bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PS/PMMA‐CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Hybrid Nanofibers for VOCs Sensors
Authors: De San Luis Alicia , Aguirreurreta Ziortza , Pardo Leticia M. , Perez‐Marquez Ana , Maudes Jon , Murillo Nieves , Paulis María , Leiza Jose Ramon
Published: October 2018

Hybrid nanofibers containing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots have been produced by electrospinning of hybrid latexes to characterize the electro‐optical behavior of this novel luminescent sensing material. The latexes are synthesized by seeded semi‐batch emulsion polymerization yielding cross‐linked core‐shell PS/QDs/PMMA particles with efficiently encapsulated quantum dots guaranteeing a good optical stability. Addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyethylene oxide (PEO) to the latexes is necessary to produce polymeric dispersions suitable for electrospinning manufacture of the nanometric fibers. The optimized polymeric dispersions are successfully electrospun obtaining fluorescent nanofibers in both cases. The hybrid nanofibers are sensitive to selected solvents (acetone, methanol and THF) and present positive response making them good candidates for the production of VOC sensors.
Interconnectedness of the banking sector as a vulnerability to crises
Authors: Peltonen Tuomas Antero , Rancan Michela , Sarlin Peter
Published: October 2018

This paper uses macro‐network to measure the interconnectedness of the banking sector and relates it to banking crises in Europe. Beyond cross‐border financial linkages of the banking sector, the macronetwork also accounts for financial linkages to the other main financial and nonfinancial sectors within the economy. We find that a more central position of the banking sector in the macronetwork significantly increases the probability of a banking crisis. By analysing the different types of risk exposures, our evidence shows that credit is an important source of vulnerability. Finally, our early‐warning models augmented with interconnectedness measures outperform traditional models in terms of out‐of‐sample predictions.
Electroactive graphene oxide‐incorporated collagen assisting vascularization for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Norahan Mohammad Hadi , Amroon Masoud , Ghahremanzadeh Ramin , Mahmoodi Mahboobeh , Baheiraei Nafiseh
Published: October 2018

The application of a cardiac patch over the epicardial surface has shown positive effects in protecting cardiac function postinfarction. Electroactive patches could enhance electrical signal propagation among cardiac cells. In the present study, an electrically active composite of collagen and graphene oxide (Col–GO) was fabricated as a cardiac patch. Col scaffolds were fabricated using a freeze‐drying method and coated covalently with GO. Some scaffolds were also reduced by a reduction agent to restore the high conductivity of GO. GO was shown to be a single layer with suitable lateral size for biological application. The Col–GO scaffolds contained randomly oriented interconnected pores with appropriate pore sizes of 120–138 ± 8 μm. GO flakes were also well distributed in the pore walls. By increasing the GO concentration, the tensile strength of the scaffolds was enhanced from 75 kPa for Col–GO‐5 to 162 kPa for Col–GO‐90. Young modulus also followed the same trend. Electrical conductivity of the scaffolds was in the range of semi‐conductive materials (~10−4 S/m), which is suitable for cardiac tissue engineering applications. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated no toxic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after 96 h. Also, a 10‐days degradation product of the samples was compatible with HUVECs. Reduced scaffolds supported neonatal cardiomyocyte adhesion and upregulated the expression of the cardiac genes, including Cx43, Actin4, and Trpt‐2 than their nonconductive counterparts. The obtained results confirmed the angiogenic properties of reduced Go‐containing materials for cardiovascular applications where angiogenesis plays an important role, especially postinfarction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 204–219, 2019.
Enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue with alkaline and transition‐metal ferrite nanophotocatalysts under direct sun light irradiation
Authors: Ali Nauman , Zada Amir , Zahid Muhammad , Ismail Ahmed , Rafiq Misbha , Riaz Aaisha , Khan Adnan
Published: October 2018

It is highly desired to synthesize low‐cost photocatalysts for the degradation of colored dyes to safeguard our environment for the future generations. Here, we report an extremely efficient and low‐cost synthesis of alkaline earth and transition‐metal ferrite photocatalysts (MgFe2O4, CaFe2O4, BaFe12O19, CuFe2O4, and ZnFe2O4) from their chloride salts and their applications for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation. The as‐prepared photocatalysts displayed enhanced photoactivities under both conditions of irradiation. After calcination at 600°C, the photocatalytic degradation increased significantly, and 96 and 85% MB was removed with ZnFe2O4 under UV–visible and direct sunlight irradiation, respectively. Moreover, large amounts of hydroxyl free radicals were produced under both irradiation conditions, which participated in the degradation of MB. The enhanced photodegradation activities of these photocatalysts are attributed to their extended visible light absorption and low bandgaps. This work will provide a feasible route to the synthesis of efficient and low‐cost photocatalysts to utilize sunlight for environmental remediation.
microRNA‐874 inhibition targeting STAT3 protects the heart from ischemia–reperfusion injury by attenuating cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a mouse model
Authors: Chen Pei‐Jun , Shang An‐Quan , Yang Jian‐Ping , Wang Wei‐Wei
Published: October 2018

