bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning a Killing Mechanism into an Adhesion and Antifouling Advantage
Authors: Dedisch Sarah , Obstals Fabian , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Bruns Michael , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: July 2019

Mild and universal methods to introduce functionality in polymeric surfaces remain a challenge. Herein, a bacterial killing mechanism based on amphiphilic antimicrobial peptides is turned into an adhesion advantage. Surface activity (surfactant) of the antimicrobial liquid chromatography peak I (LCI) peptide is exploited to achieve irreversible binding of a protein–polymer hybrid to surfaces via physical interactions. The protein–polymer hybrid consists of two blocks, a surface‐affine block (LCI) and a functional block to prevent protein fouling on surfaces by grafting antifouling polymers via single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP). The mild conditions of SET‐LRP ofN‐2‐hydroxy propyl methacrylamide (HPMA) and carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) preserve the secondary structure of the fusion protein. Adsorption kinetics and grafting densities are assessed using surface plasmon resonance and ellipsometry on model gold surfaces, while the functionalization of a range of artificial and natural surfaces, including teeth, is directly observed by confocal microscopy. Notably, the fusion protein modified with poly(HPMA) completely prevents the fouling from human blood plasma and thereby exhibits a resistance to protein fouling that is comparable to the best grafted‐from polymer brushes. This, combined with their simple application on a large variety of materials, highlights the universal and scalable character of the antifouling concept.
Quantifying the Trade‐Off between Absolute Capacity and Rate Performance in Battery Electrodes
Authors: Park Sang‐Hoon , Tian Ruiyuan , Coelho João , Nicolosi Valeria , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: July 2019

Among other things, battery electrodes need to display large absolute capacities coupled with high rate performance. However, enhancing areal capacity, for example via increased electrode thickness, results in reductions in rate performance. The basis for this negative correlation has not been studied in a quantitative fashion. Here, a semiempirical model is used to analyze capacity versus rate data for electrodes fabricated from a number of materials, each measured at various thicknesses. Fitting the model to the data outputs the low‐rate areal capacity, QA, and the characteristic time associated with charge/discharge, τ, fit parameters which quantify absolute capacity and rate performance respectively. A clear correlation is found between QA and τ, with all data siting close to a mastercurve approximately defined by constant τ/QA. This data is consistent with a simple model based on the timescales associated with rate‐limiting processes. This model implies that the capacity‐rate trade‐off can be improved for high areal capacity electrodes by increasing the volumetric capacity, electrical conductivity, and porosity of the electrode. Conversely, solid‐state diffusion and reaction kinetics are only important for low areal capacity electrodes.
Revisiting the accuracy of splenomegaly by sonography in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Tung Wei‐Ling , Yang Chun‐Hsun , Tseng Po‐Lin , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Xu Huang‐Wei
Published: July 2019

In Taiwan, the National Health Insurance Scheme reimburses lifelong antiviral agents for cirrhotic patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA higher than 2000 IU/mL. However, the requirement of image diagnosis is ultrasonographic cirrhosis with splenomegaly. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity of splenomegaly in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)‐related liver cirrhosis (LC). Eliminated by exclusive criteria, 684 of 743 consecutive CHB patients with available liver biopsy reports were enrolled as the all populations group (Group all). Ultrasound cirrhosis score (UCS) was used to demonstrate the severity of liver fibrosis. A score of 7 as the best cut‐off point in the prediction of CHB‐related LC has been proposed by our previous report. Based on UCS ≥7, 222 patients were selected as the advanced fibrosis populations group (Group fibrosis). The splenic index (SI), the product of two vertical distances from the splenic surface to hilum, was measured retrospectively from the ultrasonographic pictures mostly close to the biopsy day. Splenomegaly is defined as SI ≥20. In Group all and Group fibrosis, the prevalence of pathological LC was 26.2% (179/684) and 64.4% (143/222), respectively. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the SI in the diagnosis of LC was 72.3% and 68.2% for Group all and Group fibrosis, respectively. Using 20 as a cut‐off value, the accuracy was 73.1% and 60.8%. Based on the ROC curve, the best cut‐off point of the SI should be 17 (sensitivity: 70.4%, specificity: 63.4%) and 18 (sensitivity: 65.7%, specificity: 64.6%), respectively. Splenomegaly is not a good noninvasive surrogate in the diagnosis of LC in patients with CHB.
Endoscopic findings in a patient with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: A case report
Authors: Chu Chia‐Sheng , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Chang I‐Ping , Su Wen‐Pang , Kao Jung‐Ta , Huang Wen‐Hsin , Lai Hsueh‐Chou
Published: July 2019

