bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Error propagation in constraint‐based modeling of Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Széliová Diana , Iurashev Dmytro , Ruckerbauer David E , Koellensperger Gunda , Borth Nicole , Melcher Michael , Zanghellini Jürgen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractChinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most popular mammalian cell factories for the production of glycosylated biopharmaceuticals. To further increase titer and productivity and ensure product quality, rational system‐level engineering strategies based on constraint‐based metabolic modeling, such as flux balance analysis (FBA), have gained strong interest. However, the quality of FBA predictions depends on the accuracy of the experimental input data, especially on the exchange rates of extracellular metabolites. Yet, it is not standard practice to devote sufficient attention to the accurate determination of these rates. In this work, we investigated to what degree the sampling frequency during a batch culture and the measurement errors of metabolite concentrations influence the accuracy of the calculated exchange rates and further, how this error then propagates into FBA predictions of growth rates. We determined that accurate measurements of essential amino acids with low uptake rates are crucial for the accuracy of FBA predictions, followed by a sufficient number of analyzed time points. We observed that the measured difference in growth rates of two cell lines can only be reliably predicted when both high measurement accuracy and sampling frequency are ensured.
Use of Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Membranes With Single Implant Placement for Peri‐Implant Mucosal Thickness Augmentation: A Case Series Study
Authors: Lima Victória Clara da Silva , Miguel Manuela Maria Viana , Ferraz Laís Fernanda Ferreira , Filho Antonio Braulino de Melo , Jardini Maria Aparecida Neves , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe use of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) membranes has been evaluated for different purposes. However, few studies aimed to assess the effect of PRF membranes on peri‐implant mucosal thickness augmentation. Thus, the aim was to evaluate whether the use of PRF membranes placed using the same surgical procedure of single implant installation in the anterior area of the maxilla can result in peri‐implant mucosal thickness increase.Case seriesEight patients received single maxillary implants (anterior area), covered by three PRF membranes (2,500 rpm/12 minutes, RCFmax = 719.71 g). Clinical parameters (baseline and 3 months postoperative) and patient‐centered parameters were evaluated. The buccal peri‐implant mucosal thickness (BMT) and ridge defect (RD) parameters showed a statistically significant difference, with a gain of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm in BMT and reduction of 0.8 ± 0.3 mm in RD. Supracrestal tissue height (STH) was >3 mm after 3 months. Postoperative pain and number of analgesics showed low values (0.95 ± 1.06 and 1.92 ± 2.75), respectively, using a visual analog scale (VAS).ConclusionThe use of three PRF membranes along with single implant placement in the anterior maxilla led to an increase in the BMT.
Modification of clinoptilolite with dialkylphosphinic acid for the selective removal of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) from hydrometallurgical effluent
Authors: Kabuba John , Banza Musamba 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study describes the selective removal of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) from hydrometallurgical effluent using modified clinoptilolite. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were used to characterize the natural and modified clinoptilolites with dialkylphosphinic acid. In a batch experiment, the influence of different variables such as initial concentration, pH, particle size, clinoptilolites dosage, temperature, and contact time was evaluated. Higher removal efficiency was obtained at initial concentration of 600 mg/L, pH 6, particles size of 1000‐1400 μm, dosage of 10 g/100 mL, a temperature of 25°C, and contact time of 300 minutes. The experimental data fit satisfactorily to the pseudo‐second order kinetic and to the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters like Gibb's free energy (ΔGo), enthalpy (ΔHo), and entropy (ΔSo) were also evaluated. The results revealed that modified clinoptilolite with dialkylphosphinic acid could be successfully employed for the selective removal of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) from hydrometallurgical effluent.
Almost‐Rigidity of Frameworks
Authors: Holmes‐Cerfon Miranda , Theran Louis , Gortler Steven J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe extend the mathematical theory of rigidity of frameworks (graphs embedded in d‐dimensional space) to consider nonlocal rigidity and flexibility properties. We provide conditions on a framework under which (I) as the framework flexes continuously it must remain inside a small ball, a property we call “almost‐rigidity”; (II) any other framework with the same edge lengths must lie outside a much larger ball; (III) if the framework deforms by some given amount, its edge lengths change by a minimum amount; (IV) there is a nearby framework that is prestress stable, and thus rigid. The conditions can be tested efficiently using semidefinite programming. The test is a slight extension of the test for prestress stability of a framework, and gives analytic expressions for the radii of the balls and the edge length changes. Examples illustrate how the theory may be applied in practice, and we provide an algorithm to test for rigidity or almost‐rigidity. We briefly discuss how the theory may be applied to tensegrities. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies of novel Schiff base derivatives of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzamide as tyrosinase inhibitors
Authors: Iraji Aida , Panahi Zahra , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDue to the fact that tyrosinase is responsible for biosynthesis and regulation of melanins and browning food products, tyrosinase inhibitors can be favorable agents in cosmetics and medicinal industries. A series of novel 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzohydrazide were designed, synthesized, and their new application as tyrosinase inhibitors was also disclosed. Based on in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory assay, 4d as the strongest inhibitor of tyrosinase with an IC50 value of 7.57 μM showed approximately 2.5‐fold better inhibition than kojic acid as positive control followed by two compounds 4b (IC50 = 8.19 ± 0.25 μM) and 4j (IC50 = 8.92 ± 0.016) which displayed preferable tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Detailed investigations on the mechanism of action of the 4d reported mix type of inhibition. More importantly, molecular modeling assessments proposed the ability of 4d for potential interaction with Cu (metal)‐His (residue) within tyrosinase active site. Overall, 4d is a promising candidate for the development of anti‐tyrosinase agents.
