bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Cytidine Deaminase to Thymidylate Biosynthesis in Trypanosoma brucei: Intracellular Localization and Properties of the Enzyme
Authors: Moro-Bulnes Ana , Castillo-Acosta Víctor M. , Valente Maria , Carrero-Lérida Juana , Pérez-Moreno Guiomar , Ruiz-Pérez Luis Miguel , González-Pacanowska Dolores
Published: August 2019

Cytidine deaminases (CDAs) catalyze the hydrolytic deamination of cytidine and deoxycytidine in the pyrimidine salvage pathway. In kinetoplastids, pyrimidine metabolism has been extensively studied as a source of potential drug targets, given the fact that many of the enzymes of the pathway are essential. Thymidylate (dTMP) synthesis in
Trypanosoma brucei
exhibits unique characteristics. Thus, it has been suggested that the production of dUMP, the substrate for dTMP formation, is solely dependent on cytidine deaminase and thymidine kinase. Here we characterize recombinant
T. brucei
CDA (TbCDA) and present evidence that indeed the alternative route for dUMP formation via deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase does not have a prominent role in
de novo
dTMP formation. Furthermore, we provide a scheme for the compartmentalization of dTMP biosynthesis, taking into account the observation that CDA is located in the mitochondrion, together with available information on the intracellular localization of other enzymes involved in the dTTP biosynthetic pathway.
Lymphangiofibrolipomatous hamartomaous polyp of tonsil
Authors: Mehta Sejal , Jha Shilpy , Adhya Amit Kumar , Mitra Suvradeep
Published: August 2019

Benign tumours of the tonsils are rare. Majority of these lesions are diagnosed as squamous papilloma. Hamartoma is a benign tumor-like malformation. Hamartoma in tonsils is unique and only a few anecdotal cases are reported until now. Tonsillar hamartoma usually presents as unilateral or bilateral polyp with clinical features of dysphagia or foreign body sensation. Histopathologically, normal tissues are noted in a haphazard or disorganised way. We hereby present a case of 31-year-old male patient with tonsillar hamartomatous polyp presenting with the symptom of a foreign body sensation in the throat. The diagnosis of this entity and its distinction from other clinico-pathological mimickers require histopathological examination and awareness. A complete surgical excision is curative without any evidence of disease recurrence.
What were the impacts of the Committee on Safety of Medicines warning and publication of the NICE guidelines on trends in child and adolescent antidepressant prescribing in primary care? A population based study
Authors: Tiffin Paul A , Mediavilla Jose L , Close Helen , Kasim Adetayo S , Welsh Patrick , Paton Lewis W , Mason James M
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To assess the impact of both the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) warning (December 2003) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (September 2005) on antidepressant prescription rates in children and adolescents within the UK primary care service.

Setting

Population based study of primary care antidepressant prescribing using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Participants

Under-18s presenting to primary care with a depressive disorder or related diagnostic code recorded in the CPRD.

Primary outcome measure

Antidepressant prescription rates per month per 100 000 depressed 4–17 year olds.

Results

Following the CSM warning, the prior trend towards increased prescribing rates for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children was significantly reversed (β for change in trend −12.34 (95% CI −18.67 to −6.00, p<0.001)). However, after the publication of the NICE guidelines the prior trend towards increased prescribing resumed for those SSRIs mentioned as potential treatments in the guidance (fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline) (β for change in trend 11.52 (95% CI 5.32 to 17.73, p<0.001)). Prescribing of other SSRIs and tricyclics remained low.

Conclusions

Despite a strong emphasis on psychosocial interventions for child and adolescent depression, it may be that the NICE guidelines inadvertently encouraged further antidepressant prescribing, at least for those SSRIs cited. Although the guidelines gave cautions and caveats for the use of antidepressants, practitioners may have interpreted these recommendations as endorsing their use in young people with depression and related conditions. However, more accurate prevalence trend estimates for depression in this age group, and information on the use of psychosocial interventions would be needed to rule out other reasons underlying this increase in prescribing.
Identifying hearing care access barriers among older Pacific Island people in New Zealand: a qualitative study
Authors: Reddy Ravi , Welch David , Lima Ieti , Thorne Peter , Nosa Vili
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting older people. In addition, there is little known about the factors influencing the uptake of hearing services among underserved communities. Our objective was to identify the barriers to accessing hearing care services among older Pacific Island people in New Zealand.

Settings

Eligible participants from Auckland City, New Zealand.

Participants

Individual face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 36 older Pacific Island people who were experienced hearing difficulties.

Methods

A Pacific Island research methodology (Talanoa) and the ‘Health Care Access Barriers’ (HCAB) model, which identifies modifiable barriers to healthcare, was used as a theoretical framework for this research. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a deductive approach to identify HCAB themes and subthemes experienced by older Pacific Island people.

Results

Identified themes aligned with HCAB’s themes of financial, structural and cognitive barriers and subthemes described Pacific Island perspectives related to hearing care access in New Zealand. The financial barriers related to the high cost of hearing care and the structural barriers included transportation difficulties, limited family support, preference for community-based services and the absence of hearing care delivered by family doctors. Community norms and attitudes, communication limitations and limited awareness of hearing care services formed cognitive barriers among older Pasifika people in this study.

