bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nodal increases the malignancy of childhood neuroblastoma cells via regulation of Zeb1
Authors: Wu Jingfang , Cheng Panpan , Huang Zongxuan , Tan Qingshi , Qu Yuhua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNeuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common malignant tumors derived from pluripotent cells of the neural crest. Nodal is an important embryonic morphogen which can re‐express in cancer cells. The roles of Nodal in the progression of NB are not illustrated. Our present study reveals that Nodal is upregulated in NB cells and tissues. Targeted inhibition of Nodal can suppress the in vitro migration and invasion of NB cells while increase its chemo‐sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox) treatment. Nodal positively regulates the expression of Zeb1, one well‐known transcription factors of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. Knockdown of Zeb1 can attenuate Nodal‐induced malignancy of NB cells. Mechanistically, Nodal increases the protein stability of Zeb1 while has no effect on its mRNA expression. It is due to that Nodal can increase the expression of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), which can phosphorylate and stabilize Zeb1 in cancer cells. Collectively, our data revealed that Nodal can increase the malignancy of NB cells via increasing the expression of Zeb1. It suggests that targeted inhibition of Nodal might be a potential therapy approach for NB treatment. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):355–363, 2019
Ultrahigh‐throughput screening system for directed polymer binding peptide evolution
Authors: Apitius Lina , Rübsam Kristin , Jakesch Christina , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAccumulation of plastics in the environment became a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era. An effective reduction of long‐lasting plastics requires a treatment with micro‐organisms that release polymer‐degrading enzymes. Polymer binding peptides function as adhesion promoters and enable a targeted binding of whole cells to polymer surfaces. An esterase A‐based Escherichia coli cell surface display screening system was developed, that enabled directed evolution of polymer binding peptides for improved binding strength to polymers. The E. coli cell surface screening system facilitates an enrichment of improved binding peptides from a culture broth through immobilization of whole cells on polymer beads. The polypropylene (PP)‐binding peptide liquid chromatography peak I (LCI) was simultaneously saturated at five positions (Y29, D31, G35, E42, and D45; 3.2 million variants) and screened for improved PP‐binding in the presence of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (LAS; 0.25 mM). The cell surface system enabled efficient screening of the generated LCI diversity (in total ~10 million clones were screened). Characterization of identified LCI binders revealed an up to 12‐fold improvement (eGFP‐LCI‐CSD‐3: E42V/D45H) in PP‐binding strength in the presence of the surfactant LAS (0.125 mM). The latter represents a first whole cell display screening system to improve adhesion peptides which can be used to direct and to immobilize organisms specifically to polymer surfaces (e.g., PP) and novel applications (e.g., in targeted plastic degradation).
Repurposing fed‐batch media and feeds for highly productive CHO perfusion processes
Authors: Kuiper Marcel , Spencer Chris , Fäldt Eric , Vuillemez Audrey , Holmes William , Samuelsson Teres , Gruber David , Castan Andreas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPerfusion is a cell culture mode that is gaining popularity for the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives. The cell culture media supporting perfusion culture need to support higher cell densities than those used in fed‐batch culture. Therefore, when switching from a fed‐batch to a perfusion mode, a new medium need to be developed which supports high cell densities, high productivity, and favorable product quality. We have developed a method for deriving perfusion culture media based on existing fed‐batch media and feeds. We show that we can obtain culture media that successfully support perfusion cultures in a single‐use rocking bioreactor system at cell‐specific perfusion rates below 25 pL−1 cell−1 day−1. High productivities and favorable product quality are also achievable.
