bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wilson, Charlotte (1854–1944)
Authors: Shantz Jeffrey
Published: September 2017

Charlotte Wilson was born Charlotte May Martin in Kemerton, Gloucestershire, southwest England. The daughter of a wealthy physician, Robert Spencer Martin, she studied at Newnham College, Cambridge. In 1884, after moving to London with her husband Arthur Wilson, she joined the Fabian Society, a group of artists and writers who espoused a predominantly social democratic and reformist view of socialism. When the parliamentary faction of the Fabians advocated in 1886 that the Society form an electoral political party, Wilson and William Morris stood as the primary opposition to such a move.
C
hisholm,
S
hirley (1924–2005)
Authors: Lubitz Leonard H.
Published: September 2017

Born in Brooklyn in 1924 to immigrant parents from British colonies in the Caribbean, Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, at the age of 3, was taken by her mother along with her two younger sisters to her maternal grandmother's farm in Barbados to live and be educated in an environment more British than the rushed urban neighborhood where she was born. Returning to Brooklyn, she completed her secondary education and enrolled in Brooklyn College, a campus of City University of New York. While Chisholm was already interested in politics at this young age, she quickly recognized that there was a strong sense of segregation in the political workings of her community.
France, Immigrant Youths and Urban Uprisings, 1980s–2010
Authors: de Laforcade Geoffroy
Published: September 2017

In the aftermath of yet another explosion of youth riots in Grenoble in the summer of 2010, the French government of President Nicolas Sarkozy unleashed an anti‐immigrant political campaign directed not only against postcolonial communities, but also against the semi‐nomadic Roma peoples, who were massively targeted for expulsion. The French National Commission for Human Rights had released a report earlier in the spring on the worsening trend of violent racist anti‐Semitic acts, against a backdrop of increased crime and delinquency that three years of tough law‐and‐order policies under Sarkozy had failed to curtail.
G
ibraltar, Labor Resistance and Social Protest, 1800–1920
Authors: Chircop John
Published: September 2017

Under British control from 1705, Gibraltar was gradually transformed into a key imperial outpost with its strategic value fluctuating according to changes in international circumstances. Indeed, from the 1840s, this enclave came to play a dual role as military‐naval base and trade center in an expanding British empire.
Li Hoe‐Young (1866–1932)
Authors: Oh Jang‐Whan
Published: September 2017

Li Hoe‐Young is regarded as one of the “fathers” of the Korean anarchist movement in China. He was exiled from Korea along with his five brothers to Manchuria when the country's sovereignty was ceded to Japan. Seeking to advance the struggle against the Japanese occupation, he established a military academy (
Sin‐heng mu‐kwan hak‐kyo
), where more than 3,000 youths graduated over the course of ten years and went on to become leaders of the Korean independence movement. After Li moved to Beijing in 1919, he came to embrace anarchism. In April 1924, with Yu Ja‐Myung, Jung Hwa‐Am, Baik Jung‐Gi, and the brothers Li Eul‐Kyu and Li Jung‐Kyu, Li Hoe‐Young helped to organize and found the Jae‐jung‐kuk jo‐sun mu‐jung‐bu ju‐eu‐ja yun‐meng (Korean Anarchist Federation in China) and published its journals,
Jung‐eu kong‐bo
(
The Justice Bulletin
) and
Tal‐whan
(
The Conquest
). As a publisher and writer, Li Hoe‐Young promoted a joint Sino‐Korean struggle against Japanese imperialism. In spite of his age (he was 70), he decided to go to Manchuria and prepare for the anti‐Japanese movement by organizing a commando unit. He was arrested by the Japanese and tortured to death in the Sea Police Station in Dairen, Manchuria.
P
eters,
W
inston (b. 1945)
Authors: Corfield Justin
Published: September 2017

Winston Peters is a prominent New Zealand politician and has been minister of foreign affairs from 2005, although he does not have a seat in the cabinet. As the leader of the New Zealand First Party, he has been an important political figure in the country, speaking out in favor of Maori rights and against immigration.
S
hifu (1884–1915)
Authors: Cairns Daniel
Published: September 2017

Shifu, a Chinese revolutionary, anarchist organizer, and writer, was born Liu Shaobin to a prosperous family in Guangdong. Classically educated as a child, he performed exceptionally well in school but disliked his formal education. In 1902, he traveled to Japan to pursue western studies. There, he discovered radical politics and joined Sun Yat‐Sen's Revolutionary Alliance (RA). The RA trained him in terrorism, teaching him to construct and use explosives. He was assigned important missions but never completed them; none of his targets was struck by his bombs, and in fact, he was victim to two of his own devices, the latter of which cost him the lower half of his left arm in 1907. Following that abortive attempt, aimed at a Qing general in Guangzhou, he was jailed for two years, escaping execution because of his father's connections.
Glycan Stimulation Enables Purification of Prostate Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells on PEDOT NanoVelcro Chips for RNA Biomarker Detection
Authors: Shen Mo‐Yuan , Chen Jie‐Fu , Luo Chun‐Hao , Lee Sangjun , Li Cheng‐Hsuan , Yang Yung‐Ling , Tsai Yu‐Han , Ho Bo‐Cheng , Bao Li‐Rong , Lee Tien‐Jung , Jan Yu Jen , Zhu Ya‐Zhen , Cheng Shirley , Feng Felix Y. , Chen Peilin , Hou Shuang , Agopian Vatche , Hsiao Yu‐Sheng , Tseng Hsian‐Rong , Posadas Edwin M. , Yu Hsiao‐hua
Published: September 2017