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis, rapid progression, and early metastasis. It often occurs in the middle to lower part of the esophagus. Endoscopic findings reveal various colors ranging from white, brown, and purple to black, and the lesions could be ulcerative, superficial, or protruding polypoid. Only a few reports about endoscopic findings of PMME are available in the literature. Here, we describe a case of a 77‐year‐old man who suffered from epigastric pain and acid regurgitation for 2 weeks. Endoscopic findings revealed an ulcerative lesion with purple‐black pigmentation in the lower part of the esophagus. Endoscopic biopsy was performed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed a subepithelial nodule with melanocytosis and a high nuclear‐cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio and macronucleoli. Immunohistochemical staining revealed positive results for S‐100, HMB‐45, and melan‐A. Based on these pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations, the patient was diagnosed with PMME. However, the patient initially hesitated to undergo surgical intervention until he developed dysphagia 2 years later. We also present a series of endoscopic images of PMME of this patient in this paper.
Safety and efficacy of tip‐in endoscopic mucosal resection for large sessile colorectal polyps: A single‐center experience in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Chung‐Ying , Chen Ming‐Yao , Lin Hwai‐Jeng , Chien Hsi‐Yuan
Published: July 2019

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an established technique for treating large colonic polyps. However, en bloc resection of large sessile lesions using conventional EMR is technically challenging and can generally be performed only in a piecemeal manner, resulting in low radical resection rates and high recurrence rates. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), a more difficult and time‐consuming technique, is an alternative procedure with high en bloc resection rates and low recurrence rates. Therefore, we present a novel technique: tip‐in EMR. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of tip‐in EMR for the en bloc resection of large sessile colorectal polyps or laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). In this retrospective observational study, we included patients who underwent tip‐in EMR for the removal of large colonic polyps (>10 mm) at Shuang Ho Hospital over a 2‐year period (September 2015 to September 2017). Clinical variables, including age, gender, polyp size and morphology, procedure time, complications, and pathology, were analyzed. A total of 46 polyps were removed from 42 adult patients through tip‐in EMR. The patients' mean ± SD age was 61.0 ± 12.0 years. The polyps were located in the right‐side colon, transverse colon, left‐side colon, and rectum in 39.1%, 17.4%, 37.0%, and 6.5% of the patients, respectively. The mean polyp size was 20.4 ± 5.6 mm (range = 10‐35 mm). LSTs were the predominant polyp type (n = 37, 81.5%). Among all LSTs (n = 37), 12 lesions were of granular type, and 25 lesions were nongranular. All polyps were removed en bloc using tip‐in EMR. The mean procedure time was 14.9 ± 8.8 min. Immediate bleeding occurred in only one patient (2.2%). No patient developed perforation or delayed bleeding. Regarding histopathological findings, 9 polyps (19.6%) were sessile serrated adenomas, 16 (34.8%) were tubular adenomas, 12 (26.1%) were tubulovillous adenomas, and 1 (2.2%) was a villous adenoma. High‐grade dysplasia was observed in four polyps (8.7%), and one lesion was an in situ carcinoma. Surveillance colonoscopy was performed in 20 patients (47.6%) over a mean follow‐up period of 12.7 ± 5.3 months. Among these patients, only one patient exhibited local recurrence. Tip‐in EMR is a novel alternative technique for polyp resection that is proven to be relatively safe and efficient for the en bloc removal of large sessile colonic polyps.
Asymmetric Construction of Axially Chiral 2‐Arylpyrroles by Chirality Transfer of Atropisomeric Alkenes
Authors: Wang Yong‐Bin , Wu Quan‐Hao , Zhou Zhi‐Peng , Xiang Shao‐Hua , Cui Yuan , Yu Peiyuan , Tan Bin
Published: July 2019

Axially chiral 2‐arylpyrrole frameworks are efficiently accessed through a direct chirality transfer strategy by rapid cyclization of enantioenriched atropisomeric alkenes, which are generated by organocatalytic asymmetric N‐alkylation reactions. This approach accommodates a broad scope of substrates with remarkably high chirality transfer efficiency, affording novel atropisomers with a fully substituted pyrrole moiety and high enantiopurities. Given the enantioenriched atropisomeric alkenes, novel heterocyclic 2‐arylazepine atropisomers were realized through a rationally designed ene reaction.
Vinylene‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks by Base‐Catalyzed Aldol Condensation
Authors: Acharjya Amitava , Pachfule Pradip , Roeser Jérôme , Schmitt Franz‐Josef , Thomas Arne
Published: July 2019

Two 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) linked by vinylene (−CH=CH−) groups (V‐COF‐1 and V‐COF‐2) are synthesized by exploiting the electron deficient nature of the aromatic s‐triazine unit of C3‐symmetric 2,4,6‐trimethyl‐s‐triazine (TMT). The acidic terminal methyl hydrogens of TMT can easily be abstracted by a base, resulting in a stabilized carbanion, which further undergoes aldol condensation with multitopic aryl aldehydes to be reticulated into extended crystalline frameworks (V‐COFs). Both V‐COF‐1 (with terepthalaldehyde (TA)) and V‐COF‐2 (with 1,3,5‐tris(p‐formylphenyl)benzene (TFPB)) are polycrystalline and exhibit permanent porosity and BET surface areas of 1341 m2 g−1 and 627 m2 g−1, respectively. Owing to the close proximity (3.52 Å) of the pre‐organized vinylene linkages within adjacent 2D layers stacked in eclipsed fashion, [2+2] photo‐cycloadditon in V‐COF‐1 formed covalent crosslinks between the COF layers.
RhI‐Catalyzed PIII‐Directed C−H Bond Alkylation: Design of Multifunctional Phosphines for Carboxylation of Aryl Bromides with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhang Zhuan , Roisnel Thierry , Dixneuf Pierre H. , Soulé Jean‐François
Published: July 2019