Conclusion

We identified financial, structural and cognitive barriers that dissuaded older Pasifika people from accessing hearing care services. These modifiable barriers need to be eliminated or minimised to enable people to readily receive the hearing care assistance they need. It is essential to improve and develop culturally responsive models of hearing service delivery to ensure equitable access to hearing care, especially for underserved groups such as Pacific Island communities.
Automated detection of wrong-drug prescribing errors
Authors: Lambert Bruce L , Galanter William , Liu King Lup , Falck Suzanne , Schiff Gordon , Rash-Foanio Christine , Schmidt Kelly , Shrestha Neeha , Vaida Allen J , Gaunt Michael J
Published: August 2019

Background

To assess the specificity of an algorithm designed to detect look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) medication prescribing errors in electronic health record (EHR) data.

Setting

Urban, academic medical centre, comprising a 495-bed hospital and outpatient clinic running on the Cerner EHR. We extracted 8 years of medication orders and diagnostic claims. We licensed a database of medication indications, refined it and merged it with the medication data. We developed an algorithm that triggered for LASA errors based on name similarity, the frequency with which a patient received a medication and whether the medication was justified by a diagnostic claim. We stratified triggers by similarity. Two clinicians reviewed a sample of charts for the presence of a true error, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. We computed specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and yield.

Results

The algorithm analysed 488 481 orders and generated 2404 triggers (0.5% rate). Clinicians reviewed 506 cases and confirmed the presence of 61 errors, for an overall PPV of 12.1% (95% CI 10.7% to 13.5%). It was not possible to measure sensitivity or the false-negative rate. The specificity of the algorithm varied as a function of name similarity and whether the intended and dispensed drugs shared the same route of administration.

Conclusion

Automated detection of LASA medication errors is feasible and can reveal errors not currently detected by other means. Real-time error detection is not possible with the current system, the main barrier being the real-time availability of accurate diagnostic information. Further development should replicate this analysis in other health systems and on a larger set of medications and should decrease clinician time spent reviewing false-positive triggers by increasing specificity.
Restricting conversations about voluntary assisted dying: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Willmott Lindy , White Ben , Ko Danielle , Downar James , Deliens Luc
Published: August 2019

Objectives

On 19 June 2019, assisted dying became lawful in Victoria, the second most populous state in Australia. Section 8 of theVoluntary Assisted Dying Actis a legislative safeguard that is designed to ensure a patient’s request for assistance to die is voluntary. This section prohibits health practitioners from initiating a conversation about assisted dying with the patient. This article explores the potential implications of this prohibition for effective communication between doctors and their patients, and the ability of doctors to provide high quality end-of-life (EOL) care in some cases.

Method

The authors reviewed and analysed literature on the importance of communication at the EOL including the need to understand and appropriately respond to Desire to Die or Desire to Hasten Death statements. A legal critique of section 8 of the VictorianVoluntary Assisted Dying Actwas also undertaken to determine the scope of this new duty and how it aligns with existing legal obligations that would otherwise require doctors to provide information about EOL options requested by a patient.

Results

Contemporary literature suggests that open and honest communication between doctor and patient including the provision of information about all EOL options when sought by the patient represents good clinical practice and will lead to optimal EOL care. The provision of such information also reflects professional, ethical and legal norms.

Conclusion

Despite (arguably) promoting an appropriate policy objective, the legislative prohibition on health professionals initiating conversations about voluntary assisted dying may, in cases where patients seek information about all EOL options, lead to less optimal patient outcomes.
Antenatal contraception counselling and provision of contraception after delivery for first-time young mothers enrolled with a Family Nurse Partnership programme
Authors: Gallagher Bridget , Cameron Sharon T , Craig Alison , Gallimore Annette , Lakha Fatim
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate antenatal contraceptive counselling and provision of postpartum contraception on contraceptive choices of first-time teenage mothers enrolled with a Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme.

Design

Health service research evaluation.

Population

Cohort of FNP clients (n=195), Scotland, UK.

Methods

Antenatal contraceptive counselling and provision of chosen method from the hospital. Evaluation consisted of (i) self-administered questionnaires of FNP clients and (ii) interviews with FNP clients and FNP nurses.

Main outcome measures

FNP client views on intervention. Secondary outcomes included: contraceptive choice antenatally, at day 10 postpartum, 3 and 12 months after delivery, and views of FNP nurses on the intervention.

Results

Antenatal questionnaires were completed by 118/195 (61%) clients. 96/118 (81%) agreed that it was very or quite helpful to receive antenatal contraceptive counselling and 80/118 (68%) were planning to use a long-acting reversible method of contraception (LARC). 97/121 (80%) wished to receive contraception before leaving the hospital. 104/195 (53%) completed a questionnaire at day 10 postpartum, of which 33 (32%) indicated that they had received contraception from the hospital. FNP nurses expressed frustration when contraception was not provided; this was usually attributed to the busy workload of the maternity department.