A glycan‐stimulated and poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene)s (PEDOT)‐based nanomaterial platform is fabricated to purify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood samples of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. This new platform, phenylboronic acid (PBA)‐grafted PEDOT NanoVelcro, combines the 3D PEDOT nanosubstrate, which greatly enhances CTC capturing efficiency, with a poly(EDOT‐PBA‐co‐EDOT‐EG3) interfacial layer, which not only provides high specificity for CTC capture upon antibody conjugation but also enables competitive binding of sorbitol to gently release the captured cells. CTCs purified by this PEDOT NanoVelcro chip provide well‐preserved RNA transcripts for the analysis of the expression level of several PCa‐specific RNA biomarkers, which may provide clinical insights into the disease.
Direct Observations of the Formation and Redox‐Mediator‐Assisted Decomposition of Li2O2 in a Liquid‐Cell Li–O2 Microbattery by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yang Chuchu , Han Jiuhui , Liu Pan , Hou Chen , Huang Gang , Fujita Takeshi , Hirata Akihiko , Chen Mingwei
Published: September 2017

Operando scanning transmission electron microscopy observations of cathodic reactions in a liquid‐cell Li–O2 microbattery in the presence of the redox mediator tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) in 1.0 m LiClO4 dissolved dimethyl sulfoxide electrolyte are reported. It is found that the TTF addition does not obviously affect the discharge reaction for the formation of a solid Li2O2 phase. The coarsening of Li2O2 nanoparticles occurs via both conventional Ostwald ripening and nonclassical crystallization by particle attachment. During charging, the oxidation reaction at significantly reduced charge potentials mainly takes place at Li2O2/electrolyte interfaces and has obvious correspondence with the oxidized TTF+ distributions in the electric fields of the charged electrode. This study provides direct evidence that TTF truly plays a role in promoting the decomposition of Li2O2 as a soluble charge‐transfer agent between the electrode and the Li2O2.
Atomic Layer Deposition of p‐Type Semiconducting Thin Films: a Review
Authors: Tripathi Tripurari Sharan , Karppinen Maarit
Published: September 2017

Semiconductors such as elemental silicon allowing both p‐type and n‐type doping are the backbone of the current microelectronics industry, while the continuous progress in fabrication techniques has been the key for ever‐increasing integration density and device miniaturization. Similarly, in the strongly emerging field of transparent electronics both p‐type and n‐type compound semiconductors are needed that moreover should be transparent within the entire visible spectral range. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been the thin‐film deposition method of choice for a number of challenging applications in microelectronics, and it would also be a highly relevant technology for transparent electronics. Currently the appropriate p‐type semiconducting compounds are far outnumbered by the n‐type compounds. Hence there is an obvious search for high‐quality thin films of new p‐type compound semiconductors. This is clearly seen in the increasing number of ALD papers published annualy on p‐type semiconducting materials. In this overview the current state of research in the field is briefly presented; the ALD processes so far developed for the various p‐type (transparent) conducting material candidates are summarized, and the most prominent electrical transport and optical properties achieved for these thin films are highlighted.
A Highly Sensitive Nonenzymatic Sensor Based on Fe2O3 Nanoparticle Coated ZnO Nanorods for Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Ahn Min‐Sang , Hahn Yoon‐Bong
Published: September 2017

Monitoring of nitrite is needed for the management of nitrite contamination and to ensure the welfare of environment and human health. Hence, it is important to develop high‐performance sensors that precisely measure nitrite concentration. Herein, the fabrication of a highly sensitive nonenzymatic nitrite sensor based on Fe2O3 nanoparticle coated ZnO nanorods (Fe2O3 NP coated ZnO NRs) is demonstrated. The ZnO NRs are grown on a seeded silver electrode by a hydrothermal method and then coated under optimized conditions with Fe2O3 NPs using a dip‐coating method. Detailed material characterizations and sensor fabrication process are reported. The electrochemical properties of a fabricated nonenzymatic nitrite sensor are tested with different concentrations of nitrite, which indicates that the coating of ZnO NRs with Fe2O3 NPs significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity. The sensor responds linearly with increasing concentration of nitrite from 1 to 1250 × 10−6m with a high sensitivity (131.2 µA µM−1 cm−2) and low detection limit (0.015 × 10−6m). Moreover, excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility allow using these sensors for the determination of nitrite concentration in water with satisfactory results.
Magnetic Wood as an Effective Induction Heating Material: Magnetocaloric Effect and Thermal Insulation
Authors: Gan Wentao , Gao Likun , Xiao Shaoliang , Gao Runan , Zhang Wenbo , Li Jian , Zhan Xianxu
Published: September 2017