We report the C−H alkylation of biarylphosphines at the ortho′ position(s) with alkenes by using rhodium(I) catalysis, which provides straightforward access to a large library of multifunctionalized phosphines. Some of these modified ligands outperformed commercially available phosphines in the Pd‐catalyzed carboxylation of aryl bromides with carbon dioxide in the presence of a photoredox catalyst.
Internal Nucleophilic Catalyst Mediated Cyclisation/Ring Expansion Cascades for the Synthesis of Medium‐Sized Lactones and Lactams
Authors: Lawer Aggie , Rossi‐Ashton James A. , Stephens Thomas C. , Challis Bradley J. , Epton Ryan G. , Lynam Jason M. , Unsworth William P.
Published: July 2019

A strategy for the synthesis of medium‐sized lactones and lactams from linear precursors is described in which an amine acts as an internal nucleophilic catalyst to facilitate a novel cyclisation/ring expansion cascade sequence. This method obviates the need for the high‐dilution conditions usually associated with medium‐ring cyclisation protocols, as the reactions operate exclusively via kinetically favourable “normal”‐sized cyclic transition states. This same feature also enables biaryl‐containing medium‐sized rings to be prepared with complete atroposelectivity by point‐to‐axial chirality transfer.
Manipulating the separation performance of nanofiltration membranes by coating thickness of organic phase during interfacial polymerization
Authors: Cheng Xin , Pan Qiaoming , Liu Tao , Tan Huifen , Liu Wenchao
Published: July 2019

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have excellent separation capabilities and selective performance, and are widely applied in the field of concentration and separation of salt and inorganic salt mixtures. In this article, NF membranes with a higher comprehensive performance were fabricated using a thinner coated organic phase during interfacial polymerization, which greatly reduced the rejection of sodium chloride and significantly improved the water flux without reducing the rejection of magnesium sulfate. Structure comparison found that thinner polyamide separation layer resulted in the higher crosslinking degree, smaller particle, and relatively rough surface. Based on these analyses, we hypothesized that thermodynamically efficiency in the system varies with the coating thickness. Finally, the mechanism of the influence of the coating thickness of organic phase during heat treatment on the interfacial polymerization process and membrane structure was discussed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48284.
Anticancer properties of novel pyrazole‐containing biguanide derivatives with activating the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Sichun , Xu Leichuan , Cao Mengru , Wang Zhiren , Xiao Di , Xu Simeng , Deng Jun , Hu Xin , He Caimei , Tao Ting , Wang Wei , Guan Aiying , Yang Xiaoping
Published: July 2019

Biguanides, including metformin and phenformin, have emerged as promising anticancer agents. However, the high dose needed for their efficient anticancer properties restricts their clinical application. In an attempt to obtain higher active compounds than these parent compounds, pyrazole‐containing biguanide derivatives were synthesized and screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines. Clonogenic assays and scratch wound healing assays demonstrated that these new derivatives profoundly inhibit cell proliferation and migration. Compounds 10b and 10d exhibited strong potency with low IC50 values in the range of 6.9‐28.3 μM, far superior to phenformin and metformin. Moreover, 20 μM 10b and 10d resulted in 72.3‐88.2% (p < 0.001) inhibition of colony formation and 29.3‐60.7% (p < 0.05) inhibition of cell migration. Mechanistically, 10b and 10d activated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, leading to inactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway with the regulation of 4EBP1 and p70S6K. These results suggest the value of these novel biguanide derivatives as candidates with therapeutic potential for the treatment of bladder and ovarian cancer.
A nationwide survey regarding the life situations of patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan, 2018: First report
Authors: Hinoshita Fumihiko , Beppu Hiroko , Shioji Shingo , Fujitani Junko , Imai Koubun , Tajima Tsuyoshi , Tagami Tetsuya , Ohnishi Shin
Published: July 2019

Background

Clinical studies on the effects of thalidomide‐induced damage on thalidomide victims as they age have only recently started to be conducted, but no studies have examined socioeconomic differences in terms of healthcare and social status between thalidomiders and the age‐matched general population in Japan. Therefore, we carried out a nationwide survey focusing on the life situations of thalidomiders.

Method

Questionnaires were sent to 274 thalidomiders in Japan. The questionnaire items basically matched those of the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (CSLC) in the general population conducted by the Japanese Government. The results were compared with those of the CSLC for individuals aged 55–59 years, which was the cohort most similar in age to the average thalidomider living in Japan.

Results

More thalidomiders rated their health condition as relatively bad or bad compared with the general population (20.2% vs. 13.3%, respectively). A much higher percentage of thalidomiders reported having some health or physical problem caused by a disease or injury (68.8% vs. 32.6%, respectively), and thalidomiders reported visiting medical and healthcare‐related facilities more frequently. A higher proportion of thalidomiders (9.2%) were unemployed, and thalidomiders tended to feel higher levels of worry and stress, especially in terms of the future.