Stability region of hydropower plant with surge tank at HVDC sending terminal
Authors: Yang Weijia , Huang Yifan , Zhao Zhigao , Yang Jiandong , Yang Jiebin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper aims to study the stability region of hydropower plants (HPPs) at high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) sending terminal, to theoretically predict the frequency stability of isolated HPPs under small disturbances. The overall transfer function of the system is derived, and the Hurwitz stability criterion is applied to deduce the stability region. The theoretical analysis of the stability region and time‐domain simulation results of the system show good consistency, and this proves the accuracy of the model. The focus of this paper is mainly on the influence of the hydraulic‐mechanical aspects. Improperly tuned governor parameters and unfavourable design of the surge tank could lead to the frequency instability of HPPs, which appears as divergent oscillations of the frequency of units. A key suggestion of this paper is that the control strategy should consider the factors from not only the electrical side but also hydraulic‐mechanical aspects, for enhancing the stability of the HVDC sending terminal. Besides, the influence mechanism and parameter tuning of frequency limitation controller (FLC) are investigated and the results demonstrate its capability of quick compensation for power disturbances at the HVDC receiving terminal.
Multimodal imaging improves brain age prediction and reveals distinct abnormalities in patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders
Authors: Rokicki Jaroslav , Wolfers Thomas , Nordhøy Wibeke , Tesli Natalia , Quintana Daniel S. , Alnæs Dag , Richard Genevieve , de Lange Ann‐Marie G. , Lund Martina J. , Norbom Linn , Agartz Ingrid , Melle Ingrid , Nærland Terje , Selbæk Geir , Persson Karin , Nordvik Jan Egil , Schwarz Emanuel , Andreassen Ole A. , Kaufmann Tobias , Westlye Lars T. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe deviation between chronological age and age predicted using brain MRI is a putative marker of overall brain health. Age prediction based on structural MRI data shows high accuracy in common brain disorders. However, brain aging is complex and heterogenous, both in terms of individual differences and the underlying biological processes. Here, we implemented a multimodal model to estimate brain age using different combinations of cortical area, thickness and sub‐cortical volumes, cortical and subcortical T1/T2‐weighted ratios, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) based on arterial spin labeling. For each of the 11 models we assessed the age prediction accuracy in healthy controls (HC, n = 750) and compared the obtained brain age gaps (BAGs) between age‐matched subsets of HC and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 54), mild (MCI, n = 90) and subjective (SCI, n = 56) cognitive impairment, schizophrenia spectrum (SZ, n = 159) and bipolar disorder (BD, n = 135). We found highest age prediction accuracy in HC when integrating all modalities. Furthermore, two‐group case–control classifications revealed highest accuracy for AD using global T1‐weighted BAG, while MCI, SCI, BD and SZ showed strongest effects in CBF‐based BAGs. Combining multiple MRI modalities improves brain age prediction and reveals distinct deviations in patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. The multimodal BAG was most accurate in predicting age in HC, while group differences between patients and HC were often larger for BAGs based on single modalities. These findings indicate that multidimensional neuroimaging of patients may provide a brain‐based mapping of overlapping and distinct pathophysiology in common disorders.
Benign connective and soft‐tissue neoplasms of the oral and maxillofacial region: Cross‐sectional study of 1066 histopathological specimens
Authors: da Costa Adriana Aparecida Silva , Tavares Thalita Soares , Caldeira Patrícia Carlos , Barcelos Natália Santos , de Aguiar Maria Cássia Ferreira 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBenign connective and soft‐tissue neoplasms (CSTNs) are unusual in the head and neck region. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic and clinicopathological features of these neoplasms.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted of cases diagnosed as benign CSTNs, with data collected from biopsy records. The chi‐square test was used. A p‐value <0.05 was considered indicative of statistical significance.ResultsAmong the 38 119 specimens, 1066 (2.79%) were benign CSTNs: 369 fibroblastic/myofibroblastic, 250 adipocytic, 179 vascular, 130 neural, 94 osseous/cartilaginous, 19 muscular, and two fibrohistiocytic. Most patients were female (62.8%) and white‐skinned (45.8%). Mean age was 42 years. The tongue (25.2%) was the most affected site for extraosseous neoplasms.ConclusionThis study had the largest sample of benign oral and maxillofacial CSTNs. Although these tumors have similar clinical features, the characterization and differentiation detailed here may help clinicians with regards to the correct diagnosis.
