bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KY converter with fuzzy logic controller for hybrid renewable photovoltaic/wind power system
Authors: Pushpavalli M. , Jothi Swaroopan N. M.
Published: June 2020

Smart grid includes power generation, transmission, distribution, information integration, metering, management, and protection. All these domains are interconnected through smarter communication. Smarter communication is possible since it's a two‐way flow of information by wireless and wired communication. Generation domain of smart grid consists of renewable variables (wind solar), renewable nonvariables (hydro biomass, geothermal, pump storage), and nonrenewable nonvariables (nuclear, coal, gas). Wind and solar energy, are thought to be the principle properties of sustainable power source for power generation and are developing at a quicker rate throughout a previous couple of decades. In numerous tasks, high voltage conversion converters have a basic influence in boosting the low output voltages of green power facilities to the high voltage is difficult due to voltage ripple and total harmonic distortion. This article comprises novel coordination of KY converter (KYC) with fuzzy logic for photovoltaic (PV) and wind power system. A many inputs KYC for grid‐connected hybrid PV/wind power system by extracting as much renewable energy as possible to using the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) are introduced. The main goal of the process is to follow the greatest force from the sustainable power sources and to overhaul the precision of the absolute system by increasing power factor. With the motivation behind concentrate the greatest power, a FLC has been embraced, right now. Wind energy is rectified and then both PV and wind outputs are given to the FLC. The implementation is done using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Renewable carbon: Key to a sustainable and future‐oriented chemical and plastic industry: Definition, strategy, measures and potential
Authors: Carus Michael , Dammer Lara , Raschka Achim , Skoczinski Pia
Published: June 2020

Why do we need ‘renewable carbon’? In order to fight climate change, we need to curb our consumption of fossil resources. This has been shown in many studies and several of them even quantify how much of the remaining fossil resources need to be left in the ground. In the energy sector, this is possible through ‘decarbonisation’. However, this strategy is not feasible for organic chemistry, which is defined by the use of carbon. So, for the important chemical and plastic industries, we need to find alternative carbon sources in order to shift towards a more sustainable and climate‐friendly production and consumption. We call these alternative carbon sources ‘renewable carbon’. Staying with the widely accepted concept of ‘decarbonisation’ is not only inaccurate for the chemical and plastics industry, it is also dangerous, since it shifts attention away from the inevitability of carbon use and therefore from the question of the ‘right’ carbon sources. Furthermore, in light of growing scarcity of other finite resources – metals, minerals, rare earths – carbon will be an important backbone of humankind's product needs, since it is available in almost unlimited quantities in the atmosphere. The equivalent to decarbonisation in the energy sector is a transition to renewable carbon in the chemical and plastics industries. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of planting density and tree species selection on forest bioenergy systems: tree growth, nutrient storage and wood chemical properties
Authors: Arias‐Aguilar Dagoberto , Valverde Juan Carlos , Campos Rooel
Published: June 2020

This study based on woody biomass was conducted under an experimental design of randomized complete blocks with two species, Eucalyptus saligna and Eucalyptus tereticornis, in three planting densities, 5000 trees ha−1, 10 000 trees ha−1, and 20 000 trees ha−1. Data were collected at 3, 12, and 24 months and growing relationships were analyzed. Adobe ground biomass, soil carbon reserve, plant issue nutrients, and woody biomass were determined. Results showed statistically significant differences between species in biomass production, obtaining values from 36.80 to 117.42 Mg ha−1 in E. tereticornis and 36.10 to 107.67 Mg ha−1 in E. saligna. Optimum planting density for both species proved to be 10 000 trees ha−1, which showed better biomass accumulation and growth performance in addition to lower mortality, and less impact on productivity. Regarding soil nutrition, it was determined that as crop density increased, the loss of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca) increased, with a loss of up to 33% in 24 months in the density of 20 000 trees ha−1. For both species, the treatment of 10 000 trees ha−1 provided the highest concentration of organic matter in the top 20 cm of soil. Finally, wood chemical aspects did not show differences in the properties with any treatment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White matter alterations in Williams syndrome related to behavioral and motor impairments
Authors: Nir Ariel , Barak Boaz
Published: June 2020

Myelin is the electrical insulator surrounding the neuronal axon that makes up the white matter (WM) of the brain. It helps increase axonal conduction velocity (CV) by inducing saltatory conduction. Damage to the myelin sheath and WM is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Decreasing myelin deficits, and thus improving axonal conduction, has the potential to serve as a therapeutic mechanism for reducing the severity of some of these disorders. Myelin deficits have been previously linked to abnormalities in social behavior, suggesting an interplay between brain connectivity and sociability. This review focuses on Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic disorder characterized by neurocognitive characteristics and motor abnormalities, mainly known for its hypersociability characteristic. We discuss fundamental aspects of WM in WS and how its alterations can affect motor abilities and social behavior. Overall, findings regarding changes in myelin genes and alterations in WM structure in WS suggest new targets for drug therapy aimed at improving conduction properties and altering brain‐activity synchronization in this disorder.
A technical review of canonical correlation analysis for neuroscience applications
Authors: Zhuang Xiaowei , Yang Zhengshi , Cordes Dietmar
Published: June 2020

