bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the best solution to manage vitamin D deficiency?
Authors: Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Bagherniya Mohammad , Abdollahi Zahra , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: April 2019

Nowadays, vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. In addition to the skeletal effects, it is now recognized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Currently, optimizing serum concentration of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D with targeted strategies is becoming one the most interesting topics of public health nutrition. It is not possible for everyone to obtain sufficient serum concentrations of vitamin D by effective solar ultraviolet B exposure or usual dietary intake. Nutritional supplements and fortified foods as an available and cost‐effective way to provide the recommended amount of vitamin D. Although, vitamin D supplementation is considered a good and simple short‐term solution for vitamin D deficiency treatment; however, it seems that at a population level, food fortification, using staple foods, is the best method to increase vitamin D consumption and long‐term treatment of vitamin D deficiency. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1190–1191, 2019
Effects of a problem‐solving strategy on the independent completion of vocational tasks by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lora Cindy C. , Kisamore April N. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Townsend Dawn B.
Published: April 2019

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have few employment opportunities and a lower job quality than individuals of typical development. Social deficits and lack of independence may contribute to underemployment and unemployment of individuals with ASD. The ability to solve problems might ameliorate some of these barriers. We taught four adolescents with ASD a problem‐solving strategy (i.e., use of a textual activity schedule) to assist with independent completion of vocational tasks in the face of three types of problems (e.g., missing or broken items) and nonproblem situations. Following introduction of the problem‐solving strategy, all four participants independently completed the tasks when a problem was presented and responding generalized to untaught vocational tasks.
Protective effects of curcumin on biochemical and molecular changes in sodium arsenite‐induced oxidative damage in embryonic fibroblast cells
Authors: Perker Mehmet Can , Orta Yilmaz Banu , Yildizbayrak Nebahat , Aydin Yasemin , Erkan Melike
Published: April 2019

The present study was aimed at determining the oxidative damage caused by sodium arsenite in 3T3 fibroblast cells and the possible protective role of curcumin (Cur) against sodium arsenite toxicity. Embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to sodium arsenite (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) in the presence and absence of Cur (2.5 μM) for 24 hours. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase) and expression levels of antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were measured in embryonic fibroblast cells. Results demonstrated that sodium arsenite directly affects antioxidant enzymes and genes in 3T3 embryonic fibroblast cells and induces oxidative damage by increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and lipid peroxidation in the cell. Furthermore, the study indicated that Cur might be a potential ameliorative antioxidant to protect the fibroblast cell toxicity induced by sodium arsenite.
Effects of LPS on the accumulation of lipid droplets, proliferation, and steroidogenesis in goat luteinized granulosa cells
Authors: Zhang Maoduo , Yu Hao , Wang Wei , Wang Feng , Mao Dagan
Published: April 2019

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can cause ovarian dysfunction and infertility in mammals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of LPS on the accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs), proliferation, and steroidogenesis in goat luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs). GCs isolated from the ovarian follicles were spontaneously luteinized under media with fetal bovine serum, resulting in increased progesterone and shifted shape from spherical to star with multiple prolongations. Then, LGCs were treated with LPS (0‐10 μg/mL) for 0‐48 hours. Oil Red O staining was performed to observe LDs accumulation and commercial kit was applied to detect intracellular triglyceride (TG) content. The cell proliferation were detected by cell counting kit‐8. Expressions of cell‐cycle–related genes were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Estradiol (E
2) and progesterone (P
4) from cell supernatants were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and expressions of STAR, P450scc, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and CYP19A1 were detected by Western blot. Results showed that LPS treatment significantly increased LDs accumulation after 24 hours, and 5 μg/mL LPS increased TG content (
P < 0.05). LPS treatment for 24 hours stimulated the LGCs activities (
P<0.05), which was confirmed by the increases in the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclinB1 and cyclinD1, while 48 hours treatment had no effect. LPS treatment suppressed E
2 and P
4 output of LGCs (
P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that 10 μg/mL LPS decreased the protein expression of 3β‐HSD in LGCs (
P < 0.05). In conclusion, LPS increased LDs accumulation and cell proliferation, and LPS‐mediated P
4 reduction could be attributed to the decreased 3β‐HSD protein expression, which provide new information for the regulation of ovarian function in goats.
Voronoi‐based detection of pockets in proteins defined by large and small probes
Authors: Manak Martin
Published: April 2019

