bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hoechst 33258 aggregation and binding to DNA studied by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kenđel Adriana , Zavidić Virna , Miljanić Snežana 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInteractions of Hoechst 33258 (H33258) with two synthetic DNA polynucleotides, poly dA–poly dT and poly dG–poly dC, as well as natural calf thymus (ct) DNA were studied using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Given variety of stoichiometry dependent interactions, complexes were prepared in [H33258]/[DNA] molar ratios of 1/1, 1/5, and 1/10 in the silver colloidal suspension. Prior to analysis of binding modes with DNA polynucleotides, aggregation tendency of the dye in the silver colloid was studied in the concentration range 1 × 10−6–1 × 10−4 mol/L. The SERS spectra distinctive of aggregated and monomeric H33258 species were obtained, additionally indicating the form of the molecules bound to DNA. The obtained SERS spectra of H33258 with homo‐polymeric polynucleotides implied a deep insertion of the molecules into the AT minor groove, and a partial intercalation between the GC base pairs achieved by the access through the GC major groove. Spectral characteristics of the dye dominated in the spectra of the complexes with ct‐DNA, most likely due to random AT and GC sequences of the long natural nucleic acid, affecting uniform binding of the dye and consequently the adsorption of the H33258/DNA complex onto the enhancing metallic surface.
Primality of polyomino ideals by quadratic Gröbner basis
Authors: Mascia C. , Rinaldo G. , Romeo F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this work, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition on a polyomino ideal for having the set of inner 2‐minors as graded reverse lexicographic Gröbner basis, due to combinatorial properties of the polyomino itself. Moreover, we prove that when the latter holds the polyomino ideal coincides with the lattice ideal associated to the polyomino, that is the polyomino ideal is prime. As an application, we describe two new infinite families of prime polyominoes.
Modelling 3D elastodynamic wave scattering due to density and Lamé parameter contrasts of near‐surface scatterers
Authors: Harmankaya Utku , Kaslilar Ayse 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTInvestigating the near‐surface structure of the Earth through geophysical methods is a crucial aspect in many areas of study in geotechnical engineering, environmental science and exploration. Among several geophysical methods, seismic‐based ones are widely used for characterizing near‐surface features that are distinguished by contrasts in elastic parameters. In this paper, we model 3D elastodynamic wave propagation and scattering using a method based on domain‐type integral representation with Born approximation. We calculate the scattered wavefield by considering the first‐order perturbations in density and Lamé parameter contrasts of scatterers. Contrasts in Lamé parameters can be useful for determining the material properties of subsurface structures in cases of weak contrasts in velocities accompanying considerable Lamé parameter variations. We examine the effects of each parameter contrast on a series of models involving a subsurface scatterer. We also compare the seismograms obtained from our method with those from a 3D finite‐difference wavefield modelling program, where we observe good agreement between the modelling results. Sensitivity of the wavefield to the perturbation in each model parameter is also examined by calculating and analysing the Fréchet derivatives. In general, the method discussed here can provide a solid foundation for prospective imaging studies involving density and Lamé parameters simultaneously.
Perceived services and disservices of natural treatment systems for urban stormwater: Insight from the next generation of designers
Authors: Rippy Megan A. , Pierce Gregory , Feldman David , Winfrey Brandon , Mehring Andrew S. , Holden Patricia A. , Ambrose Richard. , Levin Lisa A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Natural treatment systems (NTS) for stormwater have the potential to provide a myriad of ecosystem services to society. Realizing this potential requires active collaboration among engineers, ecologists and landscape planners and begins with a paradigm shift in communication whereby these groups are made aware of each other's perceptions about NTS and the presence of knowledge gaps that their respective disciplines can bridge.

Here we participate in the first part of what we hope will be a reciprocal exchange: presenting results from a landscape perceptions survey to urban planners, ecologists and landscape architects that illustrates how the next generation of engineers perceives NTS relative to other landscape features, and the implications of those perceptions for future infrastructure development.

