bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Flow Visualization in Packed‐Bed Multiphase Reactors: Wire‐Mesh Sensor Design and Data Analysis for Rotating Fixed Beds
Authors: Timaeus Robert , Berger Ronny , Schleicher Eckhard , Hampel Uwe , Schubert Markus
Published: October 2019

Wire‐mesh sensors are increasingly used for flow imaging in packed beds. In this study, a capacitance wire‐mesh sensor is applied to measure the cross‐sectional liquid phase distribution in a rotating fixed‐bed reactor. The liquid filling level is derived as a crucial parameter defining the operational window of the reactor concept. Contrary to the standard sensor configuration, wireless data transfer and autonomous power supply is integrated. Furthermore, appropriate data processing is required to visualize the liquid flow of the three‐phase system (nitrogen, cumene and γ‐Al2O3 particles).
Catalyst–Electrolyte Interactions in Aqueous Reline Solutions for Highly Selective Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Garg Sahil , Li Mengran , Rufford Thomas E. , Ge Lei , Rudolph Victor , Knibbe Ruth , Konarova Muxina , Wang Geoff G. X.
Published: October 2019

Achieving high product selectivities is one challenge that limits viability of electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to chemical feedstocks. Here, it was demonstrated how interactions between Ag foil cathodes and reline (choline chloride + urea) led to highly selective CO2R to CO with a faradaic efficiency of (96±8) % in 50 wt % aqueous reline at −0.884 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is a 1.5‐fold improvement over CO2R in KHCO3. In reline the Ag foil was roughened by (i) dissolution of oxide layers followed by (ii) electrodeposition of Ag nanoparticles back on cathode. This surface restructuring exposed low‐coordinated Ag atoms, and subsequent adsorption of choline ions and urea at the catalyst surface limited proton availability in the double layer and stabilized key intermediates such as *COOH. These approaches could potentially be extended to other electrocatalytic metals and lower‐viscosity deep eutectic solvents to achieve higher‐current‐density CO2R in continuous‐flow cell electrolyzers.
Construction of 1T‐MoSe2/TiC@C Branch–Core Arrays as Advanced Anodes for Enhanced Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Yan , Deng Shengjue , Shen Yanbin , Liu Bo , Pan Guoxiang , Liu Qi , Wang Xiuli , Wang Yadong , Xia Xinhui , Tu Jiangping
Published: October 2019

The use of active sites and reaction kinetics of MoSe2 anodes for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are highly related to the phase components (1T and 2H phases) and electrode architecture. This study concerns the design and fabrication of wrinkled 1T‐MoSe2 nanoflakes anchored on highly conductive TiC@C nanorods to form 1T‐MoSe2/TiC@C branch–core arrays by a powerful chemical vapor deposition (CVD)–solvothermal method. The 1T‐MoSe2 branch can be easily transformed into its 2H‐MoSe2 counterpart after a facile annealing process. In comparison to 2H‐MoSe2, 1T‐MoSe2 has larger interlayer spacing and higher electronic conductivity, which are beneficial for the acceleration of reaction kinetics and capacity improvement. In addition, direct growth of 1T‐MoSe2 nanoflakes on the TiC@C skeleton not only enhance the electrical conductivity, but also contribute to reinforced structural stability. Accordingly, 1T‐MoSe2/TiC@C branch–core arrays are demonstrated with higher capacity and better rate performance (184 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) and impressive durability over 500 cycles with a capacity retention of approximately 91.8 %. This phase modulation plus branch–core design provides a general method for the synthesis of other high‐performance electrode materials for application in electrochemical energy storage.
Suppressed competitive exclusion enabled the proliferation of Permian/Triassic boundary microbialites
Authors: Foster William J. , Heindel Katrin , Richoz Sylvain , Gliwa Jana , Lehrmann Daniel J. , Baud Aymon , Kolar‐Jurkovšek Tea , Aljinović Dunja , Jurkovšek Bogdan , Korn Dieter , Martindale Rowan C. , Peckmann Jörn
Published: October 2019

During the earliest Triassic microbial mats flourished in the photic zones of marginal seas, generating widespread microbialites. It has been suggested that anoxic conditions in shallow marine environments, linked to the end‐Permian mass extinction, limited mat‐inhibiting metazoans allowing for this microbialite expansion. The presence of a diverse suite of proxies indicating oxygenated shallow sea‐water conditions (metazoan fossils, biomarkers and redox proxies) from microbialite successions have, however, challenged the inference of anoxic conditions. Here, the distribution and faunal composition of Griesbachian microbialites from China, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Slovenia and Hungary are investigated to determine the factors that allowed microbialite‐forming microbial mats to flourish following the end‐Permian crisis. The results presented here show that Neotethyan microbial buildups record a unique faunal association due to the presence of keratose sponges, while the Palaeotethyan buildups have a higher proportion of molluscs and the foraminifera Earlandia. The distribution of the faunal components within the microbial fabrics suggests that, except for the keratose sponges and some microconchids, most of the metazoans were transported into the microbial framework via wave currents. The presence of both microbialites and metazoan associations were limited to oxygenated settings, suggesting that a factor other than anoxia resulted in a relaxation of ecological constraints following the mass extinction event. It is inferred that the end‐Permian mass extinction event decreased the diversity and abundance of metazoans to the point of significantly reducing competition, allowing photosynthesis‐based microbial mats to flourish in shallow water settings and resulting in the formation of widespread microbialites.
Risk of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all‐cause mortality for users of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine U100—A Danish cohort study
Authors: Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm , Hejlesen Ole , Vestergaard Peter
Published: October 2019