Collecting comprehensive data sets of the same subject has become a standard in neuroscience research and uncovering multivariate relationships among collected data sets have gained significant attentions in recent years. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is one of the powerful multivariate tools to jointly investigate relationships among multiple data sets, which can uncover disease or environmental effects in various modalities simultaneously and characterize changes during development, aging, and disease progressions comprehensively. In the past 10 years, despite an increasing number of studies have utilized CCA in multivariate analysis, simple conventional CCA dominates these applications. Multiple CCA‐variant techniques have been proposed to improve the model performance; however, the complicated multivariate formulations and not well‐known capabilities have delayed their wide applications. Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive review of CCA and its variant techniques is provided. Detailed technical formulation with analytical and numerical solutions, current applications in neuroscience research, and advantages and limitations of each CCA‐related technique are discussed. Finally, a general guideline in how to select the most appropriate CCA‐related technique based on the properties of available data sets and particularly targeted neuroscience questions is provided.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator for overall and cancer‐specific survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Ferrandino Rocco M. , Roof Scott , Garneau Jonathan , Haidar Yarah , Bates Susan E. , Park Yeun‐Hee A. , Bauml Joshua M. , Genden Eric M. , Miles Brett , Sigel Keith
Published: June 2020

Background

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker that is correlated with systemic inflammation and poor prognosis in solid tumors. We investigated the value of NLR in predicting survival in a large population of head and neck cancer patients in the United States.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Veterans Affairs patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2017. We compared 5‐year overall survival and cancer‐specific survival for different NLR tertiles using cox proportional hazards modeling with adjustment for covariates.

Results

The primary cohort consisted of 14 644 subjects of which 99% were male. Relative to patients with NLRs in the lower tertile, patients with NLRs in the top tertile had an 71% increased hazard of all‐cause mortality (P < .001) and 44% increased hazard of cancer‐specific mortality (P < .001) at 5 years.

Conclusions

Elevated NLR in HNSCC confers a poor prognosis.
Weighted lymph node ratio: New tool in the assessment of postoperative staging of the neck dissection in HPV‐negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: León Xavier , Neumann Eduard , Gutiérrez Alfons , García Jacinto , López Montserrat , Quer Miquel
Published: June 2020

Backgound

The objective of this study is to assess a new parameter, the weighted lymph node ratio (WLNR), which incorporates prognostic information regarding the number of metastatic nodes with extracapsular spread and the lymph node yield for pN0 patients to the lymph node ratio.

Methods

We studied retrospectively 1118 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with a neck dissection.

Results

We obtained a classification with four categories based on the WLNR values. WLNR classification had a higher prognostic discrimination capacity and a more homogeneous distribution in the number of patients included in each of the categories than the pTNM classification.

Conclusion

The WLNR improved the predictive capacity of the eighth edition of the pTNM classification and it can be a useful tool in the assessment of the postoperative staging of the neck dissections in HNSCC patients.
Changing Epidemiology of Hepatitis A in China: Evidence From Three National Serological Surveys and the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System
Authors: Wang Fuzhen , Sun Xiaojin , Wang Feng , Zheng Hui , Jia Zhiyuan , Zhang Guomin , Bi Shengli , Miao Ning , Zhang Shuang , Cui Fuqiang , Li Li , Wang Huaqing , Liang Xiaofeng , Rodewald Lance E. , Feng Zijian , Yin Zundong , Shen Liping
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

China has conducted surveillance for hepatitis A since 1990, and hepatitis A was highly‐to‐intermediately endemic in 1992 when a Chinese hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) was licensed and introduced as a family‐pay vaccine. In 2008, HepA was introduced into the Expanded Program on Immunization as a free childhood vaccine.

Approach and Results

Three nationally representative surveys conducted in 1992, 2006, and 2014 assessed hepatitis B serology. The 1992 survey included hepatitis A virus (HAV) serology, and we tested sera from the 2006 and 2014 surveys for HAV antibodies. We used surveillance, seroprevalence, and vaccination status data to describe the changing epidemiology of hepatitis A in China from 1990 through 2014. Before HepA licensure, anti‐HAV seroprevalence was 60% at 4 years of age, 70% at 10 years, and 90% at 59 years; incidence was 52/100,000 and peaked at 4 years. In 2006, after >10 years of private sector vaccination, HepA coverage was <30% among children <5 years, and incidence was 5.4/100,000 with a peak at 10 years. In 2014, coverage was >90% among children under 5 years; incidence was 1.9/100,000. Individuals born before the national introduction of HepA (1988‐2004) had lower anti‐HAV seroprevalence than earlier and later birth cohorts.