An effective induction heating material composed of wood and magnetic Fe3O4 particles is prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. Fe3O4 particles deposit on the porous wood substrate provides excellent magnetic properties and high magnetothermal conversion resulting in rapid increase in the temperature at the wood substrate. Benefiting from the effective magnetocaloric effect of magnetic particles, the temperature of magnetic wood exhibits a noticeable rise (from 25.9 to 70.1 °C in 10 min) at low‐frequency magnetic field. For simulating the real environment, the indoor temperature rise of magnetic wooden model also reveals the excellent heating performance of magnetic wood. Besides, the magnetic wood also serves as a thermal insulator to slow down the transport of thermal energy from the high temperature area to its surroundings due to its low thermal conductivity, which benefit the rational use of thermal energy in daily life. In view of highly scalable, simple operation, good durability, excellent magnetic properties, effective magnetocaloric effect, and thermal insulation, the novel magnetic wood composite demonstrated here is an attractive induction heating material for application in building, decoration, and massage furniture.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in San Francisco County, California: The California Lupus Surveillance Project
Authors: Dall'Era Maria , Cisternas Miriam G. , Snipes Kurt , Herrinton Lisa J. , Gordon Caroline , Helmick Charles G.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the US have varied widely. The purpose of this study was to conduct the California Lupus Surveillance Project (CLSP) to determine credible estimates of SLE incidence and prevalence, with a special focus on Hispanics and Asians.

Methods

The CLSP, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a population‐based registry of individuals with SLE residing in San Francisco County, CA, from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009. Data sources included hospitals, rheumatologists, nephrologists, commercial laboratories, and a state hospital discharge database. We abstracted medical records to ascertain SLE cases, which we defined as patients who met ≥4 of the 11 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE. We estimated crude and age‐standardized incidence and prevalence, which were stratified by sex and race/ethnicity.

Results

The overall age‐standardized annual incidence rate was 4.6 per 100,000 person‐years. The average annual period prevalence was 84.8 per 100,000 persons. The age‐standardized incidence rate in women and men was 8.6 and 0.7 per 100,000 person‐years, respectively. This rate was highest among black women (30.5), followed by Hispanic women (8.9), Asian women (7.2), and white women (5.3). The age‐standardized prevalence in women per 100,000 persons was 458.1 in blacks, 177.9 in Hispanics, 149.7 in Asians, and 109.8 in whites. Capture–recapture modeling estimated 33 additional incident cases and 147 additional prevalent cases.

Conclusion

Comprehensive methods that include intensive case‐finding provide more credible estimates of SLE in Hispanics and Asians, and confirm racial and ethnic disparities in SLE. The disease burden of SLE is highest in black women, followed by Hispanic women, Asian women, and white women.
Optimization of integrated microalgal biorefinery producing fuel and value‐added products
Authors: Gupta Soumyajit Sen , Shastri Yogendra , Bhartiya Sharad
Published: September 2017

An integrated microalgal biorefinery is desirable from an economic standpoint but challenging to synthesize, due to diversity of options. This work uses a model‐based optimization approach to address this challenge in a systematic manner. A superstructure of the integrated biorefinery is developed where biodiesel is considered as the main product, while polar lipid, protein, and carbohydrate are also processed to various value‐added compounds. Mass balances, equipment capacity limitations, and cost functions corresponding to these processes constitute the constraints of the optimization problem. The decision variables include the process synthesis as well as process scheduling and operations‐related decisions. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed to minimize the net annualized life cycle cost (ALCC) of the biorefinery. For a scenario of 30 Mg/d production target of biodiesel, with no intermediate storage between the stages, the superstructure yielded an optimal biodiesel production cost of US$8.53/L and reduced sugar was selected as a co‐product. Several cases were analyzed in terms of the decision making of the process on the upstream and downstream levels, as well as variations in scheduling strategies. Co‐cultivation of the phototrophic and heterotrophic strains resulted in net ALCC of US$7.66/L, which was 10.2% less than the base case. Batch scheduling with various strategies were also investigated and the case with infinite intermediate storage coupled with debottlenecking reduced the net ALCC by 25% to US$6.4/L. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
PTEN in the maintenance of genome integrity: From DNA replication to chromosome segregation
Authors: Hou Sheng‐Qi , Ouyang Meng , Brandmaier Andrew , Hao Hongbo , Shen Wen H.
Published: September 2017

Faithful DNA replication and accurate chromosome segregation are the key machineries of genetic transmission. Disruption of these processes represents a hallmark of cancer and often results from loss of tumor suppressors. PTEN is an important tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated or deleted in human cancer. Loss of PTEN has been associated with aneuploidy and poor prognosis in cancer patients. In mice, Pten deletion or mutation drives genomic instability and tumor development. PTEN deficiency induces DNA replication stress, confers stress tolerance, and disrupts mitotic spindle architecture, leading to accumulation of structural and numerical chromosome instability. Therefore, PTEN guards the genome by controlling multiple processes of chromosome inheritance. Here, we summarize current understanding of the PTEN function in promoting high‐fidelity transmission of genetic information. We also discuss the PTEN pathways of genome maintenance and highlight potential targets for cancer treatment.
Integrin‐FAK‐CDC42‐PP1A signaling gnaws at YAP/TAZ activity to control incisor stem cells
Authors: Hicks‐Berthet Julia , Varelas Xaralabos
Published: September 2017