Conclusions

Antenatal contraceptive counselling was appreciated by FNP clients and they expressed a preference for contraception provision following delivery. Over two-thirds planned to use a LARC method but many did not receive this from the hospital. Further interventions are required to ensure that the provision of postpartum contraception is prioritised for this group of young women.
Long-term prognosis of patients with J-wave syndrome
Authors: Kamakura Tsukasa , Shinohara Tetsuji , Yodogawa Kenji , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Morita Hiroshi , Takahashi Naohiko , Inden Yasuya , Shimizu Wataru , Nogami Akihiko , Horie Minoru , Aiba Takeshi , Kusano Kengo
Published: August 2019

Objective

Limited data are currently available regarding the long-term prognosis of patients with J-wave syndrome (JWS). The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term prognosis of patients with JWS and identify predictors of the recurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study (seven Japanese hospitals) involving 134 patients with JWS (Brugada syndrome (BrS): 85; early repolarisation syndrome (ERS): 49) treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. All patients had a history of VF. All patients with ERS underwent drug provocation testing with standard and high intercostal ECG recordings to rule out BrS. The impact of global J waves (type 1 ECG or anterior J waves and inferolateral J waves in two or more leads) on the prognosis was evaluated.

Results

During the 91±66 months of the follow-up period, 52 (39%) patients (BrS: 37; ERS: 15) experienced recurrence of VF. Patients with BrS and ERS with global J waves showed a significantly higher incidence of VF recurrence than those without (BrS: log-rank, p=0.014; ERS: log-rank, p=0.0009). The presence of global J waves was a predictor of VF recurrence in patients with JWS (HR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.91, p=0.0095), while previously reported high-risk electrocardiographic parameters (high-amplitude J waves ≥0.2 mV and J waves associated with a horizontal or descending ST segment) were not predictive of VF recurrence.

Conclusions

This multicentre long-term study showed that the presence of global J waves was associated with a higher incidence of VF recurrence in patients with JWS.
Using the Last Planner System to tackle the social aspects of BIM-enabled MEP coordination
Authors: Tillmann Patricia Andre
Published: August 2019

The aim of this research was to expand the current understanding of social aspects related to the successful adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to support mechanical–electrical–plumbing (MEP) coordination and identify contributions of the Last Planner System (LPS) to tackle these aspects. The paper presents an action-research project carried out by a mechanical contractor. This study revealed that successful BIM-enabled MEP coordination depends not only on efforts to coordinate the model itself, but also on how effectively it is used during the installation phase. Social elements that influenced the effectiveness of BIM-enabled MEP coordination were classified in three categories: clarity of roles and responsibilities, individual vs. collective project leadership, and the existence of agreed-upon processes to follow. In such context, the LPS contributed to strengthening teamwork, providing a structure for increased communication and accountability, and helping the project team to focus on problem-solving. Consequently, the model was used more effectively, reducing rework and improving field productivity.
The group structure of the homotopy set whose target is the automorphism group of the Cuntz algebra
Authors: Izumi M. , Sogabe T.
Published: August 2019

We determine the group structure of the homotopy set whose target is the automorphism group of the Cuntz algebra [Formula: see text] for finite [Formula: see text] in terms of K-theory. We show that there is an example of a space for which the homotopy set is a noncommutative group, and hence, the classifying space of the automorphism group of the Cuntz algebra for finite [Formula: see text] is not an H-space. We also make an improvement of Dadarlat’s classification of continuous fields of the Cuntz algebras in terms of vector bundles.
Lightweight mediated semi-quantum key distribution protocol
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wei , Yang Chun-Wei , Lee Narn-Yih
Published: August 2019

Classical users can share a secret key with a quantum user by using a semi-quantum key distribution (SQKD) protocol. Allowing two classical users to share a secret key is the objective of the mediated semi-quantum key distribution (MSQKD) protocol. However, the existing MSQKD protocols need a quantum user to assist two classical users in distributing the secret keys, and these protocols require that the classical users be equipped with a Trojan horse photon detector. This reduces the practicability of the MSQKD protocols. Therefore, in this study we propose a lightweight MSQKD, in which the two participants and third party are classical users. Due to the usage of the one-way transmission strategy, the proposed lightweight MSQKD protocol is free from quantum Trojan horse attack. The proposed MSQKD is more practical than the existing MSQKD protocols.
A time operator in the simulations of the Dirac equation
Authors: Bauer M.
Published: August 2019

Simulations of the Dirac equation have allowed to mimic measurably the predicted unusual characteristics of the electron motion, e.g. Zitterbewegung and Klein paradox that are beyond current technical capabilities. In this paper, it is shown that a Bose–Einstein condensate experiment carried out corroborates these results, but in addition exhibits a particular feature of an observable represented by a Dirac self-adjoint time operator introduced in relativistic quantum mechanics.
Production of a light top-squark pair in association with a light non-SM Higgs boson within the NMSSM from proton–proton collisions at s = 13 TeV and 33 TeV
Authors: Das Siba P. , Fraga Jorge F. , Avila Carlos
Published: August 2019

