bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of microglial GPR109A alleviates thermal hyperalgesia in female lupus mice by suppressing IL‐18 and glutamatergic synaptic activity
Authors: Viatchenko‐Karpinski Viacheslav , Kong Lingwei , Weng Han‐Rong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMany patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) live with chronic pain despite advances in medical management in reducing mortality related to SLE. Few animal studies have addressed mechanisms and treatment for chronic pain caused by SLE. In this study, we provide the first evidence for the analgesic effects of a GPR109A specific agonist (MK1903) and its action mechanisms in thermal hyperalgesia in female MRL/lpr mice, an SLE mouse model. Specifically, we show that MRL/lpr mice had a higher sensitivity to thermal stimuli at age 11–16 weeks, which was accompanied with significantly microglial and astrocytic activation, increases in p38 MAPK and glutamatergic synaptic activities in the spinal dorsal horn. We demonstrate that thermal hyperalgesia in MRL/lpr mice was significantly attenuated by intrathecal injection of MK1903. GPR109A was expressed in spinal microglia but not astrocytes or neurons. Its expression was significantly increased in MRL/lpr mice with thermal hyperalgesia. Activation of GPR109A receptors in microglia attenuated glutamatergic synaptic activity via suppressing production of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18). We provide evidence that activation of GPR109A attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in the SLE animal model via suppressing p38 MAPK activity and production of IL‐18. Our study suggests that targeting the microglial GPR109A is a potent approach for reversing spinal neuroinflammation, abnormal excitatory synaptic activity, and management of thermal hyperalgesia caused by SLE.
Dynamics of underwriting profits in the US market: Payout patterns and regulation effects
Authors: Jiang Shi‐jie , Tsai Jeffrey Tzu‐Hao , Xiang Feiyun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe empirical investigation of the underwriting profits of six major insurance lines in the US market during 1956–2016 suggests that the data generating process of underwriting profits follows a first‐order autoregressive process for less regulated business lines, whereas highly regulated business lines follow a second‐order autoregressive process. This study verified the long‐run relationships between risk‐free interest rates and underwriting profits for individual lines. Specifically, the long‐run sensitivities of interest rates for less regulated long‐tail lines were greater than those for other lines. We also found that the length of tail acted as a crucial part of the feedback dynamics. The shorter the tails, the greater the tendency to go back to equilibrium, while the longer the tails, the smaller the tendency. In addition, an analysis of cumulative dynamic multipliers showed that the adjustment patterns for the lagged effects of interest rates varied for each business line. The pricing strategies and the safety loading activities of different individual lines were also discussed in this study.
Design of rectangular coaxial slot antenna for ultra‐high‐field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kim Donghyuk , Nam Taewoo , Hernandez Daniel , Kim Kyoung‐Nam 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRectangular coaxial slot arrays (RCSAs) are antennas designed to ensure superior field penetration depth with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) in the deeper imaging region of ultra‐high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The RCSA consists of a transmission line of λ/4 length surrounded by a dielectric material, and a ground plate that resembles a rectangular coaxial line. We extended this antenna to eight elements. The simulation indicates that a single RCSA has a distribution similar to that of the generally used dipole antenna for traveling RF waves. However, the of the RCSA in an array configuration was stronger in the deep brain region of the human brain model and its specific absorption rate was lower compared to the dipole and monopole antenna arrays. The proposed RSCA array can be adapted to acquire MR signals with high sensitivity in a deeper imaging region in an ultra‐high field MRI scanner.
Alpha‐mangostin and resveratrol, dual‐drugs‐loaded mucoadhesive thiolated chitosan‐based nanoparticles for synergistic activity against colon cancer cells
Authors: Samprasit Wipada , Opanasopit Praneet , Chamsai Benchawan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlpha‐mangostin (M) and resveratrol (R), dual‐drugs‐loaded mucoadhesive thiolated chitosan‐based nanoparticles (NPs) coated by Eudragit® S100 (S) were developed for colon‐specific delivery and synergistic activity against colon cancer cells. The NPs were prepared by the ionotropic gelation method and coated with S. The particle size and zeta potential of NPs before and after the coating process were observed. The M and R loading efficiency, mucoadhesive properties, as well as release patterns were examined. Moreover, the activity against colon cancer cells of M, R, and NPs were studied for their synergistic activity. M and R‐loaded NPs (MR‐TNPs) were spherical in shape with sizes of around 540 nm and zeta potential of +39 mV. The S coating of MR‐TNPs provided larger particle sizes which offered lower zeta potential. However, it created an increase in M and R loading, prevented M and R release at the upper gastrointestinal tract, and enhanced M and R reaching the colon. S dissolved at pH > 7.0 while thiolated chitosan formed the mucoadhesion, resulting in M and R remaining in the colon and allowing them to enter the colon cancer cells. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of NPs was dramatically decreased when M and R were dually loaded into the NPs, which indicated significantly higher activity against colon cancer cells. Moreover, M and R loading at this ratio applied synergistic efficiency. The results illustrated that NPs successfully loaded drugs and achieved synergistic efficiency. This system could be promising in facilitating targeted nanomedicines for the treatment of colon cancer.