MicroRNAs (miRs) were involved in numerous cardiovascular diseases, especially ischemic heart diseases, but the miR changes during cardiac ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury following sevoflurane (SEV) preconditioning are still unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of miR‐874 on cardiac I/R injury in mouse models pretreated with SEV. Following establishment of mouse models with myocardial I/R injury, mice were pretreated with SEV. The functional mechanism of miR‐874 in I/R injury was explored when miR‐874 and the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway were inhibited. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP biotin nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay to identify the targeting relationship between miR‐874 and STAT3. Expression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and apoptosis‐related genes was determined. Initially, upregulated miR‐874 was observed in I/R mice. Then, miR‐874 inhibition improved cardiac function of I/R mice, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis (also shown as decreased Bcl‐2 associated X protein B [Bax] and increased B‐cell lymphoma‐2 [Bcl‐2]), and activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. STAT3, a target gene of miR‐874, was upregulated following miR‐874 inhibition. Finally, we also observed that the effect of miR‐874 was lost when the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was blocked. The findings indicate miR‐874 as a contributory role in cardiac I/R injury, with miR‐874 inhibition alleviating cardiac I/R injury in mice following SEV pretreatment by targeting STAT3 through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Molecular signaling mechanisms of renal gluconeogenesis in nondiabetic and diabetic conditions
Authors: Swe Myat Theingi , Pongchaidecha Anchalee , Chatsudthipong Varanuj , Chattipakorn Nipon , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: October 2018

The kidneys are as involved as the liver in gluconeogenesis which can significantly contribute to hyperglycemia in the diabetic condition. Substantial evidence has demonstrated the overexpression of rate‐limiting gluconeogenic enzymes, especially phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6 phosphatase, and the accelerated glucose release both in the isolated proximal tubular cells and in the kidneys of diabetic animal models and diabetic patients. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the mechanisms that accelerate renal gluconeogenesis in the diabetic conditions and the therapeutic approaches that could affect this process in the kidney. Increase in gluconeogenic substrates, reduced insulin concentration or insulin resistance, downregulation of insulin receptors and insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and inappropriate activation of the renin–angiotensin system are likely to participate in enhancing renal gluconeogenesis in the diabetic milieu. Several studies have suggested that controlling glucose metabolism at the renal level favors effective overall glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, renal gluconeogenesis may be a promising target for effective glycemic control as a therapeutic strategy in diabetes.
Andrographolide prevents human nucleus pulposus cells against degeneration by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Jiang Tongmeng , He Mingwei , Fang Depeng , Shen Chong , Le Yiguan , He Maolin , Zhao Jinmin , Zheng Li
Published: October 2018

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is among the most common spinal disorders, pathologically characterized by excessive cell apoptosis and production of proinflammatory factors. Pharmacological targeting of nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration may hold promise in IDD therapy, but it is limited by adverse side effects and nonspecificity of drugs. In this study, we used a natural compound, andrographolide (ANDRO), which has been widely used to intervene inflammatory and apoptotic diseases in the investigation of NP degeneration based on IDD‐patients‐derived NP cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment for the preservation of degeneration. The results showed that LPS maintained the degeneration status of NP cells as evidenced by a high apoptosis rate and the expression of degenerative and inflammatory mediators after LPS treatment. ANDRO reversed the effects of LPS‐caused degeneration of NP cells and maintained the phenotype of NP cells, as demonstrated by flow cytometry, degenerative mediators (ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5), inflammatory factors (COX2, PGE2, MMP‐13, and MMP‐3), biomarkers of NP cells (SOX9, ACAN, and COL2A1) expressions, and glycosaminoglycan secretion. We also found the involvement of the nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of the activated B cells (NF‐κB) pathway in ANDRO treatment, indicating that ANDRO prevented the LPS‐preserved degeneration of NP cells by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway. This study may provide a reference for clinic medication of IDD therapy.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus in Transplant Recipients: What Did We Learn About Sources of Interindividual Variabilities?
Authors: Campagne Olivia , Mager Donald E. , Tornatore Kathleen M.
Published: October 2018

Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is a common immunosuppressant prescribed after organ transplantation and has notable inter‐ and intrapatient pharmacokinetic variability. The sources of variability have been investigated using population pharmacokinetic modeling over the last 2 decades. This article provides an updated synopsis on published nonlinear mixed‐effects analyses developed for tacrolimus in transplant recipients. The objectives were to establish a detailed overview of the current data and to investigate covariate relationships determined by the models. Sixty‐three published analyses were reviewed, and data regarding the study design, modeling approach, and resulting findings were extracted and summarized. Most of the studies investigated tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in adult and pediatric renal and liver transplants after administration of the immediate‐release formulation. Model structures largely depended on the study sampling strategy, with ∼50% of studies developing a 1‐compartment model using trough concentrations and a 2‐compartment model with delayed absorption from intensive sampling. The CYP3A5 genotype, as a covariate, consistently impacted tacrolimus clearance, and dosing adjustments were required to achieve similar drug exposure among patients. Numerous covariates were identified as sources of interindividual variability on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics with limited consistency across these studies, which may be the result of the study designs. Additional analyses are required to further evaluate the potential impact of these covariates and the clinical implementation of these models to guide tacrolimus dosing recommendations. This article may be useful for guiding the design of future population pharmacokinetic studies and provides recommendations for the selection of an existing optimal model to individualize tacrolimus therapy.
Improved strength prediction combining clinically available measures of skeletal muscle mass and quality
Authors: Bourgeois Brianna , Fan Bo , Johannsen Neil , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Ng Bennett K. , Sommer Markus J. , Shepherd John A. , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: October 2018