Conclusions

The incidence of hepatitis A declined markedly following HepA introduction and improvement of sanitation and hygiene. The emerging epidemiology is consistent with disease‐induced immunity having been replaced by vaccine‐induced immunity, resulting in a low incidence of hepatitis A. Catch‐up HepA campaigns to close the immunity gap among the 1998‐2004 birth cohorts should be considered.
Cytokine release syndrome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide
Authors: Solán Laura , Landete Elena , Bailén Rebeca , Dorado Nieves , Oarbeascoa Gillen , Anguita Javier , Díez‐Martín Jose Luis , Kwon Mi
Published: June 2020

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response with aberrant immune activation and immune hyperstimulation, that leads to increased cytokine levels and inflammation. CRS has been described after antibody and cellular‐based therapies. The use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo‐HSCT) has led to the extension of allogeneic HSCT to patients without HLA‐identical donors. Furthermore, PTCy has also been introduced in matched and unrelated donor HSCT. However, description of incidence and clinical impact of CRS on outcomes in these patients is scarce. We retrospectively analyzed 107 consecutive haplo‐HSCT and 39 HLA‐identical HSCT with PTCy from 2010 to 2017 in our institution. We used published CRS criteria to identify 76% and 14% of patients who developed CRS after haplo‐HSCT and HLA‐identical HSCT, respectively. Most patients presented CRS grades 1 and 2. Only one patient from the whole series presented grade 3 CRS and required tocilizumab therapy. The use of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), as well as total nucleated cells infused were associated with an increased risk of CRS. Patients who presented CRS developed grade II‐IV acute GVHD more frequently than those who did not (60% vs 28.6% respectively, P = .012). The development of CRS was not significantly associated with nonrelapse mortality or overall survival. CRS is a frequent complication after PBSC haploidentical T‐repleted HSCT, but significantly less frequent after HLA‐identical HSCT. Most cases are mild. Prompt identification allows adequate management of severe forms.
Keeping our staff in mind: Dietary results of a lifestyle intervention targeting mental health staff
Authors: Rossimel Elisa , Teasdale Scott B. , Poole Josephine , Fibbins Hamish , Curtis Jackie , Watkins Andrew , Rosenbaum Simon , Ward Philip B.
Published: June 2020

Issues addressed

1) Describe the dietary intake of mental health staff within South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and 2) Evaluate the impact of an individualised staff lifestyle program on the following nutrition parameters; (i) energy, (ii) core food groups and (iii) discretionary foods.

Methods

This was a pragmatic single‐arm intervention study, conducted for all staff working in a public mental health service, in Sydney, Australia. A five‐session individualised lifestyle intervention delivered over 5 weeks incorporated nutritional counselling delivered by a dietitian. Participants were assessed at baseline, following the intervention, and at follow‐up using diet history to assess dietary intake.

Results

Eighty‐eight staff completed the dietary intervention and follow‐up. An intake of core food groups significantly below national recommendations was reported for total vegetables (−1.75 ± 0.14 serves, P < .001), fruit (−0.29 ± 0.11 serves, P = .01), grains (−1.25 ± 0.20 serves, P < .001) and dairy servings (−1.00 ± 1.08 serves, P < .001), and protein‐based foods were significantly above national recommendations (0.2 ± 0.09 serves, P = .03). At completion of the program, energy from discretionary foods was reduced by 460 kJ (95% CI −635 to −285, P < .001), and the serves of total vegetables (0.91 serves, 95% CI 0.59‐1.22, P < .001) and dairy (0.31 serves, 95% CI 0.11‐0.50, P < .001) were increased significantly.

Conclusions

A workplace‐based well‐being program for staff working in the mental health setting coincided with dietary improvements.

So what

Mental health staff can act as positive role models for clients to promote developing positive physical health behaviours.
Safety first: Beliefs of older peers supplying alcohol to underage friends
Authors: Lam Tina , Fischer Jane , Salom Caroline , Ogeil Rowan , Wilson James , Lubman Dan I. , Burns Lucinda , Lenton Simon , Gilmore William , Chikritzhs Tanya , Aiken Alexandra , Allsop Steve
Published: June 2020

Issue addressed

Underage drinkers most commonly source alcohol from older peers. However, few studies have examined older peers’ supply‐related beliefs and motivations.

Methods

A sample of 270 risky drinkers aged 18‐19 years were interviewed in Australia where the legal purchase age is 18. They were asked about their provision to underage friends, awareness of secondary supply legislation (intended to prohibit such supply) and 24 psycho‐legal beliefs around supply.

Results

Half (49%) provided alcohol to a 16‐ to 17‐year‐old friend to drink at a party they were both attending at least twice a year. Three‐quarters reported provision was okay so long as the recipient(s) were in a safe environment, and 46% reported “everyone gives alcohol to teenagers if they are in a safe environment.” There was significantly higher agreement that “my friends would think I was mean if I did not give alcohol to a friend under the age of 18” (37%), compared to “my friends would think I was uncool if I did not give alcohol to a friend under the age of 18” (26%). Two thirds (69%) felt more responsible for an underage friend's safety if they provided the alcohol. A multivariate logistic regression revealed supply was more likely if the supplier: was aged 18 compared to 19 (95% CI OR: 1.57, 4.84), male (1.06, 3.27), of a higher SES quintile (1.08, 1.80) and believed alcohol supply to minors was morally acceptable (1.01, 1.33) and normal (1.04, 1.38). Knowledge of regulatory strategies (68%) designed to prevent supply to minors, and their perceived deterrent value did not significantly impact supply.

