bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustophoresis Enables the Label‐Free Separation of Functionally Different Subsets of Cultured Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Olm Franziska , Lim Hooi Ching , Schallmoser Katharina , Strunk Dirk , Laurell Thomas , Scheding Stefan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCulture‐expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for clinical cell‐based therapies. MSC products are heterogeneous and we therefore investigated whether acoustophoresis, an ultrasound‐based separation technology, could be used for the label‐free enrichment of functionally different MSC populations. Acoustophoresis uses an ultrasonic standing wave field in a microchannel that differentially affects the movement of cells depending on their acoustophysical properties, such as size, density, and compressibility. Human bone marrow (BM) MSCs were generated by standard adherent culture in xeno‐free medium and separated by microchip acoustophoresis. MSCs with up to 20% higher proliferation and 1.7‐fold increased clonogenic potential were enriched in the side outlet of the chip compared to the input sample. These cells were significantly smaller (average diameter 14.5 ± 0.4 μm) compared to the center outlet fraction (average diameter 17.1 ± 0.6 μm) and expressed higher levels of genes related to proliferation and stem cell properties (i.e., Ki‐67 [1.9‐fold], Nanog1 [6.65‐fold], Oct4 [2.9‐fold], and CXCL12 [1.8‐fold], n = 3) in the side outlet compared to input. Fractions of MSCs in G0/G1 cell cycle phase were significantly enriched in the side fraction and an up to 2.8‐fold increase of cells in S/G2/M phases were observed in center fractions compared to side fractions and 1.3‐fold increased compared to the input sample. Acoustophoresis did not compromise MSC phenotype, proliferation, clonogenic capacity, and viability (generally 87–98%), nor did it affect differentiation or immunomodulatory capacities. These results demonstrate that label‐free acoustic separation can enrich functionally different MSC subsets which can potentially be employed to produce better‐defined stromal cell products from cultured MSCs. Hence, acoustophoresis is a potentially promising separation technology to provide improved cell products for research and possible future clinical use. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Analysis of erythroid maturation in the nonlysed bone marrow with help of radar plots facilitates detection of flow cytometric aberrations in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Violidaki Despoina , Axler Olof , Jafari Katayoon , Bild Filippa , Nilsson Lars , Mazur Joanna , Ehinger Mats , Porwit Anna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccumulating data support the role of flow cytometry (FCM) in diagnostic work‐up of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Changes in erythropoiesis are less documented than in granulopoiesis. However, most studies were performed on bone marrow samples (BMSs) after red blood cell lysis. We have established a FCM protocol for erythropoiesis, following a no‐lysis approach and live gate acquisition of nucleated cells using DNA dye DRAQ5.MethodsThe ERY tube consisted of CD36, CD71, CD105, CD117, CD13, and CD45. Comparison with cytomorphological differential counts was carried out in a learning cohort of 80 BMS. To detect aberrations, we analyzed 208 BMS from 135 patients and five normal donors, divided into three cohorts: MDS (n = 68), nonclonal cytopenia (n = 43), and normal controls (n = 29). Radar plot (RP) was created for an overview of normal and aberrant patterns.ResultsThe proportion of erythropoiesis in the ERY tube showed better agreement with the cytomorphology, compared to FCM panels on lysed BMS. We confirmed that aberrations in coefficient of variation (CV) of CD36 fluorescence intensity (p < .001), mean fluorescence intensity of CD36 (p = .012), and CV of CD105 (p < .001) can distinguish between MDS and nonclonal cytopenia. RP facilitated evaluation of erythropoietic maturation patterns and aberrant patterns were identified in 85% of MDS patients.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that a no‐lysis approach and RP analysis allow a more reliable evaluation of erythropoiesis and erythroid dysplasia, supporting the integration of FCM erythroid panels in the standard work‐up of MDS.