Background

Measures of skeletal muscle function decline at a faster rate with ageing than do indices of skeletal muscle mass. These observations have been attributed to age‐related changes in muscle quality, another functional determinant separate from skeletal muscle mass. This study tested the hypothesis that improved predictions of skeletal muscle strength can be accomplished by combining clinically available measures of skeletal muscle mass and quality.

Methods

The participants included 146 healthy adult (age ≥ 18 years, range 18–77 years; X ± SD 47 ± 17 years and body mass index 16.5–51.8 kg/m2; 27.7 ± 6.2 kg/m2) men (n = 60) and women (n = 86) in whom skeletal muscle mass was estimated as appendicular lean soft tissue (LST) measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and skeletal muscle quality as bioimpedance analysis‐derived phase angle and B‐mode‐evaluated echogenicity of mid‐thigh skeletal muscle. Strength of the right leg and both arms was quantified as knee isokinetic extension and handgrip strength using dynamometers. The statistical significance of adding phase angle or echogenicity to strength prediction multiple regression models that included extremity‐specific LST and other covariates (e.g. age and sex) was evaluated to test the study hypothesis.

Results

Right leg LST mass alone was significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with isokinetic right leg strength (R2 = 0.57). The addition of segmental phase angle measured in the right leg at 50 kHz increased the R2 of this model to 0.66 (P < 0.0001); other phase angle frequencies (5 and 250 kHz) did not contribute significantly to these models. Results were similar for both right and left arm handgrip strength prediction models. Adding age and sex as model covariates increased the R2 values of these models further (e.g. right leg strength model R2 increased to 0.71), but phase angle continued to remain a significant (all P < 0.01) predictor of extremity strength. Similarly, when predicting isokinetic right leg strength, mid‐thigh skeletal muscle echogenicity added significantly (P < 0.0001) to right leg LST, increasing R2 from 0.57 to 0.64; age was a significant (P < 0.0001) covariate in this model, increasing R2 further to 0.68.

Conclusions

The hypothesis of the current study was confirmed, strongly supporting and extending earlier reports by quantifying the combined independent effects of skeletal muscle mass and quality on lower‐body and upper‐body measures of strength. These observations provide a clinically available method for future research aimed at optimizing sarcopenia and frailty risk prediction models.
IL-10 participates in the expansion and functional activation of CD8+ T cells during acute infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Pino-Martínez Agustina M , Miranda Cristian G , Batalla Estela I , González-Cappa Stella M , Alba Soto Catalina D
Published: October 2018

IL-10 is a pleiotropic cytokine with immunoregulatory functions affecting various cell types. In a model of experimental infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), we found increased morbidity and lower parasite control in IL-10 deficient mice (IL-10 KO) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Despite enhanced Mϕ function and dendritic cell activation, IL-10 KO mice were more susceptible to infection. The kinetics of T cells in spleen and peripheral blood revealed that infected IL-10 KO mice failed to increase the number of spleen and circulating total CD8+ T cells, a phenomenon observed from the second week of infection in WT mice. Total CD8+ T cells from IL-10 KO mice exhibited diminished proliferation, cytotoxic potential and IFN-γ production than their WT counterparts and T. cruzi-specific CD8+ T cells displayed reduced in vivo cytotoxicity. The absence of IL-10 selectively affected expansion, survival, and increased PD-1 expression of CD8+ T cells without altering these same parameters on CD4+ T cells. Increased inhibitory receptors expression and down-modulation of T-bet by CD8+ T cells from IL-10 KO infected mice were compatible with a T cell exhaustion phenotype. Collectively, these findings reveal that during acute infection, IL-10 plays a previously unrecognized stimulatory role on CD8+ T cells, the most relevant lymphocyte population for the control of intracellular T. cruzi stages. A clear knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that drive effector functions of cytotoxic T cells is critical to understand pathogen persistence and rational design of prophylactic strategies against T. cruzi.