Metformin modifies disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in men with type 2 diabetes but without chronic liver diseases
Authors: Wang Chen‐Pin , Kuhn John , Shah Dimpy P. , Schmidt Susanne , Lam Yui‐Wing F. , MacCarthy Daniel , Tenner Laura , Ramirez Amelie G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe assessed racial/ethnic disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence among men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) but without chronic liver diseases (CLD), and whether metformin use modified the disparity.MethodsStudy cohort: the nationwide Veterans Administration Health Care System electronic medical records among 40‐89 years old men with T2D; without CLD, cancer, cardiovascular or renal diseases previously; insulin and thiazolidinedione naive. Logistic regression analyses compared HCC incidence between race/ethnicity groups under no metformin use adjusted for covariates and inverse propensity score weights (IPSW) for race/ethnicity. The generalizability technique integrated with IPSW was incorporated to compare covariates adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of HCC associated with metformin use among race/ethnicity groups.ResultsStudy cohort: N = 84 433; 79.47% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 15.5% non‐Hispanic African American (NHAA), 5.03% Hispanics; 36.76% metformin users; follow‐up 6.10 ± 2.87 years; age 67.8 ± 9.8 years, HbA1c 6.57 ± 0.98%; 0.14% HCC cases. Under no metformin use, HCC incidence was lower for NHAA vs NHW (aOR = 0.60 [0.40‐0.92]), similar between NHW and Hispanics. Metformin was associated with reduced HCC risk: aOR = 0.57 (0.40‐0.81) for NHW; aOR = 0.35 (0.25‐0.47) for NHAA; aOR = 0.31 (0.22‐0.43) for Hispanics. Metformin dose >1000 mg/d was neutral for NHW; less effective for NHAA (P = 0.02); more effective for Hispanics (P = 0.002).ConclusionsIn men with T2D but without CLD nor metformin use, HCC incidence was lower for NHAA compared to NHW or Hispanics; similar between NHW and Hispanics. Metformin use reduced HCC risk and modified the race/ethnicity disparity.ImpactMetformin's heterogeneous HCC prevention effect elucidates potential interventions to modify HCC disparity in patients with T2D.
Graduate training in psychotherapy: The importance of ongoing clinical activity for the training faculty
Authors: Overholser James C. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPsychotherapy training is designed to help graduate students develop confidence and competence in their clinical skills.ApproachThe present manuscript explores three dimensions of an Aristotelian doctrine of knowledge as related to skill in psychotherapy.FindingsFirst, a psychotherapist should be knowledgeable about the background information pertaining to psychological theories and current research in the field. Typically, background information is covered in graduate courses and updated through continuing education opportunities for the licensed psychologists. Second, psychotherapists develop competence in technical skills used in psychotherapy sessions. For graduate students, competence in technical skills can be developed through the direct provision of clinical services in supervised placements. For faculty members, technical skills can be maintained through their involvement in ongoing clinical activities. Third, psychotherapy instructors need expertise in practical wisdom to guide clinical judgment and ethical reasoning skills. Expertise develops through years of practice.ConclusionsGraduate students are expected to develop background knowledge and basic competence in clinical skills. Furthermore, faculty members who teach graduate courses on psychological assessment, psychiatric diagnosis and psychological treatments can be expected to attain a level of expertise. Psychotherapy training is improved when faculty instructors have ongoing clinical experience and practical wisdom. The present manuscript confronts the problem and proposes several possible solutions.
Assessing Blending of Non‐Newtonian Fluids in Static Mixers by Planar Laser‐Induced Fluorescence and Electrical Resistance Tomography
Authors: Forte Giuseppe , Albano Andrea , Simmons Mark J. H. , Stitt Hugh E. , Brunazzi Elisabetta , Alberini Federico 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPlanar laser‐induced fluorescence (PLIF) and electrical resistance tomography (ERT) were applied simultaneously to monitor the mixing performance of a KM static mixer for the blending of non‐Newtonian fluids of dissimilar rheologies in the laminar regime. The areal distribution method was used to obtain quantitative information from the ERT tomograms and the PLIF images. Comparison of the ERT and PLIF results demonstrates the ability of ERT to detect the mixing performance in cases of poor mixing within the resolution of the measurement, though the accuracy decreases as the condition of perfect mixing is approached. Thus, ERT has the potential to detect poor mixing within the confines of its resolution limit and the required conductivity contrast, providing potential rapid at‐line measurement for industrial practitioners.
Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Closures for Bubbly Regime CFD Simulations in Developing Pipe Flow
Authors: Shiea Mohsen , Buffo Antonio , Baglietto Emilio , Lucas Dirk , Vanni Marco , Marchisio Daniele 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe effect of interfacial forces and relevant closures, particularly the lift and wall lubrication forces, on the predictions of Eulerian‐Eulerian computational fluid dynamics simulations of bubbly flows was studied. The test case under study was a developing turbulent bubbly pipe flow, simulated by using OpenFOAM. The results show that the geometric approach to consider the wall effect leads to better agreement than a standard relation assuming asymmetric drainage around the bubble near the wall. Furthermore, the results verify the need for employing negative lift coefficients in cases with large bubbles. A sensitivity analysis on the lift coefficient highlighted the importance of investigating spatially developing flows to draw general conclusions on the applicability of closure relations.
Design of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Assistant Dopants to Suppress the Nonradiative Component in Red Fluorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Ji Han , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOrganic light‐emitting diodes are currently under research to achieve high efficiency and long life by using thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. In particular, many studies have focused on ensuring high efficiency in fluorescent devices by introducing TADF materials. Herein, four kinds of orange‐colored TADF materials were synthesized and introduced into 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylbisbenz[5,6]indeno[1,2,3‐cd:1′,2′,3′‐lm]perylene (DBP) red fluorescent devices as assistant dopants. These TADF materials assisted in achieving high efficiency in DBP devices by reducing nonradiative process by Dexter energy transfer and harvesting singlet excitons by a Förster resonance energy transfer process. Among the four TADF materials, 2‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐6‐(9,9‐diphenylacridin‐10(9H)‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione (DtBIQAP) showed a higher reverse intersystem crossing rate and a smaller nonradiative rate constant than the other two materials, which can reduce the exciton loss process. As a result, the DtBIQAP‐assisted DBP device showed a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 18.2 % and color coordinates of (0.63, 0.37) in red fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes. This study provided a strategy of developing assistant dopants for high external quantum efficiency in TADF‐assisted fluorescent devices.
Geometrical effects in the hemodynamics of stenotic and non‐stenotic left coronary arteries—numerical and in vitro approaches
Authors: Doutel Erica , Viriato Nuno , Carneiro João , Campos João B.L.M. , Miranda João M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease found in the left coronary artery (LCA), closely linked to local hemodynamic, which, in turn, is highly influenced by the artery geometry. The hemodynamics in the LCA was studied in a patient‐specific geometry without any sign of disease using both numerical and in vitro approaches. The influence of non‐planarity was evaluated through two models of the patient‐specific LCA that deviate from its original geometry in their planarity. Afterwards, in all models, irregular stenoses were created by a procedure in which the stenosis emerges by diffusion from low wall shear stress (WSS) areas. The WSS distribution and flow patterns were evaluated in all the models. The experimental results validate the numerical code developed to study the blood flow assuming a steady state Newtonian behavior. Comparison between the planar and non‐planar idealized LCA revealed no significant differences in low WSS regions forming stenotic regions with identical shape. In the patient‐specific LCA, the low WSS regions are not consistent with the idealized models leading to a different stenosis shape. The results revealed that the non‐planarity has an unquestionable effect in helicity. It was also demonstrated that eccentricity of the vessels cross section and the position of the apex in relation to the axis of the parent branch contribute to the flow patterns observed. Numerical results of pulsatile blood flow assuming a non‐Newtonian behavior, in the patient‐specific LCA, reinforce the non‐planarity effect in local hemodynamics.