Conclusions

Supply of alcohol to underage peers was perceived as morally and socially acceptable in a group of 18‐ to 19‐year‐old risky drinkers.

So what?

Opportunities include harm reduction initiatives that prioritise caring responsibilities towards friends, as opposed to relying on external enforcement measures alone.
Decision Support Tool for Water Reclamation Beyond Technical Considerations—Egyptian, Moroccan, and Tunisian Case Studies
Authors: Oertlé Emmanuel , Mueller Sandra Regina , Choukr-Allah Redouane , Jaouani Atef
Published: June 2020

While the Middle East and North African (MENA) region is facing challenges to sustain water security, water reclamation has received increasing consideration as a favorable mitigating solution. Despite the availability of adequate technologies, economic, political, legal, social, and environmental constraints often hamper stakeholders, and especially decision makers, from exploiting the existing potential into solution implementation. In the present paper, a comprehensive assessment for water reclamation and reuse was developed. This assessment consisted of 4 objectives: 1) apply a decision-support tool (DST) for water reclamation potential for municipal wastewater, 2) apply a DST for simulating and estimating the lifecycle costs of project-related technologies for water reclamation (municipal and industrial wastewater, as well as drainage canal water), 3) assess the national-level conditions for water reuse with a multicriteria decision analysis (MCA), and 4) establish exemplary strategies, barriers, and measures for water reuse. The present MCA considered 6 thematic subjects: policy and institution, economy, society, water management, legislation, and environment. The assessment was applied to food and nonfood crop irrigation in Egyptian, Moroccan, and Tunisian case studies. For all defined case studies, adapted treatment trains that could treat wastewater to the desired quality at reasonable costs were identified and are presented in the present paper. Results showed that technological options are available for water reuse, but the concept is not widely implemented in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The present paper identifies key barriers and drivers for the implementation of water reclamation for irrigation. In particular, the considered countries showed different characteristics regarding efficient water management, water pricing, subsidies and wastewater tariffs, implementation of monitoring and reporting systems, or legal aspects regarding the use of reclaimed water for food crop irrigation. Further exploration of case studies on high potential water reuse and financially affordable wastewater reclamation, particularly case studies that explore the impacts of policies and practices across countries, would be useful for helping the MENA region improve their water security situation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:885–897. © 2020 SETAC
Known Target and Nontarget Effects of the Novel Neonicotinoid Cycloxaprid to Arthropods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Anisha , Leppanen Christy
Published: June 2020

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticide class worldwide, and unfortunately, the widely used neonicotinoid imidacloprid is problematic for pollinators and other nontarget organisms. These nontarget impacts and the development of resistance prompt the ongoing development and testing of new neonicotinoids. The novel neonicotinoid cycloxaprid was described in 2011 and registered in China in 2015. Studies investigating its use and effect on target and nontarget species are recent and ongoing, and empirical evidence has not yet been collectively considered. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to identify and summarize data associated with target and nontarget, lethal and sublethal impacts of cycloxaprid for its use as a new insecticide. We performed keyword literature searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Google Scholar and explored citations used in identified articles. The search strategy yielded 66 citations; 25 citations fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Under experimental conditions, cycloxaprid reduced populations of plant-feeding insect pests, suppressed populations of sucking and biting insect pests, and affected reproduction, development time, longevity, growth, gene regulation and expression, and phloem-feeding behavior of various life stages of certain insects. Studies focus on pest control efficacy and comparison with imidacloprid. Five nontarget organisms have been evaluated: Apis mellifera, Chrysoperla sinica, Harmonia axyridis, Daphnia magna, and Eisenia fetida. Variation in study design, to date, precludes a metaanalysis. However, these results provide valuable insight into possible effects to target and nontarget arthropods. Because cycloxaprid is a new insecticide, additional research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action of cycloxaprid and its metabolites, and to determine if it harms natural enemies or other nontarget organisms, if resistance develops, and if it exhibits cross-resistance with other insecticides. Although research on target arthropods will inform some effects on nontarget organisms, studies focusing explicitly on impacts to nontarget organisms are needed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:831–840. © 2020 SETAC
Bankruptcy reform in the Middle East and North Africa: Analyzing the new bankruptcy Laws in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Sarraf Adam
Published: June 2020