Aims

Real‐world evidence of the safety of insulin degludec compared with insulin glargine U100 is sparse. This study sought to investigate the risk of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all‐cause mortality after initiation of degludec or glargine U100 in the population of Denmark.

Materials and Methods

All Danish people with diabetes initiating treatment on degludec (n=5159) or glargine (n=4041) in 2016 to 2017 were included in the study. The effect of insulin treatment on the endpoints of major cardiovascular events, severe hypoglycaemia, and all‐cause mortality was analysed with Cox proportional hazard models. The models were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetes type, highest completed education, and annual income. The model of severe hypoglycaemia was also adjusted for severe hypoglycaemia prior to baseline. The model of mortality was also adjusted for history of alcohol abuse, use of antidepressants, use of opioids, and use of anxiolytics. Lastly, the models of major cardiovascular events and mortality were also adjusted for Charlson comorbidity index.

Results

Use of degludec resulted in an almost twofold decrease in risk of death (hazard rate [HR]: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44‐0.65) compared with use of glargine. No statistically significant risk changes were found for major cardiovascular events (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.62‐1.19) and severe hypoglycaemia (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.93). The proportion of cause of death due to malignant neoplasm of pancreas was almost doubled for glargine compared with degludec.

Conclusions

These results indicate that insulin degludec has a safer profile with respect to all‐cause mortality as compared with insulin glargine U100.
Impaired glucose tolerance and albuminuria in patients with chronic heart failure: a subanalysis of the SUPPORT trial
Authors: Nochioka Kotaro , Sakata Yasuhiko , Miura Masanobu , Shiroto Takashi , Takahashi Jun , Saga Chie , Ikeno Yasuko , Shiba Nobuyuki , Shinozaki Tsuyoshi , Sugi Masafumi , Nakagawa Makoto , Komaru Tatsuya , Kato Atsushi , Nozaki Eiji , Iwabuchi Kaoru , Hiramoto Tetsuya , Inoue Kanichi , Ohe Masatoshi , Tamaki Kenji , Tsuji Ichiro , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: October 2019

Aims

The study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with reference to albuminuria in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods and results

We examined 535 CHF patients (mean 66 years, women 25%) in the control arm of our SUPPORT trial, in which we examined additive impact of olmesartan in hypertensive patients with symptomatic CHF treated with β‐blockers and/or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. We examined the association between glycaemic abnormality (assessed by 75 g of oral glucose tolerance test) and albuminuria for a composite outcome of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and HF hospitalization. IGT patients (N = 113, mean 67.2 years) were older and more frequently treated with β‐blockers compared with those with normal glucose regulation (N = 142, mean 64.0 years) and those with diabetes mellitus (N = 280, mean 65.7 years). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models revealed that, as compared with normal glucose regulation (NGR), IGT was associated with increased risk of the outcome when complicated by albuminuria [hazard ratio (HR) 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–4.42; P = 0.019] but not when uncomplicated by albuminuria (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.35–1.60, P = 0.47) (P for interaction = 0.041). This was also the case for diabetes mellitus and albuminuria (HR 2.06; 95% CI 1.17–3.61; P = 0.012). Among IGT patients without albuminuria, 21 (29%) developed albuminuria at 1‐year visit, which was again associated with poor prognosis (HR 7.36; 95% CI 1.39–38.98, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

These results indicate that IGT is associated with poor prognosis when complicated by albuminuria in CHF patients, demonstrating the importance of combined early stages of glucose intolerance and renal dysfunction in the management of CHF.
[Cp*RhIII] in an Ionic Liquid as a Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalytic Medium for Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Csp3–H Carbenoid Insertion
Authors: Li Jianglian , Zhou Lin , Wang Yaoling , Ma Qiang , Lei Yuan , Lai Ruizhi , Luo Yi , Hai Li , Wu Yong
Published: October 2019

Reported herein is a bidentate‐assisted Csp3–H bond insertion using Cp*RhIII/IL as a highly efficient and recyclable catalytic medium, while showing good functional group tolerance. Notably, the application of ionic liquid not only lowered the temperature, but also enhanced the diastereoselectivity of this reaction. This work significantly expanded the scope of ionic liquids in Csp3–H functionalizations.
Optimal sizing and operating strategy of a stand‐alone generation–load–storage system: An island case study
Authors: Tu Tu , Rajarathnam Gobinath P. , Vassallo Anthony M.
Published: October 2019