The function of enzymatic proteins is given by their ability to bind specific small molecules into their active sites. These sites can often be found in pockets on a hypothetical boundary between the protein and its environment. Detection, analysis, and visualization of pockets find its use in protein engineering and drug discovery. Many definitions of pockets and algorithms for their computation have been proposed. Kawabata and Go defined them as the regions of empty space into which a small spherical probe can enter but a large probe cannot and developed programs that can compute their approximate shape. In this article, this definition was slightly modified in order to capture the existence of large internal holes, and a Voronoi‐based method for the computation of the exact shape of these modified regions is introduced. The method first puts a finite number of large probes on the protein exterior surface and then, considering both large probes and atomic balls as obstacles for the small probe, the method computes the exact shape of the regions for the small probe. This is all achieved with Voronoi diagrams, which help with the safe navigation of spherical probes among spherical obstacles. Detected regions are internally represented as graphs of vertices and edges describing possible movements of the center of the small probe on Voronoi edges. The surface bounding each region is obtained from this representation and used for visualization, volume estimation, and comparison with other approaches. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Staging of nutrition disorders in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients: utility of skeletal muscle mass assessment
Authors: Antoun Sami , Morel Hugues , Souquet Pierre‐Jean , Surmont Veerle , Planchard David , Bonnetain Franck , Foucher Pascal , Egenod Thomas , Krakowski Ivan , Gaudin Hélène , Debieuvre Didier
Published: April 2019

Background

An international consensus proposed in 2011 a definition and classification system for cachexia (CAX), mainly based on weight loss, sarcopenia [skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss], inflammation, and anorexia. The aim of this study was to stage CAX in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by using a classification based on the Fearon criteria and supported by quantifiable parameters.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional and non‐interventional multicentre study. SMM was assessed by analysing L3 computed tomography‐scan images. Patients completed the anorexia/CAX subscale of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy, EORTC QLQ‐C30 quality of life (QoL) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results

Patients were recruited in 56 sites. The analysis population comprised 531 patients, and SMM was assessed in 312 patients. Male patients were 66.5%, with a mean (SD) age of 65.2 (10.0) years, 79.9% were PS 0–1, and the tumour stage was mainly IIIB‐IV (87.3%). Overall, 38.7% of patients had CAX, 33.8% pre‐CAX, and 0.9% refractory CAX. Molecular tumour profiles were significantly associated with the presence of CAX: 23.9% in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, or HER2+ patients, 41.4% in K‐RAS+, and 43.2% in patients with no molecular abnormality (P = 0.003). The more advanced the CAX stage, the poorer the scores of functional items of the QoL (P < 0.001) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (P < 0.001). Sarcopenia was present in 66.7% of CAX and 68.5% of pre‐CAX patients. Overall, 43.8% of pre‐CAX patients had only sarcopenia with limited weight loss (≤2%) and no anorexia.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show the distribution of CAX in a population of NSCLC patients and an association between molecular abnormality in NSCLC and CAX. The original Fearon classification for CAX stages was supported by the associated functional QoL scores and physical activity levels, resulting in a clinically relevant system for detection of early stages of CAX.
Rinsing of oropharynx and storage place of respiratory medicine inhaler: A cross‐sectional audit
Authors: Okauchi Shinichiro , Kinoshita Kensuke , Sato Shinya , Osawa Hajime , Yamada Hideyasu , Miyazaki Kunihiko , Satoh Hiroaki , Hizawa Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2019

Background

In patients with bronchial asthma and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inhalation therapy and rinsing of the mouth and the oropharynx by gargling (“RMOG”) after inhalation are recommended. We performed a cross‐sectional audit aimed at investigating (a) the proportion of patients performing “RMOG” after inhalation and (b) storage place of patients’ inhaler.

Methods

Patients with bronchial asthma and those with COPD were asked by medical aids at outpatient visits whether they did “RMOG every time,” “RMOG sometimes,” or “no RMOG” after inhalation, and where they stored their inhaler.

Results

During a six month study period up to September 2017, 330 consecutive patients with asthma and those with COPD were included in the study. Two hundred and thirty‐two (70.3%) of the 330 patients answered “RMOG every time” and 98 (29.7%) of them did “RMOG sometimes” and did “no RMOG.” There was a difference in the proportion of patients performing RMOG after inhalation with patient age. With regard to the storage location of inhaler, we found the proportion of patients performing RMOG was higher in those who stored inhalers in a room with running water than in those who stored inhalers at other places. This difference was found in patients with both bronchial asthma and those with COPD.

Conclusions

Further implementation of “patient education” on performing RMOG after inhalation for patients receiving inhaled medication is still necessary. Our results suggest that it is better to store inhalers in places where there is easy access to tap water used for RMOG.
Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and Imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles Attached to a Cycloalkyl or Saturated Heterocycle Containing a Tertiary Hydroxy Substitution
Authors: Chenna Reddy M. L. , Patil Vineetkumar B. , Nawaz Khan Fazlur Rahman , Saravanan Vadivelu
Published: April 2019

A new method has been developed for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines, imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles, and benzo[d]imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles attached to a cycloalkyl or saturated heterocycle containing a tertiary hydroxy substitution. Readily available substituted 2‐aminopyridines, 2‐aminothiazoles, and 2‐aminobenzothiazoles were treated with bromohydroxycycloalkyl ethanones to afford the desired products in good yields.
Cross‐linked α‐galactosidase aggregates: optimization, characterization and application in the hydrolysis of raffinose‐type oligosaccharides in soymilk
Authors: Bayraktar Hasan , Önal Seçil
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Cross‐linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of α‐galactosidase, partially purified from maize (Zea mays) flour, were prepared. The impact of various parameters on enzyme activity was examined to optimize the immobilization procedure. Biochemical characterization of the free and immobilized enzyme was carried out. Stability (thermal, pH, storage and operational stability) and reusability tests were performed. The potential use of the free enzyme and the CLEAs in hydrolysis processes of raffinose‐type oligosaccharides present in soymilk was investigated.

