bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term weather, streamflow, and water chemistry datasets for hydrological modelling applications at the upper La Salle River watershed in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Cordeiro Marcos R. C. , Vanrobaeys Jason A. , Wilson Henry F.
Published: April 2019

Long‐term weather (1990–2013), streamflow (1990–2013; excluding 7 years with no or poor data), and water chemistry (2009–2013) datasets for hydrological modelling applications were developed using simple methods for the upper La Salle River watershed, in Canada, to address the lack of such datasets in the northern Red River Basin. Weather variables consist of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and precipitation disaggregated to an hourly time‐step. The only hydrometric variable included in the dataset is stream discharge in a daily time‐step. Water chemistry data consisted of total nitrogen (TN), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total phosphorus (TP), and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP). Samples were collected weekly during the open water season at the same site as the hydrometric gauging station from August 2009 to October 2012 with some gaps (i.e. Fall 2011, Spring 2012, September 2012). In 2013 the sampling frequency was increased to daily or sub‐daily during high stream discharge and weekly during low stream discharge. A data overview indicates values within ranges reported for the area. Mean annual, winter, and summer temperatures were 3.5, −10.7, and 17.2°C, respectively. Annual relative humidity averaged 73.1% but was higher and more homogenous in cold seasons. Wind speed was similar over the year with annual average of 4.3 m/s. Solar radiation followed the typical curve reported for western Canada, with peak daily average values around 250 W/m2 in July. Precipitation records were mostly comprised of dry hours with 75.3% of the events being equal or less than 2 mm/h. Stream discharge was typical of the Canadian Prairies; the average peak discharge over the entire period was larger in April (2.3 m3/s) due to large amounts of snowmelt runoff. Average concentrations of TN, TDN, TP, and TDP of 1.54, 1.35, 0.56, and 0.49 mg/L, respectively, were in agreement with values found in previous studies at the site.

Open Practices

This article has earned an Open Data badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.23684/odi-2017-00957. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Deliberate self‐harm in older adults: A national analysis of US emergency department visits and follow‐up care
Authors: Schmutte Timothy , Olfson Mark , Xie Ming , Marcus Steven C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To examine mental health care received by older adults following emergency department (ED) visits for deliberate self‐harm.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis examined 2015 Medicare claims for adults ≥65 years of age with ED visits for deliberate self‐harm (N = 16 495). We estimated adjusted risk ratios (ARR) for discharge disposition, ED coding of mental disorder, and 30‐day follow‐up mental health outpatient care.

Results

Most patients (76.9%) were hospitalized with lower likelihoods observed for African American patients (ARR = 0.86, 99% CI = 0.79‐0.94) and patients with either one medical comorbidity (ARR = 0.91, 99% CI = 0.83‐0.99) or two to three comorbidities (ARR = 0.93, 99% CI = 0.88‐0.99). Hospitalization was associated with recent depression (ARR = 1.09, 99% CI = 1.03‐1.16) and recent psychiatric inpatient care (ARR = 1.13, 99% CI = 1.04‐1.22). Among patients discharged to the community (n = 3818), 56.4% received an ED mental disorder diagnosis. Predictors of an ED mental disorder diagnosis included younger age (65‐69 years; ARR = 1.53, 99% CI = 1.31‐1.78), recent mental health care in ED (ARR = 1.50, 99% CI = 1.29‐1.74) or outpatient (ARR = 1.62, 99% CI = 1.44‐1.82) settings, recent diagnosis of mental disorder (ARR = 1.61, 99% CI = 1.43‐1.80), and other/unknown lethality methods of self‐harm (ARR = 1.24, 99% CI = 1.01‐1.52). Among community discharged patients, 39.0% received 30‐day follow‐up outpatient mental health care, which was most strongly predicted by an ED diagnosis of mental disorder (ARR = 2.65, 99% CI = 2.25‐3.12) and prior outpatient mental health care (ARR = 2.62, 99% CI = 2.28‐3.00).

