bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RANKL-Induced Increase in Cathepsin K Levels Restricts Cortical Expansion in a Periostin-Dependent Fashion: A Potential New Mechanism of Bone Fragility
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Douni Eleni , Perréard Lopreno Geneviève , Besse Marie , Biver Emmanuel , Ferrari Serge 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κΒ ligand (RANKL) is necessary and sufficient to promote osteoclastogenesis and a key pathogenic factor in osteoporosis. Failure of periosteal apposition to compensate for bone loss due to endosteal resorption further contributes to bone fragility. Whether these two processes are biologically related, however, remains unknown. Using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), we first examined cortical bone parameters at distal radius and tibia in postmenopausal women (PMW) as well as in cadaveric human adult humeri. Increases in medullary area were negatively correlated with cortical bone volume but positively with total bone volume, and this relationship was stronger in the dominant arm, suggesting a mechanically driven process. To investigate the role of RANKL in this dual process, we used mice overexpressing huRANKL (huRANKLTg+). Trabecular and cortical bone volume (Ct.BV) are reduced in these mice, whereas cortical total volume (Ct.TV) is increased. In these bones, Sost mRNA levels are downregulated and periostin (Postn) mRNA levels upregulated, hence providing a positive message for periosteal bone formation. In turn, genetic deletion of Postn in huRANKLTg+ mice prevented the increase in Ct.TV and aggravated bone fragility. In contrast, cathepsin K (Ctsk) ablation improved Ct.TV in both huRANKLTg+ and wild-type (WT) mice and stimulated periosteal bone formation, while augmenting Postn protein levels. Therefore, bone strength in huRANKLTg+/Ctsk−/− mice was restored to WT levels. These findings suggest that high levels of RANKL not only induce endosteal bone loss but may somewhat restrict periosteal bone formation by triggering periostin degradation through cathepsin K, hence providing a biological mechanism for the observed limited increase in cortical area in postmenopausal women. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Effectiveness of placental volume measured by virtual organ computer‐aided analysis in prediction of fetal hemoglobin Bart's disease in late first trimester
Authors: Bootchaingam Phenphan , Charoenratana Cholaros , Tongsong Theera , Luewan Suchaya 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of placental volume measured by virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation in predicting fetal hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's disease among pregnancies at risk.MethodsThis study involves 3‐dimensional ultrasound (3D‐US) volume datasets derived from pregnancies at risk of fetal Hb Bart's disease at 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. VOCAL technique was used to measure and calculate placental volume by the authors, who did not know the fetal diagnosis. Placental thickness was also measured. The diagnostic values of placental volume and placental thickness in prediction of fetal Hb Bart's disease were calculated.ResultsSixty‐five volume datasets, including 22 datasets of the affected fetuses and 43 unaffected fetuses, were included. The mean placental volume (±SD) of the affected cases was significantly higher than that of the unaffected ones, 85.35 ± 20.84 cm3 vs 52.24 ± 19.01 cm3 (Student's t test, P < .001). In predicting Hb Bart's disease, placental volume and placental thickness had sensitivities of 77.3% and 72.7% respectively as well as specificities of 88.37% and 76.7% respectively.ConclusionOf fetuses at risk of Hb Bart's disease, 3D‐US VOCAL placental volume may be useful in early detection of affected fetuses. Its effectiveness is superior to that of conventional placental thickness measurement.