Conclusions

The results of this nationwide survey of the life situations of thalidomiders in Japan clarified their health conditions and the related associations with socioeconomic status. These findings could be expected to help improve the provision of medical and healthcare, welfare measures, and financial support for thalidomiders in the near future.
Determination of phenolic compounds by MALDI–TOF and essential oil composition by GC–MS during three development stages of Origanum majorana L.
Authors: Khadhri Ayda , Bouali Intidhar , Aouadhi Chedia , Lagel Marie‐Christine , Masson Eric , Pizzi Antonio
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the maturation process of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) on essential oil composition, the phenolic profile of ethanolic extract and their antioxidant capacities. The essential oil composition was studied at three stages of maturity by GC–MS. Thirty compounds were detected representing 100% of the total essential oil. p‐Menth‐1‐en‐4‐ol was the major compound (37.15–76.94%) followed by cyclohexanol‐3,3,5 trimethyl (5.41–15.99%) and α‐terpineol (0.94–11.34%). During the maturation process, an accumulation of oxygenated monoterpenes was observed. The phenolic composition was studied using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight. The analysis showed the presence of short flavonoid monomers at all stages of maturation. The antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extracts and essential oils was evaluated using the DPPH assay, iron chelating power and reducing power assay. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were found at flowering stage. These findings on essential oil composition, phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of O. majorana at three different stages of development provide more information on how these secondary metabolites are accumulated.
Is there a relationship between psychological factors and TMD?
Authors: Sójka Anna , Stelcer Bogusław , Roy Marco , Mojs Ewa , Pryliński Mariusz
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Medical students are in a very demanding environment and are affected by high degree of stress. High levels of anxiety can affect a student's academic performance and also increase the risk of other health‐related problems. This study aims to evaluate, thanks to the intensity of stress manifestations (4DSQ) together with the sense of coherence (SOC), the prevalence of TMD and oral parafunctions in students enrolled in the University of Medical Sciences. Moreover, it aims to evaluate the relationship between the psychosocial manifestations of stress and sense of coherence in relation to gender.

Materials and Methods

A total of 324 students of Poznań University of Medical Sciences participated in this study. Students were assessed using a three‐part questionnaire: one was to assess symptoms of TMD, the second part was 4DSQ, and the third was a SOC Questionnaire.

Results

About one‐third of the students in this study presented symptoms of TMD and perceived more intensively symptoms of distress, anxiety, somatization, and depression. They presented a higher level of somatic symptoms and a lower level of Sense of Coherence than students without TMD symptoms.

Conclusion

There is a strong negative relationship between the sense of coherence and the level of perceived distress, anxiety, somatization, and depression. Female students attending Medical School showed a higher level of somatization of stress but with a higher capacity to overcome challenges as compared to men.
Doggedness of small farms and productivity among smallholder farmers in Nigeria: Empirical linkage and policy implications for poverty reduction
Authors: Apata Temidayo Gabriel , N'Guessan Yapo Genevier , Ayantoye Kayode , Borokini Adesina , Okanlawon Mobolaji , Bamigboye Oluwaseun , Adara Christopher , Agboola Timothy Olusola , Busari Ahmed Olugbenga
Published: July 2019

Small farms have shown spirited livelihood over time as they have significantly influenced agricultural production and rural poverty reduction. Small farm characterizes agriculture in Nigeria and seems to be persisting. What is the relationship between these persisting small farms and productivity? Multistage sampling technique was engaged in choosing the samples desirable for this study and where 880 farming households' data across the four regions of Nigeria were used to examine this linkage. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, cross‐tabulation analysis, and Total Factor Productivity analysis. Majority of the respondents derived livelihood in petty farming, but income received is somewhat insignificant. Farming households with less than 2 ha of agricultural land are poorer (30.1%) and used family/communal land for farming purposes. Total Factor Productivity analysis indicated 29% of these farmers operated on a low productivity out of which 65% of them identified poor, hence confirm the correlation between small farms and low productivity. About 67% of the poor households with low productivity augment household income from nonfarm rural acridities. Productivity has a significant effect on small farms doggedness at p < .05 and a deviation of 3.21. Thus, 1% increase in productivity would lead to 3.21% decrease in small farms persistence. Hence, the empirical analysis of persistence of small farms and the productivity models has thus shown that there exists a causal relationship. The simultaneity test between small farms and productivity revealed a direct link. This suggests that policies that can expedite efficient rural service delivery, interactions of agricultural production systems, and rural livelihoods can influence income increase and can also do same to improve productivity. Similarly, policies that promote the development of the rural nonfarm sector are crucial to help increase income available for farming and hence, improve smallholders' well‐being, preventing small farms from being a pool of the poor.
Efficient AcrH2 Catalyzed β‐Trifluoromethylation of Carbonyl Compounds by Atom Transfer Radical Addition Reactions
Authors: Rao Zi‐Peng , Sun Yu‐Yang , Zhou Xin‐Feng , Xie Qiang , Zhu Hui‐Xia , Dai Jian‐Jun , Xu Jun , Xu Hua‐Jian
Published: July 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The use of organic catalysis AcrH2 enables the direct β‐trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds by atom transfer radical addition reactions with broad substrate scopes under mild conditions. This operationally simple and robust protocol successfully converts a variety of β‐chloro carbonyl compounds into the corresponding α‐chloro‐β‐fluoroalkylcarbonyl products. A significant advantage of this method is that it does not require the use of a metal catalyst, thereby avoiding metal residue problems in drug synthesis.
Effect of sarpogrelate and high‐dose statin on the reduction of coronary spasm in vasospastic angina: A two by two factorial, pilot randomized study
Authors: Kim So Ree , Choi Ki Hong , Song Young Bin , Lee Joo Myung , Park Taek Kyu , Yang Jeong Hoon , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Choi Jin‐Ho , Choi Seung‐Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: July 2019

Background

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is characterized by coronary spasm, which can be aggravated by vasoactive substances such as serotonin. Hypothesis Sarpogrelate, a selective serotonin receptor antagonist, and high‐dose statin have some effects on the reduction of coronary spasm in patients with VSA.

