bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionic Modulation of Electrical Conductivity of ZnO Due to Ambient Moisture
Authors: Milano Gianluca , Luebben Michael , Laurenti Marco , Porro Samuele , Bejtka Katarzyna , Bianco Stefano , Breuer Uwe , Boarino Luca , Valov Ilia , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: July 2019

Moisture can strongly affect reliability and functionalities of a wide range of electronic devices based on metal‐oxide semiconductors, where the electrical conductivity can be influenced by the deposition technique and the environment. In this work, the influence of moisture on electrical conductivity of zinc oxide (ZnO) is investigated, revealing that moisture and protons can impact not only the electronic conduction, but can provide additional ionic species that actively participate in the conduction mechanism. Single crystalline nanowires are exploited as model systems for investigating the effect of adsorbed species on ZnO surfaces, revealing that hydroxide species are responsible for the creation of a depletion region on the surface that decreases the electronic conductivity. The same mechanism is attributed to the decreasing of conductivity by increasing the moisture content in ZnO polycrystalline films, where moisture is adsorbed at grain boundaries. At high activities of moisture, it is observed that moisture‐related species can migrate along the highly oriented grain boundaries resulting in an increase of the global conductivity due to the ionic current flowing in parallel to the electronic one. More generally, the results highlight the importance of the environment and the ionic contribution in determining the electrical conductivity of nanostructured devices.
A Nonvolatile Phase‐Change Metamaterial Color Display
Authors: Carrillo Santiago García‐Cuevas , Trimby Liam , Au Yat‐Yin , Nagareddy V. Karthik , Rodriguez‐Hernandez Gerardo , Hosseini Peiman , Ríos Carlos , Bhaskaran Harish , Wright C. David
Published: July 2019

Chalcogenide phase‐change materials, which exhibit a marked difference in their electrical and optical properties when in their amorphous and crystalline phases and can be switched between these phases quickly and repeatedly, are traditionally exploited to deliver nonvolatile data storage in the form of rewritable optical disks and electrical phase‐change memories. However, exciting new potential applications are now emerging in areas such as integrated phase‐change photonics, phase‐change optical metamaterials/metasurfaces, and optoelectronic displays. Here, ideas from these last two fields are fused together to deliver a novel concept, namely a switchable phase‐change metamaterial/metasurface resonant absorber having nonvolatile color generating capabilities. With the phase‐change layer, here GeTe, in the crystalline phase, the resonant absorber can be tuned to selectively absorb the red, green, and blue spectral bands of the visible spectrum, so generating vivid cyan, magenta, and yellow pixels. When the phase‐change layer is switched into the amorphous phase, the resonant absorption is suppressed and a flat, pseudowhite reflectance results. Thus, a route to the potential development is opened‐up of nonvolatile, phase‐change metamaterial color displays and color electronic signage.
Programmable Multistable Hydrogel Morphs
Authors: Li Chen Yu , Hao Xing Peng , Zheng Si Yu , Hong Wei , Zheng Qiang , Wu Zi Liang
Published: July 2019

Self‐shaping materials have wide applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, etc. Shape transformations of intelligent materials are usually realized by switching environmental conditions. However, it is challenging to form multistable morphing structures under the same condition. Herein, the programmed deformations of a composite hydrogel into multistable configurations under the same condition are demonstrated. The hydrogel consists of integrated units of through‐thickness and/or in‐plane gradient structures, where the former leads to bending, folding, or twisting with a predetermined direction and the latter buckles upward or downward with equal possibility. The bistability of buckling affords the integrated hydrogel with multiple possible configurations. The composite hydrogel with multiple in‐plane gradient units (number: n) and through‐thickness gradient ones (number: m) theoretically has 2n × 1m = 2n configurations under the same condition. Although the integration of units with through‐thickness gradient does not contribute to the diversity of configurations, it favors forming complex and designable configurations. Both experimental and simulation results show that various stable configurations can be obtained in one composite hydrogel under the same condition by controlling the buckling direction of each unit by a selective preswelling step. This concept and strategy are applicable for other intelligent materials and merit their applications in diverse areas.
Rhodium(II)‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Silylation of Biaryl‐Type Monophosphines with Hydrosilanes
Authors: Wang Dingyi , Zhao Yunfei , Yuan Chengkai , Wen Jian , Zhao Yue , Shi Zhuangzhi
Published: July 2019

A rhodium‐catalyzed system is introduced for in situ modification of biaryl‐type monophosphines with hydrosilanes through a PIII‐chelation‐assisted dehydrogenative silylation reaction. A series of ligands containing silyl groups with different steric and electronic properties were obtained with excellent regioselectivities. This method offers many advantages, including the use of commercially available phosphines, no requirement for an external ligand or oxidant, a broader substrate scope, high efficiency, and access to a single regioisomer. Based on the outstanding properties of the parent scaffolds, the silyl‐substituted phosphines serve as excellent ligands in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric Suzuki coupling reactions.
Interphases in Electroactive Suspension Systems: Where Chemistry Meets Mesoscale Physics
Authors: Shukla Garima , Franco Alejandro A.
Published: July 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture the group of Prof. Alejandro A. Franco from LRCS, Amiens, France. The cover picture shows a semisolid redox flow battery set against a background depicting the degree of complexity within the system. Read the full text of the review at 10.1002/batt.201800152.
Emotions involved in encountering classroom diversity: Beginning teachers’ stories
Authors: Hyry‐Beihammer Eeva Kaisa , Jokikokko Katri , Uitto Minna
Published: July 2019