We study the production of a light top-squark pair in association with the lightest Higgs boson [Formula: see text], as predicted by the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM) in proton–proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 13 TeV and 33 TeV. We scan randomly about 10 million points of the NMSSM parameter space, allowing all possible decays of the lightest top-squark and lightest Higgs boson, with no further assumptions, except for known physical constraints such as perturbative bounds, dark matter relic density consistent with recent Planck experiment measurements, Higgs mass bounds on the next to lightest Higgs boson, [Formula: see text], assuming it is consistent with LHC measurements for the Standard Model Higgs boson, LEP bounds for the chargino mass and [Formula: see text] invisible width, experimental bounds on [Formula: see text] meson rare decays and some LHC experimental bounds on SUSY particle spectra different to the particles involved in our analysis. We find that for low mass top-squark, the dominating decay mode is [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. We use three benchmark points with the highest cross-sections, which naturally fall within the compressed spectra of the top-squark, and make a phenomenological analysis to determine the optimal event selection that maximizes the signal significance over backgrounds. We focus on the leptonic decays of both [Formula: see text]’s and the decay of the lightest Higgs boson into [Formula: see text]-quarks [Formula: see text]. Our results show that the high luminosity LHC will have limitations to observe the studied SUSY scenario and only a proton collider with a collision energy above 33 TeV will be able to observe this signal with more than three standard deviations over background, albeit for stop masses below 300 GeV.
Subharmonic bifurcation and chaos of a carbon nanotube supported by a Winkler and Pasternak foundation
Authors: Zhou Liangqiang , Chen Fangqi , Zhao Ziman
Published: August 2019

In this paper, by employing both analytical and numerical methods, global dynamic responses including subharmonic bifurcations and chaos are investigated for a carbon nanotube supported by a Winkler and Pasternak foundation. The criteria of chaos arising from transverse intersections for stable and unstable manifolds of homoclinic orbits are proposed with the Melnikov method. The critical curves separating the chaotic and nonchaotic regions are plotted in the parameter plane. The parameter conditions for subharmonic bifurcations are also obtained by the subharmonic Melnikov method. It is proved rigorously that the route to chaos for this model is infinite subharmonic bifurcations. The stability of subharmonic bifurcations is also studied by the characteristic multipliers. Numerical simulations are given to confirm the analytical results.
A reconfigurable membrane-type acoustic metasurface for low-frequency and broadband wave front modulation
Authors: Song Xinpei , Chen Tianning , Zhu Jian , He Yanbin
Published: August 2019

Low-frequency and broadband are the critical challenges in real-life applications. Here, we try to tackle the challenges by proposing a reconfigurable acoustic metasurface (AM) composed of the membrane-type metamaterial (MAM) structure of deep sub-wavelength scale. By employing the external air pumping system into each individual unit cell of the AM, the tension of the membrane can be readily tailored by the system with little interference from other unit cells. Two strategies of the constant pressure method (CPM) and constant volume method (CVM) are reported to design the MAM. And the CVM is adopted as the ultimate design strategy by comparing both methods from aspects of the dimension, operating frequency, and structure complexity. In order to validate the low-frequency and broadband performances of the AM, the Airy-like beams and the acoustic converging based on two identical Airy-like beams are introduced and proof-of-concept simulations are performed with the finite element method. The simulated results agree well with the theoretical predictions. Our design provides the little-interference active design method for the low-frequency and broadband AM to manipulate the wave front, and may have practical engineering applications in areas of the aerospace, high-speed train, marine vessel, and power transmission and transformation project.
Influence of temperature on partial discharge of insulating PET backsheet in photovoltaic module
Authors: Wang Qian , Ji Chen-Jie , Huang Lei , Zhang Jia-Wei , Shi Rong
Published: August 2019

Solar energy has been widely used as a kind of renewable power generation in recent years. In a photovoltaic (PV) system, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the core component of backsheet and affects the reliability of the system. In this paper, the effect of temperature on partial discharge (PD) of PET is studied. As shown by the PD measurement system, the amplitude of PD of PET films decreases significantly with temperature increasing. The mechanism of PD degradation, which is closely related to the operational temperature and the chemical change of the insulation backsheet, has been investigated.
Friction-reducing effect and damage mechanism of laser micro-texture on diamond films during friction
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Lu Wenzhuang , Liu Wei , Zuo Dunwen
Published: August 2019

Diamond films are often applied in places where there is intense friction. The use of lasers to fabricate textured arrays on diamond films can effectively reduce the friction coefficient. In this paper, we use a UV nanosecond laser to produce periodic linear and pit micro-textures over the areas of [Formula: see text]. Laser irradiation was below the single-pulse ablation threshold corresponding to the conditions of surface graphitization during the multi-pulse irradiation. Irradiated graphitization can be detected by Raman spectroscopy, and at the same time, lattice distortion and crack initiation that accompany graphitization can be obtained by XRD and SEM, respectively. The shape of the texture also has a great influence on the residual stress. Grooved texture released the residual stress, but pit texture gave rise to uneven stress, as shown in the test result. SEM was used for observing morphological change at the edge of texture and the mechanism of internal stress changes is analyzed. Detection of texture antifriction performance by reciprocating friction and wear tester. After rubbing, the layered shedding marks of the edge of the texture were observed, and the influence of the superposition of residual stress and external stress on the texture damage was proved based on this.
Performance of AEB System on a Slope Using an Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Kim Gyoungeun , Mun Hyeonggeun , Kim Byeongwoo
Published: August 2019