Component sizing optimization and technoeconomic feasibility studies for stand‐alone power systems have been actively discussed in recent years. However, most models and studies overlook the importance of individual component performance, input data resolution and their integration with the system. This article compares the rapidly evolving battery storage technology applications using the context of a stand‐alone system, through a case study on Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia, where the current electricity infrastructure is approaching its end of life. We constructed a mixed‐integer linear programming model to achieve optimal balance between modeling accuracy and computational complexity. The model was constructed to obtain the optimal component sizing on the basis of minimum lifetime net present cost. It was shown in our work that any transition of islands to become fully stand alone should be carefully considered, where a limited grid connection could still provide significant value to the infrastructure, greatly reduce its stress over peak hours. This concept was illustrated further with another set of model scenarios aiming to explore the performance of battery storage systems with different power output allowances, limited by the time‐series data resolution, were developed. It was shown that the selection of incomplete input data cycle, reliance on standardized average values and utilization of low resolution time‐series data could heavily skew the results of a model, as the use of incomplete dataset and oversimplified average values subtly conceal some of the critical sizing and operation issues in a technoeconomic feasibility study, impacting the accuracy of the model to reflect the real problem.
An efficient task scheduling approach using moth‐flame optimization algorithm for cyber‐physical system applications in fog computing
Authors: Ghobaei‐Arani Mostafa , Souri Alireza , Safara Fatemeh , Norouzi Monire
Published: October 2019

With the rapid development of in modern technologies has led to a novel generation of cyberspace equipment and secure analysis methods such as cyber‐physical system (CPS). The CPS system refers to an intelligent dependable system of embedded smart devices used to monitor and control the cyberspace conditions in a fog computing environment. The fog computing environment connects resources even human beings together to enhance the quality of life through performing of CPS applications using computation resources at the network edge. The optimization of task scheduling for the CSP applications as a challenging issue has been considered as the NP‐hard problem in fog computing environment which is not trivial. On the one hand, reasonable tasks scheduling can increase resource utilization, which can avoid less idle resource. This paper presents a task scheduling algorithm based on moth‐flame optimization algorithm to assign an optimal set of tasks to fog nodes to meet the satisfaction of quality of service requirements of CPS applications in such a way that the total execution time of tasks is minimized. The minimization of task execution and transfer time in the proposed algorithm are considered as objective functions. The experimental testing of the proposed solution is carried out in iFogSim toolkit. As a result of the simulation based on proposed algorithm found, the optimal solution for the scheduling of tasks and equal distribution of tasks to fog nodes has been provided, and less total execution time consumption has been achieved compared with other algorithms.
Applying dignity of risk principles to improve quality of life for vulnerable persons
Authors: Woolford Marta H. , de Lacy‐Vawdon Cassandra , Bugeja Lyndal , Weller Carolina , Ibrahim Joseph E.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Freedom of choice impacts quality of life. Expressed through dignity of risk (DoR), nursing home (NH) residents should be afforded the dignity to take risks to enhance well‐being. How DoR is understood and implemented in the context of aged care remains largely unknown. This study explored the meaning and the barriers and facilitators to applying DoR to NH residents.

Methods

Qualitative study, comprising semistructured interviews. Senior policy makers and advocate guardians working in the aged care or disability sector were invited to participate. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. Two researchers coded interviews, applying inductive and thematic analysis.

Results

Fourteen participants took part during 2016‐2017. Analysis demonstrated uniformity in participants' description of DoR, comprising four elements: (a) individuals are at the centre of decision making; (b) life involves risk; (c) individuals must have choice; and (d) DoR is a continuum of experiences. Three main barriers for implementing DoR into practice were identified: (a) balancing autonomy with risks; (b) situational nature of DoR; and (c) taking responsibility for risk.

Conclusion

The novel findings provide an explicit understanding of DoR and the facilitators and barriers to applying the principle in the NH setting. These findings inform those who engage in making and implementing choices in the presence of risk for vulnerable clients. To translate the multifaceted elements of DoR into practice requires the development of unambiguous policies/guidelines about who will be responsibility for potential risks that may arise from residents' choices. Further, education programmes supporting care staff/management to enact resident choices in the presence of real or perceived risk are required.
Efficacy of EPA‐enriched supplement compared with standard formula on body weight changes in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer undergone surgery: a randomized study
Authors: Jantharapattana Kitti , Orapipatpong Orachat
Published: October 2019

Background

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) containing nutritional supplement can reverse weight loss and increase lean body mass in a perioperative period of patients with head and neck cancer. To study effects of an EPA‐enriched supplement compared with a conventional supplement in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer following surgery is primary objective.

Methods

The patients were randomized into EPA‐enriched and standard formula group. The supplements were prescribed 7 days preoperative through 14 days postoperative. Body weight and composition including serum parameters were measured from 7 days preoperative until 4 months postoperative. The hospitalized courses were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐one patients in each group consumed EPA‐enriched and standard formula supplements. There was no significant body weight or composition changes perioperative. No significant differences in the hospitalized days and postoperative complications was observed.