How epithelial tissues are able to self‐renew to maintain homeostasis and regenerate in response to injury remains a persistent question. The transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ are increasingly being recognized as central mediators of epithelial stem cell biology, and a wealth of recent studies have been directed at understanding the control and activity of these factors. Recent work by Hu et al. has added to this knowledge, as they identify an Integrin‐FAK‐CDC42‐PP1A signaling cascade that directs nuclear YAP/TAZ activity in stem cell populations of the mouse incisor, and define convergence on mTORC1 signaling as an important mediator of the proliferation of these cells. Here, we review recent studies on YAP/TAZ function and regulation in epithelial tissue‐specific stem cells, merging the Hu et al. study together with our current knowledge of YAP/TAZ.
Synthetic Poly(Vinylalcohol)‐Based Membranes for Cartilage Surgery and Repair
Authors: Tai Benjamin C. U. , Du Chan , Gao Shujun , Wan Andrew C. A.
Published: September 2017

Cell‐based therapies for cartilage repair are continually being developed to treat osteoarthritis. The cells are either introduced directly by intra‐articular injection or via a cell‐seeded matrix scaffold. Here, poly(vinylalcohol)‐based membranes are developed to be used for mesenchymal stem cell implantation in cartilage repair procedures, having controllable physicochemical properties such as porosity, mechanical strength, and permeability, and a unique self‐sealing property. The membranes possess a bilayer structure with a less porous layer providing mechanical strength and selective permeability, exhibit an elastic modulus of between 0.3 and 0.9 MPa, and are permeable to molecules <40 kDa, which is in the range of cartilage permeability. Three different peptide ligands with the sequences Ac‐GCGYGRGDSPG, Ac‐GCG(OPG)4REGOFG(OPG)4, and Ac‐GCG(OPG)7, respectively, are conjugated to the membranes and subject to in vitro cell adhesion and differentiation assays. Col I/Col II gene expression ratios indicated that the collagen‐mimetic peptide, Ac‐GCG(OPG)7, best supported mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into the chondrogenic lineage. Although low retention of the membrane is observed in vivo in a rabbit knee model, results suggest that the membrane was able to facilitate mesenchymal stem cell implantation and differentiation to chondrocytes. These PVA‐based membranes provide a feasible, synthetic, off‐the‐shelf material for the delivery of stem cells, and can be modified for other surgical applications.
Effects of Cyclometalation on the Panchromatic Ruthenium Sensitizer for DSSC Applications
Authors: Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Jang Joonkyung
Published: September 2017

Ruthenium sensitizers are promising materials for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and the concept of cyclometalation has been proposed to advance their performance. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were performed to elucidate the electronic structure, electrochemical, and optical behavior of a cyclometalated ruthenium dye. The cyclometalated sensitizer has superior electrochemical properties (HOMO, LUMO, and bandgap) compared to its non‐cyclometalated sensitizer. Upon cyclometalation, a remarkable improvement in the absorption across the UV–Visible and near‐infrared regime has been observed. Furthermore, from the electron density contours of frontier molecular orbitals of dye attached TiO2, the charge transfer and sensitizing properties of the cyclometalated complex are superior to the corresponding non‐cyclometalated ruthenium sensitizer. The density of states revealed the strong electronic coupling, which facilitates an effective electron injection into the semiconductor.
Intensification of Lipase‐Catalyzed Esterification using Ultrasound: Process Engineering Perspectives
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , Fieg Georg
Published: September 2017

The effect of cavitating ultrasound (US, 24 kHz) on the lipase‐catalyzed esterification of oleic acid with 1‐hexanol and 1‐decanol is studied and required conditions to intensify the activity of lipase enzyme are presented. US remarkably improves the conversion rate compared to non‐sonicated conditions. The influence of relevant operating parameters (amplitude, temperature, and pulsed US) on the reaction is studied. This has led to the development of strategies to operate an for energy‐efficient operation of an enzyme‐catalyzed ultrasonic reactor. A concept for large‐scale application of the discovered phenomenon is also presented.
All‐Optical Electrophysiology for Disease Modeling and Pharmacological Characterization of Neurons
Authors: Werley Christopher A. , Brookings Ted , Upadhyay Hansini , Williams Luis A. , McManus Owen B. , Dempsey Graham T.
Published: September 2017