For years, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been trying to increase entrepreneurship rates and attract foreign investment, however, their bankruptcy statutes remained antiquated and punitive in nature. Potential start‐ups and foreign investors have been deterred from these markets due to a lack of alternative solutions to liquidation and a fear of punishment for business failure. At least seven countries in the region have now taken steps to modernize their bankruptcy laws to provide restructuring mechanisms and other measures designed to incentivize risk‐taking rather than to deter it. With this year's crash in oil prices, an unprecedented global pandemic and an imminent recession, an effective bankruptcy system has become even more critical to avoid catastrophic results for the employment rates and economic value of the companies in the region. However, despite these recent reforms, significant improvements are still needed to maximize the value and benefits of bankruptcy procedures in the face of these growing economic threats.
Effect of interpolation on specular reflections in texture‐based automatic colonic polyp detection
Authors: Kaçmaz Rukiye Nur , Yılmaz Bülent , Aydın Zafer
Published: June 2020

Reflections of LED light cause unwanted noise effects called specular reflection (SR) on colonoscopic images. The aim of this study was to seek answers to the following two questions. (a) How are the texture features used in automatic detection of polyps affected by the interpolation on specular reflections? (b) If they are affected does it really affect the classification performance? In order to answer these questions, we used 610 colonoscopy images, and divided each image into tiles whose sizes were 32‐by‐32 pixels. From these tiles, we selected the ones without any specular reflection. We added different shape and size specular reflections cropped from real images onto the reflection‐free tiles. We then used the nearest neighbors, bilinear and bicubic interpolation techniques on the tiles on which SRs were added. On these tiles we extracted 116 texture features using 3 second‐order approaches, and 4 first‐order statistics. First, we used paired sample t test. Second, we performed automatic classification of polyps and background using random forest and k nearest neighbors (k‐NN) approaches using the texture features for different combinations of specular reflections added on the tiles from the polyp or background. The results showed that depending on the size of specular reflection, interpolation can cause a significant difference between the texture features that were coming from reflection‐free tiles and the same tiles on which interpolation was performed. In addition, we note that bicubic interpolation may be preferred to eliminate specular reflection when texture features are used for background and polyp discrimination.
Anterior gradient 2 promotes tumorigenesis through upregulation of CCAAT‐enhancer binding protein beta and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α and subsequent secretion of interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the Caki‐1 clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell line
Authors: Pajdzik Kinga , Wilamowski Mateusz , Żurawek Dariusz , Stopa Kinga B. , Nodzyński Michał , Kalita Agata , Jura Jolanta
Published: June 2020

It has been previously established that hypoxia leads to tumor development, treatment resistance, and a poor prognosis. Under oxygen deprivation, hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are stimulated to activate the genes necessary for tumor development in a low‐oxygen environment. These genes encode regulators of angiogenesis, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. A disulfide isomerase, anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), has been shown to increase hypoxia‐inducible factor 1, alpha subunit (HIF‐1α) stability in breast cancer. Our goal was to determine if AGR2 affects the level of transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 2, alpha subunit (HIF‐2α). As a model, we used the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cell line Caki‐1. The cells were transduced with lentiviral vector (Tet‐On) encoding AGR2. After induction of AGR2 expression, cells were grown under either hypoxic (0.5% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Our data showed that AGR2 upregulated both HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α expression in Caki‐1 cells increasing the expression of HIF‐activated genes (glucose transporter 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and transforming growth factor‐alpha) under the hypoxic conditions. Under the normoxic conditions, AGR2 strongly activated CCAAT‐enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ). Upregulation of C/EBPβ correlated with increased expression and secretion of the interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8, inducing angiogenesis and inflammation in Caki‐1 cells. In summary, our studies revealed that AGR2 has essential functions in ccRCC progression through upregulation of C/EBPβ and HIF‐2α expressions, which affects cell signaling and metabolism.
Blue moon ensemble simulation of aquation free energy profiles applied to mono and bifunctional platinum anticancer drugs
Authors: Hirakawa Teruo , Bowler David R. , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Morikawa Yoshitada , Truflandier Lionel A.
Published: June 2020

Aquation free energy profiles of neutral cisplatin and cationic monofunctional derivatives, including triaminochloroplatinum(II) and cis‐diammine(pyridine)chloroplatinum(II), were computed using state of the art thermodynamic integration, for which temperature and solvent were accounted for explicitly using density functional theory‐based canonical molecular dynamics (DFT‐MD). For all the systems, the “inverse‐hydration” where the metal center acts as an acceptor of hydrogen bond has been observed. This has motivated to consider the inversely bonded solvent molecule in the definition of the reaction coordinate required to initiate the constrained DFT‐MD trajectories. We found that there exists little difference in free enthalpies of activation, such that these platinum‐based anticancer drugs are likely to behave the same way in aqueous media. Detailed analysis of the microsolvation structure of the square‐planar complexes, along with the key steps of the aquation mechanism, is discussed.
Modified Lennard‐Jones potentials for nanoscale atoms
Authors: Sikorska Celina , Gaston Nicola
Published: June 2020