Methods

We recruited 100 patients with angiographically confirmed VSA, and randomly assigned them into four groups: sarpogrelate with high‐dose statin (Group A, n = 25), sarpogrelate with low‐dose or no statin (Group B, n = 25), placebo with high‐dose statin (Group C, n = 25), and placebo with low‐dose or no statin (Group D, n = 25). The primary endpoint was the remission of coronary spasm on 1‐year follow‐up provocation test.

Results

The most common site of coronary spasm was left anterior descending artery (42%). Most patients (96%) took calcium channel blockers, and 46% were treated with vasodilators. Overall, 40% of patients reported no chest pain at 1 year, and 23% showed complete remission of coronary spasm on 1‐year follow‐up provocation test. No difference was observed in symptomatic and angiographically complete remission rate between the sarpogrelate and the placebo group. Although the apolipoprotein B level at the 1‐year follow‐up was significantly lower in the high‐dose statin group, symptomatic and angiographic outcomes were not different according to statin intensity. Distal thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow on initial provocation test was independently associated with angiographically complete remission.

Conclusions

Sarpogrelate or high‐dose statin did not significantly improve the angiographic remission rate in patients with VSA. Distal TIMI flow on initial provocation test could predict the complete remission of coronary spasm at follow‐up.
Three insights, two programs, one theory: Transformative practices as opportunities for moral growth in the healthcare workplace
Authors: Solarz Barbara J. , Gaspar Angie
Published: July 2019

Increasing demands on healthcare systems and complex pressures within healthcare settings create the conditions for workplace conflict; this inevitably has a detrimental impact on patient care and worker morale. We present two case studies illustrating how training and conflict coaching premised on the transformative model reduced organizational costs, increased employee engagement, and restored healthcare workers' ability to care for patients. Transformative theory and insights, which center on increasing awareness and development of one's moral identity, prove to be especially well‐suited to the healthcare workplace where caring for others is of primary concern.
Time‐varying network link loss rate tracking from unicast end‐to‐end measurements
Authors: Fei Gaolei , Li Tianbo , Hu Guangmin
Published: July 2019

Time‐varying network link loss rate is a useful information for network managers to discover and locate the network link failures. This paper proposes a method to track time‐varying network link loss rates from unicast end‐to‐end measurements. The method first trains a state transition matrix to capture the spatio‐temporal characters of packet link transmission probabilities by sending end‐to‐end probe packets and then estimates the time‐varying link loss rates using the state transition matrix and the end‐to‐end measurements obtained from background traffic (the existed packets in network). We also introduce a validation step to check and retrain the state transition matrix in order to ensure the accuracy of the state transition matrix. Our method is capable of tracking the variation of link loss rates without incessantly sending probe packets, which is very feasible for many practical applications. The ns‐2 simulation results show the good performance of our method.
CARBIOSOL: Biological indicators of soil quality and organic carbon in grasslands and croplands in Wallonia, Belgium
Authors: Vincent Quentin , Chartin Caroline , Krüger Inken , Van Wesemael Bas , Carnol Monique
Published: July 2019

The protection of agricultural soil quality is critical to environmental sustainability and requires relevant indicators. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) is of importance for soil quality but its slow dynamic and inherent variability do not allow early detection of changes. The project CARBIOSOL provides a data set from agricultural soils in Wallonia (Southern Belgium), of total SOC, SOC fractions and biological indicators, selected for their relevance as indicators of soil quality. Two land uses (sampled in 2013), five agricultural regions (2015), seasonal variability in croplands (2016) and four management types (2017) were studied. Soil organic carbon content (total, stable fine fraction <20 μm, labile coarse fraction >20 μm), cold and hot water extractable carbon and nitrogen contents, total nitrogen, pHKCl, pHH2O, potential respiration, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, net nitrogen mineralization, metabolic potential of soil bacteria, earthworm density and biomass, and two ecophysiological quotients (metabolic and microbial quotient) were measured for a total of 415 samples. The present data set provides an important contribution for establishing a reference system of soil quality in Wallonia and eventually for large‐scale studies through its integration into a global database. Moreover, the present data set could be used to support the interpretation of measurements of fractions of SOC and biological indicators by soil analyses laboratories, which will be useful for farmers and decision makers to evaluate the effect of different management practices. Information contained in this publication or product may be reproduced, in part or in whole, and by any means for personal or public non‐commercial uses, without charge or further permission, unless otherwise specified. Users are required to exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the material reproduced, indicate the complete title of the material produced and refer to this publication (including author names), indicate that the reproduction is a copy/uses official work financed by the SPW‐DGO3. Commercial reproduction and distribution is prohibited, except with written permission from SPW‐DGO3 and publication authors.
Investigating the association between late spring Gulf of Mexico sea surface temperatures and U.S. Gulf Coast precipitation extremes with focus on Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Russell Brook T. , Risser Mark D. , Smith Richard L. , Kunkel Kenneth E.
Published: July 2019