A key challenge for establishing a phenotypic screen for neuronal excitability is measurement of membrane potential changes with high throughput and accuracy. Most approaches for probing excitability rely on low‐throughput, invasive methods or lack cell‐specific information. These limitations stimulated the development of novel strategies for characterizing the electrical properties of cultured neurons. Among these was the development of optogenetic technologies (Optopatch) that allow for stimulation and recording of membrane voltage signals from cultured neurons with single‐cell sensitivity and millisecond temporal resolution. Neuronal activity is elicited using blue light activation of the channelrhodopsin variant ‘CheRiff’. Action potentials and synaptic signals are measured with ‘QuasAr’, a rapid and sensitive voltage‐indicating protein with near‐infrared fluorescence that scales proportionately with transmembrane potential. This integrated technology of optical stimulation and recording of electrical signals enables investigation of neuronal electrical function with unprecedented scale and precision. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Serum MicroRNA‐150 Predicts Prognosis for Early‐Stage Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer and Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation by Targeting Tumor Suppressor Gene SRCIN1
Authors: Zhang Liren , Lin Jing , Ye Yuanqing , Oba Taro , Gentile Emanuela , Lian Jie , Wang Jing , Zhao Yang , Gu Jian , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Roth Jack A. , Ji Lin , Wu Xifeng
Published: September 2017

This integrative multistage study was aimed to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as prognostic biomarkers and investigate the treatment target for early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In stage I–II NSCLC patients, we screened and validated the miRNA ratio signatures predictive of prognosis in serum. In tumor, we found that the expression of miR‐150 in identified miRNA signatures was also associated with survival. Increased miR‐150 expression promoted NSCLC cell proliferation and migration and vice versa. Specific mRNA cleavage sites targeted by endogenous miR‐150 in 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of SRCIN1 was identified by utilizing our recently developed novel Stem‐Loop‐Array reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (SLA‐RT‐PCR) assay. The blocking action of miR‐150 resulted in repressed NSCLC cell growth in vitro and knockdown of miR‐150 caused substantial tumor volume reduction in vivo. Our findings suggest that miR‐150 binding on specific recognition sites in 3′ UTR of tumor suppressor gene SRCIN1 present a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Forgotten underwater forests: The key role of fucoids on Australian temperate reefs
Authors: Coleman Melinda A. , Wernberg Thomas
Published: September 2017

Kelp forests dominated by species of Laminariales are globally recognized as key habitats on subtidal temperate rocky reefs. Forests characterized by fucalean seaweed, in contrast, receive relatively less attention despite being abundant, ubiquitous, and ecologically important. Here, we review information on subtidal fucalean taxa of Australia's Great Southern Reef, with a focus on the three most abundant and widely distributed genera (Phyllospora, Scytothalia, and Sargassum) to reveal the functionally unique role of fucoids in temperate reef ecology. Fucalean species span the entire temperate coastline of Australia (~71,000 km2) and play an important role in supporting subtidal temperate biodiversity and economic values on rocky reefs as well as in adjacent habitats. Climatic and anthropogenic stressors have precipitated significant range retractions and declines in many fucoids, with critical implications for associated assemblages. Such losses are persistent and unlikely to be reversed naturally due to the life history of these species and colonization of competitors and grazers following loss. Active restoration is proving successful in bringing back some fucoid species (Phyllospora comosa) lost from urban shores and will complement other passive and active forms of conservation. Fucalean forests play a unique role on subtidal temperate reefs globally, especially in Australia, but are comparatively understudied. Addressing this knowledge gap will be critical for understanding, predicting, and mitigating extant and future loss of these underwater forests and the valuable ecosystem services they support.
Investigating a biomarker‐driven approach to target collagen turnover in diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients. Effect of torasemide versus furosemide on serum C‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (DROP‐PIP trial)
Authors: Trippel Tobias Daniel , Van Linthout Sophie , Westermann Dirk , Lindhorst Ruhdja , Sandek Anja , Ernst Stefanie , Bobenko Anna , Kasner Mario , Spillmann Frank , González Arantxa , López Begoña , Ravassa Susana , Pieske Burkert , Paulus Walter J. , Díez Javier , Edelmann Frank , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: September 2017

Aim

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with myocardial remodelling including severe pro‐fibrotic changes contributing to an increase in left ventricular stiffness and diastolic dysfunction. Serum C‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PIP) strongly correlates with the turnover of extracellular cardiac matrix proteins and fibrosis. Torasemide, but not furosemide, was described to reduce collagen type I synthesis in clinically unstable patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We evaluated whether its effect translated to HFpEF patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and abnormal basal PIP levels.

Methods and results

We performed a relatively small, single‐centre, randomised, double‐blind, two‐arm parallel‐group, active controlled clinical trial in 35 HFpEF patients with T2DM to determine the effects of a 9‐month treatment with torasemide vs. furosemide on changes of serum PIP levels. Patients with increased PIP levels (≥110 ng/mL), or evidence of structural changes with a left atrial volume index (LAVI) >29 mL/m2 and abnormal PIP levels (≥70 ng/mL), were eligible to participate. Fifteen patients were female (42%), mean age was 69 years, body mass index was 34.7 kg/m2, 83% were in New York Heart Association class II/III. Echocardiographic characteristics showed a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of >60%, a left ventricular mass index >120 g/m2, an E/e' ratio of 14, and a LAVI of 40 mL/m2 with a NT‐proBNP of 174 ng/L and a 6‐minute walk distance of 421 m. Mean per cent change in PIP was 2.63 ± 5.68% (±SEM) in torasemide vs. 2.74 ± 6.49% in furosemide (P = 0.9898) treated patients. Torasemide was not superior to furosemide in improving functional capacity, diastolic function, quality of life, or neuroendocrine activation.