Comparison of three automatic chemiluminescent immunoassays for monitoring dynamic profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and IgM
Authors: Dou Xiaowen , Wang Enyun , Hu Jiwen , Zong Zengyan , Jiang Ruiwei , Wang Mengmeng , Kan Lijuan , Zhang Xiuming 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeldom performance evaluation and diagnosis comparison studies were reported for different chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) kits approved under an emergency approval program for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsA total of 100 and 105 serum separately from non‐infected populations and COVID‐19 patients were detected with SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG kits. The characteristics including precision, functional sensitivity, linearity, and accuracy were evaluated for Axceed, iFlash, and Maglumi CLIA kits.ResultsMaglumi and iFlash had the best analytical sensitivity for IgM and IgG, respectively. Axceed kits had a linearity response in the detected concentration. The clinical sensitivity of Axceed, iFlash, and Maglumi was 68.0%, 64.9%, and 63.9% with a specificity of 99.0%, 96.0%, and 100% for IgM, 85.6%, 97.9%, and 94.8% with a specificity of 97.0% for IgG. ROC analysis indicated all kits had a diagnostic power greater than 0.9. Notably, either IgM or IgG kits obtained a poor agreement (Kappa value from 0.397 to 0.713) with others. Among 38 recovered patients, 94.7% had an effective immune response, and both seropositive IgM and IgG accounted for the biggest proportion (medium, 42 days onset), then followed by the single seropositive IgG (medium, 50 days onset) in Ab profile.ConclusionThe performance of CLIA kits satisfied the diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Both positive of IgG and IgM contributes to improve the specificity, and a positive one will enhance the sensitivity.
Eradication of hepatitis C virus with direct‐acting antivirals improves glycemic control in diabetes: A multicenter study
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Nakahara Takashi , Kogiso Tomomi , Imajo Kento , Kessoku Takaomi , Kawaguchi Takumi , Ide Tatsuya , Kawanaka Miwa , Hyogo Hideyuki , Fujii Hideki , Ono Masafumi , Kamada Yoshihiro , Sumida Yoshio , Anzai Keizo , Shimizu Masahito , Torimura Takuji , Nakajima Atsushi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Eguchi Yuichiro ,   Japan Study Group of NAFLD (JSG‐NAFLD)
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes insulin resistance and diabetes as extrahepatic manifestations. We aimed to analyze the effect of HCV eradication by direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents on glucose tolerance.MethodsThe hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 272 patients with HCV infection who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) was analyzed at baseline before DAA treatment, at the end of DAA therapy (ETR), and 12 weeks after therapy (Post12W).ResultsThere were no significant differences in HbA1c between baseline, ETR, and Post12W in the overall patients. When the data were stratified according to the presence or absence of diabetes, median HbA1c significantly decreased from baseline (7.2%) to ETR (6.8%) and Post12W (6.8%) in the 55 patients with diabetes, whereas there were no significant changes in the patients without diabetes. Basal HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and age were independently associated with the changes in HbA1c according to multivariate analysis, and the predictive formula for changes in HbA1c was found to be ΔHbA1c (%) = 1.449–0.4* HbA1c (%) + 0.012 × Age (year). There were no changes in body mass in diabetic or nondiabetic patients. In diabetic patients taking medication, 63.4% of patients needed less medication.ConclusionsEradication of HCV improves glycemic control, indicated by a 0.4% decrease in HbA1c in diabetes.
A validated UHPLC‐MS/MS method for determination of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumor
Authors: Yang Fen , Zhou Jun , Bo Yunhai , Yin Han , Liu Xiao Hong , Li Jian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTQ‐B3203 is a new topoisomerase I inhibitor derived from camptothecin. In this paper, a simple and reliable ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma with TQ‐B3203‐d8 used as the internal standard. Bis(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate (2 mol/L) was added to ensure the stability of TQ‐B3203 in human plasma. Plasma samples were protein precipitated by methanol and processed samples were chromatographed on an AQUITY BEH C8 column (50 × 2.1 mm, id 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. The calibration curves showed good linearity (R≥0.99) over the concentration range of 0.5–500 ng/mL. Within‐ and between‐run precision were ≤5.8% and the accuracy was within the range of −8.3 to 14.0%. This method was further successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of TQ‐B3203 in Chinese advanced solid cancer patients after administration of TQ‐B3203 liposome injection.