This article addresses emotions involved in encountering classroom diversity as appearing in beginning teachers’ stories. Previous research has pointed out that teachers’ emotions related to growing classroom diversity are seldom addressed, although increasing classroom diversity has been distinguished as a significant emotional challenge for teachers. In this article, teachers’ work is viewed as relational and moral work, in which emotions are inherently present. We conceptualise emotions as simultaneously social and individual. Instead of predefining the term ‘diversity’, we are interested in what kind of classroom diversity seems to become meaningful in teachers’ stories. The data consists of narrative interviews with seven Finnish beginning teachers. The findings illustrate how, in beginning teachers’ stories, students are both categorised and approached as unique individuals. Furthermore, the findings show diverse ways that emotions are present in teachers’ stories about classroom diversity, and how the working community also affects teachers’ emotions. We argue that teachers’ stories related to emotions and classroom diversity can be interpreted as moral negotiations, in which teachers’ own values and ideas of teaching are challenged. The findings of this article may add understanding of teacher–student relationships in diverse classrooms, and are also significant for teacher educators and teacher education programmes.
Dynamic modeling of syngas fermentation in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor: Multi‐response parameter estimation and process optimization
Authors: de Medeiros Elisa M. , Posada John A. , Noorman Henk , Filho Rubens Maciel
Published: July 2019

Syngas fermentation is one of the bets for the future sustainable biobased economies due to its potential as an intermediate step in the conversion of waste carbon to ethanol fuel and other chemicals. Integrated with gasification and suitable downstream processing, it may constitute an efficient and competitive route for the valorization of various waste materials, especially if systems engineering principles are employed targeting process optimization. In this study, a dynamic multi‐response model is presented for syngas fermentation with acetogenic bacteria in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor, accounting for gas–liquid mass transfer, substrate (CO, H2) uptake, biomass growth and death, acetic acid reassimilation, and product selectivity. The unknown parameters were estimated from literature data using the maximum likelihood principle with a multi‐response nonlinear modeling framework and metaheuristic optimization, and model adequacy was verified with statistical analysis via generation of confidence intervals as well as parameter significance tests. The model was then used to study the effects of process conditions (gas composition, dilution rate, gas flow rates, and cell recycle) as well as the sensitivity of kinetic parameters, and multiobjective genetic algorithm was used to maximize ethanol productivity and CO conversion. It was observed that these two objectives were clearly conflicting when CO‐rich gas was used, but increasing the content of H2 favored higher productivities while maintaining 100% CO conversion. The maximum productivity predicted with full conversion was 2 g·L−1·hr−1 with a feed gas composition of 54% CO and 46% H2 and a dilution rate of 0.06 hr−1 with roughly 90% of cell recycle.
Cytoplasmic conductivity as a marker for bioprocess monitoring: Study of Chinese hamster ovary cells under nutrient deprivation and reintroduction
Authors: Fazelkhah Azita , Afshar Samaneh , Braasch Katrin , Butler Michael , Salimi Elham , Bridges Greg , Thomson Douglas
Published: July 2019

The ability to monitor the status of cells during nutrient limitation is important for optimizing bioprocess growth conditions in batch and fed‐batch cultures. The activity level of Na+/K+ ATPase pumps and cytoplasm ionic concentrations are directly influenced by the nutrient level, and thus, cytoplasm conductivity can be used as a markerless indicator of cell status. In this work, we monitored the change in cytoplasm conductivity of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells during nutrient deprivation and reintroduction. Employing single cell dielectrophoresis, the change in cytoplasm conductivity was measured over a 48‐hr period. The conditions under which the cytoplasm conductivity would recover to a normal level after nutrient reintroduction was determined. In addition, numerical simulations of cell ion flux, for different levels of Na+/K+ ATPase pump inhibition, were used to predict the minimum conductivity expected for nutrient‐deprived CHO cells. This predicted value is close to the minimum observed experimental cytoplasm conductivity for CHO cells that maintain the ability to restore the cytoplasm conductivity to the normal viable levels when nutrients are reintroduced. The recovery of starved cells was verified by reintroducing them to nutrient for 36 hr and measuring their proliferation using trypan blue exclusion assay. We conclude that cytoplasm conductivity can be used as a marker to indicate whether cells are in a recoverable state, such that the reintroduction of nutrients results in cells returning to a normal healthy state.
The role of chaperone‐mediated autophagy in neurotoxicity induced by alpha‐synuclein after methamphetamine exposure
Authors: Sun Leping , Lian Yongling , Ding Jiuyang , Meng Yunle , Li Chen , Chen Ling , Qiu Pingming
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) is an autophagy–lysosome pathway (ALP) that is different from the other two lysosomal pathways, namely, macroautophagy and microautophagy, and can selectively degrade cytosolic proteins in lysosomes without vesicle formation. CMA activity declines in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, and similar neurotoxicity can occur after methamphetamine (METH) treatment. The relationship between CMA and METH‐induced neurotoxicity is not clear.