Absence of IL-10 during acute T. cruzi infection impairs the expansion and functional activation of CD8+T cells which display a prematurely exhausted phenotype.
Nitrous oxide emissions after incorporation of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) residues under two different tillage treatments
Authors: Kesenheimer Katharina , Pandeya Hemant Raj , Müller Torsten , Buegger Franz , Ruser Reiner
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crop residues from winter oilseed rape on N2O emissions from a loamy soil and to determine the effect of different tillage practices on N2O fluxes. We therefore conducted a field experiment in which crop residues of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L., OSR) were replaced with 15N labelled OSR residues. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and 15N abundance in the N2O were determined for a period of 11 months after harvest of OSR and in the succeeding crop winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated on a Haplic Luvisol in South Germany. Measurements were carried out with the closed chamber method in a treatment with conventional tillage (CT) and in a treatment with reduced soil tillage (RT). In both tillage treatments we also determined N2O fluxes in control plots where we completely removed the crop residues. High N2O fluxes occurred in a short period just after OSR residue replacement in fall and after N‐fertilization to winter wheat in the following spring. Although N2O emissions differed for distinct treatments and sub‐periods, cumulative N2O emissions over the whole investigation period (299 days) ranged between 1.7 kg and 2.4 kg N2O‐N ha−1 with no significant treatment effects. More than half of the cumulative emissions occurred during the first eight weeks after OSR replacement, highlighting the importance of this post‐harvest period for annual N2O budgets of OSR. The contribution of residue N to the N2O emission was low and explained by the high C/N‐ratio fostering immobilization of mineral N. In total only 0.03% of the N2O‐N emitted in the conventional tillage treatment and 0.06% in the reduced tillage treatment stemmed directly from the crop residues. The 15N recovery in the treatments with crop residues was 62.8% (CT) and 75.1% (RT) with more than 97% of the recovered 15N in the top soil. Despite our measurements did not cover an entire year, the low contribution of the OSR residues to the direct N2O emissions shows, that the current IPCC tier 1 approach, which assumes an EF of 1%, strongly overestimated direct emissions from OSR crop residues. Furthermore, we could not observe any relationship between tillage and crop residues on N2O emission, only during the winter period were N2O emissions from reduced tillage significantly higher compared to conventional tillage. Annual N2O emission from RT and CT did not differ.
Development and Reliability of the Joint Tissue Activity and Damage Examination for Quantitation of Structural Abnormalities by Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Hemophilic Joints
Authors: Volland Lena M. , Zhou Jenny Y. , Barnes Richard F. W. , Kruse‐Jarres Rebecca , Steiner Bruno , Quon Doris V. , Bailey Cindy , Hughes Tudor H. , Moore Randy E. , Chang Eric Y. , von Drygalski Annette
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is used increasingly to examine hemophilic arthropathy. However, quantitative algorithms to document findings are lacking. We developed and sought to validate a protocol quantifying hemophilic joint abnormalities.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with hemophilia were examined serially for 2 years with musculoskeletal US (≈600 joint examinations and ≈6000 images). Based on the spectrum of pathologies, a quantitative algorithm, named Joint Tissue Activity and Damage Examination (JADE), was developed for soft tissue and osteochondral measurements, including power Doppler, using nominal group techniques. To study intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability, 8 musculoskeletal US–experienced hemophilia providers performed anatomic landmark recognition and tissue measurements on 86 images with arthropathic changes, with repetition 1 month later. Twenty‐three musculoskeletal US–inexperienced providers performed similar assessments. Inter‐operator reliability was established by 6 musculoskeletal US–experienced hemophilia providers, each acquiring images and JADE assessments of 3 hemophilic arthropathic joints. A radiologist and musculoskeletal sonographer functioned as adjudicators. The statistical analysis was performed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Fleiss κ, and Cohen κ where appropriate.

Results

The musculoskeletal US–experienced providers showed excellent intra‐and inter‐rater reliability for tissue measurements (ICCs, 0.94–0.96). Agreement was good to excellent for landmark recognition (Fleiss κ, 0.87‐0.94). Inter‐operator reliability was excellent for measurements and landmark recognition (ICC, 0.90; Fleiss κ, 1.0). Agreement with adjudicators was mostly good to excellent. Musculoskeletal US–inexperienced providers showed excellent inter‐rater reliability for measurements (ICC, 0.96) and moderate agreement for landmark recognition (Fleiss κ, 0.58).

Conclusions

The JADE protocol appears feasible for quantifying hemophilic intra‐articular abnormalities. Musculoskeletal US–trained hemophilia providers showed high intra‐rater, inter‐rater, and inter‐operator reliability, supporting JADE as a protocol for clinical management and research.
Nonprofit shifts paradigm for youth with MH, academic needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2018

In an effort to shift the paradigm in the way teenagers and young adults with depression, anxiety or suicidal tendencies are cared for and receive an education, leaders of a nonprofit mental health care organization in northern New Jersey have created a therapeutic environment with the goal to help students thrive.
Flattening filter free in intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) – Theoretical modeling with delivery efficiency analysis
Authors: Ma Chaoqiong , Chen Mingli , Long Troy , Parsons David , Gu Xuejun , Jiang Steve , Hou Qing , Lu Weiguo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The flattening filter (FF) has traditionally been used to flatten beams or create uniform fields in conformal and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) but reduces the dose rate. Many studies have confirmed improvement in delivery efficiency by removing the FF, also known as flattening filter free (FFF), especially for small field stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT); but it is unclear if large treatment fields still favor the FFF beam. We propose a novel, unified approach to quantify delivery efficiency of the FFF and flattened beams.