Reporter mice for isolating and auditing cell type‐specific extracellular vesicles in vivo
Authors: McCann James V. , Bischoff Steven R. , Zhang Yu , Cowley Dale O. , Sanchez‐Gonzalez Veronica , Daaboul George D. , Dudley Andrew C. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant, lipid‐enclosed vectors that contain nucleic acids and proteins, they can be secreted from donor cells and freely circulate, and they can be engulfed by recipient cells thus enabling systemic communication between heterotypic cell types. However, genetic tools for labeling, isolating, and auditing cell type‐specific EVs in vivo, without prior in vitro manipulation, are lacking. We have used CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing to generate mice bearing a CD63‐emGFPloxP/stop/loxP knock‐in cassette that enables the specific labeling of circulating CD63+ vesicles from any cell type when crossed with lineage‐specific Cre recombinase driver mice. As proof‐of‐principle, we have crossed these mice with Cdh5‐CreERT2 mice to generate CD63emGFP+ vasculature. Using these mice, we show that developing vasculature is marked with emerald GFP (emGFP) following tamoxifen administration to pregnant females. In adult mice, quiescent vasculature and angiogenic vasculature (in tumors) is also marked with emGFP. Moreover, whole plasma‐purified EVs contain a subpopulation of emGFP+ vesicles that are derived from the endothelium, co‐express additional EV (e.g., CD9 and CD81) and endothelial cell (e.g., CD105) markers, and they harbor specific miRNAs (e.g., miR‐126, miR‐30c, and miR‐125b). This new mouse strain should be a useful genetic tool for generating cell type‐specific, CD63+ EVs that freely circulate in serum and can subsequently be isolated and characterized using standard methodologies.
A review of subtidal kelp forests in Ireland: From first descriptions to new habitat monitoring techniques
Authors: Schoenrock Kathryn M. , Chan Kenan M. , O'Callaghan Tony , O'Callaghan Rory , Golden Aaron , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Power Anne Marie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimKelp forests worldwide are important marine ecosystems that foster high primary to secondary productivity and multiple ecosystem services. These ecosystems are increasingly under threat from extreme storms, changing ocean temperatures, harvesting, and greater herbivore pressure at regional and global scales, necessitating urgent documentation of their historical to present‐day distributions. Species range shifts to higher latitudes have already been documented in some species that dominate subtidal habitats within Europe. Very little is known about kelp forest ecosystems in Ireland, where rocky coastlines are dominated by Laminaria hyperborea. In order to rectify this substantial knowledge gap, we compiled historical records from an array of sources to present historical distribution, kelp and kelp forest recording effort over time, and present rational for the monitoring of kelp habitats to better understand ecosystem resilience.LocationIreland (Northern Ireland and Éire).MethodsHerbaria, literature from the Linnaean society dating back to late 1700s, journal articles, government reports, and online databases were scoured for information on L. hyperborea. Information about kelp ecosystems was solicited from dive clubs and citizen science groups that are active along Ireland's coastlines.ResultsData were used to create distribution maps and analyze methodology and technology used to record L. hyperborea presence and kelp ecosystems within Ireland. We discuss the recent surge in studies on Irish kelp ecosystems, fauna associated with kelp ecosystems that may be used as indicators of ecosystem health and suggest methodologies for continued monitoring.Main ConclusionsWhile there has been a steady increase in recording effort of the dominant subtidal kelp forest species, L. hyperborea, only recently have studies begun to address other important eco‐evolutionary processes at work in kelp forests including connectivity among kelp populations in Ireland. Further monitoring, using suggested methodologies, is required to better understand the resilience of kelp ecosystems in Ireland.
Analysis of bridge structures crossing strike‐slip fault rupture zones: A simple method for generating across‐fault seismic ground motions
Authors: Yang Shuo , Mavroeidis George P. , Ucak Alper 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThis article presents a simple and effective method for generating across‐fault seismic ground motions for the analysis of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges crossing strike‐slip faults. Based on pulse models available in the literature, two simple loading functions are first proposed to represent the coherent (long‐period) components of ground motion across strike‐slip faults. The loading functions are then calibrated using actual near‐fault ground‐motion records with a forward‐directivity velocity pulse in the fault‐normal direction and a fling‐step displacement in the fault‐parallel direction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing time history responses and seismic demands of ordinary and seismically isolated bridges obtained from nonlinear response history analyses using the actual ground‐motion records and the calibrated loading functions. A comprehensive methodology is also presented for selecting the input parameters of the loading functions based on empirical equations and practical guidelines. Finally, an analysis procedure for bridge structures crossing strike‐slip faults is introduced based on the proposed method for generating across‐fault ground motions and the parameter selection methodology for the loading functions.