Methods

We detected changes in the chaperone protein Hsc70 and the lysosomal surface receptor Lamp‐2a after METH treatment and then regulated these two proteins by small interfering RNA and DNA plasmid transfection to investigate how CMA influences METH‐induced neurotoxicity.

Results

We found that CMA activity is decreased after METH exposure in neurons and downregulated Lamp‐2a can aggravate the neurotoxicity induced by α‐Syn after METH exposure and that Hsc70 overexpression can relieve the abnormal levels of alpha‐synuclein and its aggregate forms and the increase in cell apoptosis induced by METH.

Conclusions

The results provide in vivo evidence for CMA plays a pivotal role in METH‐induced neurotoxicity, and upregulation of Hsc70 expression significantly protects neuronal cells against METH‐induced toxicity. This research may pave the way for potential therapeutic approaches targeting CMA for METH abuse and neurodegenerative disorders.
Comparing model‐based cerebrovascular physiomarkers with DTI biomarkers in MCI patients
Authors: Marmarelis Vasilis Z. , Shin Dae C. , Tarumi Takashi , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2019

Objective

To compare the novel model‐based hemodynamic physiomarker of Dynamic Vasomotor Reactivity (DVR) with biomarkers based on Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and some widely used neurocognitive scores in terms of their ability to delineate patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from age‐matched cognitively normal controls.

Materials & Methods

The model‐based DVR and MRI‐based DTI markers were obtained from 36 patients with amnestic MCI and 16 age‐matched controls without cognitive impairment, for whom widely used neurocognitive scores were available. These markers and scores were subsequently compared in terms of statistical delineation between patients and controls.

Results

It was found that statistically significant delineation between MCI patients and controls was comparable for DVR or DTI markers (p < 0.01). The performance of both types of markers was consistent with the scores of some (but not all) widely used neurocognitive tests.

Conclusion

Since DTI offers a measure of cerebral white matter integrity, the results suggest that the model‐based hemodynamic marker of DVR may correlate with cognitive impairment due to white matter lesions. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that dysregulation of cerebral microcirculation may be an early cause of cognitive impairment, which has been recently corroborated by several studies.
Lysine Ethylation by Histone Lysine Methyltransferases
Authors: Al Temimi Abbas H. K. , Martin Michael , Meng Qingxi , Lenstra Danny C. , Qian Ping , Guo Hong , Weinhold Elmar , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: July 2019

Biomedicinally important histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) cosubstrate to lysine residues in histones and other proteins. Herein, experimental and computational investigations on human KMT‐catalyzed ethylation of histone peptides by using S‐adenosylethionine (AdoEth) and Se‐adenosylselenoethionine (AdoSeEth) cosubstrates are reported. MALDI‐TOF MS experiments reveal that, unlike monomethyltransferases SETD7 and SETD8, methyltransferases G9a and G9a‐like protein (GLP) do have the capacity to ethylate lysine residues in histone peptides, and that cosubstrates follow the efficiency trend AdoMet>AdoSeEth>AdoEth. G9a and GLP can also catalyze AdoSeEth‐mediated ethylation of ornithine and produce histone peptides bearing lysine residues with different alkyl groups, such as H3K9meet and H3K9me2et. Molecular dynamics and free energy simulations based on quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics potential supported the experimental findings by providing an insight into the geometry and energetics of the enzymatic methyl/ethyl transfer process.
Hydropneumothorax as a complication of necrotizing pneumonia in a young girl
Authors: Miller Jamison Cole , Boyce Thomas George
Published: July 2019

Bronchopleural fistula with subsequent hydropneumothorax is an important complication of necrotizing pneumonia. Chest X‐ray is an excellent diagnostic tool which can suggest hydropneumothorax. When present, this requires admission for drainage. If discharged after necrotizing pneumonia, follow‐up should include a chest X‐ray to rule out this complication.
Learning spectral normalized adversarial systems with stacked structure for high‐quality 3D object generation
Authors: Zhang Haoxu , Qiu Chenchen , Wang Chao , Wei Bin , Yu Zhibin , Zheng Haiyong , Li Juan
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a new method for generating 3D objects based on generative adversarial networks (GANs). Recently, GANs have been used in 3D object generation, but it is still very challenging to generate high‐quality 3D objects because of the complex data distribution over 3D objects. In this paper, we propose a system based on GAN that makes the generated objects more realistic. We use multiple generators and discriminators to enhance the ability of the model for learning complex distributions. Such a stacked structure can be considered as a coarse‐to‐fine or low‐to‐high–resolution mechanism. We employ the spectral normalization technology to control the Lipschitz constant of the discriminators by literally constraining the spectral norm of each layer to get a more stable training process. In this way, the proposed model can generate realistic and high‐quality 3D objects. Moreover, our system can also recover incomplete 3D objects into complete 3D objects. Experiments demonstrate that our model performs better in the quality of the generated objects than the baselines.
Review: Toward management of urban ponds for freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Oertli Beat , Parris Kirsten M.
Published: July 2019