A classical 6–12 Lennard‐Jones (LJ) equation has been widely used to model materials and is the potential of choice in studies when the focus is on fundamental issues. Here we report a systematic study comparing the pair interaction potentials within solid‐state materials (i.e., [Co6Se8(PEt3)6][C60]2, [Cr6Te8(PEt3)6][C60]2, [Ni9Te6(PEt3)8][C60]) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and LJ parametrization. Both classical (6–12 LJ) and modified LJ (mLJ) models were developed. In the mLJ approach, the exponents 6 and 12 are replaced by different integer number n and 2n, respectively, and an additional parameter (α) is introduced to describe intermolecular distance shift arising within the geometric centers' approach (instead of the shortest interatomic distance between particles). A general LJ approach reexamination reveals that in the case of nanoatoms, the attractive term decays with distance as the inverse fourth power, and the dominating at short distances repulsive term decays as the inverse eighth power. The modification of the LJ equation is even more prominent for interaction profiles, where intermolecular distance corresponds to separation between geometric centers of particles. In this approach, the attractive term decays with distance as the inverse 12th power, while the repulsive term decays rapidly (as the inverse 24th power). Thus, the mLJ models (e.g., 4–8 LJ) rather than the 6–12 classical ones seem to be a better choice for the description of binary interactions of nanoatoms. The developed mLJ models and electronic structure characteristics give an insight into the explanation of the unique physicochemical properties of superatomic‐based solid‐state materials.
The role of beliefs about the impact of illness on fertility and close relationships for psychopathological symptoms in women treated for hypothyroidism
Authors: Wytrychiewicz Kinga , Pankowski Daniel , Janowski Konrad , Benoit Charles E. , Bargiel‐Matusiewicz Kamilla , Pisula Ewa , Walicka Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Objective

As demonstrated in a pilot study, hypothyroidism has a highly stressful impact on some areas of functioning. This study aims to evaluate the connection between illness‐related beliefs (IRBs) and the impact of hypothyroidism on fertility and close relationships, which were the strongest stressors, and the level of depressive, anxiety, and anger symptoms.

Methods

Two hundred and thirteen women being treated for hypothyroidism took part in an online survey and completed the modified Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Hypothyroidism Symptoms Severity rating scales, and a measure of IRBs. Other relevant clinical data were also collected.

Result

Mean levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone indicated that the women were euthyroid. Four groups of participants were identified based on IRBs. The group holding a strong IRB about the negative impact of illness only on close relationships scored significantly higher on depressive symptoms than women in the other groups. The group holding strong IRBs about the negative impact of illness on both close relationships and fertility scored significantly higher on anxiety symptoms than the women in the other groups. Regression analysis showed that IRBs about the negative impact of hypothyroidism predicted anxiety, depressive, and anger symptoms.

Conclusions

Negative IRBs about the impact of illness on fertility and close relationships contribute to increased levels of emotional distress symptoms in women being treated for hypothyroidism.
Resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoints blockade by monoclonal antibody drugs in cancer immunotherapy: Focus on myeloma
Authors: Isazadeh Alireza , Hajazimian Saba , Garshasbi Hamid , Shadman Behrouz , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Chavoshi Reza , Taefehshokr Sina , Farhoudi Sefidan Jadid Mahdieh , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Baradaran Behzad
Published: June 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B‐cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic proliferation of a plasma cell in the bone marrow that produces a monoclonal immunoglobulin. The immune checkpoint inhibitors against programmed death‐1/programmed death‐1 ligand and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 axis have demonstrated appropriate anticancer activity in several solid tumors and liquid cancers, and are rapidly transforming the practice of medical oncology. However, in a high percentage of patients, the efficacy of immune checkpoints blockade remains limited due to innate or primary resistance. Moreover, the malignancies progress in many patients due to acquired or secondary resistance, even after the clinical response to immune checkpoints' blockade. The evidence shows that multiple tumor‐intrinsic and tumor‐extrinsic factors and alterations in signaling pathways are involved in primary and secondary resistance to immune checkpoints blockade. Improved identification of intrinsic and extrinsic factors and mechanisms of resistance or response to immune checkpoints blockade may not only provide novel prognostic or predictive biomarkers but also guide the optimal combination/sequencing of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in the clinic. Here, we review the underlying biology and role of immune checkpoints blockade in patients with MM. Furthermore, we review the host and tumor‐related factor effects on immune checkpoints blockade in MM immunotherapy.
Enhanced performance and fouling resistance of cellulose acetate forward osmosis membrane with the spatial distribution of TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Baniasadi Javad , Shabani Zahra , Mohammadi Toraj , Sahebi Soleyman
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Novel nanocomposite membranes with spatial distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated for forward osmosis (FO) applications. In this work, TiO2 and Al2O3 NPs were used as hydrophilic additives in order to improve the performance and fouling resistance of cellulose acetate (CA) FO membrane.