RESULTS

α‐galactosidase CLEAs were prepared with 47% activity recovery under optimum conditions [1:5 (v/v) enzyme solution:saturated ammonium sulfate solution ratio; 7.5 mg protein and 0.1% (v/v) glutaraldehyde, 6 h, 4 °C, 150 rpm]. α‐galactosidase CLEAs exhibited increased stability in comparison to the free enzyme. The CLEAs and the free enzyme showed a maximum activity at 40°C and their optimal pH values were5.5 and 6.0, respectively. Kinetic constants (KM, Vmax and kcat) were calculated for the free enzyme and the CLEAs in the presence of p‐nitrophenyl‐α‐d‐galactopyranoside, stachyose, melibiose and raffinose. The effect of various chemicals and sugars on enzyme activity showed that both enzyme forms were significantly inhibited by HgCl2 and galactose. The CLEAs hydrolyzed 85% of raffinose and 96% of stachyose.

CONCLUSION

The α‐galactosidase CLEAs, with their satisfactory enzymatic characteristics, have much potential for use in the food and feed industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery: An evidence‐based review
Authors: Campbell Hilary T. , Yuhan Brian T. , Smith Brendan , Misch Emily , Svider Peter F. , Pashkova Anna A. , Sheyn Anthony , Ying Yu‐Lan M. , Johnson Andrew P.
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Opioid misuse and diversion is a major concern, with a negative impact on both the individual and society. The objective of this study was to perform an evidence‐based systematic review of the efficacy of perioperative analgesic regimens following otologic surgery.

Methods

Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases (January 1, 1947 to June 30, 2018) were searched for studies investigating pain management in otologic surgeries. All studies were assessed for quality and bias using the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographics, type of surgery, medication class, dose, administration characteristics, pain scores, and adverse events were reported.

Results

Twenty‐three studies encompassing 1,842 patients met inclusion criteria. In 21.4% of studies, an overall reduction in pain scores was reported when the treatment group included more than one analgesic. Nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events across all medication types (10.2%), with local anesthetic patients experiencing these side effects most frequently (38.0%). Perioperative acetaminophen was reported to have the fewest adverse drug reactions overall (6.1%), but did not reduce pain scores as much as other modalities, such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination analgesics.

Conclusions

There is evidence that combination analgesics, such as acetaminophen plus codeine, provide superior pain relief to monotherapy analgesics in the perioperative pain management of otologic surgeries. NSAIDs, α‐agonists, and nerve blocks may also be viable single‐therapy options. Further prospective randomized controlled trials into perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery may be helpful in establishing a definitive consensus. Laryngoscope, 130:190–199, 2020
Publikationen ‐ die Säulen der Forschung
Authors: Kuschel Frank
Published: April 2019

Die Menge an Veröffentlichungen in Chemiezeitschriften hat zugenommen, auch weil es inzwischen mehr Forscher in Schwellenländern gibt. Eine Gruppe von Wissenschaftlern spielt bei Publikationen nur noch eine marginale Rolle und damit auch in der Wahrnehmung der Scientific Community: die Industriechemiker.
Bilanz 2018: Bayer: Kaum Klagen über die Klagen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Rezeptpflichtige Arzneimittel liefern bei Bayer weiterhin den größten Umsatzanteil. Der Monsanto‐Kauf belastet die Jahresbilanz. Hinzu kommen Absatzschwierigkeiten im Tiergesundheitsgeschäft.
Blick nach China: Innovationsrangliste
Authors: Schmid Rolf D.
Published: April 2019

„Licht ins Leben“ ist einer chinesischen Zeitschrift zufolge das Motto eines Highlights des Jahres 2018.
Bilanz 2018: Sanofi: Spezialitäten voranbringen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Sanofi machte im Jahr 2018 das größte Umsatzplus mit der Geschäftseinheit Sanofi Genzyme und will hier auch am stärksten weiter forschen.
High‐order characteristic‐tracking strategy for simulation of a nonlinear advection–diffusion equation
Authors: Bak Soyoon
Published: April 2019