Many cities around the world are expanding and this trend in urbanization is expected to sharply increase over coming decades. At the same time, the integration of green and blue spaces is widely promoted in urban development, potentially offering numerous benefits for biodiversity. This is particularly relevant for urban waterbodies, a type of ecosystem present in most cities. However, site managers often lack the knowledge base to promote biodiversity in these waterbodies, which are generally created to provide other ecosystem services. To address this, our review presents guidelines for promoting biodiversity in urban ponds. We found a total of 516 publications indexed in ISI Web of Sciences related to this topic, of which 279 were retained for the purposes of our review. The biodiversity of urban ponds, measured by species richness, appears to be generally lower than in rural ponds; however, urban ponds often support threatened species. Furthermore, if well managed, urban ponds have the potential to support a much greater biodiversity than they currently do. Indeed, this review shows that a range of urban factors can impair or promote pond biodiversity, including many that can easily be controlled by site managers. Local factors include design (surface area, pond depth, banks and margins, shade, shoreline irregularity), water quality (conductivity, nutrients, heavy metals), and hydroperiod and biotic characteristics (stands of vegetation, fish, invasive species). Important regional factors include several indicators of urbanization (roads, buildings, density of population, impervious surfaces, car traffic), and the presence of other wetlands or green spaces in the surrounding landscape. We considered each of these factors and their potential impact on freshwater biodiversity. Taking into account the management measures listed in the publications reviewed, we have proposed a framework for the management of urban ponds, with guidelines to promote biodiversity and other ecosystem services, and to avoid ecosystem disservices or the creation of ecological traps. At the city scale, the biodiversity of a pondscape benefits from a high diversity of pond types, differing in their environmental characteristics and management.
Enhancing epi‐cedrol production in Escherichia coli by fusion expression of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase and epi‐cedrol synthase
Authors: Navale Govinda R. , Sharma Poojadevi , Said Madhukar S. , Ramkumar Sudha , Dharne Mahesh S. , Thulasiram H. V. , Shinde Sandip S.
Published: July 2019

Terpene synthase catalyses acyclic diphosphate farnesyl diphosphate into desired sesquiterpenes. In this study, a fusion enzyme was constructed by linking Santalum album farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (SaFPPS) individually with terpene synthase and Artemisia annua Epi‐cedrol synthase (AaECS). The stop codon at the N‐terminus of SaFPPS was removed and replaced by a short peptide (GSGGS) to introduce a linker between the two open reading frames. This fusion clone was expressed in Escherichia coli Rosseta DE3 cells. The fusion enzyme FPPS‐ECS produced sesquiterpene 8‐epi‐cedrol from substrates isopentenyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate through sequential reactions. The Km values for FPPS‐ECS for isopentyl diphosphate was 4.71 µM. The fusion enzyme carried out the efficient conversion of IPP to epi‐cedrol, in comparison to single enzymes SaFPPS and AaECS when combined together in enzyme assay over time. Further, the recombinant E. coli BL21 strain harbouring fusion plasmid successfully produced epi‐cedrol in fermentation medium. The strain having fusion plasmid (pET32a‐FPPS‐ECS) produced 1.084 ± 0.09 mg/L epi‐cedrol, while the strain harbouring mixed plasmid (pRSETB‐FPPS and pET28a‐ECS) showed 1.002 ± 0.07 mg/L titre in fermentation medium by overexpression and MEP pathway utilization. Structural analysis was done by I‐TASSER server and docking was done by AutoDock Vina software, which suggested that secondary structure of the N‐ C terminal domain and their relative positions to functional domains of the fusion enzyme was greatly significant to the catalytic properties of the fusion enzymatic complex than individual enzymes.
Statistical approaches for initial access in mmWave 5G systems
Authors: Parada Raúl , Soleimani Hossein , Moretto Federico , Tomasin Stefano , Zorzi Michele
Published: July 2019

When a new user enters a cell in a mmWave cellular system, the beamforming directions must be identified to initiate communication, a procedure known as initial access (IA). However, users are more likely to enter from some directions than others (eg, along streets), and beamforming directions (eg, those affected by blockage) may never be used. We exploit the unequal distribution of the entrance direction to speed up the IA procedure, exploring more often the directions wherein the probability of finding new users is higher. Two solutions are proposed: a memory‐less random illumination (MLRI) algorithm and a statistical and memory‐based illumination (SMBI) algorithm. While in MLRI, the direction to be explored is randomly generated according to an optimized distribution, and independent of previously explored directions, in SMBI a precise exploration sequence is designed, thus we take into account previously explored directions. In the analysis, we include the movement of the user within the cell during the IA process, described by a Markov chain whose states correspond to the beamforming directions associated to the user position at a given IA exploration time. We assess the performance of the proposed methods in terms of average discovery time.
The gravity database for Belgium
Authors: Verbeurgt Jeffrey , Van Camp Michel , Stal Cornelis , Camelbeeck Thierry , De Sloover Lars , Poppe Hans , Declercq Pierre‐Yves , Voet Pierre , Constales Denis , Troch Peter , De Maeyer Philippe , De Wulf Alain
Published: July 2019