Schema chemistry: An interpersonal framework for making sense of intimate partner violence
Authors: Beckley Kerry 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis article aims to use Schema theory to illustrate how interpersonal dynamics and their consequences have implications for individuals engaged in intimate partner violence. Schema theory would suggest that an intimate relationship creates a context where there is an increased likelihood of early relational patterns being repeated on both parts. On occasion, faulty assumptions being made about the motivations of the perpetrator resulting from a need for power and control can prevent a more curious exploration of the difficulties arising. The chapter will outline a case example to illustrate how a couples trauma histories can help to understand the triggers which result in harm being caused. This in no way suggests that a victim is to blame for violence perpetrated against them, but exploration of the interpersonal context can provide greater insight into the reasons why violence and coercive control may manifest.
Private supplementary education and Chinese adolescents' development: The moderating effects of family socioeconomic status
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wu Yuxiao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUsing the data from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), this study estimated the effects of two types of private supplementary education, namely, cram school and hobby class, on the development of Chinese junior high school students and the moderating effects of family socioeconomic status (SES). First, we found that cram schools and hobby classes both positively correlate with some dimensions of adolescents' development while negatively correlating with others. Attending cram schools is positively associated with students' academic achievement but negatively related to their noncognitive skills. Participating in hobby classes is positively associated with noncognitive abilities but negatively related to cognitive abilities. Second, the negative correlations between cram schools and noncognitive abilities and between hobby classes and cognitive abilities are stronger for low‐SES students than their affluent counterparts. The current study's findings shed new light on the role of private supplementary education in educational inequality and social stratification in China.
A comprehensive study to delineate the role of an extracellular vesicle‐associated microRNA‐29a in chronic methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Chand Subhash , Gowen Austin , Savine Mason , Moore Dalia , Clark Alexander , Huynh Wendy , Wu Niming , Odegaard Katherine , Weyrich Lucas , Bevins Rick A. , Fox Howard S. , Pendyala Gurudutt , Yelamanchili Sowmya V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs), which express a repertoire of cargo molecules (cf. proteins, microRNA, lipids, etc.), have been garnering a prominent role in the modulation of several cellular processes. Here, using both non‐human primate and rodent model systems, we provide evidence that brain‐derived EV (BDE) miRNA, miR‐29a‐3p (mir‐29a), is significantly increased during chronic methamphetamine (MA) exposure. Further, miR‐29a levels show significant increase both with drug‐seeking and reinstatement in a rat MA self‐administration model. We also show that EV‐associated miR‐29a is enriched in EV pool comprising of small EVs and exomeres and further plays a critical role in MA‐induced inflammation and synaptodendritic damage. Furthermore, treatment with the anti‐inflammatory drug ibudilast (AV411), which is known to reduce MA relapse, decreased the expression of miR‐29a and subsequently attenuated inflammation and rescued synaptodendritic injury. Finally, using plasma from MUD subjects, we provide translational evidence that EV‐miR29a could potentially serve as a biomarker to detect neuronal damage in humans diagnosed with MA use disorder (MUD). In summary, our work suggests that EV‐associated miR‐29a‐3p plays a crucial role in MUD and might be used as a potential blood‐based biomarker for detecting chronic inflammation and synaptic damage.
