , Musacchio Chiara
Published: May 2020

Evaluating the degradation of permafrost is a major challenge in understanding global warming and its impact on the cryosphere. The Global Cryosphere Watch is promoting actions towards data quality and traceability, to achieve comparability of observations from different permafrost stations. In response to this, a transportable system for on‐site calibrations of permafrost temperature sensors was studied, developed and tested in the field, within the project MeteoMet. The system, here described, allows users to establish metrological traceability to permafrost temperature profiles, by performing the calibration on‐site, even in remote or high‐elevation areas, in realistic conditions. A field campaign at 3,000 m elevation to test the system's performance and practical use is also reported. Overall calibration uncertainty in the field accounted for <0.05 °C, with contribution from reference sensors within 2 mK over the whole range; besides reducing uncertainties in each measuring point of a chain, the procedure also allows users to establish comparability among all the sensors within 0.03 °C. The self‐heating effect of each sensor was also evaluated as 0.007 °C, and was thus considered a negligible component. The evolution of permafrost thawing can be more robustly evaluated, through documented data traceability together with improved comparability in space and time.
Periglacial slopewash dominated by solute transfers and subsurface erosion on a High Arctic slope
Authors: Paquette Michel , Fortier Daniel , Lafrenière Melissa , Vincent Warwick F.
Published: May 2020

Arctic slope hydrology studies suggest that water follows preferential subsurface flow paths known as water tracks. While subsurface flow is usually expected to transport only dissolved solids, periglacial studies have indicated some evidence of lessivage associated with flow through sorted patterned ground. We investigated the transport of dissolved and suspended sediments in water tracks on a polar desert slope, and linked this transport to slope and flow path geomorphology. Solute transfer was dominated by carbonate weathering products, and concentrations of other ions increased disproportionately when the active layer thawed. Suspended sediment transport occurred in water tracks, but fluxes were supply‐limited, indicating competent subsurface mechanical erosion. Solute mass fluxes were 5–10 times greater than sediment fluxes. In this dry landscape dominated by snowmelt, surface seepage leads to sediment deposition, while subsurface flow promotes lessivage. A conceptual model of nivation slopes is presented, taking into consideration the influence of flow path morphology and adaptation of the hydrological system to localized water sources from wind‐drifted snowbanks. Climate‐driven permafrost degradation and the increased frequency of rainfall events may result in new sediment sources and changes in flow pathways, modifying the physico‐chemical properties and ecology of downstream receiving waters.
THBS4 silencing regulates the cancer stem cell‐like properties in prostate cancer via blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Hou Yi , Li Hai , Huo Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

Although thrombospondins 4 (THBS4) participates in controlling the biology of prostate cancer (PCa), the mechanism underlying this regulation remains unknown. Hence, this study aims to identify the regulatory effects of THBS4 on the PCa stem cell‐like properties and the potential mechanism associated with the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway.

Methods

PCa stem cells were sorted and identified using flow cytometry and THBS4 expression in the identified PCa stem cells was measured using Western blot assay. THBS4 was overexpressed or silenced in PCa stem cells, following which, self‐renewal, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis of PCa stem cells were assessed as well as tumorigenicity in vivo was evaluated. PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor was applied to identify its involvement in the regulatory roles of THBS4 in PCa stem cells.

Results

THBS4 was expressed at a higher level in PCa stem cells than in PCa cells. The overexpression of THBS4 promoted the self‐renewal and proliferation, curbed the apoptosis of PCa stem cells, and enhanced the in vivo tumorigenicity, which was achieved by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. On the contrary, short‐hairpin RNA‐mediated silencing of THBS4 exhibited suppressive effects on those cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like properties and promotive effects on their apoptosis.

Conclusion

THBS4 silencing can impede the CSC‐like properties in PCa via blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which provides patients with PCa a new therapeutic target.
Increasing heavy rainfall events in south India due to changing land use and land cover
Authors: Boyaj Alugula , Dasari Hari P. , Hoteit Ibrahim , Ashok Karumuri
Published: May 2020