Our results suggest that although lawns, gardens and native ecosystems were perceived as multifunctional, providing characteristic bundles of services/disservices, perceptions of NTS were more variable (i.e. there was no social norm for their perception).

Environmental worldviews, knowledge, attitudes about ecosystem services and demographics were all significant drivers of perceived services. However, students had difficulty identifying NTS correctly, and factual knowledge about NTS did not help students associate NTS with typical design services like flood reduction more than features not designed for those purposes, such as lawns. This suggests that engineering students lack familiarity with the outward appearance of NTS and have difficulty placing NTS services into a broader landscape context.

Expertise from urban planning and ecology could help bridge these knowledge gaps, improving the capacity of tomorrow's engineers to co‐design NTS to meet diverse community needs.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
An update on rhabdomyosarcoma risk stratification and the rationale for current and future Children's Oncology Group clinical trials
Authors: Haduong Josephine H. , Heske Christine M. , Allen‐Rhoades Wendy , Xue Wei , Teot Lisa A. , Rodeberg David A. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Weiss Aaron , Hawkins Douglas S. , Venkatramani Rajkumar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractChildren and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) comprise a heterogeneous population with variable overall survival rates ranging between approximately 6% and 100% depending on defined risk factors. Although the risk stratification of patients has been refined across five decades of collaborative group studies, molecular prognostic biomarkers beyond FOXO1 fusion status have yet to be incorporated prospectively in upfront risk‐based therapy assignments. This review describes the evolution of risk‐based therapy and the current risk stratification, defines a new risk stratification incorporating novel biomarkers, and provides the rationale for the current and upcoming Children's Oncology Group RMS studies.
Computational Guided Method Applied to LSPR‐Based Biosensor for Specific Detection of the Four‐Serotypes of Dengue Virus in Seropositive Patients
Authors: Machado Gabriel L. , Teixeira Felipe M. F. , Ferreira Gabriel S. C. , Versiani Alice F. , Andrade Lidia M. , Ladeira Luiz O. , da Fonseca Flávio G. , Ramirez Jhonattan C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper, a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)‐based biosensor, computationally guided to detect selectively the four Dengue virus (DENVx) serotypes in seropositive patients, is presented. The behavior of gold nanoparticles in the shape of nanorods is theoretically and numerically studied as a function of induced structural variations, which are experimentally evidenced due to the bio‐interaction between the target analytes and its surface during the detection process. Additionally, with the implementation of the largest Lyapunov exponent, it is possible to calculate the notion of predictability for the experimental results, observing chaotic systems with a very low probability of repetition. Due to the above, when analyzing the recurrence map associated with the obtained resonance curve generated by the LSPR system, the genetic similarity of DENV3/DENV2 and DENV4/DENV1 is evidenced. Finally, the biosensors are validated by analyzing samples of seronegative patients for DENVx and seropositive ones for other Flaviviruses such as Zika virus, Yellow Fever virus, and Saint Louis Encephalitis virus.
The alleviative effect of flavonol‐type Nrf2 activator rhamnazin from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino on pulmonary disorders
Authors: Wu Xue‐Yi , Wang Tian , Hu Hui‐Xin , Zhang Kan , Zhao Yu , Zhao Bao‐Bing , Lou Hong‐Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Ning , Shen Tao 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRhamnazin (RN) is a flavonol isolated from the calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, which has been used for treating pulmonary diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. The nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a therapeutic target for pulmonary diseases. In the present study, the underlying mechanism and pharmacological effect of RN against pulmonary disorders are investigated. Human lung epithelial Beas‐2B cell and RAW 264.7 murine macrophage‐based cell models, and a cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced pulmonary impairment mice model are adopted for investigation in vitro and in vivo. RN is identified to be an Nrf2 activator, which promotes Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1 via reacting with the Cys151 cysteine residue of Keap1, and suppresses Nrf2 ubiquitination. In addition, RN is able to attenuate toxicant‐stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory response in vitro. Importantly, RN significantly relieves CS‐induced oxidative insult and inflammation, and RN‐induced inhibition of inflammation is related to inhibition of nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and induction of cell autophagy. In conclusion, our data indicate that RN is an activator of the Nrf2 pathway and evidently alleviates pulmonary disorders via restricting NF‐κB activation and promoting autophagy. RN is a promising candidate for the therapy of pulmonary disorders.