Methods

We modeled the FF effect by inverse conical filters and systematically studied delivery efficiency (beam‐on time, BOT) by varying the filter thickness, including the FF and FFF mode. We formulated the BOT of different beams for any arbitrary fluence map in linear programming to solve the optimal inverse conical filter that minimizes the BOT. One‐dimensional optimal filters of minimum BOT were also derived in closed form for conical fluence to gain insight for arbitrary clinical fluence maps. We evaluated the BOT of the FFF beam and flattened beam for conformal treatment fields of various dimensions ranging from 5 cm × 5 cm to 25 cm × 25 cm. We also analyzed the BOT for 698 clinical IMRT prostate fluence maps of field size 10 cm × 10 cm, 17 head‐and‐neck fluence maps of field size 15 cm × 15 cm, and additional realistic test data from 90° rotation and up to 40 cm × 40 cm enlargement of these clinical fluence maps, which were all initially generated with flattened beams.

Results

The FFF beam minimized the BOT for A field size less than 20 cm in single leaf pair cases and for conformal fields of dimension less than 20 cm × 20 cm. The FFF beam also minimized the BOT for all tested prostate and head‐and‐neck cases. The median BOT ratios of the FFF beam to the flattened beam were 0.56 and 0.61 for prostate and head‐and‐neck cases, respectively. The FFF beam minimized the BOT for field size up to 30 cm × 30 cm and had similar BOTs to those of the flattened beam for field size greater than 30 cm × 30 cm in those clinically realistic test data.

Conclusion

The filter modeling and BOT calculation enable us to quantify delivery efficiency of the FFF beam and flattened beam in a unified approach. The FFF beam minimized the BOT both theoretically and in simulations for all clinically relevant field sizes and fluence maps in IMRT. The results for conformal fields imply that the FFF beam requires less BOT than the flattened beam for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments. The delivery efficiency consideration favors the FFF beam in intensity‐modulated treatments and may eventually lead to removal of the FF in all future linear accelerator head designs.
BMP4 plays a role in apoptosis during human preimplantation development
Authors: De Paepe C. , Aberkane A. , Dewandre D. , Essahib W. , Sermon K. , Geens M. , Verheyen G. , Tournaye H. , Van de Velde H.
Published: October 2018

Comprehensive understanding of lineage differentiation and apoptosis processes is important to increase our knowledge of human preimplantation development in vitro. We know that BMP signaling is important for different processes during mammalian development. In mouse preimplantation embryos, BMP signaling has been shown to play a role in the differentiation into extra‐embryonic trophectoderm (TE) and primitive endoderm (PE). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) supplementation on human preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro. The BMP4 treatment impaired human blastocyst formation. No differences in the expression of the early lineage markers NANOG, CDX2, GATA3, and GATA6 were found between BMP4‐treated embryos and controls. Instead, BMP4 supplementation triggered apoptosis in the human blastocyst. We focused on P53, which is known to play a major role in the apoptosis. In BMP4‐treated embryos, the P53 responsive gene expression was not altered; however, the P53 deacetylase SIRT1 was downregulated and acetylated P53 was increased in mitochondria. Altogether, our findings suggest that BMP4 plays a role in the apoptosis during human preimplantation development.
Estimating picking errors in near‐surface seismic data to enable their time‐lapse interpretation of hydrosystems
Authors: Dangeard M. , Bodet L. , Pasquet S. , Thiesson J. , Guérin R. , Jougnot D. , Longuevergne L.
Published: October 2018

Time‐lapse applications of seismic methods have been recently suggested in the near‐surface scale to track hydrological properties variations due to climate, water level changes, or permafrost thaw, for instance. But when it comes to traveltime tomography or surface‐wave dispersion inversion, a careful estimation of the data variability associated with the picking process must be considered prior to any time‐lapse interpretation. In this study, we propose to estimate picking errors that are due to the inherent subjectivity of human operators, using statistical analysis based on picking repeatability. Two seismic datasets were collected along the same profile under distinct hydrological conditions across a granite–micaschist contact at the Ploemeur hydrological observatory (France). Both datasets were recorded using identical equipment and acquisition parameters. A thorough statistical analysis is conducted to estimate picking uncertainties, at the 99% confidence level, for both P‐wave first arrival time and surface‐wave phase velocity. With the suggested workflow, we are able to identify 33% of the P‐wave traveltimes and 16% of the surface‐wave dispersion data, which can be considered significant enough for time‐lapse interpretations. In this selected portion of the data, point‐by‐point differences highlight important variations linked to different hydrogeological properties of the subsurface. These variations show strong contrasts with a non‐monotonous behaviour along the line, offering new insights to better constrain the dynamics of this hydrosystem.
Dielectric properties and interfacial adhesion of jute, kenaf and E‐glass fabrics reinforcing epoxy composites
Authors: Omri Mohamed Amin , Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa , Triki Asma , Yogesha Basavegowda , Kallel Ali
Published: October 2018