Through an analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) data for the years 2005 and 2017 from the Advanced Wide Field Sensor onboard the Indian Remote Sensing satellite, we find considerable changes in the LULC in three major states of south India, namely, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala. This change is mainly due to increasing urbanization, in addition to the change of prevalent mixed forest into deciduous needle/leaf forest in Kerala. Motivated by this finding, we study the impact of these LULC changes over a decade on the extremes of twelve heavy rainfall events in these states through several sensitivity experiments with a convection‐permitting Weather Research and Forecasting model, by changing the LULC boundary conditions. We particularly focus on three representative heavy rainfall events, specifically, over (a) Chennai (1 December 2015), (b) Telangana (24 September 2016), and (c) Kerala (15 August 2018). The simulated rainfall patterns of the three heavy rainfall events are found to be relatively better with the use of the 2017 LULC boundary conditions. The improvement is statistically significant in the case of the Chennai and Kerala events. On analysis of these simulations, and output from additional simulations we have conducted for nine other heavy rainfall events, we suggest that the recent LULC changes result in higher surface temperatures and sensible heat fluxes, and a deeper and moist boundary layer. This causes a relatively higher convective available potential energy and, consequently, heavier rainfall. We find the LULC changes in the three states, mainly dominated by the increasing urbanization in Telangana and Tamil Nadu, enhance the rainfall during the heavy rainfall events by 20–25%. This is the first extensive investigation of multiple and multi‐regional cases over the Indian region.
Impacts of wind profile shear and curvature on the parameterized orographic gravity wave stress in the Weather Research and Forecasting model
Authors: Xu Xin , Teixeira Miguel A. C. , Xue Ming , Lu Yixiong , Tang Jianping
Published: May 2020

The parameterization of orographic gravity wave drag (OGWD) in the Weather Research and Forecasting model is extended by including the second‐order Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) corrections to the surface wave momentum flux (SWMF) caused by wind profile shear (WSHR) and curvature (WCUR) effects. Simulations of the atmospheric circulation are performed to study the behaviour and impact of the WKB corrections. In January, the SWMF is weakened in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes by the WSHR term, while the WCUR acts to enhance the SWMF over Antarctica. In July, the WSHR corrections are similar to those in January, whereas the WCUR term produces corrections of opposite sign in the high latitudes of each hemisphere. The latter is attributed to the increase of near‐surface winds in the cold season which reverses the low‐level wind profile curvature. The seasonal reversal of the WCUR term contradicts previous findings obtained from offline evaluation using reanalysis datasets. This may be due to the different OGWD parameterization schemes used, or it may suggest a sensitivity to the height at which the wind profile effects are evaluated. Changes in the SWMF can affect the vertical distribution of parameterized OGWD. In January, the OGWD in the NH midlatitudes is decreased in the lower troposphere but increased in the upper troposphere. This is because a reduced SWMF inhibits wave breaking in the lower troposphere. Therefore, more wave momentum flux (WMF) is transported to the upper troposphere which enhances wave breaking there. The increased upper‐tropospheric wave breaking in turn decreases the WMF propagating into the stratosphere where the OGWD is reduced. In July, the reduction of SWMF over Antarctica is more notable than in the NH midlatitudes in January. Consequently, the OGWD is weakened in the upper troposphere over Antarctica.
Proficiency testing of 78 international laboratories measuring tritium in environmental waters by decay counting and mass spectrometry for age dating and water resources assessment
Authors: Copia Lorenzo , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Terzer‐Wassmuth Stefan , Hillegonds Darren J. , Klaus Philipp M. , Araguás‐Araguás Luis J.
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Tritium (3H) is an important hydrological tracer that has been commonly used for over 60 years to evaluate water residence times and water dynamics in shallow/recent groundwaters, streams, lakes and the ocean. We tested the analytical performance of 78 international laboratories engaged in low‐level 3H assays for water age dating and monitoring of environmental waters.

Methods

Seven test waters were distributed by the IAEA to 78 international tritium laboratories. Set 1 included a tritium‐free groundwater plus three ultra‐low 3H samples (0.5–7 TU) for meeting groundwater dating specifications. Set 2 contained three higher 3H‐content samples (40–500 TU) suitable for testing of environmental monitoring laboratories.

Results

Seventy of the laboratories used liquid scintillation counting with or without electrolytic enrichment, seven utilized 3He accumulation and mass spectrometry, and one used gas‐proportional counting. Only ~50% of laboratories demonstrated the ability to generate accurate 3H data that was precise enough for water age dating purposes.

Conclusions

The proficiency test helped identify recurrent weaknesses and potential solutions. Strategies for performance improvements of 3H laboratories include: (a) improved quantification of 3H detection limits and analytical uncertainty, (b) stricter quality control practices in routine operations along with care and recalibration of 3H standards traceable to primary NIST standards, (c) annual assessment of tritium enrichment factors and instrumental performance, and (d) for water age dating purposes the use of electrolytic enrichment systems having the highest possible 3H enrichment factors (e.g. >50×).
The real tau‐conjecture is true on average
Authors: Briquel Irénée , Bürgisser Peter
Published: May 2020

Koiran's real τ‐conjecture claims that the number of real zeros of a structured polynomial given as a sum of m products of k real sparse polynomials, each with at most t monomials, is bounded by a polynomial in mkt. This conjecture has a major consequence in complexity theory since it would lead to superpolynomial lower bounds for the arithmetic circuit size of the permanent. We confirm the conjecture in a probabilistic sense by proving that if the coefficients involved in the description of f are independent standard Gaussian random variables, then the expected number of real zeros of f is .
Killers at the crossroads: The use of innate immune cells in adoptive cellular therapy of cancer
Authors: Sabry May , Lowdell Mark W.
Published: May 2020