In this study, new high‐order backward semi‐Lagrangian methods are developed to solve nonlinear advection–diffusion type problems, which are realized using high‐order characteristic‐tracking strategies. The proposed characteristic‐tracking strategies are second‐order L‐stable and third‐order L(α)‐stable methods, which are based on a classical implicit multistep method combined with a error‐correction method. We also use backward differentiation formulas and the fourth‐order finite‐difference scheme for diffusion problem discretization in the temporal and spatial domains, respectively. To demonstrate the adaptability and efficiency of these time‐discretization strategies, we apply these methods to nonlinear advection–diffusion type problems such as the viscous Burgers' equation. Through simulations, not only the temporal and spatial accuracies are numerically evaluated but also the proposed methods are shown to be superior to the compared existing characteristic‐tracking methods under the same rates of convergence in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we have shown that the proposed method well preserves the energy and mass when the viscosity coefficient becomes zero.
Study on airflow field and fiber motion with new melt blowing die
Authors: Han Wanli , Xie Sheng , Shi Jing , Wang Xinhou
Published: April 2019

In this study, a new melt‐blowing die was studied with the computational fluid dynamic approach. A bead‐viscoelastic element fiber model was established to model three‐dimensional paths of the fiber motion with the standard linear solid (SLS) constitutive equation in different airflow fields. The effects of this newly designed die on the velocity field, temperature field, and turbulence fluctuation field at the centerline were studied and compared with the traditional melt blowing die. The fiber motion was simulated and compared with the airflow field of different dies. The simulations results demonstrated that the new die was able to reduce the velocity fluctuations of the air flow near the outlet of the polymer capillary and generate the higher centerline air velocity and temperature. The fiber attenuation and motion were related to the centerline air velocity, temperature, and turbulent fluctuation in the melt blowing process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1182–1189 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Resting Frontal Eeg Asymmetry and Personality Traits: A Meta–Analysis
Authors: Kuper Niclas , Käckenmester Wiebke , Wacker Jan
Published: April 2019

Frontal asymmetry has been widely used as a marker of emotion, motivation, and psychopathology. When assessed during the resting state, it is regarded as an index of trait approach and withdrawal motivation. However, the replicability of these associations with personality is currently unclear. The present meta–analysis seeks to provide a comprehensive quantitative review of the relationship between personality traits and resting electroencephalographic (EEG) frontal asymmetry. We distinguished five personality clusters: extraversion, neuroticism, impulsivity, anger, and defensiveness. Data from 79 independent samples with overall 5700 participants were included in the meta–analysis. The results revealed that less than 0.4% of the variance in extraversion and neuroticism could be explained by resting frontal asymmetry. Similarly, a small effect was observed for trait anger, and a small–sized to medium–sized effect was observed for defensiveness, although the number of studies was very low. No significant effect emerged for impulsivity. The effects were further reduced after adjustment for publication bias. Given some evidence for heterogeneity, sub–traits were analysed, and methodological moderators were investigated. Based on the results, we conclude that the validity of resting frontal asymmetry as a marker for personality is not supported. Finally, recommendations are given to increase the replicability of frontal asymmetry research. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Risk Factors for Falls in Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputations During the Pre‐Prosthetic Phase: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vu Kimberly , Payne Michael W.C. , Hunter Susan W. , Viana Ricardo
Published: April 2019

Background

Falls in individuals with lower limb amputations (LLAs) pose significant health concerns. The literature is limited regarding falls during the preprosthetic phase of rehabilitation for persons with LLAs.

Objective

To determine the incidence of falls and identify factors associated with falls during the preprosthetic recovery phase.

Design

Retrospective chart audit.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation program.

Participants

Four hundred forty individuals with LLAs (age ± SD = 61.93 ± 14.53 years, 73.18% male) who attended inpatient rehabilitation from 26 July 2011 to 21 August 2017.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measurements

The number of self‐reported falls was recorded from the time of surgery to admission for inpatient rehabilitation. Outcomes of interest were any fall (1+ fall) and recurrent falls (2+ falls). A retrospective chart audit was performed on consecutive admissions to an inpatient rehabilitation program.

Results

The incidence of falls was 8.37 per 1000 patient‐days. Falls were sustained by 60.9% of the sample. Unilateral transtibial amputation was independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent falls (relative risk [RR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–2.23, P = .008). Diabetes mellitus was independently associated with an increased risk of any fall (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–.38, P = .03). Finally, bilateral transtibial amputation was independently associated with a reduced risk of any fall (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.90, P = .014).

Conclusions

Consistent with the current literature, diabetes mellitus and a unilateral transtibial amputation were risk factors for falling, whereas a bilateral transtibial amputation and increasing age presented new findings as factors associated with decreased falling.

Level of Evidence

III.
Fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese cancer survivors: Prevalence and associations with metacognition and neuroticism
Authors: Ng Danielle Wing Lam , Kwong Ava , Suen Dacita , Chan Miranda , Or Amy , Ng Siuman Simon , Foo Chi Chung , Fielding Brenna F.S. , Lam Wendy W.T.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) represents a chronic burden for many cancer survivors. We determined FCR prevalence and potential correlates, specifically metacognitive styles and neuroticism among Chinese cancer survivors with breast or colorectal cancer.