Conclusions

Body weight changes in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer following surgery were not influenced by EPA additives to perioperative nutritional supplements.
Cardiorespiratory fitness predicts effective connectivity between the hippocampus and default mode network nodes in young adults
Authors: Kronman Corey A. , Kern Kathryn L. , Nauer Rachel K. , Dunne Matthew F. , Storer Thomas W. , Schon Karin
Published: October 2019

Rodent and human studies examining the relationship between aerobic exercise, brain structure, and brain function indicate that the hippocampus (HC), a brain region critical for episodic memory, demonstrates striking plasticity in response to exercise. Beyond the hippocampal memory system, human studies also indicate that aerobic exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with individual differences in large‐scale brain networks responsible for broad cognitive domains. Examining network activity in large‐scale resting‐state brain networks may provide a link connecting the observed relationships between aerobic exercise, hippocampal plasticity, and cognitive enhancement within broad cognitive domains. Previously, CRF has been associated with increased functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), specifically in older adults. However, how CRF relates to the magnitude and directionality of connectivity, or effective connectivity, between the HC and other DMN nodes remains unknown. We used resting‐state fMRI and conditional Granger causality analysis (CGCA) to test the hypothesis that CRF positively predicts effective connectivity between the HC and other DMN nodes in healthy young adults. Twenty‐six participants (ages 18–35 years) underwent a treadmill test to determine CRF by estimating its primary determinant, maximal oxygen uptake (V.O2max), and a 10‐min resting‐state fMRI scan to examine DMN effective connectivity. We identified the DMN using group independent component analysis and examined effective connectivity between nodes using CGCA. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that CRF significantly predicts causal influence from the HC to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and lateral temporal cortex and to the HC from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The observed relationship between CRF and hippocampal effective connectivity provides a link between the rodent literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and hippocampal plasticity, and the human literature, which demonstrates a relationship between aerobic exercise and CRF and the enhancement of broad cognitive domains including, but not limited to, memory.
Higher incidence of zinc and nickel hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kageyama Yasunari , Aida Koichi , Kawauchi Kimihiko , Morimoto Masafumi , Akiyama Tetsu , Nakamura Tsutomu
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains elusive even though several genetic and environmental pathogenic factors have been reported. IBS is considered to be a functional disorder without any detectable lesions in the patient's bowel. However, many studies have demonstrated that a subset of IBS patients have low‐grade inflammation and aberrant T‐cell activation in their intestinal mucosa. To elucidate the immune mechanism underlying the mucosal inflammation in IBS, we focused on dental metal hypersensitivity, a T cell–mediated, delayed‐type allergic reaction that causes oral contact mucositis and systemic cutaneous inflammation.

Methods

We recruited 147 Japanese IBS patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs). The subjects underwent the in vitro lymphocyte stimulation test to quantify their sensitivity to zinc, gold, nickel, and palladium, the metals that have been commonly used in dentistry.

Results

A total of 56.5% of the IBS patients were hypersensitive to at least one metal species, whereas 31.8% of HC were hypersensitive to only a single metal species. The overall incidence of metal hypersensitivity was significantly higher for IBS patients than for HC. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of IBS patients were hypersensitive to zinc and/or nickel. The severity of the sensitivity to zinc and nickel was also significantly greater for IBS patients than for HC. There was no significant difference in the sensitization rates and the sensitivity among the IBS subtypes.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that IBS patients have a significantly higher prevalence of hypersensitivity to zinc and nickel, suggesting the possible involvement of dental metal hypersensitivity in IBS pathogenesis in a subset of patients.
Banks' profitability, institutions, and regulation in the context of the financial crisis
Authors: Teixeira João C.A. , Silva Francisco J.F. , Costa Fernando A.T. , Martins Dário M.C. , Batista Maria da Graça
Published: October 2019

This paper empirically examines how banks' dividend policy, the institutional environment, and banking regulation affects banks' profitability using panel data of a sample of 567 banks, mainly from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, for 2004–2015. It further examines whether the effect of the institutional environment and banking regulation varies for crisis and noncrisis years. The estimation results reveal that banks' dividend policy influences positively banks' profitability, whereas higher levels of the institutional environment or stricter banking regulation reduces banks' profitability. The negative effect of the institutional environment and banking regulation was of lower magnitude during the global financial crisis, followed by the Eurozone crisis, and for less‐developed countries and larger banks.
Systematic review of Doppler for detecting intrapartum fetal heart abnormalities and measuring perinatal mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Plotkin Marya , Kamala Benjamin , Ricca Jim , Fogarty Linda , Currie Sheena , Kidanto Hussein , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: October 2019

Background

Using Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities coupled with appropriate, timely intrapartum care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) can save lives.

Objective

To review studies using Doppler to improve detection of intrapartum FHR abnormalities and intrapartum care quality in LMIC health facilities.

Search strategy

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 2018 by combining terms for Doppler, perinatal outcomes, and FHR monitoring.