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is an approach to cancer treatment that involves the use of antitumor immune cells to target residual disease in patients after completion of chemo/radiotherapy. ACT has several advantages compared with other approaches in cancer immunotherapy, including the ability to specifically expand effector cells in vitro before selection for adoptive transfer, as well as the opportunity for host manipulation in order to enhance the ability of transferred cells to recognize and kill established tumors. One of the main challenges to the success of ACT in cancer clinical trials is the identification and generation of antitumor effector cells with high avidity for tumor recognition. Natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine-induced killers and natural killer T cells are key innate or innate-like effector cells in cancer immunosurveillance that act at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity, to have a greater influence over immune responses to cancer. In this review, we discuss recent studies that highlight their potential in cancer therapy and summarize clinical trials using these effector immune cells in adoptive cellular therapy for the treatment of cancer.
Synthesis, Docking Study and Biological Activities Evaluation of 1‐Amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthol Derivatives as Dual Inhibitors of Cholinesterase and α‐Glucosidase
Authors: Boudebbous Khawla , Boulebd Houssem , Bensouici Chawki , Harakat Dominique , Boulcina Raouf , Debache Abdelmadjid
Published: May 2020

An efficient green synthesis of 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthol derivatives 4 a‐s has been developed, employing phenylboronic acid, by a three component one‐pot condensation reaction of 2‐naphthol, a wide range of functionalized aromatic aldehydes and acetamide, or acrylamide under solvent‐free conditions. This new protocol has the rewards of ecologically benign, easy workup along with good to excellent yields. Moreover, selected compounds were screened towards inhibition of cholinesterase. In vitro studies showed that some synthesized compounds have significant both AChE and BChE inhibitory activities compared to Galanthamine (reference drug). Compounds 4 p and 4 s were the most effective showing high potential AChE and BChE inhibitory activities with respective IC50 values of 13.81±0.54 μM and 31.70±1.29 μM. Subsequent evaluation of the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of the target molecules revealed that compound 4 s with an IC50 value of 2.05±0.05 μM exhibited highest activity. These preliminary results provide promising sources of multifunctional agents and sheds light on their potential usage in medicine and in the pharmaceutical industries. Using molecular docking approach, we tried to get insights into binding interactions of our synthesized compounds to act as AChE and BChE inhibitors and understand the facts that underlie the relationships between structural modifications on these ligands and their efficacy.
Mild Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenols into Cycloalkanes under Ambient Hydrogen Pressure over a Ni/H‐Beta Catalyst
Authors: Ohta Hidetoshi , Sakata Yoshihiro , Nakanishi Daisuke , Hayashi Minoru
Published: May 2020

Hydrodeoxygenation of phenols is an important process for producing six‐membered ring hydrocarbons from lignin. The reaction generally requires high temperatures (300 °C or higher) and high‐pressure H2 gas. In recent years, milder reactions at around 100 °C under atmospheric pressure H2 have been developed by using noble metal catalysts. On the other hand, the reaction with less expensive base metal catalysts still requires either of high temperatures or high‐pressure H2, or the both. Herein, we performed the reaction of various phenols over a Ni/H‐Beta catalyst in octane at 110 °C under atmospheric pressure H2 in a batch reactor to give the corresponding cyclohexanes in 96–33% yield. The reaction proceeds through formation of cyclohexene intermediates, which are eventually converted to cyclohexanes either directly or via transient arene intermediates.
HI/DMSO‐Catalyzed Cyclization of Aryl(sulfo)acylhydrazones with Sulfur
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Weiwei , Liu Yan , Liu Ping
Published: May 2020

The HI/DMSO combination was found to be an excellent catalytic system for cyclization of N‐tosylhydrazones with sulfur without adding external oxidants. This reaction provides various 4‐aryl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazoles in good to excellent yields. Moreover, arylacylhydrazones were also suitable substrates to give the desired products in moderate to good yields. The use of readily available and inexpensive HI as iodine source and DMSO as dual oxidant and solvent makes this system more green and practical for applications. This protocol features by simple operation, broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerability as well as scale‐up ability.
Elaboration of Benzoxadiazepine and Benzotriazocine Scaffolds
Authors: Saied Tarak , Efrit Mohamed L. , Fort Yves , Comoy Corinne
Published: May 2020

The synthesis of fused heterocycles containing several heteroatoms such as benzoxadiazepine and benzotriazocine scaffolds is considered as a complicated task due to their complex and polyunsaturated structures. In this review, we report the different methods and strategies that have been considered over the last decades for their synthesis.
An Amorphous/Crystalline Incorporated Si/SiOx Anode Material Derived from Biomass Corn Leaves for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Anyu , Li Jian , Dong Jiajun , Yang Di , Chen Gang , Wei Yingjin
Published: May 2020