Experimental and numerical simulation study on the dynamic fracture of coal by gas expansion
Authors: Wang Qifei , Zhao Yuechao , Li Chengwu , Xie Beijing , Xue Honglai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe high‐pressure gas expansion‐induced deformation and dynamic fracture of coal are important parts of coal and gas outburst. To better understand the law of this process, laboratory experiments and numerical simulation are used to study the law of damage. A cavity with different pressures of CH4 or N2 was destroyed by a jack to achieve the rapid expansion of the gas and coal fracture inside. The particle size distribution of the coal particles before and after the experiment was measured, and the breakage ratio and the newly added surface area were calculated. The experimental results indicate that during the gas expansion process, the breakage ratio of coal and the newly added surface area clearly increase with the increase in gas pressure. Finally, a numerical model based on peridynamic theory was developed to simulate crack generation and the propagation of coal induced by the expansion of gases at different pressures. The numerical simulation results show that the higher the initial gas pressure is, the higher the number of failure units. Moreover, only when the gas pressure is large enough will the coal crack in various directions at the same time.
Conjugated linoleic acid loaded nanostructured lipid carrier as a potential antioxidant nanocarrier for food applications
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh Sadat , Farzadnia Farin , Aghajani Abdoreza , Ahmadzadeh NobariAzar Farnaz , Pezeshki Akram 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe encapsulation of fatty acids in nanocarrier systems is a very effective technique in improving their biological efficiency and controlled delivery. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a major type of lipid‐based nanoparticle. This study is focused on producing nanolipid carrier containing conjugated linoleic acid and fortifying low‐fat milk using this nanoparticle. Nanostructured lipid carriers were produced by hot high‐shear homogenization containing 1.5% Poloxamer 407, cocoa butter as solid lipid, and conjugated linoleic acid as liquid oil in ratio of 10:1. Results showed that the nanoparticles sized 81 nm with monomodular dispersity and the system was stable at 4 and 22°C for 40 days. Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (%EE) were −15.8 mV and 98.2%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the particles are in spiral form and small size and no significant aggregation was observed because of few changes in the system turbidity after storage time. The result of oxidative stability showed that using Nanostructured lipid carriers system resulted in lower malone dialdehyde production. Conjugated linoleic acid was protected at level of 3.9% of milk fatty acids in Nanostructured lipid carrier formulation during storage time. Based on these findings, Nanostructured lipid carriers system is an appropriate and stable nanocarrier system for delivery of nutraceuticals in foods and can be used in protecting them against oxidation, heating, and other processes in order to fortify foods and beverages.
Switching costs in competitive health insurance markets: The role of insurers' pricing strategies
Authors: Lamiraud Karine , Stadelmann Pierre 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOur article deals with pricing strategies in Swiss health insurance markets and focuses on the relationship between basic and supplementary insurance. We analyzed how firms' pricing strategies (i.e., pricing of basic and supplementary products) can create switching costs in basic health insurance markets, thereby preventing competition in basic insurance from working properly. More specifically, using unique market and survey data, we investigated whether firms use bundling strategies or supplementary products as low‐price products to attract and retain basic insurance consumers. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to analyze these pricing strategies in the context of insurance/health insurance. We found no evidence of bundling in the Swiss setting. We did however observe that firms used low‐price supplementary products that contributed to lock in consumers. A majority of firms offered at least one of such product at a low price. None offered low‐price products in both basic and supplementary markets. Low‐price insurance products differed across firms. When buying a low‐price supplementary product, consumers always bought their basic contract from the same firm. Furthermore, those who opted for low‐price supplementary products were less likely to declare an intention to switch basic insurance firms in the near future. This result was true for all risk category levels.