The Conversion of MRI Data With Multiple b‐Values into Signature‐Like Pictures to Predict Treatment Response for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhu Hai‐Tao , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Shi Yan‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Ting , Sun Ying‐Shi 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDiffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at multiple b‐values has been used to predict the pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. Non‐Gaussian models fit the signal decay of diffusion by several physical values from different approaches of approximation.PurposeTo develop a deep learning method to analyze DWI data scanned at multiple b‐values independent on Gaussian or non‐Gaussian models and to apply to a rectal cancer neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy model.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 472 participants (age: 56.6 ± 10.5 years; 298 males and 174 females) with locally advanced adenocarcinoma were enrolled and chronologically divided into a training group (n = 200; 42 pCR/158 non‐pCR), a validation group (n = 72; 11 pCR/61 non‐pCR) and a test group (n = 200; 44 pCR/156 non‐pCR).Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0 T MRI scanner. DWI with a single‐shot spin echo‐planar imaging pulse sequence at 12 b‐values (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 sec/mm2).AssessmentDWI signals from manually delineated tumor region were converted into a signature‐like picture by concatenating all histograms from different b‐values. Pathological results (pCR/non‐pCR) were used as the ground truth for deep learning. Gaussian and non‐Gaussian methods were used for comparison.Statistical TestsAnalysis of variance for age; Chi‐square for gender and pCR/non‐pCR; area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC); DeLong test for AUC. P < 0.05 for significant difference.ResultsThe AUC in the test group is 0.924 (95% CI: 0.866–0.983) for the signature‐like pictures converted from 35 bins, and it is 0.931 (95% CI: 0.884–0.979) for the signature‐like pictures converted from 70 bins, which is significantly (Z = 3.258, P < 0.05) larger than Dapp, the best predictor in non‐Gaussian methods with AUC = 0.773 (95% CI: 0.682–0.865).Data ConclusionThe proposed signature‐like pictures provide more accurate pretreatment prediction of the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy than the fitted methods for locally advanced rectal cancer.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Structure and maintenance mechanisms of the Mascarene High in austral winter
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wen Zhiping , Li Xiuzhen , Chen Ruidan , Chen Guixing 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Mascarene High (MH), is a key component of the Asian‐Africa‐Australia monsoon system in austral winter (JJA), spanning over the South Indian Ocean (15°–35°S, 15°–110°E). Its three‐dimensional structures and maintenance mechanisms are examined in this study. It is a low‐level subtropical high dominating the southern Africa and South Indian Ocean, characterized by a north‐westward tilt with height, which is attributed to its spatially inhomogeneous thermal structure. Large‐scale subsidence characterizes the main body of the MH, with the stronger subsidence to the east than to the west. Diagnosis using the complete form of the vertical vorticity tendency equation shows that the anticyclonic structure of the MH, which can be described by the distribution of meridional wind, is maintained mainly by the vertical gradient of diabatic heating, change in static stability, and friction dissipation. In particular, a combination of sensible heating and longwave radiative cooling results in a vertical decreasing gradient of diabatic heating in the lower troposphere. It generates the stronger southerlies over the subtropical South Indian Ocean than over the southern Africa. Meanwhile, over the South Indian Ocean, the increasing static stability as a result of the downward transport of a more stable atmosphere partly offsets the effect of the vertical gradient of diabatic heating, and southerlies still prevail there. Over the southern Africa, topographic friction dissipation induces northerlies, balancing the effect of the vertical gradient of diabatic heating with a stronger magnitude, and northerlies prevail.
Soft Actuator Based on Metal/Hydrogel Nanocomposites with Anisotropic Structure
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhao Xueqi , Han Xiuyuan , Wang Peiyao , Zheng Wen Jiang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe controlling of anisotropic structure in smart hydrogels is essential to fabricate hydrogel‐based soft actuators. Herein, a facile strategy to fabricate smart hydrogel with controllable anisotropic structure and the corresponding deformability is proposed. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel is fabricated as actuator by asymmetric growth of silver (Ag) microdendrite structures in the hydrogel matrix through a phototriggered electroreduction. The existence of Ag microdendrite structures at specific area in hydrogel changes the swelling/shrinking rates of the related region, which driving the deformation behavior of the hydrogel. By adjusting the electroreduction parameters and the patterns on the reducing electrode, distribution of Ag microstructures both along the vertical and lateral direction in hydrogel matrix can be precisely controlled, which further enables designed deformations of the hydrogel nanocomposites. As a result, various soft actuators such as bending beam, gripper, and flower‐shaped actuator are designed, and the temperature triggered actions of these actuators, such as curling and gripping are realized.
Uniform Contraction and High Force Output of Photoresponsive Shape‐Memory Polymer Actuators with Large Thickness Based on Vertical Distribution of Rare Earth Oxides
Authors: Shan Panpan , Chen Xinyu , Tan Bin , Cao Daruo , Fang Liang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLight induced soft actuators have broad application prospects where non‐contact stimulation and remote control are required. However, such soft actuators cannot achieve uniform contraction easily due to the weak penetration of light. Here, with the aid of vertical distribution of Sm2O3, Yb2O3, and Nd2O3 as selectively photothermal fillers along film thickness, a near‐infrared (NIR) light (1064, 980, and 808 nm) induced soft actuator based on shape‐memory polymer composites, which has a large thickness up to 2 mm is reported. The results show that tri‐layer films present uniform contraction and could lift a weight of 101.44 g by 8 mm under simultaneous irradiations of three NIR light beams. It is believed that the vertical distribution of selectively photothermal fillers provides a new strategy to create light induced soft actuators that can present uniform shape reconfiguration and high pulling force, further filling the gap between material concept and engineering applications.