Selection criteria

Selected studies compared Doppler and Pinard stethoscope for detecting/monitoring intrapartum FHR, or described provider and maternal preferences for FHR monitoring in LMIC settings.

Data collection and analysis

Two team members independently screened and collected data. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane EPOC criteria.

Results

Eleven studies from eight countries were included. Doppler was superior at detecting abnormal intrapartum FHR as compared with Pinard stethoscope, but was not associated with improved perinatal outcomes. Using Doppler on admission helped to accurately measure perinatal deaths occurring after facility admission.

Conclusion

Studies and program learning are needed to translate improved detection of FHR abnormalities to improved case management in LMICs. Doppler should be used to calculate a facility indicator of intrapartum care quality.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42019121924.
Sexual and reproductive rights violations at sexual debut of male and female adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Morhe Renee A.S. , Avle Theodocia Doe , Morhe Emmanuel S.K.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine the social and ethical challenges in enforcing sexual and reproductive rights of male and female adolescents abused at sexual debut in Ghana.

Methodology

This was a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data on 278 sexually experienced male and female teenagers from 12 communities selected by cluster random sampling in the Ejisu‐Juben district. We extracted relevant data from a 2009 academic thesis project involving 481 respondents. We assessed differences between sexual debut experiences of males and females using Pearson's chi‐square and ANOVA tests. P‐values ≤0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Mean ages at sexual debut for males and females were 16.05 ± 1.8 and 15.98 ± 1.47 years respectively (P=0.719). Adolescents of both sexes experienced defilement and forced sexual debut; similar proportions had early sexual debut. Females who had early sexual debut were more likely than their older counterparts to have low educational attainment and induced abortion.

Conclusions

Many male and female adolescents experience sexual and reproductive rights breaches at sexual debut. Prevailing circumstances hinder optimization of sexual and reproductive rights of juveniles in Ghana. We recommend making clear provisions for young persons in the law on sexual offences in the criminal code to facilitate development of interventions to improve access to justice for offenders and victims.
Investigation of human pancreatic cancer tissues by Fourier Transform Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Notarstefano Valentina , Sabbatini Simona , Conti Carla , Pisani Michela , Astolfi Paola , Pro Chiara , Rubini Corrado , Vaccari Lisa , Giorgini Elisabetta
Published: October 2019

Fourier‐transform infrared hyperspectral imaging (FTIR‐HSI) provides hyperspectral images containing both morphological and chemical information. It is widely applied in the biomedical field to detect tumor lesions, even at the early stage, by identifying specific spectral biomarkers. Pancreatic neoplasms present different prognoses and are not always easily classified by conventional analyses. In this study, tissue samples with diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor were analyzed by FTIR‐HSI and the spectral data compared with those from healthy and dysplastic samples. Multivariate/univariate approaches were complemented to hyperspectral images, and definite spectral markers of the different lesions identified. The malignant lesions were recognizable both from healthy/dysplastic pancreatic tissues (high values of phospholipids and triglycerides with shorter, more branched and less unsaturated alkyl chains) and between each other (different amounts of total lipids, phosphates and carbohydrates). These findings highlight different metabolic pathways characterizing the different samples, well detectable by FTIR‐HSI.
Circular RNAs expression profiles in plasma exosomes from early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma and the potential biomarkers
Authors: Chen Falin , Huang Chunli , Wu Qiumei , Jiang Lili , Chen Shaoting , Chen Liangyuan
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to identify differential circular RNA (circRNA) in the plasma exosomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using high‐throughput sequencing. First, exosomes were isolated using an exosome isolation kit and confirmed by Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and NanoSight Assay. Subsequently, plasma circRNA expression profiles were screened by high‐throughput sequencing and confirmed by fluorescence quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Finally, the circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network was performed to forecast the potential function of circRNAs. The result of high‐throughput sequencing data documented that 182 differentially expressed exosomal circRNAs in all were screened, which included 105 that were upregulated and 78 that were downregulated in LUAD patients plasma compared with controls. The four upregulated circRNAs including circ_0001492, circ_0001346, circ_0000690, and circ_0001439 were identical to the sequencing data by qRT‐PCR, and their latent circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interactions were exhibited. Taken together, our study firstly revealed the altered exosomal circRNA expression from plasma samples in patients with LUAD and supports the need for exploring their potential as biomarkers and the pathological effects of lung cancer.
Alcoholic fermentation of soursop (Annona muricata) juice via an alternative fermentation technique
Authors: Ho Chin Wai , Lazim Azwan , Fazry Shazrul , Hussain Zaki Umi Kalsum Hj , Massa Salvatore , Lim Seng Joe
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Wines are produced via the alcoholic fermentation of suitable substrates, usually sugar (sugar cane, grapes) and carbohydrates (wheat, grain). However, conventional alcoholic fermentation is limited by the inhibition of yeast by ethanol produced, usually at approximately 13–14%. Aside from that, soursop fruit is a very nutritious fruit, although it is highly perishable, and thus produces a lot of wastage. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce fermented soursop juice (soursop wine), using combination of two starter cultures, namely mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), as well as to determine the effects of fermentation on the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of fermented soursop juice. Optimisation of four factors (pH, temperature, time and culture ratio) using response surface methodology were performed to maximise ethanol production.