Hurricane Harvey brought extreme levels of rainfall to the Houston, Texas, area over a 7‐day period in August 2017, resulting in catastrophic flooding that caused loss of human life and damage to personal property and public infrastructure. In the wake of this event, there has been interest in understanding the degree to which this event was unusual and estimating the probability of experiencing a similar event in other locations. Additionally, researchers have aimed to better understand the ways in which the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is associated with precipitation extremes in this region. This work addresses all of these issues through the development of a multivariate spatial extreme value model.

Our analysis indicates that warmer GoM SSTs are associated with higher precipitation extremes in the western Gulf Coast region during hurricane season and that the precipitation totals observed during Hurricane Harvey are less unusual based on the warm GoM SST in 2017. As SSTs in the GoM are expected to steadily increase over the remainder of this century, this analysis suggests that western Gulf Coast locations may experience more severe precipitation extremes during hurricane season.
Energy storage requirements to address wind energy variability
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: July 2019

Aim of this contribution is to show the variability of wind farm capacity factors (the actual generation power vs the nominal power) to highlight the needs of energy storage. Low‐frequency (monthly and annual values) cases are shown for wind farms in the continental United States, and high‐frequency (5 minutes values) cases are shown for south east Australia (all of Australia excluding Western Australia and Northern Territory). In the United States, wind farms produce electricity on average over a year at a rate of around 30% to 35% of the capacity but with strong variability, seasonal and interannual, between different techno‐resource group (TRG) areas for wind resource and within the same wind energy resource TRG area. In south east Australia, the annual average capacity factors from wind are around 30% to 35%. There are many days every month where the average capacity factors may exceed 60% but also drop below 10%, sometimes about 5%. The proposed results make even stronger the case for energy storage facilities, if integration with conventional energy resources is not welcomed.
Zircon U–Pb geochronology, mineral and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Khardung volcanics, Ladakh Himalaya, India: Implications for Late Cretaceous to Palaeogene continental arc magmatism
Authors: Lakhan Nongmaithem , Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Singh Birendra Pratap , Sen Koushik , Singh Mutum Rajanikanta , Khogenkumar Shoraisam , Singhal Saurabh , Oinam Govind
Published: July 2019

In this study, we present new mineral and whole‐rock geochemical data with zircon U–Pb ages of the Khardung volcanics (KV) from the western Himalaya and discuss their tectono‐magmatic evolution. These volcanics are sandwiched between the Ladakh batholith and Karakoram batholith and classified as intermediate volcanics (basaltic andesite‐andesite) and felsic volcanics (dacite‐rhyolite). The intermediate volcanics are marked by low SiO2 (52.80–61.31 wt.%), enriched LREEs, and depleted HFSEs (Nb, Ti, Zr), whereas more evolved felsic volcanics exhibit quartz, K‐feldspar, and plagioclase as dominant mineral phases and felsic compositions are characterized by high SiO2 (64.52–79.19 wt.%) content with pronounced negative Eu anomalies, enriched LREEs, and depleted HREEs and HFSEs (Nb, Ti). New zircon U–Pb ages of intermediate volcanics (andesite) yield 69.71 Ma, whereas felsic volcanics (rhyolites) range between 62.49 and 66.55 Ma, indicating that the Khardung magmatism overlaps with the last phase of the Ladakh batholith magmatism. Geochemical characteristics indicate that the KV were generated from a same parental magma source through fractional crystallization along with crustal assimilation from an older crust, and they show genetic affinity with the adjacent Ladakh batholith. Therefore, the KV and Ladakh batholith could be considered as a product of the mature stage arc magmatism generated during subduction of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic crust prior to the main collision between the Indian and Eurasian continents.
GPER‐induced signaling is essential for the survival of breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Chan Yu‐Tzu , Lai Alan C.‐Y. , Lin Ruey‐Jen , Wang Ya‐Hui , Wang Yi‐Ting , Chang Wen‐Wei , Wu Hsin‐Yi , Lin Yu‐Ju , Chang Wen‐Ying , Wu Jen‐Chine , Yu Jyh‐Cherng , Chen Yu‐Ju , Yu Alice L.
Published: July 2019