Conclusion

In this hypothesis‐generating, mechanistic trial in stable HFpEF patients with T2DM, neither long‐term administration of torasemide nor furosemide was associated with a significant effect on myocardial fibrosis, as assessed by serum PIP. Further studies are urgently needed in this field. More specific diuretic and anti‐fibrotic treatment strategies in T2DM and/or HFpEF are warranted.
Simplified Architecture of a Fully Printable Perovskite Solar Cell Using a Thick Zirconia Layer
Authors: Priyadarshi Anish , Bashir Amna , Gunawan Johana T. , Haur Lew J. , Bruno Annalisa , Akhter Zareen , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: September 2017

A fully printable, hole‐conductor‐free perovskite solar cell with a simple and low‐cost fabrication route and high stability is well placed for commercialization. We aim to simplify the fabrication process of these solar cells by replacing the mesoporous TiO2 (meso‐TiO2) layer with a thick ZrO2 layer. This new architecture required only three steps: screen‐printing first the compact TiO2 (c‐TiO2), second the mesoporous ZrO2 layer (for perovskite infiltration), and third the carbon electrode. To improve the solar cell performance of the architecture, the c‐TiO2 and ZrO2 printing process are optimized. After systematic optimization of these processes, we found that the double‐printing of the c‐TiO2 layer and an increase of the ZrO2 later thickness from 1.4 to 2.1 μm in the device structure gives an optimized efficiency of 9.69 %, which is comparable to that of standard carbon devices with meso‐TiO2. This method provides an approach to reduce the fabrication time and thermal budget for fully printable solar cells.
A Micro‐Cracked Conductive Layer Made of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan Zhenhao , Yuan Wei , Qiu Zhiqiang , Chen Yu , Luo Jian , Tang Yong
Published: September 2017

A conductive layer, made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), with micro‐cracks and a micro/nanoporous structure is fabricated between an active material layer (AML) and a current collector. The coating thickness of the MWCNT‐based conductive layer (MCL) varies in the range of 25–100 μm. Electrochemical tests of half‐cells demonstrate that both the mesocarbon‐microbeads (MCMB) anode and the LiCoO2 cathode with a micro‐cracked MCL show higher capacity, lower impedance, and less capacity fading than the pristine and non‐cracked electrodes. These improvements are caused by the enhancement of adhesion strength and the buffer effect of the micro‐cracked MCL. With a change of the coating thickness, the size and number of micro‐cracks on the MCL varies to accommodate the active material with different particle sizes. The electrodes with a micro‐cracked MCL with a coating thickness of 50 and 75 μm are suitable for MCMB and LiCoO2 with a particle size of 10–20 μm.
Size-resolved particle measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers indoors: Implications for sources and human exposure
Authors: Richman Katherine E. , Butt Craig M. , Young Cora J.
Published: September 2017

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardant polymer additives that are widely detected in outdoor and indoor environments. Release of PBDEs from consumer products leads to high concentrations indoors, but mechanisms of release are poorly understood. Although ingestion of dust is a well-studied indoor PBDE exposure route, the importance of inhalation exposure is uncertain. To address these unknowns, dust was collected from household vacuum cleaners, and suspended particulate matter was collected from the same homes in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, using a cascade impactor. Size-fractionated particulate matter samples (0.01–18 μm diameter) were analyzed for PBDEs. The sum of PBDEs in all particulate matter ranged from 8.7 ± 0.5 to 15.7 ± 0.5 pg/m3, with >50% of PBDE mass in respirable particulate matter (<1 μm). Mass loadings as a function of particle size suggested that both abrasion and off-gassing led to the presence of PBDEs in particulate matter. Variability in the particulate matter mass loadings indicated that emission mechanisms were both product- and location-dependent. Congener profiles in colocated vacuum dust and particulate matter samples were different, indicating that vacuum dust cannot accurately predict PBDE congeners in respirable particulate matter. A calculated lower limit inhalation exposure to PBDEs (0.19 ng/d) is lower than exposure via diet or ingestion of dust, although the different biochemical pathways for inhalation compared with ingestion may have different biological effects. The present study highlights the importance of contaminant analysis in size-fractionated particulate matter to assess human exposure via inhalation compared with traditional vacuum dust methods. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:481–490. © 2017 SETAC
A social‐aware probabilistic routing approach for mobile opportunistic social networks
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Wang Xiaoming , Zhang Lichen , Lin Yaguang
Published: September 2017