Observation system simulation experiments (OSSEs) for assimilation of the planetary boundary‐layer height (PBLH) using the EnSRF technique
Authors: Dang Ruijun , Qiu Xiaobin , Yang Yi , Zhang Shuwen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe planetary boundary‐layer height (PBLH) is a key parameter that is very important in numerical weather and air quality predictions. The current LiDAR networks make it possible to provide potential PBLH observations, and assimilating the parameter will be helpful to improve the forecast of variables within the planetary boundary layer (PBL). This study first carried out idealized experiments on PBLH assimilation through observation system simulation experiments (OSSEs). The ensemble square root filter (EnSRF) is applied to assimilate the simulated PBLH based on the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. This study mainly focused on two issues: which variables can be effectively improved by assimilating the PBLH, and whether there are differences in the assimilation effects above and within the PBL in the vertical direction. The results show that during the daytime within the PBL, PBLH assimilation could effectively improve the simulation and forecasting of model variables, including perturbation potential temperature (pt), water vapour mixing ratio (qv) and perturbation geopotential (ph); meanwhile, PBLH assimilation could strengthen turbulence mixing and result in a warmer and drier PBL. While the vertical and horizontal wind speeds (w, u and v) cannot be effectively updated by assimilating the PBLH, they could be indirectly improved by model dynamical adjustment when pt, qv and ph are improved. Above the PBL top, most of the above six variables cannot be effectively improved by assimilating the daytime PBLH. In contrast, at night, only u and v within the PBL could be directly updated by the low nocturnal PBLH. In this study, the simplest and most idealized schemes are selected based on idealized experiments; nevertheless, the results lay a foundation for later vertical and horizontal localization research and for the study of LiDAR‐retrieved PBLH assimilation in the future, which is the ultimate goal of this series of works.
Analyzing count data with measurement error
Authors: Hamada Michael S. , Casleton Emily M. , Osthus Dave , Weaver Brian P. , Steiner Stefan H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this article, we analyze observed count data such as the number of defects in a steel product where the observed counts are the true counts measured with errors. We account for the measurement error by using a measurement error model based on a latent lognormal (LLN) distribution. We consider making inference about a single population (e.g., from samples of a production lot) and a regression model (e.g., from runs of a designed experiment), where the measurement system properties are known, that is, the parameters of the LLN distribution are known. Then, we consider simultaneous inference for the single population and regression model as well as the measurement system. We demonstrate the proposed methodology with both simulated and real observed counts.
Resolving isobaric interferences in direct infusion tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kaeslin Jérôme , Zenobi Renato 
Published: February 2022

RationaleThe co‐fragmentation of precursors in direct infusion (DI) tandem high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) can complicate the fragment spectra and consequently lead to false hits during compound identification.MethodsThe method herein described, termed IQAROS (incremental quadrupole acquisition to resolve overlapping spectra), modulates the intensities of precursors and fragments by stepwise movement of the quadrupole isolation window over the mass‐to‐charge (m/z) range of the precursors. The modulated signals are then deconvoluted by a linear regression model to reconstruct the fragment spectra with less interference. The hardware to demonstrate the use of IQAROS was an orbitrap with electrospray ionization (ESI) or secondary electrospray ionization (SESI), although the method can also be applied to other ionization techniques or mass analyzers.ResultsAssessing the performance of IQAROS with isobaric standards revealed that the reconstructed fragment spectra match with spectra acquired from the pure standards and that more compounds were correctly identified compared with the classical approach with the quadrupole centered at the m/z value of the precursor of interest. Moreover, the strength of IQAROS is exemplified by the identification of two isobaric biomarkers directly from a breath sample with SESI‐HRMS.ConclusionsWith IQAROS, cleaner fragment spectra of co‐fragmenting isobars during DI‐HRMS analysis can be obtained. IQAROS can easily be set up by the standard graphical user interface of the instrument. Therefore, it facilitates the characterization of features of interest in samples analyzed by DI‐HRMS, for example, in high‐throughput or real‐time metabolomics.