Data and metadata products based on intensive terrestrial gravity measurements covering the Belgian territory have been established compliant to the new ISO19115‐1 profile for gravity‐related data. A short historical introduction on gravity measurements on the Belgian territory is presented, starting with the first gravity measurement in 1892. This paper focuses on gravity data acquired after 1971, which marks the adoption of IGSN71 as a reference for the world network by the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). Next to a complete dataset containing all Belgian gravity data, the available gravity data were reduced to the corresponding measurement campaign, enabling determination of specific metadata (e.g. used gravimeter, tide system parameters, time of acquisition, etc.). New gravity and spirit levelling measurements were executed by the Royal Observatory Belgium and the National Geographic Institute (Federal Mapping Agency) to validate the g‐value at the historical reference base station ‘Carte du Ciel’ in Brussels. Taking into account the instrumental errors and the varying ground water content, the retrieved data are validated and approved for use in further research.
Is It Safe to Paint Your Wall White? A Case Study on Titanium Dioxide Classification
Authors: Kähkönen E Elina
Published: July 2019

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is in the process of being classified as a suspected carcinogenic substance (Carc 2). The present case study probes the outcomes of this potential classification in terms of the reduction of hazardous exposure to TiO2 due to its classification. Furthermore, the case study examines the elements that are causing ambiguity during the classification process. This study was conducted by walking through the process from the present exposure to TiO2 to the hazard assessment associated with TiO2 exposure, to the regulatory classification process, and to practical outcomes affecting TiO2 usage. Finally, the impact of the classification on exposure, which was originally considered potentially hazardous, is evaluated. The case study shows that TiO2 classification as a carcinogen will not directly reduce respiratory exposure to TiO2, which was the original reason for the classification. Instead, the classification will lead to restrictions on recycling. Moreover, the classification will have an impact on certain solid artifacts and liquid mixtures for which hazardous exposure was not detected. Altogether, the present case raises questions concerning hazard communications associated with the Carc 2 classification; treatment of poorly soluble low toxicity (PSLT) particles and nanoparticles in the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) classifications; and use of human exposure studies for the purposes of chemical regulations. Based on the present study, the following recommendations are made: the final decision on the TiO2 classification should be reconsidered together with those of other PSLT particles and take into account extensive developments in the field of nanoscience. Furthermore, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) should develop state-of-the-art guidance on how to use the available human exposure data. Finally, the authorities that are in charge of European Union chemicals management are advised to further develop the regulatory network to utilize the information generated in REACH processes as efficiently as possible and to verify that the connections between the regulations result in the intended outcome. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC
Biochemical regulation and structural analysis of copper‐transporting ATPase in a human hepatoma cell line for Wilson disease
Authors: Agnihotry Shikha , Dhusia Kalyani , Srivastav Ajeet K. , Upadhyay Jaya , Verma Vinod , Shukla Pradeep K. , Ramteke Pramod W. , Gautam Budhayash
Published: July 2019

Hepatic copper levels differ among patients with Wilson disease (WD) and normal individuals depending on the dietary intake, copper bioavailability, and genetic factors. Copper chloride (CuCl2) caused dose‐dependent reduction in cell viability of human teratocarcinoma (HepG2) cell line, measured using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of CuCl2 in log doses and maximum cell viability reduction was recorded at 15 µg/mL. Toxic dose of CuCl2 is potent inducer of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apoptosis as a pattern of cell death was confirmed through sub‐G1 fraction and morphological changes such as mitochondrial depolarization, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomal destabilization, phosphatidylserine translocation, and DNA damage. Our transcriptional and translational results strongly support apoptotic cell death. Using the available data present in dbSNP and bioinformatics tools, three nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) were identified as deleterious, reducing the stability of protein ATP7B. Structural analysis of native and mutant ATP7B proteins was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) approach. Mutation in ATP7B gene might disturb the structural conformation and catalytic function of the ATP7B protein may be inducing WD. Hence, excess dietary intake of copper chloride must be avoided for safety of health to prevent from WD.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 protects against pathological cardiac remodeling by modulating galectin‐3 expression
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Jin Liying , Bai Yang , Wang Lei , Zhao Song , Ma Chunye , Ma Dashi
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a protective role in ischemia/reperfusion induced cardiac injury. However, the exact molecular mechanism of FGF21 action remains unclear. This study was designed the protective effect of FGF21 on the heart and its mechanism.