Methods

This study included 285 Chinese patients with breast (N = 173) and colorectal (N = 112) cancers at 8‐week postsurgery. Participants completed a set of baseline questionnaires evaluating FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory‐Short Form [FCRI‐SF]), metacognition (Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30), and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire). Scores of 13 to 21 were indicative of subclinical FCR on the FCRI‐SF. Scores greater than or equal to 22 indicated clinically significant levels of FCR. Fully adjusted multinomial logistic regressions identified correlates of subclinical and clinically significant FCR.

Results

Respectively, 26.0% (n = 74) and 11.2% (n = 32) achieved scores indicating subclinical and clinically significant FCR. Expressing significantly more positive (OR = 1.21, P = .003) and negative (OR = 1.19, P = .005) beliefs about worry was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting subclinical FCR. Both higher neuroticism (OR = 1.28, P = .003) and more negative beliefs about worry (OR = 1.19, P = 0.035) were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing clinically significant FCR.

Conclusions

Positive and negative metacognitions may play an important role in the development of subclinical FCR. In particular, negative metacognition and neuroticism may elevate FCR from subclinical to a clinical level. The findings give insight into the identification of cancer survivors with subclinical or clinical FCR and aid the development of interventions aimed at changing metacognitive beliefs in order to manage FCR.
A Viscoelastic Constitutive Model of Composite Propellant Considering Dewetting and Strain‐Rate and its Implementation
Authors: Ma Hao , Shen Zhi‐B. , Li Dao‐K.
Published: April 2019

A reasonable constitutive model is the prerequisite to accurately estimate the mechanical behaviours of the composite propellant and the structural analysis of solid rocket motor grain. Through coaxial tensile tests, the viscoelastic properties of the solid propellant, especially dewetting, under actual loading is studied. The concept of dewetting point is proposed to describe the behaviour of dewetting. Based on the experimental results, a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model considering strain rate was applied to composite propellant and modified by the dewetting factor to extend the original one to a wide strain variation. Based on the updated Lagrangian approach, the incremented form of the constitutive model is deduced using the updated Kirchhoff stress tensors and strain tensors. By the numerical method and user defined material subroutine, the model is implemented to the 3D structural analysis of the grain during the ignition pressurization procedure. The model is validated by one set of experiments and further grain structural integrity analysis is carried out to study the influence of the pressurization rate and dewetting elongation.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Nickel Nitride Thin Films using NiCl2(TMPDA) and Tert‐Butylhydrazine as Precursors
Authors: Väyrynen Katja , Hatanpää Timo , Mattinen Miika , Heikkilä Mikko J. , Mizohata Kenichiro , Räisänen Jyrki , Link Joosep , Stern Raivo , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku
Published: April 2019

This article describes the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of nickel nitride and nickel thin films using a diamine adduct of Ni(II) chloride, NiCl2(TMPDA) (TMPDA = N,N,N′,N′,‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine), as the metal precursor. Owing to the high reducing power of tert‐butylhydrazine (TBH), the films are grown at low temperatures of 190–250 °C. This is one of the few low‐temperature ALD processes that can be used to grow Ni3N and Ni metal on both insulating and conductive substrates. The films are characterized in terms of crystallinity, morphology, composition, resistivity, and coercivity. X‐ray diffraction shows reflections compatible with either hexagonal Ni or Ni3N. Composition analyses suggest that the films are close to stoichiometric Ni3N. Despite the nitride component, the films exhibit low resistivity values and at the lowest, a resistivity of 37 μΩ cm is achieved. The result is lower than what is typically observed for NixN films and not much higher than the best results concerning ALD Ni metal. The nitrogen content of the films is lowered down to 1.2 at% by postdeposition reduction at 150 °C in 10% forming gas. After the reduction, the nonmagnetic nitride films are converted to ferromagnetic Ni metal.
Eugenol inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer by repressing expression of NF‐κB‐regulated TRIM59
Authors: Cui Zhilei , Liu Zhen , Zeng Junxiang , Chen Lei , Wu Qiong , Mo Jiahang , Zhang Guorui , Song Lin , Xu Weiguo , Zhang Shulin , Guo Xuejun
Published: April 2019

In view of the recognized anti‐tumor properties of eugenol against non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in cell culture, here we further set out to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of eugenol in vivo and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. The relative expression levels of TRIM59 and p65 in NSCLC were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Xenograft tumor model was established with TRIM59‐deficient H1975 cells, and tumor progression was monitored. Kaplan–Meier's analysis was performed to measure overall survival. Protein levels of TRIM59 and p65 in xenograft tumor were determined by western blot. Direct binding of p65 on the TRIM59 promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and the regulatory effect was interrogated with luciferase reporter assay. Both TRIM59 and p65 were up‐regulated in NSCLC. Eugenol treatment significantly inhibited xenograft tumor progression and prolonged the overall survival of tumor‐bearing mice. Mechanistically, eugenol suppressed p65 expression, which subsequently decreased TRIM59 expression. TRIM59 deficiency fully recapitulated the anti‐tumoral phenotype elicited by eugenol. Ectopic expression of TRIM59 completely abolished the tumor suppressive effect of eugenol, which underlined the predominant role of TRIM59 in mediating the signaling downstream of eugenol treatment. Eugenol inhibited NSCLC via repression NF‐κB‐TRIM59 pathway.
An Operando Study on the Photostability of Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xiao Jingyang , Ren Minrun , Zhang Guichuan , Wang Jianbin , Zhang Donglian , Liu Linlin , Li Ning , Brabec Christoph J. , Yip Hin-Lap , Cao Yong
Published: April 2019

Nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) over the past few years, showing a great potential for real applications. However, the study on the photostability and degradation mechanism of nonfullerene OSCs is far behind than that of fullerene‐based solar cells, which is crucial for the commercial applications of the technology. Herein, an efficient and stable nonfullerene OSC based on PCE10:rhodanine‐benzothiadiazole‐coupled indacenodithiophene with branched 2‐ethylhexyl side chains (EH‐IDT) is fabricated from environmentally benign solvent. The PCE10:EH‐IDT solar cell shows a high PCE of 9.17% and a long operational lifetime (T80) of 2132 h, compared with other two OSCs based on 3,9‐bis(2‐methylene‐(3‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐indanone)‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d:2’,3’‐d’]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b’]‐dithiophene (ITIC) and another fuse ring acceptor with withdrawing units of 1,1‐dicyanomethylene‐3‐indanone and hexyl side chains (IDIC) nonfullerene acceptors, with tested lifetimes of only 221 and 558 h, respectively. As indicated by the Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, ITIC and IDIC have poor miscibility with PCE10, which leads to morphology degradation, suppressed charge generation, increased trap states, and charge recombination in the photoaging test, which accounts for the significant loss of short‐circuit current density and fill factor during operation. The improved miscibility of the donor and the acceptor results in a more stable morphology, and the PCE10:EH‐IDT solar cells thus achieve an outstanding overall performance that combines high efficiency and superior photostability and paves the way for the potential practical applications of OSCs.
A new approach for predicting gas chromatography retention indices of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles
Authors: Moustafa Nagy E. , Mahmoud Kout El‐Kloub Fars
Published: April 2019

Here we present a novel and simple approach for predicting retention indices of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles on (5%‐Phenyl)‐methylpolysiloxane stationary phase using a new set of structural descriptors based on substituent positions. The prediction method modeled correlations between retention indices and structural parameters for alkyl substituted benzothiophenes and dibenzothiophenes. Five models were created: two for uni‐ and di‐ substituted benzothiophenes homologous series, and three for the following non‐homologous series: (i) uni‐ to tri‐ substituted benzothiophenes; (ii) uni‐ to tetra‐substituted dibenzothiophenes and (iii) isomers of benzo[b]naphtha[2,1‐d]thiophene and benzo[b]naphtha[1,2‐d]thiophene. Retention was highly correlated with structural parameters, and all models had high correlation coefficients, low root mean‐squared errors, and low mean absolute percentage errors for the homologous series. For non‐homologous models, R‐values were 0.998 for dibenzothiophenes, 0.995 for benzothiophenes, and 0.991 for benzo[b]naphtha[2,1‐d]thiophene and benzo[b]naphtha[1,2‐d]thiophene, lower than for homologous series. Our approach represents a simple strategy for the prediction of experimental retention indices values without the need for state‐of‐the‐art technology.
Post‐cracking behavior of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete under bending and uniaxial tensile tests
Authors: Mudadu Antonio , Tiberti Giuseppe , Plizzari Giovanni A. , Morbi Alessandro
Published: April 2019

The post‐cracking tensile behavior of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC) was investigated through an experimental study; special attention was devoted to the effects of fiber distribution and orientation on samples performance. In this regard, an experimental campaign based on uniaxial tensile tests (UTTs) on notched cylinders as well as three‐point bending tests (3PBTs) on notched beams was carried out. Uniaxial post‐cracking tensile laws retrieved both directly (UTTs) and indirectly (3PBTs) were compared. In the latter case, the fracture energy was higher because of the strongly dependency between PFRC post‐cracking performance and fiber distribution and orientation. In addition to cast cylindrical samples, core samples were directly drilled from the beams and tested under UTTs in order to compare their post‐cracking performance with that obtained by flexural standard tests on notched beams.
Performance of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity for prediction of anemia in untransfused and transfused fetuses: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martinez‐Portilla R. J. , Lopez‐Felix J. , Hawkins‐Villareal A. , Villafan‐Bernal J. R. , Paz y Miño F. , Figueras F. , Borrell A.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the performance of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) ≥ 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM) for the prediction of moderate–severe anemia, in untransfused and transfused fetuses.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to identify relevant observational studies reported in the period 2008–2018 that evaluated the performance of MCA‐PSV, using a threshold of 1.5 MoM for the prediction of fetal anemia. Diagnosis of fetal anemia by blood sampling was the reference standard. A hierarchical summary receiver–operating characteristics (hSROC) curve was constructed using random‐effects modeling. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses, according to the number of previous intrauterine transfusions, were performed.