Entropic Contributions to Protein Stability
Authors: Bigman Lavi S. , Levy Yaakov 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThermodynamic stability is an important property of proteins that is linked to many of the trade‐offs that characterize a protein molecule and therefore its function. Designing a protein with a desired stability is a complicated task given the intrinsic trade‐off between enthalpy and entropy which applies for both the folded and unfolded states. Traditionally, protein stability is manipulated by point mutations which regulate the folded state enthalpy. In some cases, the entropy of the unfolded state has also been manipulated by means that drastically restrict its conformational dynamics such as engineering disulfide bonds. In this mini‐review, we survey various approaches to modify protein stability by manipulating the entropy of either the unfolded or the folded states. We show that point mutations that involve elimination of long‐range contacts may have a greater destabilization effect than mutations that eliminate shorter‐range contacts. Protein conjugation can also affect the entropy of the unfolded state and thus the overall stability. In addition, we show that entropy can contribute to shape the folded state and yield greater protein stabilization. Hence, we argue that the entropy component can be practically manipulated both in the folded and unfolded state to modify protein stability.
Isophthalic acid production catalyzed by Co(II) together with phosphotungstic acid loaded on carbon modified with tartaric acid
Authors: Wang Zhi‐hao , Wang Xin‐ning , Wen Di , Long Xiang‐li 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIsophthalic acid (IPA) is commercially produced using the Co–Mn–Br catalyst system, which suffers from the shortcomings of the discharge of CH3Br and corrosion of equipment. It is necessary to develop a technology to avoid the pollution caused by bromide. The production of IPA from the oxidation of m‐xylene (MX) by air is realized under catalysis with H3PW12O40 (HPW) loaded on carbon and cobalt.ResultsTartaric acid has been used to improve the catalytic activity of the HPW@C catalyst. Experiments indicate that the best modification condition is calcining the carbon at 450 °C for 4 h after being soaked in a 2.0 mol L−1 tartaric acid solution for 10 h. Surface characterization reveals that the tartaric acid modification leads to an increase in the acid groups and a reduction in the basic groups on the carbon surface.ConclusionsThe MX conversion obtained using the HPW@C catalyst prepared from modified carbon is 6.77% over that obtained using the HPW@C catalyst prepared from the original carbon. The IPA generated using the former is 71.1% over that generated using the latter. The catalytic activity of the HPW@C catalyst relies on its surface chemical characteristics and physical properties. The surface chemistry plays a more important role than the physical properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy of contrast‐enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography to evaluate urinary tract patency in children
Authors: Ključevšek Damjana , Ključevšek Tomaž 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel method known as contrast‐enhanced percutaneous nephrosonography (cePNS), using an ultrasound contrast agent administered through the nephrostomy catheter, has been used to evaluate the urinary tract patency in children. Nine cePNS examinations were performed in seven children to evaluate the urinary tract patency prior to further management. The cePNS results were compared with the clinical evaluation of patent urinary tract cases or with surgery results. Both, the technical success rate and accuracy of cePNS examinations were 100%. CePNS is a radiation‐free method and can be performed as a continuation of an ultrasound examination.
Cytotoxicity, tyrosine kinase inhibition of novel pyran, pyridine, thiophene, and imidazole derivatives
Authors: Azzam Rasha A. , Mohareb Rafat M. , Helal Maher H. , Eisa Kholoud K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this work, we are interested to use multicomponent reactions of cyclohexan‐1,3‐dione with different reagents for synthesizing new derivatives of pyran, pyridine, thiophene, and imidazole with antitumor activities. Twenty‐two newly synthesized derivatives were selected and tested for their anticancer potency. Several of these compounds exhibited quite interesting potencies toward three human tumor cell lines, namely NCI‐H460 (non‐small cell lung cancer), SF‐268 (CNS cancer), and MCF‐7 (breast adenocarcinoma), especially when compared to that of reference drugs, doxorubicin and 5‐Fu.Compounds 5b, 5c, 7b, 9b, 14a, 16c, 18a, 19c, 20b, and 22b, were found to be the most cytotoxic compounds toward the selected cell lines. On the other hand, 7b, 14a, 16c, 19c, and 22b revealed high inhibitions toward the tyrosine kinases. Active compounds against VEGFR‐2, 14a, 16c, and 19c, were docked inside VEGFR‐2enzyme to show the interaction between the tested compounds and the amino acids of the active site.