Method: Adenovirus vector expressing FGF21 or control β‐galactosidase was injected into the myocardium of mice. Myocardial injury was observed by tissue staining and immunohistochemical staining. The expression level of caspases‐3 and galectin‐3 in myocardial cells were observed by immunoblotting. Then, hypoxia‐induced cell model was established. Small interfering RNA (SiRNA) and plasmid were transfected into H9c2 using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent (Invitrogen). The expression levels of galectin‐3, ECM and cystatin‐3 in cells were observed by immunoblotting, and the relationship between fibroblast growth factor 21 and galectin‐3 was analyzed.

Result: Cell test in vitro showed that FGF21 could inhibit apoptosis and decrease the expression of ECM (ColIaI, fibronectin, and alpha‐SMA) under hypoxia. Western blot data showed that hypoxia‐induced cell damage increased galectin‐3 levels, while FGF21 decreased galactose lectin‐3 levels. In addition, inhibition of galactose agglutinin‐3 expression by siRNA enhanced the cardioprotective effect of FGF21, while overexpression of galectin‐3 reduced the cardioprotective effect of fibroblast growth factor 21.

Conclusion: FGF21 may be a novel therapy for hypoxia‐induced cardiac injury by regulating the expression of galectin‐3.
Whose anxiety are we treating, anyway?
Authors: Nehrig Nicole , Prout Tracy A. , Aafjes‐van Doorn Katie
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This paper explores the ways empirically supported treatments (ESTs) help patients, therapists, and institutional administrators contain anxiety regarding complex human problems.

Method

The authors synthesized relevant literature with their experience as clinicians and psychotherapy researchers.

Results

ESTs may manage patient anxieties by framing their symptoms in clearly stated mechanisms and relying on a therapist who is an “expert” capable of healing them quickly. ESTs allow therapists to streamline treatment decisions and minimize intersubjective aspects of treatment which reduces the complexity of therapy. ESTs assist institutional administrators in the top–down dissemination of treatments and limit concerns about malpractice and insurance reimbursement by providing assurance that interventions have been vetted.

Conclusions

While recognizing the benefits of ESTs, relying on ESTs to manage anxieties may diminish the importance of patient factors and clinical judgment, the other critical aspects of evidence‐based practice, and thus limit the potential of clinical practice to reduce human distress.
Heavy metal phytoremediation of a poplar clone in a contaminated soil in southern Italy
Authors: Ancona Valeria , Caracciolo Anna Barra , Campanale Claudia , Rascio Ida , Grenni Paola , Di Lenola Martina , Bagnuolo Giuseppe , Uricchio Vito Felice
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The Monviso clone previously tested successfully to remediate a lindane‐contaminated soil in central Italy was then applied in a historically heavy metal contaminated area in southern Italy.

RESULTS

The results obtained at 900 days from the poplar planting showed a strong decrease below Italian national legal limits (D.Lgs 152/06) for most heavy metals (HMs). The highest reduction of HM concentrations was observed in soil samples collected near the trunk (25 cm distant from poplar) and in the rhizosphere. The values of the HM bioaccumulation factor (BAF, considering roots and leaves) and of the translocation factor (TF) suggest that poplar trees were able to phytostabilize HMs. The soil organic carbon content increased compared to the previous sampling in all plots planted. The highest values were observed for the rhizosphere soils of each target tree, while the phosphorous available strongly decreased. Microbial results showed an overall increase in cell viability, dehydrogenase activity and microbial abundance of some bacterial groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall results showed that the poplar‐based phytoremediation strategy was able to promote the phytostabilization of the HMs and to improve the soil quality in terms of both organic carbon content and microbial community structure and activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Exacerbation of autoimmune uveitis by obesity occurs through the melanocortin 5 receptor
Authors: Muhammad Fauziyya Y , Peters Kayleigh , Wang Dawei , Lee Darren J
Published: July 2019

Autoimmune uveitis is a leading cause of blindness with a complex etiology. Obesity is considered a chronic disease with a connection with autoimmune diseases through systemic inflammation. However, an obesity and autoimmune disease connection is not consistently true in rodent models of autoimmune disease. A mouse model of human autoimmune uveitis, experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) has been used to better understand the immunobiology of uveitis. In this study, we assessed EAU in a high-fat diet (HFD) obesity model and found that the EAU severity is significantly higher in wild-type mice, but not in HFD melanocortin 5 receptor deficient mice. We find a decrease in CD11b+F4/80+Ly-6CloLy-6G+ Mϕs, previously shown to be suppressive, and an enhancement of a Th1 response at the onset of EAU in obese mice. We further demonstrate that at recovery of EAU, obese mice lack regulatory immunity that provides protection from EAU. This report demonstrates that obesity exacerbates autoimmune uveitis and inhibits the promotion of post-EAU regulatory immunity through the melanocortin 5 receptor. The implication of this work is that obesity may contribute to the prevalence of autoimmune uveitis.
Estimated kidney function in children and young adults with spina bifida: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chu David I. , Balmert Lauren C. , Arkin Cameron M. , Meyer Theresa , Rosoklija Ilina , Li Belinda , Hodgkins Kavita S. , Furth Susan L. , Cheng Earl Y. , Yerkes Elizabeth B. , Isakova Tamara
Published: July 2019