In this study, the performance of a slope Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that estimates the angle of inclination in a V2V-based vehicle was evaluated. Existing AEB systems do not take changes in the angle of inclination into account or they use a reference angle, which results in limited braking properties on a slope. To improve the braking properties of AEB systems on slopes, the angle of inclination must be estimated. We propose an AEB system that employs an extended Kalman filter, along with an in-vehicle sensor (ESC) combined with a bicycle model and linear tire model to estimate the angle of inclination. We conducted comparative analysis via simulations of the performance of the proposed AEB system with those of an AEB system that does not consider slope and another one that uses a reference angle of inclination at a variety of angles of inclination and velocities. The results obtained verify the utility of the proposed extended Kalman filter-based AEB system on slopes.
TEXTURE AND STRUCTURE VARIATION OF PEROVSKITE LaFeO3/ZSM-5 DURING HIGH-TEMPERATURE DESULFURIZATION
Authors: LIU DONGJING , ZHOU WEIGUO , WU JIANG
Published: August 2019

Perovskite LaFeO3/ZSM-5 is synthesized via citrate route for H2S removal at high temperatures. It shows good thermal stability after heat treatment at 500–700∘C with respect to slight changes in crystallographic phase and textural property. It presents the optimal desulfurization performance at 600∘C with sulfur capacity of 1017[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]S/g and products of S, LaS2, and Fe7S8. Sulfidation at 500∘C yields the same products as sulfidation at 600∘C but displays the lowest sulfur capacity of 408[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]S/g. Sulfidation at 700∘C produces La2O2S, Fe3S4, and unreacted LaFeO3. The activation energy of the sulfidation reaction over LaFeO3/ZSM-5 is 109.6[Formula: see text]kJ/mol.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CaZrO3COATING ON GRAPHITE FOR TiNi ALLOY MELTING
Authors: ZHAN BIN , ZHANG YUE , XIAO YUNFENG , WANG CAIFEN , ZHANG XIANGDONG
Published: August 2019

Graphite is a favorable melting material of TiNi alloy. In order to reduce the carbon increment during high temperature process, the protective CaZrO3 coating has been prepared using different methods. First, CaZrO3 powder was synthesized via solid-state reaction using calcium metal as raw material. The coating on graphite was prepared by flame spraying, plasma spraying and dipping sintering, then it was observed and characterized. The results show that the apparent quality of the obtained coating is intactness. Here, the spraying coating is composition uniform and structure compact; the dipping coating exhibits an obvious color change and presents the typical porous structure.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE OXIDATION OF HOT-DIP ALUMINIZED P23 STEEL
Authors: LEE DONG BOK , HAHN JUNHEE , ABRO MUHAMMAD ALI
Published: August 2019

ASTM P23 steel (Fe-2.25Cr-1.6W-0.1Mo in wt.%) was hot-dip aluminized and oxidized at 800∘C and 1000∘C for 20 h in air in order to determine the effect of aluminizing on the microstructure, hardness, and oxidation resistance of P23 steel. Aluminizing effectively increased the oxidation resistance of P23 steel by forming protective [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 scales. During oxidation, outward diffusion of substrate elements and inward transport of Al and oxygen occurred simultaneously. The oxidation and interdiffusion formed voids in the coating, lowered the microhardness, and transformed the original (Al-rich topcoat)/(Al[Formula: see text]Fe4 layer) to either (thin [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 scale)/(Al5Fe2 layer)/(AlFe layer)/(AlFe3 layer)/([Formula: see text]-Fe(Al) layer) at 800∘C or (thick [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 scale)/(AlFe3 layer)/([Formula: see text]-Fe(Al) layer) at 1000∘C. At 1000∘C, Fe2O3 was also formed in addition to [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 scale, due to the enhanced outward diffusion of Fe, thus suppressing the formation of cracks in the coating.
ACTIVE-POLYPHENOLIC-COMPOUNDS-RICH GREEN INHIBITOR FOR THE SURFACE PROTECTION OF LOW CARBON STEEL IN ACIDIC MEDIUM
Authors: CHUNG ILL-MIN , HEMAPRIYA VENKATESAN , KANCHANA PONNUSAMY , ARUNADEVI NATARAJAN , CHITRA SUBRAMANIAN , KIM SEUNG-HYUN , PRABAKARAN MAYAKRISHNAN
Published: August 2019

Eco-friendly biodegradable Rhododendron schlippenbachii (R. schlippenbachii) green inhibitors, R. schlippenbachii methanolic (RSMeOH) extract, which can effectively reduce low carbon steel corrosion rate, were investigated using weight-loss and electrochemical (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) techniques. The inhibitors exhibited higher efficiency by retarding the corrosion process in 1[Formula: see text]M H2SO4and the inhibition efficiency is found to be concentration dependent. The reactivity of the predominant phytochemical components of the extract are analyzed. The adsorption of inhibitors on low carbon steel is followed the Langmuir adsorption. The protective inhibitor film formed on the metal surface was confirmed by SEM and AFM techniques.
Radicals of semirings
Authors: Sharma Ram Parkash , Sharma Richa , Madhu
Published: August 2019