RESULTS

The optimised values for alcoholic fermentation were pH 4.99, 28.29 °C, 131 h and a 0.42 culture ratio (42:58, P. pulmonarius mycelia:S. cerevisiae) with a predicted ethanol concentration of 22.25%. Through a verification test, soursop wine with 22.29 ± 0.52% ethanol was produced. The antioxidant activities (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase from the soursop juice to soursop wine.

CONCLUSION

The alternative fermentation technique using yeast and mushroom has successfully been optimised, with an increased ethanol production in soursop wine and higher antioxidant activities. Ultimately, this finding has high potential for application in the brewing industry to enhance the fermentation process, as well as in the development of an innovative niche product, reducing wastage by converting the highly‐perishable fruit into wine with a more stable and longer shelf‐life. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The wound healing effects of the Tilapia collagen peptide mixture TY001 in streptozotocin diabetic mice
Authors: Xiong Xiaoyun , Liang Jun , Xu Yiqiao , Liu Jie , Liu Yi
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The Tilapia collagen peptides mixture TY001 is effective in promoting wound healing in acetic acid‐induced skin lesions in zebrafish and in protecting against lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and disruption of glucose metabolism in mice. The present study aimed to further examine the wound healing effects of TY001 in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.

METHODS

Full‐thickness skin excision wounds were created with 8‐mm biopsy punches and TY001 was administered via drinking water (15, 30 and 45 g L−1 in emulsion) for 15 days.

RESULTS

Wound healing was delayed in diabetic mice but was promoted by TY001 after 5, 10 or 15 days of treatment. Collagen deposition and tissue hydroxyproline contents were increased by TY001. The expressions of insulin growth factor‐1, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, transforming growth facts β1, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor were increased by TY001, as indicated by immunobiochemistry and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Diabetes‐associated serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐8 were decreased, whereas anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and nitric oxide were increased by TY001, along with increased tissue antioxidant superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Diabetes‐reduced serum protein levels were also recovered by TY001

CONCLUSION

Taken together, Tilapia collagen peptide mixture TY001 was effective with respect to enhancing diabetes‐associated wound healing delay, probably via increasing growth factors and collagen deposition in the wound, attenuating diabetes‐induced prolonged inflammation, increasing tissue antioxidants and providing nutritional support in diabetic mice. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial genomes retrieved from High Arctic lake sediments encode for adaptation to cold and oligotrophic environments
Authors: Ruuskanen Matti O. , Colby Graham , St.Pierre Kyra A. , St.Louis Vincent L. , Aris‐Brosou Stéphane , Poulain Alexandre J.
Published: October 2019

The Arctic is currently warming at an unprecedented rate, which may affect environmental constraints on the freshwater microbial communities found there. Yet, our knowledge of the community structure and functional potential of High Arctic freshwater microbes remains poor, even though they play key roles in nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services. Here, using high‐throughput metagenomic sequencing and genome assembly, we show that sediment microbial communities in the High Arctic's largest lake by volume, Lake Hazen, are phylogenetically diverse, ranging from Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, to members of the newly discovered Candidate Phyla Radiation groups. These genomes displayed a high prevalence of pathways involved in lipid chemistry, and a low prevalence of nutrient uptake pathways, which might represent adaptations to the specific, cold (∼ 3.5°C) and extremely oligotrophic conditions in Lake Hazen. Despite these potential adaptations, it is unclear how ongoing environmental changes will affect microbial communities, the makeup of their genomic idiosyncrasies, as well as the possible implications at higher trophic levels.
Aspergillus niger upregulated glycerolipid metabolism and ethanol utilization pathway under ethanol stress
Authors: Vinayavekhin Nawaporn , Kongchai Wimonsiri , Piapukiew Jittra , Chavasiri Warinthorn
Published: October 2019

The knowledge of how Aspergillus niger responds to ethanol can lead to the design of strains with enhanced ethanol tolerance to be utilized in numerous industrial bioprocesses. However, the current understanding about the response mechanisms of A. niger toward ethanol stress remains quite limited. Here, we first applied a cell growth assay to test the ethanol tolerance of A. niger strain ES4, which was isolated from the wall near a chimney of an ethanol tank of a petroleum company, and found that it was capable of growing in 5% (v/v) ethanol to 30% of the ethanol‐free control level. Subsequently, the metabolic responses of this strain toward ethanol were investigated using untargeted metabolomics, which revealed the elevated levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the extracellular components, and of diacylglycerol, TAG, and hydroxy‐TAG in the intracellular components. Lastly, stable isotope labeling mass spectrometry with ethanol‐d6 showed altered isotopic patterns of molecular ions of lipids in the ethanol‐d6 samples, compared with the nonlabeled ethanol controls, suggesting the ability of A. niger ES4 to utilize ethanol as a carbon source. Together, the studies revealed the upregulation of glycerolipid metabolism and ethanol utilization pathway as novel response mechanisms of A. niger ES4 toward ethanol stress, thereby underlining the utility of untargeted metabolomics and the overall approaches as tools for elucidating new biological insights.
A worst‐case formulation for constrained ranking and selection with input uncertainty
Authors: Shi Zhongshun , Gao Siyang , Xiao Hui , Chen Weiwei
Published: October 2019