Aims

Current estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations may be inaccurate in patients with spina bifida (SB) because of reduced muscle mass and stature. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal variability of eGFR were analyzed in these patients across multiple equations, hypothesizing greater variability in creatinine‐based than cystatin‐C (Cys‐C)‐based equations.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included children (age, 1‐17.9 years) and adults (≥18 years) with SB from 2002‐2017 at a large SB clinic. Those without all data needed to calculate eGFR were excluded. Four pediatric and three adult eGFR equations were compared for cross‐sectional outcomes of eGFR and elevated office blood pressures using chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage classification, and for longitudinal outcome of eGFR slope over time using covariance pattern models accounting for repeated measures.

Results

One hundred and eighty two children and 75 adults had greater than or equal to 1 set of data measurements; 118 and 52, respectively, had greater than or equal to 2 sets. The pediatric bedside Schwartz equation had the highest median eGFR and coefficient of variation. CKD stage classification by eGFR showed large differences across equations in children, with rates of eGFR < 60 and <90 ml/min/1.73 m2 ranging from 2%‐9% and 5%‐69%, respectively. Only one equation showed a significant inverse association between eGFR and blood pressure. Longitudinally, eGFR slopes over time were different across pediatric equations (P < .001) but not adult equations. The bedside Schwartz equation had a positive eGFR slope; the other Cys‐C‐containing equations had negative slopes.

Conclusions

Creatinine‐based equations in children with SB vary considerably from cystatin‐C‐containing equations in calculating both single point‐in‐time eGFR values and eGFR trends over time.
Possible association between photic sneeze syndrome and migraine and psychological distress
Authors: Sasayama Daimei , Asano Shinya , Nogawa Shun , Takahashi Shoko , Saito Kenji , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Background

Photic sneeze syndrome (PSS) is a condition that causes sneezing when the eye is exposed to sudden bright light. Because alterations in the parasympathetic and trigeminal nerve systems have been implicated in PSS, and such systems are involved in migraine and stress‐related disorders, we examined the possible associations of PSS with migraine and psychological distress.

Methods

The presence of PSS and migraine was examined in 11 840 participants from the general population using a self‐report questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed by the 6‐item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).

Results

The overall prevalence of PSS was 3.1%. Individuals with PSS were more likely to suffer from migraine (odds ratio = 1.97, P = 2.18 × 10–9), clinically relevant psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 5: odds ratio = 1.40, P = 0.00143), and severe psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 13: odds ratio = 1.49, P = 0.0486). Overall, K6 scores were significantly higher in those with PSS than in those without (P = 0.000013). Analysis controlling for sex and the presence of migraine showed that PSS was associated with higher K6 scores irrespective of sex or the presence of migraine.

Conclusions

The low prevalence of PSS identified in the present study may be due to the inadequate ability of the self‐report questionnaire to identify PSS. Despite such limitation, the present study suggests that individuals with PSS are more likely to suffer from migraine and psychological distress than those without PSS. PSS may be a potential target for the research of migraine and stress‐related disorders.
Violence in European medieval monasteries: Skeletal trauma in Teplá monastery (Czech Republic)
Authors: Pankowská Anna , Galeta Patrik , Uhlík Spěváčková Petra , Nováček Karel
Published: July 2019

Medieval monasteries often went beyond their religious mission and developed into economic, social, and educational centres. These were not spared from violent attack on the part of the gentry. The defence of such monasteries is, however, a poorly investigated area in bioarchaeological studies. A recently excavated skeletal sample found in front of the western gate of the Abbey Church at the Teplá monastery (Czech Republic) dated between the 13th and 15th century AD provides us a unique opportunity to fill this gap. The analysis of skeletal trauma reveals that 13 out of 30 individuals exhibited trauma, of which 69% were confidently related to violence. All individuals with injuries were males, and half of them were younger than 30 years of age. The presence of ante‐mortem injuries indicates that males likely had previous combat experience, were successfully treated, and their bodies were buried with respect and care. The most probable explanation of our findings is that the individuals were a group of clients who were tasked with the defence of the Teplá monastery. Other, less likely explanations assume that individuals were laity, monastery benefactors, and/or canons killed during several different violent attacks directed at the monastery.
Validation of mother‐infant linkage using Medicaid Case ID variable within the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) database
Authors: Knox Caitlin A. , Hampp Christian , Palmsten Kristin , Zhu Yanmin , Setoguchi Soko , Brumback Babette , Segal Richard , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The state‐assigned Case ID number in the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) allows for potential linkage of mothers to infants. No validation of respective linkage algorithms is available. We established and validated an algorithm within MAX that links mothers to infants and to identify factors influencing successful mother‐infant linkage.