Results

Twelve studies and 696 fetuses were included in the meta‐analysis. The area under the hSROC curve (AUC) for moderate–severe anemia was 83%. Pooled sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) were 79% (70–86%) and 73% (62–82%), respectively, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.94 (95% CI, 2.13–4.00) and 0.272 (95% CI, 0.188–0.371). When considering only untransfused fetuses, prediction improved, achieving an AUC of 87%, sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 75–93%) and specificity of 71% (95% CI, 49–87%). A decline in sensitivity for the prediction of moderate–severe anemia by MCA‐PSV ≥1.5 MoM was observed (estimate, –5.5% (95% CI, –10.7 to –0.3%), P = 0.039) as the number of previous transfusions increased.

Conclusions

MCA‐PSV ≥ 1.5 MoM for the prediction of moderate–severe anemia in untransfused fetuses shows moderate accuracy (86% sensitivity and 71% specificity), which declines with increasing number of intrauterine transfusions. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Between sea and river: Water in medieval Scandinavian towns
Authors: Poulsen Bjørn , Gundersen Olav E.
Published: April 2019

The general climate and topography of medieval Scandinavia, with high levels of rainfall and snow on a yearly basis, combined with an abundance of lakes, rivers, and smaller streams, meant that freshwater was easily available for most people. In this paper, we present an overview of how people interacted with water—both freshwater and salt water—in medieval (ca. 1050–ca. 1500) Scandinavia's towns. By describing how the supply of freshwater was organized and what it was used for, how shipping and fishing was regulated, and the use and impact of watermills, we are able to identify some actors and attempt to discern their motivation when they engaged in a wide range of activities involving both fresh and salt water in medieval Scandinavia. We argue that understanding water and water management in medieval Scandinavia necessitates a different approach compared to more arid regions, an approach which considers water as simply one resource among many, deeply embedded in a wider economic web.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
A survey on association rules mining using heuristics
Authors: Ghafari Seyed Mohssen , Tjortjis Christos
Published: April 2019

Association rule mining (ARM) is a commonly encountred data mining method. There are many approaches to mining frequent rules and patterns from a database and one among them is heuristics. Many heuristic approaches have been proposed but, to the best of our knowledge, there is no comprehensive literature review on such approaches, yet with only a limited attempt. This gap needs to be filled. This paper reviews heuristic approaches to ARM and points out their most significant strengths and weaknesses. We propose eight performance metrics, such as execution time, memory consumption, completeness, and interestingness, we compare approaches against these performance metrics and discuss our findings. For instance, comparison results indicate that SRmining, PMES, Ant‐ARM, and MDS‐H are the fastest heuristic ARM algorithms. HSBO‐TS is the most complete one, while SRmining and ACS require only one database scan. In addition, we propose a parameter, named GT‐Rank for ranking heuristic ARM approaches, and based on that, ARMGA, ASC, and Kua emerge as the best approaches. We also consider ARM algorithms and their characteristics as transactions and items in a transactional database, respectively, and generate association rules that indicate research trends in this area.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Association Rules

Technologies > Association Rules

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Motivation and Emergence of Data Mining
Integration of target discovery, drug discovery and drug delivery: A review on computational strategies
Authors: Duarte Yorley , Márquez‐Miranda Valeria , Miossec Matthieu J. , González‐Nilo Fernando
Published: April 2019

Most of the computational tools involved in drug discovery developed during the 1980s were largely based on computational chemistry, quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) and cheminformatics. Subsequently, the advent of genomics in the 2000s gave rise to a huge number of databases and computational tools developed to analyze large quantities of data, through bioinformatics, to obtain valuable information about the genomic regulation of different organisms. Target identification and validation is a long process during which evidence for and against a target is accumulated in the pursuit of developing new drugs. Finally, the drug delivery system appears as a novel approach to improve drug targeting and releasing into the cells, leading to new opportunities to improve drug efficiency and avoid potential secondary effects. In each area: target discovery, drug discovery and drug delivery, different computational strategies are being developed to accelerate the process of selection and discovery of new tools to be applied to different scientific fields. Research on these three topics is growing rapidly, but still requires a global view of this landscape to detect the most challenging bottleneck and how computational tools could be integrated in each topic. This review describes the current state of the art in computational strategies for target discovery, drug discovery and drug delivery and how these fields could be integrated. Finally, we will discuss about the current needs in these fields and how the continuous development of databases and computational tools will impact on the improvement of those areas.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Proficiency Predictors in Sequential Bilinguals
Authors: Austin Lynette , Hernandez Arturo E. , Schwieter John W.
Published: April 2019