In mobile opportunistic social networks (MOSNs), mobile users move around and conduct message transmission by using their portable devices without the support of communication infrastructures, in which routing is a challenge due to high connection intermittency and node mobility. The current routing schemes for MOSNs only focus on the improvement of cost‐effective delivery by using the characteristics of users' interests or mobility. In this paper, we propose a novel routing approach for MOSNs in which the probabilistic and social‐aware strategies are combined and the multiple‐copy policy is adopted. We first model an MOSN into some overlapping regions and then propose 2 region‐related centrality degrees related to users' social characteristics with the consideration of users' centrality, mobility, and interactions among users. According to the definition of centrality degrees, we design a social‐aware probabilistic routing approach in which a message replica control policy is applied to allow a user with higher encounter probability to the destination and the user could obtain more message replicas. The simulation results show that the proposed approach outperforms the previous routing algorithms in terms of delivery ratio and overhead ratio.
Minimizing secrecy outage probability in D2D‐enabled cellular networks: Access control with power optimization
Authors: Chen Yajun , Ji Xinsheng , Huang Kaizhi , Li Bin , Kang Xiaolei
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate the uplink secure communication for underlay device‐to‐device (D2D) communication sharing the uplink resources in cellular networks. We first develop a secrecy outage probability (SOP) minimization model while considering the secrecy requirements for both the cellular users and the D2D pairs. Then, we propose a transmission power optimization scheme for D2D pairs subject to the secrecy requirements of the cellular users, whereas the SOPs of all potential D2D pairs could achieve the minimum. To further support the security performance of this hybrid network, an access control strategy with optimal power strategy is considered in that the D2D pair with the minimum SOP is allowed to reuse the cellular resource. Finally, simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Experimental research on the burning behavior of dragon juniper tree
Authors: Zhou Kuibin , Jia Jingrui , Zhu Jiping
Published: September 2017

Tree crown fire is one of the extreme fire behaviors in the wildland‐urban interface. This paper presents an experimental study on the burning behaviors of single and triple dragon juniper trees. The mass loss, flame height, plume temperature, radiation, and fire interaction are measured. It is found that the foliage moisture content and flame mergence dominate the mass consumed percentage (defined as the ratio of the total mass loss to initially total mass), while the tree crown height and flame mergence determine the flame height. The peak mass loss rate is mainly affected by the moisture content and tree species. For triple tree fires, the peak mass loss rate is also affected by the spacing due to the coupled effects of heat feedback enhancement and air entrainment restriction. Results also show that the flame height significantly increases as the spacing decreases. The spacing holds a significant effect on the fire plume temperature distribution and thermal radiation field. Empirical correlations are also developed for the flame height, radial temperature, and radiant heat flux distribution based on physical interpretation of the tree burning behaviors.
The ASK1 inhibitor selonsertib in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, phase 2 trial
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Lawitz Eric , Mantry Parvez S. , Jayakumar Saumya , Caldwell Stephen H. , Arnold Hays , Diehl Anna Mae , Djedjos C. Stephen , Han Ling , Myers Robert P. , Subramanian G. Mani , McHutchison John G. , Goodman Zachary D. , Afdhal Nezam H. , Charlton Michael R. ,   for the GS‐US‐384‐1497 Investigators
Published: September 2017

Inhibition of apoptosis signal–regulating kinase 1, a serine/threonine kinase, leads to improvement in inflammation and fibrosis in animal models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of selonsertib, a selective inhibitor of apoptosis signal–regulating kinase 1, alone or in combination with simtuzumab, in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and stage 2 or 3 liver fibrosis. In this multicenter phase 2 trial, 72 patients were randomized to receive 24 weeks of open‐label treatment with either 6 or 18 mg of selonsertib orally once daily with or without once‐weekly injections of 125 mg of simtuzumab or simtuzumab alone. The effect of treatment was assessed by paired pretreatment and posttreatment liver biopsies, magnetic resonance elastography, magnetic resonance imaging–estimated proton density fat fraction, quantitative collagen content, and noninvasive markers of liver injury. Due to the lack of effect of simtuzumab on histology or selonsertib pharmacokinetics, selonsertib groups with and without simtuzumab were pooled. After 24 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with a one or more stage reduction in fibrosis in the 18‐mg selonsertib group was 13 of 30 (43%; 95% confidence interval, 26‐63); in the 6‐mg selonsertib group, 8 of 27 (30%; 95% confidence interval, 14‐50); and in the simtuzumab‐alone group, 2 of 10 (20%; 95% confidence interval, 3‐56). Improvement in fibrosis was associated with reductions in liver stiffness on magnetic resonance elastography, collagen content and lobular inflammation on liver biopsy, as well as improvements in serum biomarkers of apoptosis and necrosis. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the treatment groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that selonsertib may reduce liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and stage 2‐3 fibrosis. (Hepatology 2018;67:549‐559).
Effect of cadmium on kitl pre‐mRNA alternative splicing in murine ovarian granulosa cells and its associated regulation by miRNAs
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Chen Jie , Luo Lingfeng , Li Yuchen , Liu Jin , Zhang Wenchang
Published: September 2017

