bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrograde branched extension limb assembling stent of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysm: A longitudinal hemodynamic analysis for stent graft migration
Authors: Mei Yuqian , Xu Huanming , Ma Wei , Li Zhenfeng , Yang Rui , Yuan Hai , Peng Yan , Wu Muyang , Chen Zhangtao , Guo Wei , Gao Tianxin , Xiong Jiang , Chen Duanduan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposePararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (PRAAAs) are a life‐threatening disease, and hemodynamic analysis may provide greater insight into the effectiveness and long‐term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, the lack of patient‐specific boundary conditions on the periphery compromises the accuracy. Windkessel (WK) boundary conditions coupled to hemodynamic follow‐up models of a PRAAA patient, aims to provide insights into the link between hemodynamics and poor prognosis.MethodOne PRAAA patient underwent EVAR and reintervention after one branch of stent‐graft (SG) had migrated. Totally five computational follow‐up models were studied. Patient‐specific flow data acquired via ultrasound were used to define the boundary conditions in the ascending aorta and the following three branches. Coupled zero‐dimensional WK models representing the distal vasculature were used to define the outlet boundary conditions under the abdomen.ResultsFlow divisions of the main SG branches were 40.7% and 24.7%, respectively. Time‐averaged wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index (OSI) increased at the junction connected the SG branch and the stent leading to the right common iliac artery (RCIA) where the stent migrated. The OSI and relative residence time (RRT) value in superior mesenteric artery increased notably after the migration, the RRT continuously increased following the reintervention.ConclusionUnbalanced flow, resulting in locally high‐speed flow, high WSS and OSI might significantly affect stent stability. Results suggest that diameters and interconnection design of stents in complex cases should take the flow division into consideration and computational simulations might be considered as a tool for intervention protocol design.
Leaf Wax Lipid Extraction for Archaeological Applications
Authors: Patalano Robert , Zech Jana , Roberts Patrick 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPlant wax lipid molecules, chiefly normal (n‐) alkanes and n‐alkanoic acids, are frequently used as proxies for understanding paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic change. These are regularly analyzed from marine and lake sediments and even more frequently in archaeological contexts, enabling the reconstruction of past environments in direct association with records of past human behavior. Carbon and hydrogen isotope measurements of these compounds are used to trace plant type and water‐use efficiency, relative paleotemperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration of leaf and soil moisture, and other physiological and ecological parameters. Plant wax lipids have great potential for answering questions related to human‐environment interactions, being for the most part chemically inert and easily recoverable in terrestrial sediments, including those dating back millions of years. The growing use of this technique, and comparison of such data with other paleoenvironmental proxies such as pollen and phytolith analysis and soil carbonate and tooth enamel isotope records, make it essential to establish consistent, best‐practice protocols for extracting n‐alkanes and n‐alkanoic acids from archaeological sediments to provide comparable information for interpreting past climatic, ecosystem, and hydrological changes and their interaction with human societies. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol 1: Total lipid extractionSupport Protocol 1: Weighing the total lipid extractSupport Protocol 2: Cleaning the PSE extraction cellsAlternate Protocol 1: Soxhlet total lipid extractionAlternate Protocol 2: Ultrasonic total lipid extractionBasic Protocol 2: Separation of lipids by aminopropyl column chromatographyBasic Protocol 3: Separation of lipids by silver‐nitrate‐infused silica gel column chromatographySupport Protocol 3: Preparation of silica gel infused with 10% silver nitrateBasic Protocol 4: Methylation of n‐alkanoic acidsBasic Protocol 5: Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)Basic Protocol 6: Gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐IRMS)
A Localized Aldara (5% Imiquimod)–Induced Psoriasiform Dermatitis Model in Mice Using Finn Chambers