It is shown that the classes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of semirings are radical classes, where [Formula: see text] is the class of subtractive-simple right [Formula: see text]-semimodules and [Formula: see text] is the class of right [Formula: see text]-semimodules isomorphic to [Formula: see text] for some maximal-subtractive right ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. We define the lower Jacobson Bourne radical [Formula: see text] and upper Jacobson Bourne radical [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. For a semiring [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] holds, where [Formula: see text] is the Jacobson Bourne radical of [Formula: see text]. The radical [Formula: see text] and also coincides with [Formula: see text], if we restrict the class [Formula: see text] to additively cancellative semimodules[Formula: see text] The upper radical [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is additively cancellative. Further, [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is a commutative semiring with [Formula: see text] The subtractive-primitiveness and subtractive-semiprimitiveness of [Formula: see text] are closely related to the upper radical [Formula: see text] Finally, we show that [Formula: see text]-semisimplicity of semirings are Morita invariant property with some restrictions.
Co nanoparticles decorated on N-doped rGO carbon aerogel as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Xu Xin , Feng Guopeng , Yuan Fang
Published: August 2019

With sodium alginate and graphene oxide (GO) as raw materials, cobalt alginate/GO aerogel was prepared by ion-exchange reaction and subsequent freeze-drying technique. The aerogel was transported into a Co/N-rGO composite material through high-temperature carbonization at ammonia atmosphere. The Co/N-rGO composite material was then used for catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cell and showed excellent catalytic activity and stability.
Stochastic modelling of fault gouge zones: implications for fault seal analysis
Authors: Grant Neil T.
Published: August 2019

Fault zones are complex, and show considerable variability in both structure and the distribution of associated fault rocks within the fault core: the zone that localizes most strain and displacement. It is the fault-core gouge zone and associated slip surfaces which provide the cross-fault seal when permeable layers are juxtaposed. Predicting the sealing properties of fault gouge zones is difficult but often required when evaluating faults in exploration prospects. A stochastic modelling approach is described to help better understand the compositional controls on fault gouge seal potential. The model is populated with a random assemblage of four fault rock components: shale smears, shaly gouge, cataclastic gouge and low-strain host-rock lenses. Harmonic averaging of permeability and arithmetic averaging of
V
shale
are then used to upscale the properties, and to propose a simple permeability–
V
shale
model for fault rocks. Practical application of the model is discussed by developing an empirical link between standard well-log data and associated fault rock effective permeability. This new approach has the potential to offer a simple well-log-based fault seal model. The utility of the model is demonstrated with a case study, comparing the results to those generated using other published techniques.
A Decade Decoded: Spies and Hackers in the History of TAL Effectors Research
Authors: Perez-Quintero Alvaro L. , Szurek Boris
Published: August 2019

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) from the genus Xanthomonas are proteins with the remarkable ability to directly bind the promoters of genes in the plant host to induce their expression, which often helps bacterial colonization. Metaphorically, TALEs act as spies that infiltrate the plant disguised as high-ranking civilians (transcription factors) to trick the plant into activating weak points that allow an invasion. Current knowledge of how TALEs operate allows researchers to predict their activity (counterespionage) and exploit their function, engineering them to do our bidding (a Manchurian agent). This has been possible thanks particularly to the discovery of their DNA binding mechanism, which obeys specific amino acid–DNA correspondences (the TALE code). Here, we review the history of how researchers discovered the way these proteins work and what has changed in the ten years since the discovery of the code. Recommended music for reading this review can be found in the Supplemental Material .
Endotracheal tube mucus as a source of airway mucus for rheological study
Authors: Markovetz Matthew R. , Subramani Durai B. , Kissner William J. , Morrison Cameron B. , Garbarine Ian C. , Ghio Andrew , Ramsey Kathryn A. , Arora Harendra , Kumar Priya , Nix David B. , Kumagai Tadahiro , Krunkosky Thomas M. , Krause Duncan C. , Radicioni Giorgia , Alexis Neil E. , Kesimer Mehmet , Tiemeyer Michael , Boucher Richard C. , Ehre Camille , Hill David B.
Published: August 2019

Muco-obstructive lung diseases (MOLDs), like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affect a spectrum of subjects globally. In MOLDs, the airway mucus becomes hyperconcentrated, increasing osmotic and viscoelastic moduli and impairing mucus clearance. MOLD research requires relevant sources of healthy airway mucus for experimental manipulation and analysis. Mucus collected from endotracheal tubes (ETT) may represent such a source with benefits, e.g., in vivo production, over canonical sample types such as sputum or human bronchial epithelial (HBE) mucus. Ionic and biochemical compositions of ETT mucus from healthy human subjects were characterized and a stock of pooled ETT samples generated. Pooled ETT mucus exhibited concentration-dependent rheologic properties that agreed across spatial scales with reported individual ETT samples and HBE mucus. We suggest that the practical benefits compared with other sample types make ETT mucus potentially useful for MOLD research.
Does glucagon-like peptide-1 induce diuresis and natriuresis by modulating afferent renal nerve activity?
Authors: Katsurada Kenichi , Nandi Shyam S. , Sharma Neeru M. , Zheng Hong , Liu Xuefei , Patel Kaushik P.
Published: August 2019