G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 (GPER), a member of the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, mediates estrogen‐induced proliferation of normal and malignant breast epithelial cells. However, its role in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) remains unclear. Here we showed greater expression of GPER in BCSCs than non‐BCSCs of three patient‐derived xenografts of ER−/PR+ breast cancers. GPER silencing reduced stemness features of BCSCs as reflected by reduced mammosphere forming capacity in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo with decreased BCSC populations. Comparative phosphoproteomics revealed greater GPER‐mediated PKA/BAD signaling in BCSCs. Activation of GPER by its ligands, including tamoxifen (TMX), induced phosphorylation of PKA and BAD‐Ser118 to sustain BCSC characteristics. Transfection with a dominant‐negative mutant BAD (Ser118Ala) led to reduced cell survival. Taken together, GPER and its downstream signaling play a key role in maintaining the stemness of BCSCs, suggesting that GPER is a potential therapeutic target for eradicating BCSCs.
In vivo monitoring of thrombosis in mice by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Yu Yao , Yu Menghan , Liu Jian , Ding Ning , Huang Jiangmei , Wan Dong , Zhao Yuliang , Ma Zhenhe
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study is to establish a novel method for continuously monitoring thrombus progression with various outcome measures and to assess the efficacy of antithrombotic drugs in murine thrombosis model in mice. In the study, thrombus was induced in the femoral vein of mice by FeCl3 and monitored over time by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Three‐dimensional images of thrombi with or without heparin as an antithrombotic agent were obtained from OCT angiography. In addition, several parameters of thrombi were analyzed and compared between control and anticoagulant groups. By using OCT, we were able to trace thrombus generation in the same mouse in real time. We found that in our model heparin reduced thrombus size by ~60% and thrombus cross‐sectional area by 50%. OCT results also show that both time to thrombus size (>0.02mm3) and time to occlusion (>30%) were significantly reduced after heparin addition. This study demonstrates that OCT reliably monitors thrombus generation and progression from various aspects including thrombus size. This enables us to measure the kinetic of thrombosis more accurately, and effectively evaluate the efficacy and activities of antithrombotic drugs. This model may represent a useful tool in antithrombotic drug discoveries in preclinical studies.
Identification of a potential prognostic lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA signature in endometrial cancer based on the competing endogenous RNA network
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Huang Ting , Sun Xiao , Wang Yudong
Published: July 2019

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors. The roles of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in this disease, however, remain unclear. In this study, we constructed a ceRNA network to reveal the core ceRNAs in endometrial cancer. Differentially expressed genes were summarized from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, whereupon 140 genes were identified for building the network. Further correlation, survival, and enrichment analyses suggested that these genes may help towards elucidating the molecular mechanisms of endometrial cancer. After validation of the findings with the GSE17025 data set, LINC00958, microRNA‐761, and DOLPP1 were highlighted as the critical genes in the ceRNA network. Our work suggests that LINC00958 may regulate DOLPP1 by “sponging” miR‐761 in endometrial cancer.
Aberrant Kank1 expression regulates YAP to promote apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in OSCC
Authors: Fan Hui , Tian Hao , Cheng Xiang , Chen Yanan , Liang Shoujian , Zhang Zhenjian , Liao Yong , Xu Pu
Published: July 2019

The kidney ankyrin repeat‐containing protein 1 (Kank1) gene is one of the most important members of the KANK family. Kank1 has hybridity deletion and promoter methylation in the cancer tissues of the brain, lung, kidney and the corresponding cell lines, leading to downregulation of the gene expression. Meanwhile, Kank1 also plays a key role in the occurrence and development of various types of tumors, suggesting that Kank1 may be an anti‐oncogene. However, its role and the potential mechanisms in the Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. We examined the expression of Kank1 in OSCC tissues and explored its clinical significance. In addition, we investigated the effects of Kank1 on the biological behavior of OSCC cells and their specific molecular mechanisms. We found that Kank1 was poorly expressed in OSCC tissues and it is correlated with the OSCC stage and the patient's poor prognosis. By overexpression of Kank1, we found that the proliferation ability of the OSCC cells decreased both in vitro and in vivo, the proportion of apoptotic cells increased, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential decreased. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we confirmed that Kank1 could inhibit the occurrence of OSCC by regulating Yap to inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of the OSCC cells. Moreover, it was found that the overexpression of YAP reversed those effects caused by Kank1 overexpression on the OSCC cells. In conclusion, the research indicated that Kank1 might play an anti‐oncogenic role in OSCC and it could be considered to be a target for the diagnosis and the treatment of OSCC.
Nitrification and aerobic denitrification in solid phase denitrification systems with various biodegradable carriers for ammonium‐contaminated water purification
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Pi Shuangyu , Zhu Wenzhuo , Wang Xiaomeng , Xu Xiangyang
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Solid phase denitrification (SPD) has achieved efficient performance mostly under anoxic conditions for nitrate reduction, while it has few applications in achieving simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) for ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N)‐rich water treatment. This study attempted to develop aerobic SPD systems with three alkali‐pretreated biodegradable carriers (rice husk, pomelo peel and durian peel).

RESULTS

The three carriers all achieved much higher average nitrogen removal rates (0.56–0.68 mg NH4+‐N L−1 h−1, 0.06–0.50 mg total nitrogen (TN) L−1 h−1) than those of the control reactor without carriers (0.18 mg NH4+‐N L−1 h−1, <0.01 mg TN L−1 h−1) at a dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 2.5 mg L−1, and no decline in SND efficiency occurred when the DO level increased to 7.5 mg L−1. However, the aerobic denitrification efficiency was reduced with declining organic availability of the biodegradable carrier. Durian peel carrier exhibited the most efficient TN removal performance and the longest efficiently stable stage owing to its higher carbon content, and a lower DO concentration of 2.5 mg L−1 was helpful for achieving a longer efficiently stable stage. There were significant differences in the dominant bacteria attached to the three biofilm carriers. Meanwhile, higher enrichment of nirS‐type than nirK‐type denitrifier diversity was found, especially at a higher DO level, and 18 new aerobic denitrifiers were identified.