Methods

We identified all mother‐infant pairs in FL and TX birth certificates records (BCR) that could be linked individually to MAX records (1999‐2005 for FL and 1999‐2010 for TX) based on Social Security Number (gold standard pairs). Case ID linkage performance was evaluated as the proportion of gold standard mother‐infant pairs that were identified by the algorithm (sensitivity) and the proportion of algorithm defined mother‐infant pairs that were correctly linked. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the probability for successful Case ID algorithm linkage versus non‐linkage using maternal and infant characteristics.

Results

We identified 323,160 gold standard pairs in FL BCR and MAX and 1,025,350 in TX BCR and MAX. Depending on Medicaid enrollment the algorithm sensitivity ranged from 85.51% to 87.96% in FL and 19.60% to 35.75% in TX. In both states, positive predictive value exceeded 99%, regardless of enrollment periods. Determinants for successful linkage varied across states, but suggested better results for younger mothers, minority women, and those with lower educational achievement.

Conclusions

Our algorithm can correctly link liveborn infants to their mothers. The algorithm's sensitivity in identifying pairs varied across states, but PPV was consistently high. Linkage performance was associated with certain characteristics that may affect representativeness of successfully linked pairs.
Direct liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry of cell wall lipids from mycobacteria: Salt additives for decreased spectral complexity
Authors: Conner Alexander N. , Jarvis Jessie R. , Alderwick Luke J. , Griffiths Rian L.
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Lipids are important mycobacterium cell wall constituents; changes are linked with drug resistance. Liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) enables direct sampling in a highly sensitive manner. Here we describe protocols for the analysis of lipids from bacterial colonies. Lipids form various adducts, complicating spectra. Salt additives were investigated to circumvent this problem.

Methods

Chloroform:methanol mixtures were studied for lipid extraction and analysis by LESA‐MS. The inclusion of (ESI‐compatible) acetate salts of sodium, potassium or lithium in the extraction solvent was investigated.

Results

We report the detection of bacterial cell wall lipids from mycobacterial species using LESA for the first time. Sampling protocols were optimised for the use of volatile extraction solvents. The inclusion of acetate salt additives in the sampling solvent significantly reduces spectral complexity in comparison with no additives being used.

Conclusions

LESA offers a sensitive technique for bacterial lipid phenotyping. The inclusion of an acetate salt in the sampling solvent drives adduct formation towards a specific adduct type and thus significantly reduces spectral complexity.
Molecular Engineering of the Fullerene‐Based Electron Transport Layer Materials for Improving Ambient Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Elnaggar Mohamed , Elshobaki Moneim , Mumyatov Alexander , Luchkin Sergey Yu. , Dremova Nadezhda N. , Stevenson Keith J. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: July 2019

It is known that the operation lifetime of perovskite solar cells can be extended by orders of magnitude if properly selected hole‐transport and electron transport layers provide good isolation for the perovskite absorber preventing evaporation of volatile species (e.g., photoinduced) from the active layer and blocking the diffusion of aggressive moisture and oxygen from the surrounding environment. Herein, a systematic study of a family of structurally similar fullerene derivatives as electron transport layer (ETL) materials for p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells is presented. It is shown that even minor modifications of the molecular structure of the fullerene derivatives have a strong impact on their electrical performance and, particularly, ambient stability of the devices. Indeed, an optimally functionalized fullerene derivative applied as an ETL enables stable operation of perovskite solar cells when exposed to air for >800 h, which is manifested in retention of 90% of the original photovoltaic performance. In contrast, the reference devices with phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester as the ETL degraded almost completely within less than 100 h of air exposure. Most probably, the side chains of the best‐performing fullerene ETL materials are filling the gaps between the carbon spheres, thus preventing the diffusion of oxygen and moisture inside the device.
Bismuth Telluride Interlayer for All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Fu Lin , Nie Yingjian , Li Bo , Li Ning , Cao Bingqiang , Yin Longwei
Published: July 2019

To solve the thermal instability issue of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been featured in the spotlight. However, their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are far from satisfactory due to the substantially radiative and nonradiative recombination of charge carriers in the common‐structured devices. Herein, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanoplates are designed as an interlayer between cesium lead halide (CsPbBrI2) and 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,90‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) to reduce the notorious trap states and charge recombination. Confirmed by systematic electrochemical and photoelectrical techniques, the Bi2Te3 interlayer optimizes hole extraction and transport efficiency because of the matched band level structure and drastically reduces trap defect densities. Prolonged effective lifetime and shorter diffusion time induced by the Bi2Te3 interlayer reveal less electron–hole recombination and more efficient carrier transport, which lead to a larger photocurrent and less open circuit voltage loss of PSCs. The all‐inorganic PSCs with the optimal Bi2Te3 interlayer exhibit a highly enhanced PCE of 11.96%. Moreover, Bi2Te3 also acts as a blocking layer for the migration of iodide ions, silver, and moisture, resulting in a considerable device stability of more than 70% of initial PCE after 50 days without extra encapsulation. This low‐cost and facile method for efficient and stable all‐inorganic PSCs offers great promise as a next‐generation renewable energy source.