Structural, nonlinear electrical characteristics, and stability against DC‐accelerated aging stress behavior of Er‐doped 20 nm ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3‐based varistors
Authors: Sendi Rabab Khalid 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this research, ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors manufactured from 20 nm ZnO powder and doped with different amounts of Er2O3 were fabricated via the conventional ceramic processing method. The effect of various Er2O3 concentrations (0.5–2.0 mol%) on the sintered density, structural improvement, and nonlinear behavior of the 20 nm ZnO–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors was discussed. Different Er2O3 concentrations exerted considerable influence on the varistors. The addition of large amounts of Er2O3 led to the inhibition of grain growth by increasing the amount of the Er2O3‐rich spinel phase. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the addition of Er2O3 to the varistor systems led to the development of Er2O3‐rich phases during sintering. During sintering, the considerable surface area of the nanoparticle powder resulted in numerous interactions in the surfaces of the ceramics manufactured from 20 nm ZnO powder. The electrical behaviors of the varistors were substantially influenced by Er2O3. E1 mA evidently increased from 2,144.7 to 5,482.2 V/mm with the increment in doping amount. The nonlinear coefficient also dramatically increased with the increase in Er2O3 content. The ZnO nanoparticle–Bi2O3–Mn2O3 varistors doped with 1.0–2.0 mol% Er2O3 possessed high voltage and nonlinearity and were stable against DC‐accelerated aging stress.
Neuroimmune regulatory networks of the airway mucosa in allergic inflammatory disease
Authors: Jean E Evonne , Good Olivia , Rico Juan M Inclan , Rossi Heather L , Herbert De'Broski R 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCommunication between the nervous and immune systems serves a key role in host-protective immunity at mucosal barrier sites including the respiratory tract. In these tissues, neuroimmune interactions operate in bidirectional circuits that can sense and respond to mechanical, chemical, and biologic stimuli. Allergen- or helminth-induced products can produce airway inflammation by direct action on nociceptive afferents and adjacent tissues. The activity of nociceptive afferents can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses via neuropeptides and neurotransmitter signaling. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of neuropeptides CGRP, VIP, neuromedins, substance P, and neurotransmitters dopamine and the B2-adrenoceptor agonists epinepherine/norepinepherine, each of which influence type 2 immunity by instructing mast cell, innate lymphoid cell type 2, dendritic cell, and T cell responses, both in the airway and the draining lymph node. Afferents in the airway also contain receptors for alarmins and cytokines, allowing their activity to be modulated by immune cell secreted products, particularly those secreted by mast cells. Taken together, we propose that further investigation of how immunoregulatory neuropeptides shape respiratory inflammation in experimental systems may reveal novel therapeutic targets for addressing the increasing prevalence of chronic airway disease in humans.
The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action—promoting binding of p67phoxto Nox2 by disengaging the β hairpin from downstream residues
Authors: Bechor Edna , Zahavi Anat , Berdichevsky Yevgeny , Pick Edgar 
Published: April 2021

Abstractp67phox fulfils a key role in the assembly/activation of the NADPH oxidase by direct interaction with Nox2. We proposed that Rac-GTP serves both as a carrier of p67phox to the membrane and an inducer of a conformational change enhancing its affinity for Nox2. This study provides evidence for the latter function: (i) oxidase activation was inhibited by p67phox peptides (106–120) and (181–195), corresponding to the β hairpin and to a downstream region engaged in intramolecular bonds with the β hairpin, respectively; (ii) deletion of residues 181–193 and point mutations Q115R or K181E resulted in selective binding of p67phox to Nox2 peptide (369–383); (iii) both deletion and point mutations led to a change in p67phox, expressed in increased apparent molecular weights; (iv) p67phox was bound to p67phox peptide (181–195) and to a cluster of peptides (residues 97–117), supporting the participation of selected residues within these sequences in intramolecular bonds; (v) p67phox failed to bind to Nox2 peptide (369–383), following interaction with Rac1-GTP, but a (p67phox-Rac1-GTP) chimera exhibited marked binding to the peptide, similar to that of p67phox deletion and point mutants; and (vi) size exclusion chromatography of the chimera revealed its partition in monomeric and polymeric forms, with binding to Nox2 peptide (369–383) restricted to polymers. The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action entails unmasking of a previously hidden Nox2-binding site in p67phox, following disengagement of the β hairpin from more C-terminal residues. The domain in Nox2 binding the “modified” p67phox comprises residues within the 369–383 sequence in the cytosolic dehydrogenase region.