The fabrication of silicon (Si) anode materials derived from high silica‐containing plants enables effective utilization of subsidiary agricultural products. However, the electrochemical performances of synthesized Si materials still require improvement and thus need further structural design and morphology modifications, which inevitably increase preparation time and economic cost. Here, the conversion of corn leaves into Si anode materials is reported via a simple aluminothermic reduction reaction without other modifications. The obtained Si material inherits the structural characteristics of the natural corn leaf template and has many inherent advantages, such as high porosity, amorphous/crystalline mixture structure, and high‐valence SiOx residuals, which significantly enhance the material's structural stability and electrode adhesive strength, resulting in superior electrochemical performances. Rate capability tests show that the material delivers a high capacity of 1200 mA h g−1 at 8 A g−1 current density. After 300 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, the material maintains a high specific capacity of 2100 mA h g−1, with nearly 100% capacity retention during long‐term cycling. This study provides an economical route for the industrial production of Si anode materials for Lithium‐Ion batteries.
Significantly Increasing the Power Conversion Efficiency by Controlling the Orientation of Nonfullerene Small Molecular Acceptors via Side Chain Engineering
Authors: Zeng Guang , Xin Yue , Zhang Bo , Ouyang Jinyang , Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: May 2020

Three S,N‐heteroacene nonfullenere small molecular acceptors (NF‐SMAs) with different branching positions on side chains named SNBDT1‐F, SNBDT2‐F, and SNBDT3‐F are synthesized to understand the relationship among branching positions, molecular orientations of NF‐SMAs, and photovoltaic performance of nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). When the branching position is moved close to the conjugated backbone, the proportion of face‐on orientation increases gradually from 4% (SNBDT3‐F), 16% (SNBDT2‐F), to 44% (SNBDT1‐F), suggesting that the molecular orientation changes from edge‐on to face‐on, which has a positive influence on exciton dissociation and charge transport. As a result, the device based on PBDB‐T:SNBDT1‐F shows the highest exciton dissociation probability and carrier mobilities due to the highest proportion of face‐on orientation of SNBDT1‐F. Therefore, the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.70% with a high short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 20.97 mA cm−2 and a fill factor of 70.4% is obtained for SNBDT1‐F‐based device, which is much higher than PCEs of SNBDT2‐F‐based (6.57%) and SNBDT3‐F‐based devices (5.87%). Overall, these results provide deep insight into the relationship among the branching positions, molecular orientation, and photovoltaic performance in nonfullerene OSCs, which is important for designing new NF‐SMAs with face‐on orientation and promoting the development of nonfullerene OSCs.
Mangiferin inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhances the expression of tumor suppressor gene PER1 in non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Lin Yen‐Sung , Tsai Kun‐Ling , Chen Jia‐Ni , Wu Chen‐Shiou
Published: May 2020

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often complicated by pulmonary infection, which affects treatment and prognosis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an effective stimulator of inflammatory cytokine production, and previous studies have reported that LPS promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Mangiferin is a plant‐derived C‐glucosylxanthone with many biological activities, such as antioxidation and anti‐inflammation. This research mainly explored the mechanism of its antitumor activities on LPS‐induced A549, NCI‐H460, and NCI‐H520 NSCLC cells. We determined that mangiferin exhibits growth inhibiting activity against LPS‐induced NSCLC cells through the 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In addition, mangiferin reversed the LPS‐induced downregulation of E‐cadherin (epithelial marker); conversely, it significantly inhibited the expression of raised vimentin (mesenchymal markers). Moreover, the ability of NSCLC cells to migrate, as evidenced by the wound healing and transwell migration assays, and the expression of CXCR4 increased by LPS were significantly repressed by mangiferin. In addition, mangiferin markedly mediated protein levels of PER1 and NLRP3 in LPS‐induced NSCLC cells and reduced the secretion of IL‐1β. These results indicate that mangiferin is not only a remarkable anti‐inflammatory compound but also an antitumor agent; thus, it has the potential for being developed into anti‐inflammatory and antitumor drugs in the future.
BOUNDEDNESS PROPERTIES OF AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS OF FORMS OF FLAG VARIETIES
Authors: GULD A.
Published: May 2020

We call a flag variety admissible if its automorphism group is the projective general linear group. (This holds in most cases.)

LetKbe a field of characteristic 0, containing all roots of unity. Let theK-varietyXbe a form of an admissible flag variety. We prove thatXis either ruled, or the automorphism group ofXis bounded, meaning that there exists a constantC ∈ ℕ such that ifGis a finite subgroup of AutK(X), then the cardinality ofGis smaller thanC.