Seasonal variation of mortality, detectability, and body condition in a population of the adder (Vipera berus)
Authors: Bauwens Dirk , Claus Katja 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe analyzed seasonal variation in mortality rates in adult males and females of the European adder (Vipera berus), using data collected during a 13‐year capture–recapture study (2005–2017) in a large population. We concurrently obtained quantitative information on the seasonal variation in the detectability and body condition of adders. Our results show strong seasonality in body condition, encounter, and capture rates of adult adders, and these patterns differ markedly between sexes and between breeding and nonbreeding females. Seasonal variation in mortality rates was however virtually nonexistent in males and moderately low in both breeding and nonbreeding females. In addition, we found no evidence for among‐year differences in the seasonal mortality schedules of males and females. During periods of intensive basking, both males and pregnant females are highly visible for humans, but are not subject to strong natural mortality. This low susceptibility to predation is presumably induced by various factors, including the limitation of overt exposure to short periods of time and specific microhabitats, the dorsal coloration pattern that provides cryptic protection and possibly also an aposematic warning signal, and presumed seasonal differences in the foraging behavior and food requirements of natural predators. Our data provide some evidence that female adders, but not males, are relatively vulnerable to predation during the seasonal migrations between the hibernation and feeding habitats. Mortality in the females was not much elevated during their breeding years, but was notably highest in the spring of the ensuing nonbreeding year. After giving birth, reproductive females are extremely emaciated and have a weakened general condition. They then run the risk of dying from starvation either before, during, or after hibernation. The higher mortality after giving birth, that is sustained over a period of ca. 9 months, should be considered as an indirect and delayed survival cost of reproduction.
Sequence capture using AFLP‐generated baits: A cost‐effective method for high‐throughput phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis
Authors: Li Jia‐Xuan , Zeng Zhao‐Chi , Wang Ying‐Yong , Liang Dan , Zhang Peng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTarget sequence capture is an efficient technique to enrich specific genomic regions for high‐throughput sequencing in ecological and evolutionary studies. In recent years, many sequence capture approaches have been proposed, but most of them rely on commercial synthetic baits which make the experiment expensive. Here, we present a novel sequence capture approach called AFLP‐based genome sequence capture (AFLP Capture). This method uses the AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) technique to generate homemade capture baits without the need for prior genome information, thus is applicable to any organisms. In this approach, biotinylated AFLP fragments representing a random fraction of the genome are used as baits to capture the homologous fragments from genomic shotgun sequencing libraries. In a trial study, by using AFLP Capture, we successfully obtained 511 orthologous loci (>700,000 bp in total length) from 11 Odorrana species and more than 100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four analyzed individuals of an Odorrana species. This result shows that our method can be used to address questions of various evolutionary depths (from interspecies level to intraspecies level). We also discuss the flexibility in bait preparation and how the sequencing data are analyzed. In summary, AFLP Capture is a rapid and flexible tool and can significantly reduce the experimental cost for phylogenetic studies that require analyzing genome‐scale data (hundreds or thousands of loci).
The Advanced Multi‐functional Electrocatalyst Efficiently Built from Multi‐integrated Sites for Overall Water Splitting and Rechargeable Zinc‐air Battery
Authors: Dai Jianying , Zhang Wenqing , Li Tiantian , Bai Ling , He Wenya , Ji Lifei , Shi Huilan , Zhang Xin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExploration of cost‐effective, high‐performance and durable multifunctional electrocatalysts is of significant importance for renewable energy conversion and storage. In this work, a simple strategy is developed to tailor the nickel metal with the collaboration of nitrogen‐doped graphene and single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The resulted nickel catalyst exhibits superior trifunctional activities for oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions in the same electrolyte, even comparable to commercial Pt/C and RuO2 respectively, which can be attributed to the synergistic advantages between nickel, nitrogen and carbon, mainly including abundant integrated active sites achieved by the irregular charge distribution among C−N and Ni−N coupling centers. Such remarkable effects on trifunctional catalysis elicit the efficient overall water splitting, and endow the assembled zinc‐air battery with a good performance. These highlight the metallic nickel as an advanced multifunctional electrocatalysts with integrated sites developed from the collaboration of two different carbon nanomaterials.