Conclusion

Most older adult Medicare beneficiaries who present to EDs with self‐harm are hospitalized. Of those who are discharged to the community, many are not diagnosed with mental disorder in the ED or receive timely follow‐up mental health care.
Adenomatous polyposis coli as a predictor of environmental chemical‐induced transgenerational effects related to male infertility
Authors: Yuan Beilei , Wu Wei , Zhang Huazhong , Gu Hao , Guo Dan , Jiang Juncheng , Wang Xinru
Published: April 2019

Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals during pregnancy is a ubiquitous threat to health with potentially transgenerational consequences. However, the underlying mechanism of how transgenerational effects occur as part of environmental chemical exposure are not well understood. We investigated the potential molecular changes associated with dibutyl phthalate exposure that induced transgenerational effects, using a rat model. Through the analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we found some similar studies of environmental exposure induced transgenerational effects. Then, we analyzed one of the studies and our results to identify the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. This gene participated the most of the pathways and was upregulated in both studies. We used the miRWALK data set to predict the microRNAs which targeted the APC gene. We confirmed the miR‐30 family were significantly downregulated in F3 testis tissues and targeted the APC gene. In conclusion, the miR‐30 family/APC interaction is a potential mechanism for the transgenerational effects induced by the environmental chemical.
Involvement of NEAT1/miR‐133a axis in promoting cervical cancer progression via targeting SOX4
Authors: Yuan Li‐Yun , Zhou Min , Lv Huabing , Qin Xiaomin , Zhou Jinting , Mao Xiaogang , Li Xianxian , Xu Ying , Liu Yun , Xing Hui
Published: April 2019

NEAT1 is an important tumor oncogenic gene in various tumors. Nevertheless, its involvement remains poorly studied in cervical cancer. Our study explored the functional mechanism of NEAT1 in cervical cancer. NEAT1 level in several cervical cancer cells was quantified and we found NEAT1 was greatly upregulated in vitro. NEAT1 knockdown inhibited cervical cancer development through repressing cell proliferation, colony formation, capacity of migration, and invasion and also inducing the apoptosis. For another, microRNA (miR)‐133a was downregulated in cervical cancer cells and NEAT1 negatively modulated miR‐133a expression. Subsequently, we validated that miR‐133a functioned as a potential target of NEAT1. Meanwhile, SOX4 is abnormally expressed in various cancers. SOX4 was able to act as a downstream target of miR‐133a and silencing of SOX4 can restrain cervical cancer progression. In addition, in vivo assays were conducted to prove the role of NEAT1/miR‐133a/SOX4 axis in cervical cancer. These findings implied that NEAT1 served as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR‐133a and regulate SOX4 in cervical cancer pathogenesis. To sum up, it was implied that NEAT1/miR‐133a/SOX4 axis was involved in cervical cancer development.
Process simulation and optimization of oxygen enriched combustion using thin polymeric membranes: effect of thickness and temperature dependent physical aging
Authors: Lock Serene Sow Mun , Lau Kok Keong , Shariff Azmi Mohd , Yeong Yin Fong , Ban Zhen Hong , Tay Wee Horng
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Limited work has been available to model thickness and temperature dependent physical aging encountered in polymeric membranes for gas separation to provide physically intuitive interpretation underlying the process. The Tait equation of states has been integrated within conventional dual mode mathematical model to characterize the physical aging mechanism, whereby the model requires merely temperature dependent parameters. Subsequently, the Tait‐dual mode mechanism model has been incorporated within a succession of states methodology that quantifies transport mechanism in a countercurrent hollow fiber membrane. Finally, the developed mathematical model has been implemented in Aspen HYSYS to constitute an oxygen enrichment plant.

RESULTS

The simulation model has been validated with experimental observation with an acceptable error of < 6.5%. The process simulation tool has been used to evaluate the separation performance of oxygen enrichment plant using polymeric membrane with consideration of operating temperature (35–55 °C) and thickness dependent (400–1000 nm) physical aging. It is found that the optimal membrane design that generates highest profitability with physical aging consideration is at film thickness of ∼400 nm and operating temperature of 55 °C. Under such operating condition, the deviation between ideal and non‐ideal simulation model is also the smallest at ∼6%, which implies that physical aging has the least impact to the operability of the plant.