K27-linked noncanonic ubiquitination in immune regulation
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Jun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUbiquitination is a common form of posttranslational modification that has been implicated in regulating considerable immune signaling pathways. The functions of canonic K48- and K63-linked ubiquitination have been well studied. However, the roles of noncanonic ubiquitination remain largely unexplored and require further investigations. There is increasing evidence suggesting that K27-linked noncanonic ubiquitination turns out to be indispensable to both innate immune signaling and T cell signaling. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest findings related to K27-linked ubiquitination, and highlight the crucial roles of K27-linked ubiquitination in regulating antimicrobial response, cytokine signaling and response, as well as T cell activation and differentiation. We also propose interesting areas for better understanding how K27-linked ubiquitination regulates immunity.
Purification of linarin and hesperidin from Mentha haplocalyx by aqueous two‐phase flotation coupled with preparative HPLC and evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of linarin
Authors: Zeng Jiajia , Hu Weilun , Li Hao , Liu Jiangang , Zhang Peng , Gu Yanxiang , Yu Yingchun , Wang Wenjuan , Wei Yun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe volatile oil of Mentha haplocalyx is widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. However, a large amount of its residue after steam extraction of volatile oil is abandoned, resulting in a waste of resources. The method of aqueous two‐phase flotation coupled with preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was established for the separation and purification of nonvolatile active compounds from Mentha haplocalyx for the first time. The parameters of the two‐phase aqueous flotation were optimized. Under the optimal conditions including flotation solvent PEG 1000 aqueous solution (1:1, w/w), pH 5, (NH4)2SO4 concentration of 350 g/L in aqueous phase, N2 flow rate of 20 mL/min, and flotation time of 20 min, the flotation efficiency of linarin, hesperidin, and didymin was 82.24, 76.38, and 89.33%, respectively. The linarin and hesperidin with the high purities of 95.8 and 97.2%, respectively, were obtained by using preparative high performance liquid chromatography. The neuroprotective effect of linarin against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in rat hippocampal neurons was investigated. The experimental result indicated that linarin could alleviate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. The work indicated that the combination of aqueous two‐phase flotation and preparative high performance liquid chromatography is a feasible and practical method for the purification of nonvolatile active substances from Mentha haplocalyx, which would provide a reference process for the comprehensive utilization of M. haplocalyx. Especially, linarin might be used as a good source of natural neuroprotectants.
Azo‐hydrazone molecular switches: Synthesis and NMR conformational investigation
Authors: Kurutos Atanas , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Dobrikov Georgi M. , Pittelkow Michael , Sauer Stephan P. A. , Hansen Poul Erik 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA series of five intramolecularly hydrogen‐bonded arylhydrazone (aryl = phenol, p‐nitrophenol, anisole, quinoline) derived molecular switches have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and HRMS techniques. It was found that the compounds exist as different isomers in solution. An investigation of both conformational and/or configurational changes of the azo‐hydrazone compounds was carried out by 1D 1H‐ and 13C‐ spectra, 2D NOESY, COSY, HSQC, and HMBC techniques. It was found that these stimuli‐responsive molecular switches exist mainly in the E form by intramolecularly hydrogen bonded between NH and the pyridine nitrogen at equilibrium. Deprotonation of the neutral E form yields the E′ deprotonated isomer. Prediction of 13C‐NMR chemical shifts was achieved by DFT quantum mechanical calculations. Anions have traditionally been difficult to calculate correctly, so calculations of the anion using different functionals, basis sets, and solvent effects are also included. Deuterium isotope effects on the 13C‐NMR chemical shifts were employed in the assignments and furthermore utilized as indicators of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Studies in various organic solvents including CDCl3, CD3CN, and DMSO‐d6 were also performed aiming to monitor dynamic changes over several days. The effect of the hydrogen bonded solvents leads to Z forms.