Authors: Horváth Szabina , Kemény Ágnes , Pintér Erika , Gyulai Rolland 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe expanding number of research studies utilizing the imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis model attests to the usefulness of this procedure. Advantages of this model include rapid development of the skin response and cost‐effectiveness. A major limitation is that application of imiquimod cream over large areas of skin, as well as licking and ingestion of the cream, may lead to severe systemic inflammation, which can cause a general decline in health, splenomegaly, and death. In this protocol, Finn chambers are used to localize the imiquimod cream to a small area of the skin. This results in production of severe and reproducible psoriatic skin reactions with significantly less imiquimod, greatly reducing the possibility of untoward systemic effects. Moreover, having psoriasiform and control skin areas on the same mice decreases inter‐animal differences. The protocol can be readily adapted for other skin disease models involving topical application of test agents. This article also details functional measurements performed during assays, including skin thickness, blood perfusion, semiquantitative histopathological evaluation, determination of scaling score to monitor psoriatic symptoms, and collection of spleen and body weight data to identify systemic effects. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol: Use of Finn chambers to induce psoriasiform skin reactions with imiquimodSupport Protocol 1: Measurement of double‐fold dorsal skin thicknessSupport Protocol 2: Measurement of blood perfusionSupport Protocol 3: Determination of scaling scoreSupport Protocol 4: Semiquantitative histopathological scoringSupport Protocol 5: Assessment of systemic side effects in response to imiquimod application
Mechanisms of resistance of new wheat gene Dn10 in comparison with other Dn genes resistant to Russian wheat aphid
Authors: Puterka Gary J. , Xu Xiangyang , Li Genqiao , Carver Brett F. , Guo Peiguo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Russian wheat aphid (RWA, Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) is a global pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that became a significant problem to wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the United States soon after it was detected in 1986. Russian wheat aphid‐resistant wheat varieties expressing the Dn4 gene were effective in managing the first biotype, RWA1, from 1995–2003 until a new biotype, RWA2, overcame this resistance in 2003. Currently, only three genes are useful in developing RWA2 resistance in wheat. A new gene, Dn10, was recently discovered that is resistant to RWA2. This study characterized the effects that RWA1 and RWA2 had on the damage (leaf chlorosis and leaf roll) and growth components (plant height and leaf number) of plants expressing RWA resistance genes Dn4, Dn7, Dn10, Dn2401, Dn626580, and Dn2414 and the susceptible ‘Yuma’ 22 d after infestation. All plant genotypes that were RWA resistant expressed strong resistance to leaf chlorosis and leaf roll after RWA1 feeding. Results were similar for RWA2 except for the Dn4 genotype, which was equally susceptible as Yuma. Plant height was reduced by 50% for susceptible Yuma and Dn626580 by RWA1 and RWA2 feeding. Plant height and leaf reduction from RWA2 feeding on the susceptible Dn4 genotype were also reduced by 50%, whereas Dn7, Dn10, and Dn2414 reductions were <23%. Dn10 exhibited strong resistance to RWA1 and RWA2 feeding damage comparable with Dn7 and Dn2414 and showed less reduction in plant height than Dn2401 and Dn626580, which makes it a potentially valuable gene for wheat breeding programs.
Novel sources of drought tolerance from landraces and wild sorghum relatives
Authors: Ochieng Grace , Ngugi Kahiu , Wamalwa Lydia N. , Manyasa Eric , Muchira Nicoleta , Nyamongo Desterio , Odeny Damaris A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is the fifth most important cereal crop worldwide and second after maize (Zea mays L.) in Kenya. It is an important food security crop in arid and semi‐arid lands, where its production potential is hampered by drought. Drought tolerance can be measured by a plant's ability to resist premature senescence, often described as stay‐green. This study was carried out with the objective of identifying novel stay‐green trait among wild and landrace genotypes of sorghum. Forty‐four sorghum genotypes that included 16 improved, nine landraces, and 17 wild relatives of sorghum alongside known stay‐green sources, B35 and E36‐1, were evaluated under well‐watered and water‐stressed conditions in an alpha‐lattice design of three replications. Data was collected on plant height (PHT), flag leaf area (FLA), panicle weight (PWT), 100‐seed weight (HSW), relative chlorophyll content (RCC), number of green leaves at maturity (GLAM), days to 50% flowering (DFL), and grain yield (YLD). Genetic diversity was determined using diversity arrays technology (DArT) sequencing and quality control (QC) markers were generated using a java script. Lodoka, a landrace, was the most drought‐tolerant genotype, recorded the highest numbers of RCC and GLAM, and outperformed B35 and E36‐1 in yield under water‐stress and well‐watered conditions. The RCC was highly correlated with GLAM (r = .71) and with yield‐related traits, HSW (r = .85), PWT (r = .82), and YLD (r = .78). All traits revealed high heritability (broad‐sense) ranging from 60.14 to 98.4% for RCC and DFL, respectively. These results confirm earlier reports that wild relatives and landraces are a good source of drought tolerance alleles.