CONCLUSION

The developed simulation model has the potential to be applied for complex membrane system design (multiple membranes or hybrid system), scale up and optimization study that is essentially required for industrial scale application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic process modeling and hybrid intelligent control of ethylene copolymerization in gas phase catalytic fluidized bed reactors
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Reza , Shamiri Ahmad , Hussain Mohamed Azlan , Aghay Kaboli Seyed Hamidreza
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Polyethylene (PE) is the most extensively consumed plastic in the world, and gas phase‐based processes are widely used for its production owing to their flexibility. The sole type of reactor that can produce PE in the gas phase is the fluidized bed reactor (FBR), and effective modeling and control of FBRs are of great importance for design, scale‐up and simulation studies. This paper discusses these issues and suggests a novel advanced control structure for these systems.

RESULTS

A unified process modeling and control approach is introduced for ethylene copolymerization in FBRs. The results show that our previously developed two‐phase model is well confirmed using real industrial data and is exact enough to further develop different control strategies. It is also shown that, owing to high system nonlinearities, conventional controllers are not suitable for this system, so advanced controllers are needed. Melt flow index (MFI) and reactor temperature are chosen as vital variables, and intelligent controllers were able to sufficiently control them. Performance indicators show that advanced controllers have a superior performance in comparison with conventional controllers.

CONCLUSION

Based on control performance indicators, the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller for MFI control and the hybrid ANFIS–proportional‐integral‐differential (PID) controller for temperature control perform better regarding disturbance rejection and setpoint tracking in comparison with conventional controllers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Utilization of foliar cuticle morphology for the identification of weedy grasses
Authors: Khan Raees , Kiliç Ömer , Abidin Sheikh Zain Ul , Ullah Asad , Ullah Hadayat , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khan Shujaul Mulk
Published: April 2019

For the robust identification of weeds of taxonomically complex families like Poaceae, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) are of significant implications. In this study, SEM and LM methods were used by investigating 12 Pakistani weedy grass species as an example for foliar epidermal micromorphological characters for its role in the identification of grasses species. Qualitative and quantitative foliar micromorphological variations in stomatal type, number, guard cells, subsidiary cells, silica bodies and trichomes were studied. Significant variation was observed in both qualitative and quantitative features and based on this diversity in epidermal characters, a key was drawn to delimitate the species. Variations in stomata, silica bodies (SiO2·nH2O), macrohairs, microhairs, hooks, papillae, prickles, and other epidermal structures were used in establishing the taxonomic key. The data were also statistically evaluated by determining its mean, standard deviation, variance, the coefficient of variance, and standard error. Foliar epidermal characters such as silica bodies shape and trichomes were taxonomically more useful than stomatal types, subsidiary, and guard cells. SEM and LM micromorphological characters were of substantial importance in the delimitation of closely related species.
HIV‐1 exposure and immune activation enhance sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus by primary Langerhans cells
Authors: Nijmeijer Bernadien M , Sarrami‐Forooshani Ramin , Steba Gaby S , Schreurs Renée RCE , Koekkoek Sylvie M , Molenkamp Richard , Schinkel Janke , Reiss Peter , Siegenbeek van Heukelom Matthijs L , van der Valk Marc , Ribeiro Carla MS , Geijtenbeek Teunis BH
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The significant rise in incidence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (MSM) living with HIV‐1 suggests that HCV under specific circumstances is transmitted via sexual contact. During sexual transmission HCV has to cross the epithelial barrier to either directly enter the blood stream or indirectly via mucosal immune cells. However, the mechanisms of sexual transmission of HCV remain unclear. We investigated the role of Langerhans cells (LCs) in HCV susceptibility during sexual contact as LCs are among the first cells in mucosal tissues to encounter invading viruses.