Liberatory Media Literacy as Protective Against Posttraumatic Stress for Emerging Adults of Color
Authors: Volpe Vanessa V. , Willis Henry A. , Joseph Patrece , Tynes Brendesha M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEmerging adults (i.e., age 18–25 years) of color in the United States are exposed to race/ethnicity‐related traumatic events in online settings. Although an emerging literature documents the mental health consequences of such online exposures among adolescents, the association between these exposures and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains understudied in emerging adults. Furthermore, little is known about strengths‐based factors that may be protective for emerging adults of color faced with such exposures. The current study aimed to fill these gaps by examining the potential of liberatory media literacy (i.e., the ability to critically read, evaluate, support, and create media and technology that represents people of color in their full humanity) to ameliorate the association between exposure to traumatic events online and PTSD symptoms. Emerging adults of color (N = 325, Mage = 22.24, 56.0% male) were recruited to complete a self‐report online survey that assessed exposure to race/ethnicity‐related traumatic events in online settings, liberatory media literacy, and PTSD symptoms. The results of moderation analysis indicated that increased exposure to traumatic events online was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, β = .22, and that the inclusive media and technology component of liberatory media literacy was protective in this association, β = .19. However, these effects were small, f2 = .22–.23. The potential of liberatory media literacy as a strengths‐based asset for emerging adults of color are discussed. Increasing inclusive media and technology skills may be an important target for intervention.
A portable underway flow‐through sampler for rapid survey of contaminated river plumes in coastal waters
Authors: Gall Mark , Davies‐Colley Rob 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLand‐sourced contaminants conveyed by rivers, particularly during flood flows, are a major source of coastal water degradation. Typically, muddy and contaminated river flood plumes are episodic and transient and therefore difficult to survey and sample. We developed a Portable Underway Flow‐Through Sampler for rapid response and survey of river flood events (PUFTS‐rapid). The sampler is highly portable, compact, quick to setup, and easy to use in small boats, for spatial mapping of surface waters during fast transects (up to 25 knots). Key components of the system include: a 12 V self‐priming pump that pulls in ambient surface water; a vortex unit to remove air bubbles, and a water quality sonde operated with a flow‐cell attachment. Sonde sensors include conductivity (salinity), temperature, turbidity, and fluorescence of dissolved organic matter. GPS position is logged, together with water quality data, by the sonde hand‐held unit. Water samples are obtained periodically from the continuous flow—for laboratory calibration and validation of sonde sensors as well as discrete analyses of contaminants. We illustrate sampler capability with survey of a muddy, contaminated flood plume from the Hutt River dispersing into Wellington Harbor, New Zealand. Although capture of turbid plumes from river floods is probably the most demanding application of PUFTS‐rapid, the sampler is expected to be valuable more broadly for coastal water quality applications, including survey of plumes from port dredging, “sea‐truthing” of remote sensing imagery, and calibration and validation of hydrodynamic models.
TH17/IL23 cytokine gene polymorphisms in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Tabatabaei‐Panah Pardis‐Sadat , Moravvej Hamideh , Aghaei Sahel , Akbari Maryam , Rajabi Sakineh , Kia Atena , Ebrahimi Elaheh , Sadaf Zahra , Atoon Alireza , Behravesh Nasim , Ludwig Ralf J. , Akbarzadeh Reza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundTH17/IL‐23 immune axis is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune blistering disease, characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the components of the dermal‐epidermal junction. Animal studies and characterization of patient samples point toward a contribution of TH17 cells in BP pathogenesis. However, genetic polymorphisms in the genes of TH17/IL‐23 cytokines have not yet been well investigated in BP.MethodsDetection of polymorphisms in IL‐17A (rs2275913 and rs3819025), IL‐17F (rs2397084 and rs763780), IL‐17RA (rs2229151), and IL‐23R (rs2201841, rs7530511, rs11209026, and rs10889677) genes were performed following the collection of blood samples and DNA extraction from BP patients and controls. Gene expression of IL‐23R was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of IL‐23R rs7530511 genotypes and alleles, as well as IL‐23R rs2201841 alleles, is significantly different between the BP patients and controls. While the minor C‐allele of IL‐23R rs7530511 is highly present in the patients, the G‐allele distribution of IL‐23R rs2201841 is significantly more prevalent in the control individuals compared to the BP patients. Genotypes and alleles of other SNPs in IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐17RA were similarly distributed in patients and controls.ConclusionsNo alteration was found in the gene expression between wild and polymorphic genotypes of IL‐23R (rs2201841 and rs7530511) variations, indicating they do not contribute to altering the levels of gene expression in blood. In summary, our data show that the alleles of two SNPs in IL‐23R rs2201841 and rs7530511 are associated with BP.