RESULTS

Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of the NPs into the synthesized membranes. The specific reverse salt flux (SRSF) of the TiO2 modified membrane was reduced from 0.88 to 0.56 g L−1, which was attributed to enhanced hydrophilicity, porosity, and the simultaneously improved water and salt permeability coefficients. After the evaluation of CA membranes with various contents of TiO2 NPs, Al2O3 NPs were added to the membrane structure as a secondary additive under the optimized content of TiO2 NPs. Al2O3 NPs have a higher dispersion in the membrane sublayer beneath, which can affect the hydrophilicity and surface charge of the membranes. Al2O3 and TiO2 modified membranes showed the lowest values of contact angle and zeta potential in neutral pH, which was 56.7°and − 68.4 mV, respectively. This membrane showed a water flux (WF) of 15 L m−2h−1 and an SRSF of 0.36 g L−1 when using 1 mol L−1 NaCl as a draw solution. The fouling behavior of sodium alginate on the neat and modified membranes was also investigated, and the results showed a reduced fouling propensity and a superior fouling reversibility in the modified membranes.

CONCLUSION

Based upon these findings, using low‐density hydrophilic NPs in the membrane structure can fabricate membranes with more hydrophilicity, excellent FO performance, and high organic fouling resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Visible‐light driven photodegradation of phenol over niobium oxide‐loaded fibrous silica titania composite catalyst
Authors: Zakaria WFW , Jalil AA , Hassan NS , Ibrahim M , Azami MS
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to treating emerging pollutants in wastewater. Phenol, an extremely toxic substance among existing pollutants, can cause long‐term unintended effects when improperly disposed. An effective measure to address this problem is to develop suitable heterojunctions. Among various photocatalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO2) appears to be an excellent photocatalyst in the degradation of organic pollutants.

RESULTS

Synthetization of well‐constructed heterojunction composite of niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and fibrous silica titania (FST) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of phenol has been investigated. The photocatalytic performance demonstrated that 5 wt% Nb2O5 loaded on FST (5 Nb/FST) gave the maximum phenol degradation rate (1.70 × 10−2 mM min−1) of 10 mg L−1 phenol at pH 5 using 1000 mg L−1 catalyst within 180 min. Meanwhile, under the same conditions, 1 Nb/FST, FST, 10 Nb/FST and Nb2O5 only delivered 1.51 × 10−2, 1.30 × 10−2, 1.01 × 10−2 and 0.07 × 10−2 mM min−1, respectively. Further phenol photocatalytic degradation routes by 5 Nb/FST reveal that the main intermediates detected are hydroquinone, catechol, maleic, fumaric, and malonic acid.

CONCLUSION

In this work, 5 Nb2O5/FST composite, as an effective‐performance photocatalyst for phenol degradation, was well‐constructed. The advanced activity can primarily be attributed to the regulated Nb2O5 loading with FST and the effect of Nb/FST microsphere heterojunctions, synergistically. Besides, larger crystallite size, high impurity levels and Si‐O‐Nb and Nb–O–Ti bonds, offers excellent phenol degradation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Assessment of knowledge and perception about silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for treating older adults among graduating dental students
Authors: Dang Connor , Comnick Carissa L , Tabrizi Maryam , Kaufman Laura , Soto Annetty , Smith Becky M. , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias , Tobey Tamara , Capin Oriana Reis , Scully Allison , Prince David , Xie Xian Jin , Marchini Leonardo
Published: June 2020

Purpose/objectives

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a promising therapy for arresting and preventing caries in difficult to treat, high‐risk populations, including institutionalized older adults. This study investigates the knowledge and perceptions about SDF of graduating dental students in multiple U.S. dental schools, as well as their willingness to use SDF in their practices.

Methods

A survey was designed consisting of 21 total questions: 6 questions regarding students’ demographic information and their SDF content exposure contextualization, 8 questions tailored to investigate 2 domains regarding students’ knowledge about SDF (properties and indication), and 7 questions aiming to investigate 3 domains regarding students’ perceptions about SDF (SDF usefulness, appropriateness of using SDF, and willingness to use SDF when in private practice). The survey was then distributed to graduating dental students at 7 U.S. dental schools.

Results

A total of 386 surveys (response rate of 55%) was collected from 7 schools in the Spring of 2019. The median score resulting from the SDF content exposure questions was 3 (SD = 1.43) from a range of 0‐5. The median score from knowledge about SDF properties was 4 (SD = 1.18) from a range of 0 to 6. In the multivariate analysis, a linear model found that the covariates “SDF Usefulness”, “SDF Appropriateness” and “SDF Patient Willingness to Use” were significantly associated with higher student willingness to use SDF (R2 = 0.395).