Genetic analysis of stay‐green, yield, and agronomic traits in spring wheat
Authors: Cook J. P. , Acharya R. K. , Martin J. M. , Blake N. K. , Khan I. J. , Heo H.‐Y. , Kephart K. D. , Eckhoff J. , Talbert L. E. , Sherman J. D. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) grown in rainfed environments in the northern Great Plains of North America frequently encounter drought and heat stress during grain‐fill, thus reducing yield. Delayed leaf senescence after heading, known as the stay‐green trait, has been found to help spring wheat tolerate drought and heat stress during grain‐fill. To better understand how the stay‐green trait relates to expression of other agronomic traits, data was analyzed from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a ‘Vida’/MTHW0202 cross grown in rainfed and irrigated environments. The genetic architecture controlling traits measured in this study were also examined. Results found the stay‐green trait was significantly correlated to overall yield (P < .001,r = .37) in rain‐fed environments, but was not significantly correlated to yield (P = .26,r = .09) in irrigated environments. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) located on chromosomes 2D, 4A, and 4D were associated with the stay‐green trait. The 4A stay‐green QTL, previously designatedQGfd.mst‐4A, was collocated with QTL for seed number per head, thousand kernel weight, and heading date. The 4D stay‐green QTL overlaps theRht‐D1plant height gene, and the allele prolonging the stay‐green period co‐segregates with the wild‐type (tall)Rht‐D1aallele. Results from this study provide a better understanding of the relationship between stay‐green and agronomic traits in rainfed vs. irrigated environments. Additionally, understanding the genetic architecture controlling stay‐green and agronomic traits will aid in selecting future drought‐tolerant spring wheat varieties.
Enhancing N2 Fixation Activity by Converting Ti3C2 MXenes Nanosheets to Nanoribbons
Authors: Wei Hua , Jiang Qian , Ampelli Claudio , Chen Shiming , Perathoner Siglinda , Liu Yuefeng , Centi Gabriele 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMetal carbides M2C (MXenes) with two‐dimensional (2D) structure have been indicated as promising materials for N2 fixation, with the activity being related to edge planes. Here, it is instead demonstrated that the transformation from a 2D‐ (nanosheets) to a 3D‐type nanostructure (nanoribbons) leads to a significant enhancement of the N2 fixation activity due to the formation of exposed Ti−OH sites. A linear relationship is observed between ammonia formation rate and amount of oxygen on the surface of Ti3C2 MXene.
Transfer of metastatic traits via miR‐200c in extracellular vesicles derived from colorectal cancer stem cells is inhibited by atractylenolide I
Authors: Tang Dongxin , Xu Xiaofen , Ying Jialiang , Xie Tian , Cao Gang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) are important factors contributing to tumorigenesis. We examined whether CSCs isolated from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells possess metastatic properties that can be transferred to non‐CSCs via the delivery of miR‐200c enclosed in extracellular vesicles (EVs). The inhibitory effect of atractylenolide I (ATL‐1), a traditional Chinese medicinal compound, on miR‐200c activity and metastatic transfer was investigated. EVs were isolated from colorectal CSCs. The expression of miR‐200c was evaluated in CSCs and CSC‐derived EVs, and horizontal transfer of metastatic properties via EVs to non‐CSCs was investigated in terms of cell behavior and phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. CSCs isolated from metastatic CRC cells exhibited higher levels of miR‐200c than those in nonmetastatic CRC cells. Overexpression of miR‐200c in CSCs enhanced metastatic potential by promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, in turn leading to the release of EVs carrying an excess of miR‐200c. Non‐CSCs co‐cultured with miR‐200c‐containing EVs exhibited enhanced invasion and stemness maintenance associated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, demonstrating successful metastatic transfer via EV delivery. Furthermore, ATL‐1 impaired the EV‐mediated transfer of metastatic properties by suppressing miR‐200c activity and disrupting EV uptake by non‐CSCs. EVs are critical signal transducers that facilitate intercellular communication and exchange of metastatic properties, which can be controlled by ATL‐1. The findings are useful in the development of microRNA‐based anticancer strategies by targeting EV‐mediated activity, especially using natural compounds.