In this work, three laminated Epoxy composites reinforced with five woven layers of E‐glass fabrics, jute fabrics and kenaf fabrics were characterized by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric analysis was performed in temperature range from 20 to 180°C and frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. The Epoxy matrix shows the presence of four relaxation processes, which are attributed to the
β relaxation process,
α relaxation process, the quasi‐continuous conduction and the dc conduction. In the laminated composite reinforced with the E‐glass fabric, only one additional relaxation process was detected, which was attributed to the interfacial polarization effect known as Maxwell–Wagner–Sillar polarization. However, for the laminated composites reinforced with jute and kenaf fabrics, two additional relaxation processes were observed. While the first one was associated with the water dipoles polarization imputed to the presence of polar water molecules in jute and kenaf fabrics, the second was linked to the interfacial polarization effect. The latter phenomenon was investigated by an analytical study using the Havriliak‐Negami model. The best adhesion between reinforcement and Epoxy matrix was obtained with E‐glass fabrics. This study was supported by the thermal properties using a differential scanning calorimetry. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2142–2153, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The rubber–filler interaction and reinforcement in styrene butadiene rubber/devulcanize natural rubber composites with silica–graphene oxide
Authors: Mondal Dipankar , Ghorai Soumyajit , Rana Dipak , De Debapriya , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: October 2018

Ethoxy functionalized devulcanize natural rubber (DeVulcNR) is used as compatibilizer for silica/graphene oxide (SiO2@GO) hybrid fillers in the styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) to fabricate SBR composites. The dispersion behavior of SiO2@GO hybrid filler was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the tensile fracture surface along with the broken rubber surface developed by plunging into liquid nitrogen. The rubber–filler interfacial interactions were evaluated through the measurement of equilibrium swelling experiment, fraction of immobilized polymer chain by DSC study, FTIR analysis, and molecular dynamics simulation. The results reveal that in the presence of DeVulcNR, the rubber–filler interaction is enhanced compared with that of the control formulations containing only SBR. SiO2@GO hybrid‐filler shows synergistic effect on the mechanical properties of the composites in the presence of DeVulcNR. The improved mechanical properties of the SiO2@GO hybrid filler rubber composites may be due to chemical interaction among the functional groups of SiO2 and GO with the DeVulcNR. Further, XRD study indicates that there is no significant layer‐by‐layer restack of GO in the SBR/DeVulcNR composites. The higher storage modulus and lower tan δ of the SiO2@GO hybrid filler rubber composites show superior interfacial interaction between rubber and filler compared with that of the control formulations. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1559–E1572, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of chicken eggshell on the flame‐retardant and smoke suppression properties of an epoxy‐based traditional APP‐PER‐MEL system
Authors: Xu Zhisheng , Chu Zhiyong , Yan Long , Chen Hongguang , Jia Hongyu , Tang Wufei
Published: October 2018

An eco‐friendly bio‐filler was prepared by reusing of chicken eggshell (CES), and well characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM)‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and thermo‐gravimetric (TG) analysis. The influence of CES on the thermal stability, flame‐retardant, and smoke suppression properties of epoxy‐based traditional intumescent system was investigated by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 test, cone calorimeter test, and TG analysis. The results shows that the incorporation of CES improves the LOI value of the samples, and IFR‐3 with 37 wt% intumescent flame retardant (IFR) and 3 wt% CES exhibits the maximum LOI value of 31.5%. The results from cone calorimeter and smoke density tests reveal that the addition of CES greatly decreases the heat release and smoke production of the samples concomitant with an increase in the residual weight, which is ascribed to the formation of a more compact, thermally stable, and intumescent char against heat and mass transfer during burning. The synergistic effect on fire performance between CES and IFR depends on the content of CES, and an excessive content of CES diminishes this synergistic effect. The TG analysis shows that the intumescent system containing CES exhibits high thermal stability and char‐forming ability. Overall, CES can serve as an environmentally friendly bio‐filler and a promising synergist for intumescent systems. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2712–2723, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
GASP and FASP are Complementary for LC–MS/MS Proteomic Analysis of Drug‐Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters in Pig Liver
Authors: Howard Martyn , Achour Brahim , Al‐Majdoub Zubida , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Barber Jill
Published: October 2018