CONCLUSION

The aerobic SPD system could achieve efficient nitrification and denitrification, which was strongly affected by the organic availability of the biodegradable carrier. Therefore, aerobic SPD could be considered as an attractive technology for nitrogen removal in ammonium‐rich water and wastewater. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Iron‐sulfur cluster ISD11 deficiency (LYRM4 gene) presenting as cardiorespiratory arrest and 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria
Authors: Coelho Margarida Paiva , Correia Joana , Dias Aureliano , Nogueira Célia , Bandeira Anabela , Martins Esmeralda , Vilarinho Laura
Published: July 2019

In the era of genomics, the number of genes linked to mitochondrial disease has been quickly growing, producing massive knowledge on mitochondrial biochemistry. LYRM4 gene codifies for ISD11, a small protein (11 kDa) acting as an iron‐sulfur cluster, that has been recently confirmed as a disease‐causing gene for mitochondrial disorders. We present a 4‐year‐old girl patient, born from non‐consanguineous healthy parents, with two episodes of cardiorespiratory arrest after respiratory viral illness with progressive decreased activity and lethargy, at the age of 2 and 3 years. She was asymptomatic between crisis with regular growth and normal development. During acute events of illness, she had hyperlactacidemia (maximum lactate 5.2 mmol/L) and urinary excretion of ketone bodies and 3‐methylglutaconic acid, which are normalized after recovery. A Next Generation Sequence approach with a broad gene panel designed for mitochondrial disorders revealed a novel probably pathogenic variant in homozygosity in the LYRM4 gene [p.Tyr31Cys (c.92A>G)] with Mendelian segregation. Functional studies in the skeletal muscle confirmed a combined deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (I, II, and IV complexes). To our knowledge, this is the third case of LYRM4 deficiency worldwide and the first with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria, not reported in any Fe‐S cluster deficiency. Remarkably, it appears to be no neurological involvement so far, only with life‐threating acute crisis triggered by expectably benign autolimited illnesses. Respiratory chain cofactors and chaperones are a new field of knowledge and can play a remarkable effect in system homeostasis.
A unified 3‐D ADI‐FDTD algorithm with one‐step leapfrog approach for modeling frequency‐dependent dispersive media
Authors: Xie Guoda , Huang Zhixiang , Fang Ming , Wu Xianliang
Published: July 2019

A unified 3‐D alternating‐direction‐implicit finite‐difference time‐domain algorithm with one‐step leapfrog approach is provided for analyzing the frequency‐dependent dispersive media. The dielectric parameter in the frequency domain is described by the modified Lorentz model. Simultaneously, an order reduction scheme is utilized to synchronize the auxiliary differential equations (ADE) technique with the main algorithm. The numerical cases are performed, and the results indicate that the proposed method possesses higher efficiency under allowable accuracy when compared with the analytical method and other time domain numerical schemes.
Holocene evolution of the Indian Summer Monsoon inferred from a lacustrine record of Lake Wuxu, south‐east Tibetan Plateau
Authors: WANG YONGBO , ZHANG ENLOU , SUN WEIWEI , CHANG JIE , LIU XINGQI , NI ZHENYU , NING DONGLIANG
Published: July 2019

A continuous sediment record since 12.3 cal ka bp from Lake Wuxu (south‐eastern Tibetan Plateau) was investigated in terms of the Holocene evolution of the Indian Summer Monsoon. The molar C/N ratio and stable C isotope were used to identify the source of the organic matter as well as climate conditions. The evolution of Lake Wuxu was summarized wihtin two periods. During the first period (early to mid‐Holocene), the lake received increased fluvially transported materials, reflecting variation in the summer monsoon with solar insolation. The lake level declined and water residence time increased because of reduced river discharge during the second period (late Holocene) corresponding to a weakening of the summer monsoon. The organic material revealed a major contribution from lake primary productivity, which showed identical patterns with a high‐resolution isotope record from Dongge Cave, as well as total solar irradiance. Our record from Lake Wuxu indicates that the Holocene evolution of the Indian Summer Monsoon has been driven by the solar forcing at decadal/centennial to millennial time scales. Furthermore, an abrupt decline in the monsoon was detected at around 4.0 cal ka bp, which is probably caused by an increased frequency of EI Nino‐Southern Oscillation events. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal Diagnosis of the Fetal Retroesophageal Left Brachiocephalic Vein: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Han Jiancheng , Sun Lin , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Guo Yong , Hao Xiaoyan , Zhao Ying , He Yihua
Published: July 2019

A retroesophageal left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) is a highly rare anomaly. We retrospectively analyzed 7 cases of a retroesophageal LBCV that were prenatally diagnosed from a database of fetal echocardiogram of 31,356 cases. The 3‐vessel view and the long‐axis view are the main views for confirming a fetal retroesophageal LBCV. An isolated retroesophageal LBCV is rare, and it is typically associated with congenital heart defects, especially conotruncal defects and a right aortic arch. An isolated fetal retroesophageal LBCV has a good prognosis and does not need surgical treatment.