Conclusion

The results indicated that the graduating students have a positive perception of SDF regarding its usefulness and appropriateness. Graduating students appear inclined to utilize SDF upon entering private practice.
Evaluation of the accuracy of electronic apex locators, cone‐beam computed tomography, and radiovisiography in primary teeth: An in vitro study
Authors: Kayabasi Mevlut , Oznurhan Fatih
Published: June 2020

Electronic apex locators (EALs), cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), and radiovisiography (RVG) claim to determine of working length (WL) in primary molar teeth. To evaluate the accuracy of WL determination by using three EALs, RVG, and CBCT imaging in extracted human primary molar teeth with/without root resorption. Twenty extracted primary molar teeth with resorption and 20 extracted primary molar teeth without resorption were used. After measuring actual lengths (AL) (Group 1), the electronic WL measurements were performed by using three different EALs [COXO C Smart‐1 Pro (Group 2), iPex (Group 3), and Apex ID (Group 4)]. Two different image sets were obtained as follows: CBCT imaging (Group 5) and RVG (Group 6). AL measurements performed with an endodontic measuring ruler and compared with the EAL, CBCT, and RVG image measurements. For all groups, there were no significant differences between the teeth with resorption and without. There were no significant differences in measuring methods from AL and between the methods used (p > .05). When electronic and radiographic method were compared in different frequency ranges, there was no statistically significant difference (p > .05). This study showed that EALs, CBCT, and RVG have high accuracy in primary molar teeth both with resorption and without root resorption and can be used for determining WL.
Clinical features of children with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis in Japan: A retrospective nationwide survey
Authors: Ishida Hisashi , Miyajima Yuji , Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Hamada Satoru , Sarashina Takeo , Matsumura Risa , Umeda Katsutsugu , Mitsui Tetsuo , Fujita Naoto , Tomizawa Daisuke , Urayama Kevin Y. , Ishida Yasushi , Taga Takashi , Takagi Masatoshi , Adachi Souichi , Manabe Atsushi , Imamura Toshihiko , Koh Katsuyoshi , Shimada Akira ,   Leukemia/Lymphoma Committee of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (JSPHO)
Published: June 2020

Background

Philadelphia‐negative (Ph‐negative) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), are exceptionally rare during childhood. Thus, clinical features of pediatric Ph‐negative MPNs remain largely unknown. This study was therefore performed to address this.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study to collect clinical information of children diagnosed with Ph‐negative MPNs from 2000 to 2016 using questionnaires in qualified institutions in Japan. The results obtained from the questionnaire survey were then combined with those from the national registry data.

Results

Among 50 children identified, five had PV, 44 had ET, and one had PMF. Median age at diagnosis was 14.0, 9.0, and 0 years, respectively. Male to female ratio was 4:1, 21:23, and 1:0, respectively. Detection rates of the JAK2 V617F variant were 0/5 in PV and 9/39 in ET. Frequencies of complications, such as thrombosis and subsequent leukemia, were lower than complication frequencies in adults. We identified two children who developed subsequent leukemia, which has not been reported previously, and one of them died.

Conclusion

This is the first nationally representative survey of pediatric Ph‐negative MPNs. Given its rarity, an international collaboration with comprehensive genetic analyses might be needed to fully elucidate the clinical and genetic features.
Spectroscopic and theoretical optical properties of indoleninyl‐substituted dibenzotetraaza[14]annulenes
Authors: Ramle Abdul Q. , Karakas Asli , Arof Abdul K. M. , Karakaya Mustafa , Taser Mehmet , Gozutok Aysun , Chin Fei Chee , Julkapli Nurhidayatullaili M. , Basirun Wan J.
Published: June 2020

Two new macrocyclic dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene (DBTAA) compounds with indolenine (5) and pyridoindolenine (6) moieties were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy. Both DBTAAs exhibit strong UV‐Vis absorption properties in the Soret band region. The theoretical second‐order nonlinear optical property, electric dipole moment (μ), dispersion‐free dipole polarizability (α) and first hyper‐polarizability values were calculated by density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory. The ab‐initio quantum mechanical calculation by time‐dependent Hartree‐Fock method was utilized to investigate the dynamic dipole polarizabilities, dynamic second‐order, static, and dynamic third‐order (γ) hyper‐polarizabilities of the DBTAAs. The configuration interaction technique of all doubly occupied molecular orbitals possesses theoretically defined single‐photon absorption (OPA) specifications for the examined structures. The computed maximum OPA wavelengths on both macrocyclic compounds coincide with the preceding measurement outcomes.
Design, synthesis, and in vitro anticancer screening of novel pyrazolinyl‐pyrazole/1, 2, 3‐triazole hybrids
Authors: Ismail Magda M. F. , Abdulwahab Hanan G. , Elnagdi Mohamed H.
Published: June 2020

Novel hybrids, pyrazolinylpyrazoles, and pyrazolinyltriazoles were designed, synthesized, and screened for their anticancer activity. Eleven compounds were selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI)/USA for anticancer screening at single high dose (10−5 M) in full NCI 60 cell panels. Two compounds: 4‐aminopyrazole‐5‐carbonitrile, 5c (NSC‐747630/1) and ethyl 4‐aminopyrazole‐5‐ carboxylate, 7d (NSC‐747634/1) were the most active candidates of the series and were selected for further evaluation at five dose screening as they displayed significant growth inhibition with full panel median growth inhibition (GI50) 5.47 and 2.24 μM, respectively. Both 5c and 7d hybrids exhibited broad spectrum antitumor activity; however 7d showed moderate selectivity (selectivity ratio 3.6) toward leukemia.