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone, has diuretic and natriuretic effects. The present study was designed to explore the possible underlying mechanisms for the diuretic and natriuretic effects of GLP-1 via renal nerves in rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed that GLP-1 receptors were avidly expressed in the pelvic wall, the wall being adjacent to afferent renal nerves immunoreactive to calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is the dominant neurotransmitter for renal afferents. GLP-1 (3 μM) infused into the left renal pelvis increased ipsilateral afferent renal nerve activity (110.0 ± 15.6% of basal value). Intravenous infusion of GLP-1 (1 µg·kg−1·min−1) for 30 min increased renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). After the distal end of the renal nerve was cut to eliminate the afferent signal, the increase in efferent renal nerve activity during intravenous infusion of GLP-1 was diminished compared with the increase in total RSNA (17.0 ± 9.0% vs. 68.1 ± 20.0% of the basal value). Diuretic and natriuretic responses to intravenous infusion of GLP-1 were enhanced by total renal denervation (T-RDN) with acute surgical cutting of the renal nerves. Selective afferent renal nerve denervation (A-RDN) was performed by bilateral perivascular application of capsaicin on the renal nerves. Similar to T-RDN, A-RDN enhanced diuretic and natriuretic responses to GLP-1. Urine flow and Na+ excretion responses to GLP-1 were not significantly different between T-RDN and A-RDN groups. These results indicate that the diuretic and natriuretic effects of GLP-1 are partly governed via activation of afferent renal nerves by GLP-1 acting on sensory nerve fibers within the pelvis of the kidney.
Urinary excretion of parathyroid hormone-related protein correlates with renal function in control rats and rats with cisplatin nephrotoxicity
Authors: Ortega Arantxa , Olea-Herrero Nuria , Arenas M. Isabel , Vélez-Vélez Esperanza , Moreno-Gómez-Toledano Rafael , Muñoz-Moreno Carmen , Lázaro Alberto , Esbrit Pedro , Tejedor Alberto , Bosch Ricardo J.
Published: August 2019

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and its receptor are abundantly expressed throughout the renal parenchyma, where PTHrP exerts a modulatory action on renal function. PTHrP upregulation is a common event associated with the mechanism of renal injury and repair. However, no study has yet explored the putative excretion of PTHrP in urine, including its potential relationship with renal function. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis by studying the well-known rat model of acute renal injury induced by the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Using Western blot analysis, we could detect a single protein band, corresponding to intact PTHrP, in the urine of both control and cisplatin-injected rats, whose levels were significantly higher in the latter group. PTHrP was detected in rat urine by dot blot, and its quantification with two specific ELISA kits showed that, compared with control rats, those treated with cisplatin displayed a significant increase in urinary PTHrP (expressed as the PTHrP-to-creatinine ratio or 24-h excretion). In addition, a positive correlation between urinary PTHrP excretion and serum creatinine was found in these animals. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that PTHrP is excreted in rat urine and that this excretion is higher with the decrease of renal function. This suggests that urinary PTHrP levels might be a renal function marker.
Impact of sex, androgens, and prostate size on C57BL/6J mouse urinary physiology: functional assessment
Authors: Ruetten Hannah , Wegner Kyle A. , Zhang Helen L. , Wang Peiqing , Sandhu Jaskiran , Sandhu Simran , Mueller Brett , Wang Zunyi , Macoska Jill , Peterson Richard E. , Bjorling Dale E. , Ricke William A. , Marker Paul C. , Vezina Chad M.
Published: August 2019

Laboratory mice are used to identify causes of urinary dysfunction including prostate-related mechanisms of lower urinary tract symptoms. Effective use of mice for this purpose requires a clear understanding of molecular, cellular, anatomic, and endocrine contributions to voiding function. Whether the prostate influences baseline voiding function has not been specifically evaluated, in part because most methods that alter prostate mass also change circulating testosterone concentrations. We performed void spot assay and cystometry to establish a multiparameter “baseline” of voiding function in intact male and female 9-wk-old (adult) C57BL/6J mice. We then compared voiding function in intact male mice to that of castrated male mice, male (and female) mice treated with the steroid 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride, or male mice harboring alleles ( Pbsn4cre/+; R26RDta/+) that significantly reduce prostate lobe mass by depleting prostatic luminal epithelial cells. We evaluated aging-related changes in male urinary voiding. We also treated intact male, castrate male, and female mice with exogenous testosterone to determine the influence of androgen on voiding function. The three methods used to reduce prostate mass (castration, finasteride, and Pbsn4cre/+; R26RDta/+) changed voiding function from baseline but in a nonuniform manner. Castration feminized some aspects of male urinary physiology (making them more like intact female mice) while exogenous testosterone masculinized some aspects of female urinary physiology (making them more like intact male mice). Our results provide evidence that circulating testosterone is responsible in part for baseline sex differences in C57BL/6J mouse voiding function while prostate lobe mass in young, healthy adult mice has a lesser influence.
Empagliflozin attenuates diabetic tubulopathy by improving mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagy
Authors: Lee Yu Ho , Kim Sang Hoon , Kang Jun Mo , Heo Jin Hyung , Kim Dong-Jin , Park Seon Hwa , Sung MinJi , Kim Jaehee , Oh Jisu , Yang Dong Ho , Lee Sang Ho , Lee So-Young
Published: August 2019