Combined Denoising and Suppression of Transient Artifacts in Arterial Spin LabelingMRIUsing Deep Learning
Authors: Hales Patrick W. , Pfeuffer Josef , A. Clark Chris 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundArterial spin labeling (ASL) is a useful tool for measuring cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the technique, multiple repetitions are required, which results in prolonged scan times and increased susceptibility to artifacts.PurposeTo develop a deep‐learning‐based algorithm for simultaneous denoising and suppression of transient artifacts in ASL images.Study TypeRetrospective.Subjects131 pediatric neuro‐oncology patients for model training and 11 healthy adult subjects for model evaluation.Field Strength/Sequence3T / pseudo‐continuous and pulsed ASL with 3D gradient‐and‐spin‐echo readout.AssessmentA denoising autoencoder (DAE) model was designed with stacked encoding/decoding convolutional layers. Reference standard images were generated by averaging 10 pairwise ASL subtraction images. The model was trained to produce perfusion images of a similar quality using a single subtraction image. Performance was compared against Gaussian and non‐local means (NLM) filters. Evaluation metrics included SNR, peak SNR (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) of the CBF images, compared to the reference standard.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests for group comparisons.ResultsThe DAE model was the only model to produce a significant increase in SNR compared to the raw images (P < 0.05), providing an average SNR gain of 62%. The DAE model was also effective at suppressing transient artifacts, and was the only model to show a significant improvement in accuracy in the generated CBF images, as assessed using PSNR values (P < 0.05). In addition, using data from multiple inflow time acquisitions, the DAE images produced the best fit to the Buxton kinetic model, offering a 75% reduction in the fitting error compared to the raw images.Data ConclusionDeep‐learning‐based algorithms provide superior accuracy when denoising ASL images, due to their ability to simultaneously increase SNR and suppress artifactual signals in raw ASL images.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage1
A high throughput approach for determination of dermorphin in human urine using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for doping control purposes
Authors: Castro Juliana de L. , Martucci Maria Elvira P. , Pereira Henrique M.G. , de Sousa Valéria P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDermorphin is a peptide with analgesic actions similar to morphine, but with greater effect and less potential to cause tolerance. The use of dermorphin has been documented in race horses, and its use in humans has already been reported. Considering the potential advantages from the use of dermorphin over morphine, a method to monitor it, and its main metabolite dermorphin (1‐4) in humans becomes necessary for doping control. Here, we present two orthogonal methods for this purpose: a high‐throughput liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) as an initial testing procedure and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) acquisition mode for a confirmation procedure. For urine samples, pretreatment through a mixed‐mode weak cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction emerged as an effective approach to extract peptides from the biological sample. For the HRMS analysis, a full‐MS scan acquisition mode was selected to detect the exact masses of dermorphin and dermorphin (1‐4) at m/z 803.37226 and 457.20816, respectively. The SRM method used in the MS/MS confirmation protocol presented high specificity and sensitivity. The selected product ions for dermorphin were 602.2, 202.1 and 574.3 and for dermorphin (1‐4) were 207.1, 223.1, and 235.1. Both methods were evaluated for specificity, repeatability, carryover, matrix effects, and recovery. No carryover and matrix effects were detected. The limit of detection for initial testing procedure and the limit of identification for confirmation procedure was 2.5 ng/ml. Also, specificity and robustness were acceptable for the application. Together, the developed methods proved to be efficient for the analysis of dermorphin and metabolite for human doping control purpose.