Sample preparation is a critical step in the proteomic workflow. Numerous different approaches are used, tailored to the type of sample, the aims of the experiment, analytical method, and to an extent, user preference. This has resulted in large variation in reported protein abundances. In this study, the complementarity of two different sample preparation techniques is demonstrated for the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) related proteins from pig liver tissue. Filter‐aided sample preparation (FASP) is a well‐established and widely used method, while gel‐aided sample preparation (GASP) is a relatively new method optimized and simplified from previous gel‐associated digestion techniques. To investigate each method, the number of peptides and proteins characterized, reproducibility of results, and their real‐time application are examined. While both methods have their merits and limitations, for example, FASP is the less technical of the two methods, while GASP is time efficient, ultimately the two methods show significant differences in the peptides identified and therefore, the use of both methods should be considered when examining and quantifying ADME related proteins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD011324.
SAXSMoW 2.0: Online calculator of the molecular weight of proteins in dilute solution from experimental SAXS data measured on a relative scale
Authors: Piiadov Vassili , Ares de Araújo Evandro , Oliveira Neto Mario , Craievich Aldo Felix , Polikarpov Igor
Published: October 2018

Knowledge of molecular weight, oligomeric states, and quaternary arrangements of proteins in solution is fundamental for understanding their molecular functions and activities. We describe here a program SAXSMoW 2.0 for robust and quick determination of molecular weight and oligomeric state of proteins in dilute solution, starting from a single experimental small‐angle scattering intensity curve, I(q), measured on a relative scale. The first version of this calculator has been widely used during the last decade and applied to analyze experimental SAXS data of many proteins and protein complexes. SAXSMoW 2.0 exhibits new features which allow for the direct input of experimental intensity curves and also automatic modes for quick determinations of the radius of gyration, volume, and molecular weight. The new program was extensively tested by applying it to many experimental SAXS curves downloaded from the open databases, corresponding to proteins with different shapes and molecular weights ranging from ~10 kDa up to about ~500 kDa and different shapes from globular to elongated. These tests reveal that the use of SAXSMoW 2.0 allows for determinations of molecular weights of proteins in dilute solution with a median discrepancy of about 12% for globular proteins. In case of elongated molecules, discrepancy value can be significantly higher. Our tests show discrepancies of approximately 21% for the proteins with molecular shape aspect ratios up to 18.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy prescribed for non‐urologic diseases can modify PSA titers in urology patients
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Franco Omar E. , Ohishi Kohshi , Filipovich Yana , Ishii Kenichiro , Crawford Susan E. , Takahashi Naoto , Katayama Naoyuki , Sugimura Yoshiki , Hayward Simon W.
Published: October 2018

Background

The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), imatinib and nilotinib, are used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In three CML patients being monitored for urologic diseases, we observed that switching of TKI therapy affected prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) titers. Urologists and other medical professionals need to be aware of the potential side‐effects of drugs that patients may be receiving for other indications to modify this important prostate diseases indicator. TKIs may affect PSA titers independent of prostate growth or volume.

Materials and Methods

We followed PSA levels in urology patients who were also undergoing TKI treatment for CML. We determined the effects of nilotinib and imatinib on proliferation, AR and PSA expression in the LNCaP and 22Rv1 prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines using real‐time PCR and Western blotting.

Results

Clinically, nilotinib and dasatinib reversibly reduced PSA titers compared to imatinib. At high doses nilotinib and imatinib both demonstrated antiproliferative effects in the PCa cells. At low doses expression of AR and PSA was decreased by both drugs, at mRNA and protein levels. Nilotinib exerted greater effects at lower doses than imatinib.

Conclusions

Nilotinib down‐regulates serum PSA in patients being treated for non‐urological indications, potentially masking a clinical useful marker, we cannot exclude a similar but smaller effect of imatinib. Nilotinib and imatinib both decreased AR and PSA expression in PCa cell lines with the nilotinib effect evident at lower doses. Urologists must appreciate the effects of drugs provided for other diseases on PSA titers and be aware that sudden changes may not reflect underlying prostatic disease.
Molecular cloning and characterization of TRPVs in two rice pests: Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler)
Authors: Mao Fen , Guo Lei , Jin Miao , Qiao Xiao‐mu , Ye Gong‐yin , Huang Jia
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUD

Insect TRPV is a subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, including two genes, nanchung and inactive. It has recently been found that two commercial insecticides, pymetrozine and pyrifluquinazon, target the heteromeric TRPV ion channel complex which is specifically expressed in the chordotonal organ neurons in Drosophila. However, information on the TRPV genes in agricultural insects is still limited.

RESULTS

In this study, we cloned and characterized two TRPV genes from Nilaparvata lugens (NlNan and NLIav) and Nephotettix cincticeps (NcNan and NcIav), two serious rice pests throughout Asia. The deduced amino acid sequences share highly identity with other insect homologues (58–85%) and have the characteristic TRPV domain architecture: five ankyrin repeats and six transmembrane domains. These TRPV transcripts were expressed in all developmental stages and expression levels in male adults were significantly higher than in female adults. Moreover, expression levels in antennae were much higher than in heads and legs.