Radial consolidation analysis of unsaturated soil with vertical drains under various cyclic loadings
Authors: Kim Pyol , Ri Myong‐Chol , Ri Kil‐Sang , Rim Myong‐Chol , Jong Song‐Guk 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe pivotal aim of this research is to investigate the radial consolidation behavior of unsaturated soil by vertical drains under various cyclic loadings. Based on Fredlund and Hasan's consolidation theory for unsaturated soil, the governing equations for radial consolidation of unsaturated soil are converted into a set of conventional diffusion equations by introducing two new variables. Then, the general solutions for time‐dependent loading are derived under free‐strain condition and equal‐strain condition. Furthermore, the complete analytical solutions are proposed for different cyclic loadings such as haversine cyclic loading, trapezoidal cyclic loading, rectangular cyclic loading, and triangular cyclic loading. The proposed solutions are verified by comparing with those available in the literature as a limiting situation and the results show a quite good agreement. Finally, the effects of different parameters on the radial consolidation of unsaturated soil subjected to various cyclic loadings are graphically presented and examined.
A plane‐strain hydraulic fracture driven by a shear‐thinning Carreau fluid
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Lecampion Brice 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe study the propagation of a plane‐strain hydraulic fracture driven by a shear thinning fluid following a Carreau rheology. We restrict to the impermeable medium case and quantify in details the impact on fracture growth of the shear‐thinning properties of the fluid between the low and high shear‐rates Newtonian limits. We derive several dimensionless numbers governing the evolution of the solution. The propagation notably depends on the ratio between the two limiting viscosities, the fluid shear‐thinning index, a dimensionless fracture toughness and a characteristic time‐scale capturing the instant at which the fluid inside the fracture reaches the low‐shear rate Newtonian plateau. We solve the problem numerically using Gauss‐Chebyshev methods for the spatial discretization of the coupled hydro‐mechanical problem and a fully implicit time integration scheme. The solution evolves from an early time self‐similar solution equals to the Newtonian one for the large‐shear rate viscosity to a late time self‐similar solution equals to the low‐shear rate Newtonian solution. The transition period (corresponding to the shear thinning part of the rheology) exhibits features similar to the power law rheology, albeit quantitatively different. Comparisons of hydraulic fracture growth predictions obtained with a power‐law model confirm its inadequacy for realistic fluids used in practice compared to the more physical Carreau rheology: the Newtonian plateau at high and low shear rates cannot be neglected.
A systematic review of human papillomavirus vaccination among US adolescents
Authors: Mansfield Lisa N. , Vance Ashlee , Nikpour Jacqueline A. , Gonzalez‐Guarda Rosa M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe human papillomavirus (HPV) causes many anogenital and oral cancers affecting young adults in the United States. Vaccination during adolescence can prevent HPV‐associated cancers, but vaccine uptake among adolescents is low and influenced by factors serving as barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination. In this systematic review, we synthesized research using the socioecological framework model to examine individual‐level, relationship‐level, community‐level, and societal‐level factors that influence HPV vaccine initiation and completion among US adolescents. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were used to guide the methodology for this review. An electronic search was conducted in January 2020 using PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest Central, Scopus, and American Psychological Association PsycInfo databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used to assess the quality for the 57 studies included in this review. The most consistent influences of HPV vaccination included age at vaccination, awareness, and knowledge about HPV vaccination, socioeconomic status, insurance status, race/ethnicity, and preventative care behaviors at the individual level. Provider recommendation, familial/peer support of vaccination, and parental health behaviors were influences at the relationship level. Although fewer findings elucidated community‐level and societal‐level influences, high‐poverty areas, high‐risk communities with large proportions of racial/ethnic minority groups, healthcare facilities servicing children, and combined health policies appear to serve as facilitators of HPV initiation and completion. Findings from this review can inform culturally relevant and age‐specific interventions and multi‐level policies aiming to improve HPV vaccination coverage in the United States.
CAN QUASI‐EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATIONS THAT RELY ON STATE LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEMS REPLICATE EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS?