Genetic modifiers of long‐term survival in sickle cell anemia
Authors: Wonkam Ambroise , Chimusa Emile R. , Mnika Khuthala , Pule Gift Dineo , Ngo Bitoungui Valentina Josiane , Mulder Nicola , Shriner Daniel , Rotimi Charles N. , Adeyemo Adebowale 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell anemia (SCA) is a clinically heterogeneous, monogenic disorder. Medical care has less‐than‐optimal impact on clinical outcomes in SCA in Africa due to several factors, including patient accessibility, poor access to resources, and non‐availability of specific effective interventions for SCA.MethodsAgainst this background, we investigated 192 African participants who underwent whole exome sequencing. Participants included 105 SCA patients spanning variable clinical expression: a “long survivor” group (age over 40 years), a “stroke” group (at least one episode of overt stroke), and a “random” group (patients younger than 40 years without overt cerebrovascular disease). Fifty‐eight ethnically matched homozygous hemoglobin A controls were also studied. Findings were validated in an independently recruited sample of 29 SCA patients. Statistical significance of the mutational burden of deleterious and loss‐of‐function variants per gene against a null model was estimated for each group, and gene‐set association tests were conducted to test differences between groups.ResultsIn the “long survivor” group, deleterious/loss‐of‐function variants were enriched in genes including CLCN6 (a voltage‐dependent chloride channel for which rare deleterious variants have been associated with lower blood pressure) and OGHDL (important in arginine metabolism, which is a therapeutic target in SCA). In the “stroke” group, significant genes implicated were associated with increased activity of the blood coagulation cascade and increased complement activation, for example, SERPINC1, which encodes antithrombin. Oxidative stress and glutamate biosynthesis pathways were enriched in “long survivors” group. Published transcriptomic evidence provides functional support for the role of the identified pathways.ConclusionsThis study provides new gene sets that contribute to variability in clinical expression of SCA. Identified genes and pathways suggest new avenues for other interventions.
A review on management of cardiovascular diseases by olive polyphenols
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Usman Muhammad , Patil Prasanna , Zhao Lei , Wang Chengtao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNoncommunicable diseases have increasingly grown the cause of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the major contributor to deaths. CVDs are common in the urban community population due to the substandard living conditions, which have a significant impact on the healthcare system, and over 23 million human beings are anticipated to suffer from the CVDs before 2030. At the moment, CVD physicians are immediately advancing both primary and secondary prevention modalities in high‐risk populations. The cornerstone of CVD prevention is a healthy lifestyle that is more cost‐effective than the treatments after disease onset. In fact, in the present scenario, comprehensive research conducted on food plant components is potentially efficacious in reducing some highly prevalent CVD risk factors, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Polyphenols of olive oil (OO), virgin olive oil (VOO), and extra virgin olive oil contribute an essential role for the management of CVDs. Olive oil induces cardioprotective effects due to the presence of a plethora of polyphenolic compounds, for example, oleuropein (OL), tyrosol, and hydroxytyrosol. The present study examines the bioavailability and absorption of major olive bioactive compounds, for instance, oleacein, oleocanthal, OL, and tyrosol. This review also elucidates the snobbish connection of olive polyphenols (OP) and the potential mechanism involved in combating various CVD results taken up from the in vitro and in vivo studies, such as animal and human model studies.