In this research, we consider robust simulation optimization with stochastic constraints. In particular, we focus on the ranking and selection problem in which the computing time is sufficient to evaluate all the designs (solutions) under consideration. Given a fixed simulation budget, we aim at maximizing the probability of correct selection (PCS) for the best feasible design, where the objective and constraint measures are assessed by their worst‐case performances. To simplify the complexity of PCS, we develop an approximated probability measure and derive the asymptotic optimality condition (optimality condition as the simulation budget goes to infinity) of the resulting problem. A sequential selection procedure is then designed within the optimal computing budget allocation framework. The high efficiency of the proposed procedure is tested via a number of numerical examples. In addition, we provide some useful insights into the efficiency of a budget allocation procedure.
Attention control group activities and perceived benefit in a trial of a behavioral intervention for older adults
Authors: LaFave Sarah E. , Granbom Marianne , Cudjoe Thomas K.M. , Gottsch Alex , Shorb Gerard , Szanton Sarah L.
Published: October 2019

Researchers trialing behavioral interventions often use attention control groups, but few publish details on attention control activities or perceived benefit. Attention control groups receive the same dose of interpersonal interaction as intervention participants but no other elements of the intervention, to control for the benefits of attention that may come from behavioral interventions. Because intervention success is analyzed compared to control conditions, it is useful to examine attention control content and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to report on attention control visit activities and their perceived benefit in a randomized control trial. The trial tested an aging‐in‐place intervention comprised of a series of participant goal‐directed visits facilitated by an occupational therapist, nurse, and handyman. The attention control group participants received visits from a lay person. We report on the number and length of visits received, types of visit activities that participants chose, and how much visit time was spent on each activity, based on the attention visitor's records. We report on participant perceptions of benefit based on a 10‐item Likert‐scale survey. The attention control group participants (n = 148) were cognitively intact, at least 65 years old, with at least one Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Attention control group participants most often chose conversation (20.1% of visit time), and playing games (18.7%), as visit activities. The majority of attention control group participants (63.4%) reported “a great deal” of perceived benefit. Attention control group visits may be an appropriate comparison in studies of behavioral interventions for community‐dwelling older adults.
Revisiting geographies of temporalities: The significance of time in migrant responses to Brexit
Authors: Gawlewicz Anna , Sotkasiira Tiina
Published: October 2019

In this article, we look at the role of time and temporalities in migrant responses to the result of the 2016 European Union referendum in the United Kingdom, that is, Brexit. Although some attention has been paid to affective “first reactions” to Brexit, less is known about how it is negotiated in a longer perspective. Here, we recognise that responses to Brexit are dynamic and prone to change. Therefore, it is crucial to explore practical rationalising alongside emotional reactions as two different, but equally relevant, responses. Using the example of Finnish and Polish migrants to Scotland, we show that time is central to making sense of Brexit and is used to negotiate uncertainty about legal status and the right to remain. In doing so, we revisit a wider gap in geography scholarship, which continues to underappreciate the temporal dimension in migration research.
Illuminating the origins of two‐photon absorption properties in fluorescent protein chromophores
Authors: Grabarek Dawid , Andruniów Tadeusz
Published: October 2019

We provide here a structural impact on two‐photon absorption cross‐section (σTPA) for 22 distinct fluorescent protein (FP) chromophores. By employing time‐dependent density functional theory, we gain insight into two‐photon absorption (TPA) process by investigating relationship between σTPA and one‐photon electronic transition dipole moment and permanent dipole moment change (Δμ) upon transition. Our results reveal that for the S1 excited state, σTPA is proportional to (Δμ)2 in agreement with two‐state model of TPA process. On the contrary, the TPA spectroscopy of higher excited states (S
n, n > 1) is much more complex. We do not find a main driving force of large σTPA that would be common for investigated chromophores. Instead, it seems that channel interference between one‐photon transition dipole moment vectors is responsible for enhancement or diminishment of σTPA. Our in vacuo results may serve as a benchmark to investigate a role of chromophore‐protein interaction in shaping TPA spectra of FPs.
Linearized min‐max robust model predictive control: Application to the control of a bioprocess
Authors: Benattia S. E. , Tebbani S. , Dumur D.
Published: October 2019