Authors: Unlu Fatih , Lauen Douglas Lee , Fuller Sarah Crittenden , Berglund Tiffany , Estrera Elc 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDo quasi‐experimental (QE) studies conducted with baseline covariates that are typically available in the longitudinal administrative state databases yield unbiased effect estimates? This paper conducts a within‐study comparison (WSC) study that compares experimental impacts of early college high school (ECHS) attendance with QE impacts drawn from the state and locales. We find that (1) QE models for outcomes with natural (matching) pretests replicated the randomized benchmarks quite well; (2) the replication bias is not sensitive to type of propensity score model or method; and (3) imposing locational restrictions (i.e., local matching) on the comparison students––specifically choosing them from among non‐treatment students who came from the same feeder middle schools as the treatment students––does not decrease the QE bias; on the contrary, it performed worse than the models that did not impose this restriction for most outcomes. The first two findings are generally consistent with other education WSCs while the third one is not, suggesting that in cases where selection may be driven by individual‐level factors, such as this one, local matching may yield biased treatment effect estimates by greatly reducing the pool of potential comparison units and distorting balance on unobservable confounders while prioritizing balance on observable factors.
In situ growth of the ZIF‐8 on the polymer monolith via CO2‐in‐water HIPEs stabilized using metal oxide nanoparticles and its photocatalytic activity
Authors: Niu Hong‐yan , Cao Li‐qin , Yang Xu‐le , Liu Kai‐nan , Liu Lu , Wang Ji‐de 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHere, the ZnO/polyacrylamide (ZnO/PAM) macroporous composite monolith was first prepared through the radical polymerization of acrylamide in ZnO‐costabilized CO2‐in‐water Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). An efficient and green synthesis method was used to prepare the ZnO/PAM porous precursor materials, and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were used as a metal ion source to grow the metal organic frameworks (MOF) phase through secondary recrystallization, thereby synthesizing the target MOF/PAM porous monolith. The effects of the contents of ZnO NPs on the formation of HIPEs and properties of the target MOF/PAM composites for the photocatalytic degradation of cationic dye were studied. As the content of ZnO NPs increased to 3.75 wt%, the composite monolith had high mechanical stress (0.24 MPa) at 80% strain and recovered their shape. The as‐synthesized ZIF‐8/PAM composites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS) mapping, and TG methods. SEM images showed that the hybrid materials were interconnected, and the sizes of the open macropore and interconnected pore throats were 30–125 and about 2–20 μm, respectively. In addition, the ZIF‐8/PAM material could be used as a high‐efficiency photocatalyst to remove the cationic dye at a fast rate (88.6%).
Micro glass welding with millimeter‐long filaments
Authors: Kahle Martin , Nodop Dirk , Wiemuth Paul , Rücker Jan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe welding of glass with ultrashort‐pulsed lasers (USP) is usually conducted with microscope objectives. Their short working distance limits the thickness of the work piece, the usable laser power and the feed rate of the process. To increase the possible dimensions of the welding partners and the process speed to industrial levels, we present USP welding with a galvoscanner and a common F‐theta lens. Differences between the well‐known breakdown regime and the filamentation regime are discussed and tensile measurements are shown.
Understanding extracellular vesicle and nanoparticle heterogeneity: Novel methods and considerations
Authors: Phillips William , Willms Eduard , Hill Andrew F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous population of membrane‐enclosed nanoparticles released by cells. They play a role in intercellular communication and are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Cells release subpopulations of EVs with distinct composition and inherent biological function which overlap in size. Current size‐based isolation methods are, therefore, not optimal to discriminate between functional EV subpopulations. In addition, EVs overlap in size with several other biological nanoparticles, such as lipoproteins and viruses. Proteomic analysis has allowed for more detailed study of EV composition, and EV isolation approaches based on this could provide a promising alternative for purification based on size. Elucidating EV heterogeneity and the characteristics and role of EV subpopulations will advance our understanding of EV biology and the role of EVs in health and disease. Here, we discuss current knowledge of EV composition, EV heterogeneity and advances in affinity based EV isolation tools.