Mosaic loss of the Y chromosome and men's health
Authors: Fukami Maki , Miyado Mami 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Y chromosomal genes are involved in male sex development, spermatogenesis, and height growth, these genes play no role in the survival or mitosis of somatic cells. Therefore, somatic cells lacking the Y chromosome can stay and proliferate in the body.MethodsSeveral molecular technologies, including next‐generation sequencing and multiplex PCR‐based assays, are used to detect mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (mLOY) in the blood of men.Main findingsAccumulating evidence suggests that mLOY represents the most common acquired chromosomal alteration in humans, affecting >40% of men over 70 years of age. Advanced age, tobacco smoking, and some SNPs in cell cycle genes are known to increase the frequency of mLOY. The developmental process of mLOY in elderly men remains to be clarified, but it possibly reflects recurrent mitotic elimination of Y chromosomes or clonal expansion of 45,X cell lineages. In rare cases, mLOY also occurs in young men and fetuses. MLOY has been associated with early death, cancers, and other disorders in elderly men, infertility in reproductive‐aged men, and developmental defects in children.ConclusionY chromosomes in men can be lost at every life stage and Y chromosomal loss is associated with various health problems.
Consensus tracking for singular multi‐agent systems with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics and external disturbances
Authors: Liu Tianya , Sheng Andong , Ma Cui‐Qin , Qi Guoqing , Li Yinya 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe consensus tracking control problem for singular multi‐agent systems (SMASs) with Lipschitz nonlinearities and unknown disturbances is investigated. An extended state observer using only the relative output information is introduced and then a distributed consensus protocol is proposed, whose performance is analyzed using matrix analysis, singular system theory and Lyapunov stability theory. Sufficient conditions for ensuring consensus tracking with disturbance rejection of linear and Lipschitz nonlinear SMASs are, respectively, obtained under directed networks. Specifically, an equivalent formulation of achieving consensus tracking for SMASs is established, and the design procedures of gain matrices in the proposed consensus protocols are presented by the linear matrix inequality solver. Finally, simulation examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Out of the trap: Conversion funnel business model, customer switching costs, and industry profitability
Authors: Abolfathi Niloofar , Fosfuri Andrea , Santamaria Simone 
Published: February 2022

AbstractResearch SummaryAcross many industries, firms employ a conversion funnel business model to attract customers with basic and affordable products, generate lock‐in, and then sell them more advanced and expensive products. We argue that this business model, coupled with high customer switching costs, results in a market outcome characterized by aggressive pricing and reduced profits. A sudden reduction in customer switching costs disrupts the conversion funnel and can eventually increase industrywide prices and profitability, an outcome that contradicts conventional wisdom in strategy research. We develop a stylized model to formalize our ideas and provide supportive evidence using a difference‐in‐differences methodology with staggered treatment for a large, global sample of mobile telecommunications operators.Managerial SummaryIndustry changes that lower customer frictions can surprisingly be beneficial for companies. Building on the telecommunications industry, we document how a reduction in customer switching costs following mobile number portability increases the profitability of mobile operators. We explain this finding based on a change in companies' business model. When switching costs are high, companies adopt a funnel business model designed to convert customers from basic to advanced products. While advantageous for a single company, when strategic interactions are accounted for, the diffusion of this business model has a depressive effect on average market prices and profitability. A reduction in customer switching costs breaks the funnel and decouples product pricing decisions that, counterintuitively, can lead to higher industrywide prices and greater profitability.