We examined the effects of empagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of Na+-glucose cotransporter 2, on mitochondrial quality control and autophagy in renal tubular cells in a diabetic environment in vivo and in vitro. Human renal proximal tubular cells (hRPTCs) were incubated under high-glucose conditions. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin in male C57BL/6J mice. Improvements in mitochondrial biogenesis and balanced fusion-fission protein expression were noted in hRPTCs after treatment with empagliflozin in high-glucose media. Empagliflozin also increased autophagic activities in renal tubular cells in the high-glucose environment, which was accompanied with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition. Moreover, reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and decreased apoptotic and fibrotic protein expression were observed in hRPTCs after treatment with empagliflozin, even in the hyperglycemic circumstance. Importantly, empagliflozin restored AMP-activated protein kinase-α phosphorylation and normalized levels of AMP-to-ATP ratios in hRPTCs subjected to a high-glucose environment, which suggests the way that empagliflozin is involved in mitochondrial quality control. Empagliflozin effectively suppressed Na+-glucose cotransporter 2 expression and ameliorated renal morphological changes in the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Electron microscopy analysis showed that mitochondrial fragmentation was decreased and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine content was low in renal tubular cells of empagliflozin treatment groups compared with those of the diabetic control group. We suggest one mechanism related to the renoprotective actions of empagliflozin, which reverse mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy.
Somatosensory cortical excitability changes precede those in motor cortex during human motor learning
Authors: Ohashi Hiroki , Gribble Paul L. , Ostry David J.
Published: August 2019

Motor learning is associated with plasticity in both motor and somatosensory cortex. It is known from animal studies that tetanic stimulation to each of these areas individually induces long-term potentiation in its counterpart. In this context it is possible that changes in motor cortex contribute to somatosensory change and that changes in somatosensory cortex are involved in changes in motor areas of the brain. It is also possible that learning-related plasticity occurs in these areas independently. To better understand the relative contribution to human motor learning of motor cortical and somatosensory plasticity, we assessed the time course of changes in primary somatosensory and motor cortex excitability during motor skill learning. Learning was assessed using a force production task in which a target force profile varied from one trial to the next. The excitability of primary somatosensory cortex was measured using somatosensory evoked potentials in response to median nerve stimulation. The excitability of primary motor cortex was measured using motor evoked potentials elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. These two measures were interleaved with blocks of motor learning trials. We found that the earliest changes in cortical excitability during learning occurred in somatosensory cortical responses, and these changes preceded changes in motor cortical excitability. Changes in somatosensory evoked potentials were correlated with behavioral measures of learning. Changes in motor evoked potentials were not. These findings indicate that plasticity in somatosensory cortex occurs as a part of the earliest stages of motor learning, before changes in motor cortex are observed.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We tracked somatosensory and motor cortical excitability during motor skill acquisition. Changes in both motor cortical and somatosensory excitability were observed during learning; however, the earliest changes were in somatosensory cortex, not motor cortex. Moreover, the earliest changes in somatosensory cortical excitability predict the extent of subsequent learning; those in motor cortex do not. This is consistent with the idea that plasticity in somatosensory cortex coincides with the earliest stages of human motor learning.
We Are Upright-Walking Cats: Human Limbs as Sensory Antennae During Locomotion
Authors: Pearcey Gregory E. P. , Zehr E. Paul
Published: August 2019

Humans and cats share many characteristics pertaining to the neural control of locomotion, which has enabled the comprehensive study of cutaneous feedback during locomotion. Feedback from discrete skin regions on both surfaces of the human foot has revealed that neuromechanical responses are highly topographically organized and contribute to “sensory guidance” of our limbs during locomotion.
Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Athletes: Basic Mechanisms and New Directions
Authors: D’Souza Alicia , Trussell Tariq , Morris Gwilym M. , Dobrzynski Halina , Boyett Mark R.
Published: August 2019

Athletes are prone to supraventricular rhythm disturbances including sinus bradycardia, heart block, and atrial fibrillation. Mechanistically, this is attributed to high vagal tone and cardiac electrical and structural remodeling. Here, we consider the supporting evidence for these three pro-arrhythmic mechanisms in athletic human cohorts and animal models, featuring current controversies, emerging data, and future directions of relevance to the translational research agenda.
CRISPR for Neuromuscular Disorders: Gene Editing and Beyond
Authors: Young Courtney S. , Pyle April D. , Spencer Melissa J.
Published: August 2019

This is a review describing advances in CRISPR/Cas-mediated therapies for neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). We explore both CRISPR-mediated editing and dead Cas approaches as potential therapeutic strategies for multiple NMDs. Last, therapeutic considerations, including delivery and off-target effects, are also discussed.