Comparison of the early development of the professional values for nursing students in the traditional program and the second‐degree program: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Hui‐Ping , Chang Tsai‐Hsiu , Lee Hsiu‐Fang , Tsai Yu‐Hsia , Chang C.W , Chiang Hui‐Chu , Liu Hsueh‐Erh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimThis study aims to compare the early development of professional value between the students in the traditional programme (BSN) and those in the accelerated BSN (ABSN) programmes.DesignA longitudinal design was conducted.MethodsData were collected from three schools of nursing during one academic year. A total of 117 BSN students and 101 ABSN students completed the survey of demographic information and the Nurses’ Professional Values Scale–Revised questionnaires. All data were analysed by IBM SPSS‐Statistics 22.ResultsResults showed that, in the beginning of the first professional nursing course, both students in the BSN and the ABSN programmes reported similar level of professional values. However, after one academic year, the changes in the professional value varied both between these two programmes and among the three different nursing schools. The increased professional value in school A represented the possibility for students to improve during their first‐year professional nursing programme. As educators, we should redesign our teaching strategies according to the different conditions of students in each programme.
Improving the galvanic contact resistance for geoelectrical measurements in debris areas: A case study
Authors: Pavoni Mirko , Carrera Alberto , Boaga Jacopo 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to test, in a quantitative way, the different approaches that can be applied to improve the contact resistance problem in a debris environment for the acquisition of electrical resistivity tomography. We collected various datasets on the same investigation line in a blocky ground surface of a landslide deposit, using different coupling systems: single electrodes placed between the boulders, adding extra electrodes in parallel and drilled single electrodes inside the blocks. We performed the measurements in natural dry conditions, then we added salt water nearby the electrodes hammered among the boulders and we filled the drilled holes with a conductive carbomer‐based gel. The results clearly demonstrate that using salt water significantly reduces the contact resistances, but also that, if salt water is not available, we can collect a good quality dataset in dry conditions by connecting more electrodes in parallel. Drilling the electrodes directly inside the boulders decreases the data quality but, if necessary, we demonstrate that the use of a commercial carbon polymer gel can provide a marked improvement in contact resistances.
The molecular basis for the development of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in patients with an IRF4K59R mutation
Authors: Sundararaj Srinivasan , Seneviratne Sandali , Williams Simon J , Enders Anselm , Casarotto Marco G. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractInterferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is an essential regulator in the development of many immune cells, including B‐ and T‐cells and has been implicated directly in numerous hematological malignancies, including adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Recently, an activating mutation in the DNA‐binding domain of IRF4 (IRF4K59R) was found as a recurrent somatic mutation in ATLL patients. However, it remains unknown how this mutation gives rise to the observed oncogenic effect. To understand the mode of IRF4K59R‐mediated gain of function in ATLL pathogenesis, we have determined the structural and affinity basis of IRF4K59R/DNA homodimer complex using X‐ray crystallography and surface plasmon resonance. Our study shows that arginine substitution (R59) results in the reorientation of the side chain, enabling the guanidium group to interact with the phosphate backbone of the DNA helix. This markedly contrasts with the IRF4WT wherein the K59 interacts exclusively with DNA bases. Further, the arginine mutation causes enhanced DNA bending, enabling the IRF4K59R to interact more robustly with known DNA targets, as evidenced by increased binding affinity of the protein–DNA complex. Together, we demonstrate how key structural features underpin the basis for this activating mutation, thereby providing a molecular rationale for IRF4K59R‐mediated ATLL development.
Rapid directed molecular evolution of fluorescent proteins in mammalian cells
Authors: Babakhanova Siranush , Jung Erica E. , Namikawa Kazuhiko , Zhang Hanbin , Wang Yangdong , Subach Oksana M. , Korzhenevskiy Dmitry A. , Rakitina Tatiana V. , Xiao Xian , Wang Wenjing , Shi Jing , Drobizhev Mikhail , Park Demian , Eisenhard Lea , Tang Hongyun , Köster Reinhard W. , Subach Fedor V. , Boyden Edward S. , Piatkevich Kiryl D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn vivo imaging of model organisms is heavily reliant on fluorescent proteins with high intracellular brightness. Here we describe a practical method for rapid optimization of fluorescent proteins via directed molecular evolution in cultured mammalian cells. Using this method, we were able to perform screening of large gene libraries containing up to 2 × 107 independent random genes of fluorescent proteins expressed in HEK cells, completing one iteration of directed evolution in a course of 8 days. We employed this approach to develop a set of green and near‐infrared fluorescent proteins with enhanced intracellular brightness. The developed near‐infrared fluorescent proteins demonstrated high performance for fluorescent labeling of neurons in culture and in vivo in model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Spectral properties of the optimized near‐infrared fluorescent proteins enabled crosstalk‐free multicolor imaging in combination with common green and red fluorescent proteins, as well as dual‐color near‐infrared fluorescence imaging. The described method has a great potential to be adopted by protein engineers due to its simplicity and practicality. We also believe that the new enhanced fluorescent proteins will find wide application for in vivo multicolor imaging of small model organisms.