This work deals with the problem of trajectory tracking for a nonlinear system with unknown but bounded model parameter uncertainties. First, this work focuses on the design of a robust nonlinear model predictive control (RNMPC) law subject to model parameter uncertainties implying solving a min‐max optimization problem. Secondly, a new approach is proposed, consisting in relating the min‐max problem to a more tractable optimization problem based on the use of linearization techniques to ensure a good trade‐off between tracking accuracy and computation time. The developed strategy is applied in simulation to a simplified macroscopic continuous photobioreactor model and is compared to the RNMPC and nonlinear model predictive controllers. Its efficiency and its robustness against parameter uncertainties and/or perturbations are illustrated through numerical results.
A new unified input‐to‐state stability criterion for impulsive stochastic delay systems with Markovian switching
Authors: Chen Huabin , Shi Peng , Lim Cheng‐Chew
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the problems of the input‐to‐state stability (ISS), the integral input‐to‐state stability (iISS), the stochastic input‐to‐state stability (SISS) and the eλt(λ>0)‐weighted input‐to‐state stability (eλt‐ISS) are investigated for nonlinear time‐varying impulsive stochastic delay systems with Markovian switching. We propose one unified criterion for the stabilizing impulse and the destabilizing impulse to guarantee the ISS, iISS, SISS and eλt‐ISS for such systems. We verify that when the upper bound of the average impulsive interval is given, the stabilizing impulsive effect can stabilize the systems without ISS. We also show that the destabilizing impulsive signal with a given lower bound of the average impulsive interval can preserve the ISS of the systems. In addition, one criterion for guaranteeing the ISS of nonlinear time‐varying stochastic hybrid systems under no impulsive effect is derived. Two examples including one coupled dynamic systems model subject to external random perturbation of the continuous input and impulsive input disturbances are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretic results developed.
Aberrant lipid metabolism as an emerging therapeutic strategy to target cancer stem cells
Authors: Visweswaran Malini , Arfuso Frank , Warrier Sudha , Dharmarajan Arun
Published: October 2019

Emerging evidence in cancer metabolomics has identified reprogrammed metabolic pathways to be a major hallmark of cancer, among which deregulated lipid metabolism is a prominent field receiving increasing attention. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise <0.1% of the tumor bulk and possess high self-renewal, tumor-initiating properties, and are responsible for therapeutic resistance, disease recurrence, and tumor metastasis. Hence, it is imperative to understand the metabolic rewiring occurring in CSCs, especially their lipid metabolism, on which there have been recent reports. CSCs rely highly upon lipid metabolism for maintaining their stemness properties and fulfilling their biomass and energy demands, ultimately leading to cancer growth and invasion. Hence, in this review we will shed light on the aberrant lipid metabolism that CSCs exploit to boost their survival, which comprises upregulation in de novo lipogenesis, lipid droplet synthesis, lipid desaturation, and β-oxidation. Furthermore, the metabolic regulators involved in the process, such as key lipogenic enzymes, are also highlighted. Finally, we also summarize the therapeutic strategies targeting the key regulators involved in CSCs' lipid metabolism, which thereby demonstrates the potential to develop powerful and novel therapeutics against the CSC lipid metabolome.
Tunable hydrogels for mesenchymal stem cell delivery: Integrin-induced transcriptome alterations and hydrogel optimization for human wound healing
Authors: Marusina Alina I. , Merleev Alexander A. , Luna Jesus I. , Olney Laura , Haigh Nathan E. , Yoon Daniel , Guo Chen , Ovadia Elisa M. , Shimoda Michiko , Luxardi Guillaume , Boddu Sucharita , Lal Nelvish N. , Takada Yoshikazu , Lam Kit S. , Liu Ruiwu , Isseroff R. Rivkah , Le Stephanie , Nolta Jan A. , Kloxin April M. , Maverakis Emanual
Published: October 2019

Therapeutic applications for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are growing; however, the successful implementation of these therapies requires the development of appropriate MSC delivery systems. Hydrogels are ideally suited to cultivate MSCs but tuning hydrogel properties to match their specific in vivo applications remains a challenge. Thus, further characterization of how hydrogel-based delivery vehicles broadly influence MSC function and fate will help lead to the next generation of more intelligently designed delivery vehicles. To date, few attempts have been made to comprehensively characterize hydrogel impact on the MSC transcriptome. Herein, we have synthesized cell-degradable hydrogels based on bio-inert poly(ethylene glycol) tethered with specific integrin-binding small molecules and have characterized their resulting effect on the MSC transcriptome when compared with 2D cultured and untethered 3D hydrogel cultured MSCs. The 3D culture systems resulted in alterations in the MSC transcriptome, as is evident by the differential expression of genes related to extracellular matrix production, glycosylation, metabolism, signal transduction, gene epigenetic regulation, and development. For example, genes important for osteogenic differentiation were upregulated in 3D hydrogel cultures, and the expression of these genes could be partially suppressed by tethering an integrin-binding RGD peptide within the hydrogel. Highlighting the utility of tunable hydrogels, when applied to ex vivo human wounds the RGD-tethered hydrogel was able to support wound re-epithelialization, possibly due to its ability to increase PDGF expression and decrease IL-6 expression. These results will aid in future hydrogel design for a broad range of applications.