Study on the stability and green application exploration of waste drilling fluid
Authors: Liu Bo , Wang Zhanqiang , Zhu Yingyue , Zhong Qing , Feng Xia , Zouhu Xizhi , Tian Yuqin , Zhu Rongjiao , Liu Weiwei , Tang Yanyan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn order to store and utilize waste drilling fluid (WDF) in Shengli oilfield reasonably, the stability of WDF has been evaluated by using zeta potential and Turbiscan Lab stability analyzer methods. Meanwhile, based on a large number of indoor experiments, green application and different gels formulations on waste water‐based drilling fluids have been explored. The results indicate that particle coalescence is the main factor influencing the stability of WDF. The particle size is 0.460–66.897 μm, which can meet the requirements of geosphere. The optimized gel formulation is 25% TWDF (third level of WDF) + 0.4% suspension stabilizer STL + 0.36% cross‐linker A. Gelling time can be controlled in the range of 20–45 h and gel strength can be controlled in the range of 14,060–23,570 mPa·s. The gels exhibit good temperature resistance, viscoelasticity. The results of core plugging experiments show that the optimized gel has good plugging ability, which has potential application in profile control system in oilfield. This technology not only eliminates environment pollution but also realizes the reutilization of resources.
Structural characterization of shale oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction
Authors: Al‐Saqarat Bety S. , Al‐Degs Yahya S. , Musleh Fadia M. , Najjar Hilana S. , Al‐Noaimi Mousa , Dawoud Jamal N. , Sunjuk Mahmoud S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOrganic matter recovery by solvent extraction has been the focus of numerous research area. In this work, recovery of organic matter from oil shale was evaluated by using Soxhelt extraction. Better oil extraction was reported after preheating of the shale to 300°C in inert atmosphere. The extracted oil was fractionated to asphaltenes, aliphatics, aromatics, and polar compounds with percentages of 4.2%, 52.6%, 20.9%, and 22.3% respectively. Compared with thermal retorting, the oil obtained by solvent extraction has higher aliphatics and polar compounds. Following a proper design of experiments, oil recovery was correlated with the following experimental factors:Extraction OM% = 7.39 + 2.23 Temp + 0.20 Mass – 0.34 PS − 0.022 Ext Time + 0.13 Temp × Mass – 0.28 Temp × PS – 0.30 Mass × PS. The results indicated that preheating temperature and mass of oil shale were positively correlated with oil extraction. However, particle size/preheating temperature and mass/particle size were negatively interacted for better oil extraction. Optimum conditions for oil recovery were accomplished using tetrahydrofuran at solid‐to‐liquid ratio of 50:1 g/mL, particle size 200−250 μm, and extraction time of 8.0 hr.
On the calibration and applicability of global solar radiation models based on temperature extremities in India
Authors: Jamil Basharat , Irshad Kashif , Algahtani Ali , Islam Saiful , Ali Mohammad A. , Shahab Azam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the present work, global solar radiation models based on the difference of monthly‐average daily ambient temperature extremes are calibrated for country‐wide application in India. Solar radiation measurements obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department for 22 locations of India for a duration of 15 years (1986–2000) were used. Solar radiation models based on temperature extremes were reviewed and 33 forms were considered for analysis. The models were derived using all the collected data by fitting a model form and extracting the coefficients with the help of DataFit® software. The calibrated models were analyzed and compared using statistical tools and ranked using Global Performance Indicator (GPI) where a higher value represented a model's better performance. Then, the models were arranged using GPI and it was found that model form 33 (fourth order polynomial) resulted in best estimation capability with a GPI of 0.0763. Further, Model 23, Model 28, Model 24, and Model 26 were also among the top models with GPI values of 0.0655, 0.0587, 0.0478, and 0.0426, respectively. Best ranking models were also used to obtain estimates for representative sites in regions with different climate characteristics within India and it was found that the models performed reasonably well.