CONCLUSION

NlNan, NlIav, NcNan and NcIav may have roles in male‐specific behaviors, and the sequence information lays the foundation for further study on the structural and functional characterization of TRPVs in agricultural pests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategies for composite estimands in confirmatory clinical trials: Examples from trials in nasal polyps and steroid reduction
Authors: Keene Oliver N.
Published: October 2018

The draft addendum to the ICH E9 regulatory guideline asks for explicit definition of the treatment effect to be estimated in clinical trials. The draft guideline also introduces the concept of intercurrent events to describe events that occur post‐randomisation that may affect efficacy assessment. Composite estimands allow incorporation of intercurrent events in the definition of the endpoint. A common example of an intercurrent event is discontinuation of randomised treatment and use of a composite strategy would assess treatment effect based on a variable that combines the outcome variable of interest with discontinuation of randomised treatment. Use of a composite estimand may avoid the need for imputation which would be required by a treatment policy estimand. The draft guideline gives the example of a binary approach for specifying a composite estimand. When the variable is measured on a non‐binary scale, other options are available where the intercurrent event is given an extreme unfavourable value, for example comparison of median values or analysis based on categories of response. This paper reviews approaches to deriving a composite estimand and contrasts the use of this estimand to the treatment policy estimand. The benefits of using each strategy are discussed and examples of the use of the different approaches are given for a clinical trial in nasal polyposis and a steroid reduction trial in severe asthma.
Can cytoplasmic donation rescue aged oocytes?
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Watanabe Seiji
Published: October 2018

Background

The pregnancy and delivery rates following assisted reproductive technology (ART) start to decrease and that the miscarriage rate increases rapidly from 35 years old. The miscarriage rate exceeds 50% at 43 years old. The number of aneuploid fetuses in miscarriages increases according to female age, reaching more than 90% when women are over 40 years old.

Methods

Different cytoplasmic donation technologies used to rescue aged oocytes with high percentage of aneuploidy were analyzed, and their efficacy compared.

Main findings (Results)

Germinal vesicle transfer (GVT) might be superior to spindle chromosome transfer (ST) theoretically from the point of higher capability of rescuing the disjunction at meiosis I which cannot be helped by ST. However, actually, in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte after GVT has not yet been totally completed. ST among other nuclear donations showed the higher possibility to rescue them, due to the fact it does not require in vitro maturation and it has an ethical advantage over pronuclear transfer (PNT) which requires the destruction of an embryo.

Conclusion

Spindle chromosome transfer has the potential to rescue aged oocytes to some extent, but we have to continue the basic study further to establish the clinical application of cytoplasmic donation to rescue aged oocytes.
Robust fault and icing diagnosis in unmanned aerial vehicles using LPV interval observers
Authors: Rotondo Damiano , Cristofaro Andrea , Johansen Tor Arne , Nejjari Fatiha , Puig Vicenç
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes a linear parameter varying (LPV) interval unknown input observer for the robust fault diagnosis of actuator faults and ice accretion in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) described by an uncertain model. The proposed interval observer evaluates the set of values for the state, which are compatible with the nominal fault‐free and icing‐free operation and can be designed in such a way that some information about the nature of the unknown inputs affecting the system can be obtained, thus allowing the diagnosis to be performed. The proposed strategy has several advantages. First, the LPV paradigm allows taking into account operating point variations. Second, the noise rejection properties are enhanced by the presence of the integral term. Third, the interval estimation property guarantees the absence of false alarms. Linear matrix inequality–based conditions for the analysis/design of these observers are provided in order to guarantee the interval estimation of the state and the boundedness of the estimation. The developed theory is supported by simulation results, obtained with the uncertain model of a Zagi Flying Wing UAV, which illustrate the strong appeal of the methodology for identifying correctly unexpected changes in the system dynamics due to actuator faults or icing.
What will data, research and insights cost in 116 countries?
Authors: Poynter Ray
Published: October 2018

Global market research is homogenising around online research, but online costs are dropping to levels that may require new models of doing business. This is one of the findings from this year's ESOMAR Global Prices Study.
Digital agriculture
Authors: Connolly Aidan
Published: October 2018

People, Profits, Planet. A short history of agriculture.
The Beautiful and the Damned
Authors: Tortorello Nicholas J.
Published: October 2018

Survey research results used in legal proceedings
Sphere–Tubule Superstructures through Supramolecular and Supracolloidal Assembly Pathways
Authors: Cautela J. , Lattanzi V. , Månsson L. K. , Galantini L. , Crassous J. J.
Published: October 2018

While colloids have been widely employed as models for atoms and molecules, the current study proposes to extend their use as building blocks for supracolloidal frameworks. Hereby, the self‐assembly between highly anisotropic supramolecular microtubules and soft spherical fluorescent microgels is explored using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The influence of the particle size and charge with respect to the catanionic tubule composition, which consists of two oppositely charged bile salt derivatives, is investigated. Under certain conditions, microgel particles are found to specifically interact with the extremities of the tubular aggregates and hierarchically self‐assemble into various superstructures varying from virus‐like assemblies to supracolloidal networks. The reported approach is envisioned to open new self‐assembly routes toward ordered hybrid superstructures where the spherical colloids act as responsive linkers of tubular structures.