Investigation on the heat transfer characteristics of propylene glycol–water mixture in the shell side of a spiral‐wound heat exchanger
Authors: Gu Xiaoyong , Jiang Guohe , Sun Wenzhe , Wo Yang , Zou Xiangyi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe heat transfer characteristics of propylene glycol–water (PG–W) mixture (10%, 20%, and 30% propylene glycol) on the shell side of a spiral‐wound heat exchanger (SWHE) were investigated experimentally. Among the SWHE selected, there are 18 twined tubes with a diameter of 8 mm. PG–W mixture is on the shell side and water is on the tube side. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient of PG–W mixture flowing downwards is higher than upwards under countercurrent conditions. The heat transfer coefficient decreases with the increasing of concentration of PG–W mixture. When the inclination angle of the SWHE is 90°, the heat transfer coefficient of PG–W mixture is the largest; and when the inclination angle is less than 90°, the heat transfer coefficient decreases with the decrease of inclination angle. The inclination angle has a great effect on the heat transfer coefficient at a high concentration. The fitting correlation equations between Nu, Re, Pr, and inclination angles of SWHE are established.
Effects of foreign currency debt on investment of the firms in emerging economy
Authors: Pradhan Ashis Kumar , Hiremath Gourishankar S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, we examine the effect of external commercial borrowings on investment of the firms in the wake of currency depreciation by drawing the firm‐level data from India. Despite steep growth in dollar debt and its critical implications for firms and macroeconomic stability, the issue was not explored before. This article attempt to fills this gap and contribute to the literature on dollar debt and open economy macroeconomics. We estimate the panel regression to quantify the balance sheet and competitiveness effects. We show that currency depreciation does not adversely affect the investment of those firms that borrow in foreign currency. The findings of the study imply that the gradualist approach to liberalization and prudential policy measures laid by regulatory bodies were effective. We also find that firms that incur dollar debt do not possess adequate natural hedge against exchange rate volatility. This finding calls for the mandatory hedging by firms to immune the economy from the contagion effect. The development of offshore derivatives markets is indispensable for such hedging. The findings also call for the availability of easy and cheaper domestic credit to the corporate sector to lessen the over‐reliance on external commercial borrowings.
Identifying structural breaks and growth regimes in middle eastern economies
Authors: Malik Mushtaq Ahmad , Masood Tariq , Ozturk Ilhan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study is an attempt to empirically determine structural breaks in economic growth of selected Middle Eastern countries. We combined the statistical approach with a subjective approach to identify break points in the growth process during the period 1970–2016. Thereby, we try to classify breaks into up‐breaks and down‐breaks resulting into different regimes ranging from stagnation to strong growth. In a sample of 17 countries examined, 15 countries exhibited significant breaks in trend function of growth process as per the fit and filter approach. We found total 41 plausible breaks – 19 up breaks and 22 down breaks. Moreover, the spatial distribution of breaks shows that over 68% of the breaks are reported from oil‐rich countries while as 31% from non‐oil. The paper highlights the key point that growth performance of the Middle Eastern countries is very volatile and gambles in the alternating cycles of collapse, stagnation, moderate, rapid and strong growth.
Bi‐stability of the master gene regulatory network of the common dendritic precursor cell: Implications for cell differentiation
Authors: De Nayan , Nandi Mintu , Banik Suman , Roy Siddhartha 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn cell lineage commitment decisions, a gene regulatory network (GRN) consisting of a limited number of transcription factors forms the regulatory pivot. Myeloid lineage dendritic cells or DCs are specialized cells having the antigen‐presenting ability and are of immense importance in immune surveillance. In this report, we analyze the GRN that governs the lineage commitment of Common DC Progenitor (CDP) cells to conventional dendritic cells (cDC) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). We have analyzed the quantitative behavior of the master regulatory circuit of CDP that governs the lineage commitment. Simulations showed that the GRN displays a bi‐stable behavior within a range of parameter values. Several transcription factors, PU.1, IRF8, Flt3, and Stat3, whose concentrations vary significantly in the two steady states, appear to be the key players. We hypothesize that the two stable steady states are precursors of cDC and pDC, and the variation of concentration of these key transcription factors in the two states may be responsible for early events in lineage commitment.