In this study, we established an in vitro exposure model of murine ovarian granulosa cells to observe the effect of Cd on alternative splicing of the kitl pre‐mRNA and subsequently to explore the role of kitl gene expression regulation‐related miRNAs through miRNA prediction, miRNA chip, bioinformatics and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Our results showed that the kitl1/kitl2 mRNA ratio was significantly different (P < 0.05) at different dosages and times. The miRNA chip analysis showed that the miRNA expression profiles for the Cd treatment were significantly changed, and the expression of 29 miRNAs involved in alternative splicing of the kitl pre‐mRNA was changed. The gene ontology analysis showed that the target gene functions of these 29 miRNAs were mainly enriched in the biological processes of cell metabolism regulation, post‐transcriptional regulation of mRNA, interleukin‐6‐mediated signal transduction, cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. The pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly enriched in the Ras signaling pathway, the Rap1 signaling pathway, the Foxo signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and the carcinogenic pathway. Polymerase chain reaction verification results showed that compared to the control group, the variation trends in the expression of mmu‐miR‐27a‐3p, mmu‐miR‐34b‐5p, mmu‐miR‐297a‐3p, mmu‐miR‐129‐5p and mmu‐miR‐107‐3p in the 4 hour 10 μm Cd treatment group were basically the same as that of the chip result. Our results indicate that Cd exposure can affect alternative splicing of the kitl pre‐mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells, and miRNAs play regulatory roles in the alternative splicing of kitl.
Development and characterization of electrosprayed nanoparticles for encapsulation of Curcumin
Authors: Esmaili Zahra , Bayrami Samaneh , Dorkoosh Farid Abedin , Akbari Javar Hamid , Seyedjafari Ehsan , Zargarian Seyed Shahrooz , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid
Published: September 2017

Curcumin has been proven to be an effective herbal derived anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant biocompatible agent. In this research, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) (as a biocompatible and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) polymer) nanoparticles containing Curcumin were electrosprayed from different polymeric solutions with different concentrations for the first time. Morphology of these nanoparticles in the absence/presence of Curcumin was evaluated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Perfectly shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 300 and 320 nm were observed for neat and Curcumin‐loaded PLGA, respectively. Curcumin‐loaded electrosprayed nanoparticles showed a normal moderate initial burst and then a prolonged release period. Weibull, Peppas, and modified Korsmeyer–Peppas models were applied to study the kinetic and mechanism of Curcumin release from PLGA nanoparticles. Results showed high specific surface area and spherical geometry of the nanoparticles. Effectiveness of the electrospray method as a promising technique for preparing Curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles was confirmed in this study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 285–292, 2018.
Nerve‐specific, xenogeneic extracellular matrix hydrogel promotes recovery following peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Prest Travis A. , Yeager Eric , LoPresti Samuel T. , Zygelyte Emilija , Martin Matthew J. , Dong Longying , Gibson Alexis , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Brown Bryan N. , Cheetham Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Peripheral nerve possesses the inherent ability to regrow and recover following injury. However, nerve regeneration is often slow and incomplete due to limitations associated with the local microenvironment during the repair process. Manipulation of the local microenvironment at the site of nerve repair, therefore, represents a significant opportunity for improvement in downstream outcomes. Macrophages and Schwann cells play a key role in the orchestration of early events after peripheral nerve injury. We describe the production, characterization, and use of an injectable, peripheral nerve‐specific extracellular matrix‐based hydrogel (PNSECM) for promoting modulation of the local macrophage and Schwann cell responses at the site of nerve repair in a rodent model of sciatic nerve injury. We show that PNSECM hydrogels largely maintain the matrix structure associated with normal native peripheral nerve tissue. PNSECM hydrogels were also found to promote increased macrophage invasion, higher percentages of M2 macrophages and enhanced Schwann cell migration when used as a lumen filler in a rodent model of nerve gap repair using an inert nerve guidance conduit. These results suggest that an injectable PNSECM hydrogel can provide a supportive, bioactive scaffold which promotes repair of peripheral nerve in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 450–459, 2018.
Possibility of quantitative T2‐mapping MRI of cartilage near metal in high tibial osteotomy: A human cadaver study
Authors: Verschueren Joost , Meuffels Duncan E. , Bron Esther E. , Klein Stefan , Kleinrensink Gert‐Jan , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Krestin Gabriel P. , Wielopolski Piotr A. , Reijman Max , Oei Edwin H. G.
Published: September 2017

T2‐mapping is a widely used quantitative MRI technique in osteoarthritis research. An important challenge for its application in the context of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is the presence of metallic fixation devices. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of performing T2‐mapping after a HTO, by assessing the extent of magnetic susceptibility artifacts and the influence on T2 relaxation times caused by two commonly used fixation devices. T2‐mapping with a 3D fast spin‐echo sequence at three Tesla was performed on 11 human cadaveric knee joints before and after implantation of a titanium plate and screws (n = 5) or cobalt chrome staples (n = 6). Mean T2 relaxation times were calculated in six cartilage regions, located in the distal and posterior cartilage of femoral condyles and the cartilage of tibial plateaus, both medially and laterally. T2 relaxation times before and after the implantation were compared with paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon rank tests. Due to the extent of the magnetic susceptibility artifact, it was not possible to segment the knee cartilage and thus calculate T2 relaxation times in the lateral weight‐bearing femoral and tibial cartilage regions only in the cobalt chrome group. In all cartilage regions of the titanium implanted knees and those unaffected by artifacts due to cobalt chrome implants, T2 relaxation times did not significantly differ between the two scans. Our results suggest that accurate T2‐mapping after a HTO procedure is possible in all areas after implantation of a titanium fixation device and in most areas after implantation of a cobalt chrome fixation device. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1206–1212, 2018.