Quaternized Polysaccharide‐Based Cationic Micelles as a Macromolecular Approach to Eradicate Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Infections while Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Xie Fang , Jiang Lai , Xiao Ximian , Lu Yiwen , Liu Runhui , Jiang Wei , Cai Jie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMicrobial infections and microbial resistance lead to a high demand for new antimicrobial agents. Quaternized polysaccharides are cationic antimicrobial candidates; however, the limitation of homogeneous synthesis solvents that affect the molecular structure and biological activities, as well as their drug resistance remains unclear. Therefore, the authors homogeneously synthesize a series of quaternized chitin (QC) and quaternized chitosan (QCS) derivatives via a green and effective KOH/urea system and investigate their structure–activity relationship and biological activity in vivo and in vitro. Their study reveals that a proper match of degree of quaternization (DQ) and degree of deacetylation (DD′) of QC or QCS is key to balance antimicrobial property and cytotoxicity. They identify QCS‐2 as the optimized antimicrobial agent with a DQ of 0.46 and DD′ of 82%, which exhibits effective broad‐spectrum antimicrobial properties, good hemocompatibility, excellent cytocompatibility, and effective inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation and eradication of mature bacterial biofilms. Moreover, QCS‐2 exhibits a low propensity for development of drug resistance and significant anti‐infective effects on MRSA in vivo comparable to that of vancomycin, avoiding excessive inflammation and promoting the formation of new blood vessels, hair follicles, and collagen deposition to thus expedite wound healing.
Combination of Photothermal Therapy with Anti‐Inflammation Therapy Attenuates the Inflammation Tumor Microenvironment and Weakens Immunosuppression for Enhancement Antitumor Treatment
Authors: Zhang Di , Yang Jinghong , Ye Sheng , Wang Yutong , Liu Chuang , Zhang Qianbing , Liu Ruiyuan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPhotothermal therapy has gained widespread attention in cancer treatment, although its efficacy is suppressed due to the inflammatory response and immunosuppression, resulting in a discounted therapeutic effect. In this contribution, a high‐performance NIR absorption organic small chromophore is developed, which is encapsulated into Pluronic F‐127 to fabricate NIR absorption organic nanoparticles (TTM NPs) with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (51.49%) for photothermal therapy. TTM NPs based photothermal therapy are combined with Aspisol, a kind of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, to weaken the inflammation and immunosuppression tumor microenvironment and enhance the antitumor effect. The results prove that the combination therapy realizes effective thermal elimination of primary tumors, inhibition of distant tumors, and suppression of tumor metastasis. The data show that combination therapy can suppress the expression of inflammatory factors, enhance dendritic cell activation and maturation, reverse the immunosuppression, facilitate T cell infiltration, and restore antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. This study provides a paradigm to extend the development of photothermal therapy.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Starch‐ZnO Hybrid Nanoparticles: Effect of the Amylose Content
Authors: Cao Yu , Bian Xiaofang , Luo Shunjing , Liu Chengmei , Hu Xiuting 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this work, starches with different amylose contents are used as the stabilizer to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles through the in situ chemical precipitation method. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms formation of hexagonal ZnO nanoparticles. It is observed that the ZnO nanoparticles are coated by starch when starch is added during preparation of ZnO nanoparticles, which indicates that the nanoparticles are the starch‐ZnO hybrid nanoparticles. Moreover, hybridization with starches reduces the size of ZnO nanoparticles and the size of hybrid particles is in the order of high‐amylose starch‐ZnO nanoparticles < normal starch‐ZnO nanoparticles < waxy starch‐ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, in the presence of waxy corn starch, some starch particles appear around the waxy corn starch‐ZnO nanoparticles. Hybridization with high‐amylose corn starch enhances the UV absorption ability of ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, hybridization with starch enhances the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles. These results suggest that high‐amylose corn starch has the strongest ability to stabilize ZnO nanoparticles and improve their properties.