This Element provides an overview of research considering variables deemed to impact bilingual language acquisition, and highlights research outcomes from a variety of disciplines. An exploratory study takes into account these variables and examines the language acquisition of adult Spanish-English bilinguals across a range of domains in their two languages. The results demonstrate that the highly interactive nature of bilingual speakers' languages is in line with a holistic view of the dynamic, interdependent nature of bilingualism as described by usage-based theories and dynamic systems theories, and by the conceptualization of bilingual language from a Dynamic Interactive Processing Perspective.
Spatial variations of Sr–Nd isotopic ratios, mineralogical and elemental compositions of cryoconite in an Alaskan glacier
Authors: Nagatsuka Naoko , Takeuchi Nozomu , Shin Ki-Cheol , Nakano Takanori
Published: April 2019

To understand the geological origins of minerals in cryoconite and the nutrients sources for microbes on glaciers, we analyzed the Sr–Nd isotopic ratios of the four mineral fractions in cryoconites including saline, carbonate, phosphate, silicate and the organic fraction obtained from Gulkana Glacier in Alaska. The isotopes in the silicate mineral fraction exhibited spatial variation within the glacier (87Sr/86Sr: 0.704533–0.709563,εNd (0): −16.0 to 0.5), which can be explained by the different mixing ratios of the two distinct sources: one of the sources is lateral and terminal moraines or soil, and the other is the medial moraine of the glacier. The minerals in the cryoconite at the lower sites in the glacier are likely derived from the former source, whereas those at the upper sites are from latter sources. The mineralogical and elemental compositions also support mixing of the silicate minerals from the two local sources. The Sr isotopic ratios of the organic fraction also showed spatial variation on the glacier in the middle sites – a trend similar to those of the phosphate fraction. The results suggest that the organic matter is mostly the byproducts of microbes using the phosphate minerals as a nutrient source.
The Full Picture: Preliminary Examinations at the International Criminal Court
Authors: WHARTON SARA , GREY ROSEMARY
Published: April 2019

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) has described the preliminary examination as one of its “three core activities,” alongside investigating and prosecuting crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute). Honing in on this once-mysterious “core activity,” this article contributes to the recently expanding literature on preliminary examinations at the ICC by providing a much needed comprehensive picture of all preliminary examinations conducted to date. The twentieth anniversary of the court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, provides a timely opportunity for this review as part of the broader effort to take stock of the ICC’s achievements, failures, and future. The article demonstrates that, despite not having full investigatory powers at the preliminary examination stage, the OTP is very active during this phase. It interacts with a wide range of domestic and international actors and makes decisions on important legal issues that go to the heart of the ICC’s work. Paying close attention to preliminary examinations is therefore critical to understanding the OTP’s work, to understanding which actors engage with, and seek to “use,” the ICC, and to understanding important debates about the ICC’s legitimacy.
Predicting psychogenic non-epileptic seizures from serum levels of neuropeptide Y and adrenocorticotropic hormone
Authors: Miani Alessandro , Pedersen Anders Sune , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Uber-Zak Lori , Zak Paul J. , Winterdahl Michael
Published: April 2019

Objective

Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) may present with convulsive events that are not accompanied by epileptiform brain activity. Video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosis, yet not all patients experience convulsive episodes during video-EEG sessions. Hence, we aimed to construct a predictive model in order to detect PNES from serum hormone levels, detached from an evaluation of patients’ convulsive episodes.

Methods

Fifteen female patients with PNES and 60 healthy female controls participated in the study, providing blood samples for hormone analysis. A binomial logistic regression model and the leave-one-out cross-validation were employed.

Results

We found that levels of neuropeptide Y and adrenocorticotropic hormone were the optimal combination of predictors, with over 90% accuracy (area under the curve=0.980).

Conclusions

The ability to diagnose PNES irrespective of convulsive events would represent an important step considering its feasibility and affordability in daily clinical practice.
Past human populations and landscapes in the Fuegian Archipelago, southernmost South America
Authors: Ozán Ivana Laura , Pallo María Cecilia
Published: April 2019

This contribution discusses possible relationships between human populations and Holocene environmental deterioration phenomena (cold/arid pulses and volcanic eruptions) in the Fuegian Archipelago (South America), based on summed probability distributions of archaeological dates, paleoenvironmental information, geospatial data, and archaeological evidence. During the first millennia after peopling, only the Hudson (ca. 7700 cal yr BP) and the first Monte Burney (ca. 8600 cal yr BP) eruptions might have played a role in human dispersion. Particularly, a more intense human occupation around the Beagle Channel and long-distance interactions are proposed as risk-buffer strategies related to the Hudson eruption. A cooling phase and a demographic growth at ca. 5500 cal yr BP might have favored more dispersed spatial occupations and a subsistence diversification in the Beagle Channel. In the northern steppes, the second Monte Burney eruption (ca. 4300 cal yr BP) and an arid episode (ca. 2600 cal yr BP) are proposed as the main triggers for changes in land-use patterns, long-network interactions, and subsistence strategies. Even though occupation changes in the Fuegian Archipelago coexist with environmental deterioration episodes after 1500 cal yr BP, demographic processes and the European colonization most likely explain this trend. Similarities between the steppe/ecotone and forest occupation curves suggest common behavioral patterns across the Holocene.