Methods

We investigated the phenotype of primary LCs in anal biopsies from MSM living with HIV‐1. To investigate the role of primary LCs in HCV infection and transmission, we have used both isolated primary skin LCs and the ex vivo tissue transmission model.

Results

Our data identified an important role for mucosal LCs in facilitating HCV transmission after HIV‐1 exposure or immune activation. LCs were detected within mucosal anal tissues obtained from HIV‐1 positive MSM biopsies. In order to perform functional studies, we used primary LCs from skin, which have a similar phenotype as mucosal LCs. Immature LCs were neither infected nor transmitted HCV to hepatocytes. Notably, exposure to HIV‐1 significantly increased HCV transmission by LCs in the ex vivo transmission model. HIV‐1 replication was crucial for the increased HCV transmission as HIV‐1 inhibitors significantly reduced HIV‐1‐induced HCV transmission. Moreover, tissue immune activation of LCs also increased HCV transmission to target cells.

Conclusions

Thus, our data strongly indicate that HIV‐1 or immune activation in MSM leads to capture of HCV by mucosal LCs, which might facilitate transmission to other cells or allow entry of HCV into the blood. This novel transmission mechanism by LCs also implicates that the activation state of LCs is an important cellular determinant for HCV susceptibility after sexual contact.
Toward understanding tissue‐specific symptoms in dolichol‐phosphate‐mannose synthesis disorders; insight from DPM3‐CDG
Authors: van Tol Walinka , Michelakakis Helen , Georgiadou Elissavet , van den Bergh Peter , Moraitou Marina , Papadimas George K. , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Huijben Karin , Alsady Mohammad , Willemsen Michèl A. , Lefeber Dirk J.
Published: April 2019

The congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are inborn errors of metabolism with a great genetic heterogeneity. Most CDG are caused by defects in the N‐glycan biosynthesis, leading to multisystem phenotypes. However, the occurrence of tissue‐restricted clinical symptoms in the various defects in dolichol‐phosphate‐mannose (DPM) synthesis remains unexplained. To deepen our understanding of the tissue‐specific characteristics of defects in the DPM synthesis pathway, we investigated N‐glycosylation and O‐mannosylation in skeletal muscle of three DPM3‐CDG patients presenting with muscle dystrophy and hypo‐N‐glycosylation of serum transferrin in only two of them. In the three patients, O‐mannosylation of alpha‐dystroglycan (αDG) was strongly reduced and western blot analysis of beta‐dystroglycan (βDG) N‐glycosylation revealed a consistent lack of one N‐glycan in skeletal muscle. Recently, defective N‐glycosylation of βDG has been reported in patients with mutations in guanosine‐diphosphate‐mannose pyrophosphorylase B (GMPPB). Thus, we suggest that aberrant O‐glycosylation of αDG and N‐glycosylation of βDG in skeletal muscle is indicative of a defect in the DPM synthesis pathway. Further studies should address to what extent hypo‐N‐glycosylation of βDG or other skeletal muscle proteins contribute to the phenotype of patients with defects in DPM synthesis. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the tissue‐restricted phenotype of DPM3‐CDG and other defects in the DPM synthesis pathway.
Ultrastructure and cuticle formation of the carapace in the myodocopan ostracod exemplified by Euphilomedes japonica (Crustacea: Ostracoda)
Authors: Yamada Shinnosuke
Published: April 2019

The ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle of a myodocopan ostracod, Euphilomedes japonica, are investigated utilizing scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The outer lamella cuticle consists of four layers; epicuticle, exocuticle, endocuticle, and membranous layer like in the cuticle of other arthropods. The exocuticle and endocuticle are well‐calcified and the organic matrix develops within the both cuticles. The outermost layer of new cuticle (epicuticle) is secreted first and the inner layers (exocuticle, endocuticle and membranous layer) are added proximally in the pre‐, and postmoult stages. The calcification takes place in the whole area of carapace at the same time together with the synthesis of organic matrix within the endocuticle. This study demonstrates that the ultrastructure and formation of the cuticle in myodocopans are different from those in podocopans, and that the myodocopan carapaces have achieved a structural diversity for adaptation to different lifestyles.
Association of Glioma Grading With Inflow‐Based Vascular‐Space‐Occupancy MRI: A Preliminary Study at 3T
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Liao Shukun , Hua Jun , Guo Liuji , Wang Danni , Xiao Xiang , Zhou Jun , Liu Xiaomin , Tan Yuefa , Lu Lijun , Xu Yikai , Wu Yuankui
Published: April 2019

Background

Inflow‐based vascular‐space‐occupancy (iVASO) MRI is a noninvasive perfusion technique that does not require administration of exogenous contrast agents. Arteriolar cerebral blood volume (CBVa) obtained from iVASO MRI is hypothesized to be an indicator of tumor microvasculature.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of iVASO MRI implemented at 3T in predicting histologic grades of cerebral gliomas.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Forty‐five patients (31 males) consisting of 14 WHO grade IV glioblastoma multiformes, 14 grade III, and 17 grade II gliomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

At 3T we acquired CBVa data using an iVASO sequence.

Assessment

The maximum and mean CBVa (CBVa_max and CBVa_mean) values were calculated in the tumor and normalized to the contralateral thalamus (nCBVa_max and nCBVa_mean).

Statistical Tests

Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney test, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Both CBVa_max and nCBVa_max increased with tumor grade (P < 0.001). Grade II gliomas showed CBVa_max <0.78 ml / 100 ml in 10/17 cases and nCBVa_max <1.20 in 11/17 cases. Grade III gliomas showed both CBVa_max >0.78 ml / 100 ml and nCBVa_max >1.20 in 13/14 cases, and CBVa_max <2.06 ml / 100 ml in 13/14 cases and nCBVa_max <2.33 in 11/14 cases. Grade IV gliomas showed CBVa_max >2.06 ml / 100 ml in 9/14 cases and nCBVa_max >2.33 in 13/14 cases. The areas under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.839 (P < 0.001), 92.9% (26/28), and 64.7% (11/17) for CBVa_max, and 0.883 (P < 0.001), 92.9% (26/28), and 70.6% (12/17) for nCBVa_max in the discrimination between grade II and high‐grade (grade III and grade IV) tumors, respectively.

Data Conclusion

iVASO MRI might be used to help determine and predict glioma grade.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1817–1823.
Synthesis and Characterization of A‐B‐A‐Type Nonionic Dimeric Dispersants for Pigment Dispersion
Authors: Acheampong Collins , Zhang Liping , Agbo Christiana , Liang Dong , Du Changsen , Fu Shaohai
Published: April 2019

An acid‐catalyzed esterification method was employed to synthesize five A‐B‐A‐type nonionic dimeric surfactants (XOP‐3, XOP‐4, XOP‐6, XOP‐9, and XOP‐10) comprising of octyl phenyl ether (OP‐10) and a homologous series of α, ω‐dicarboxylic acids (C3, C4, C6, C9, and C10) as the spacer molecules. The various surfactants produced were characterized based on Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, mass spectra (MS), and 1H NMR spectra. The newly synthesized series of surfactants were used for the dispersion of Hostaperm Pink E (Pigment Red 122) in an ultrasonic disruptor. Based on the selected pigment, the interfacial, colloidal, and rheological properties of the pigment dispersion were examined. The dispersion performances and properties of the surfactants produced differed based on the number of carbon atoms in hydrocarbon chains of the various spacer molecules. Due to this, surfactants created with short to moderate hydrocarbon chain spacer molecules exhibited a better dispersion performance than that of surfactants created with long hydrocarbon chain spacer molecules. The calculated cross‐sectional area values of the various surfactants synthesized confirmed their differences in dispersion performance and properties.
Hurtful Gifts? Trauma and Growth Transmission Among Local Clinicians in Postearthquake Haiti
Authors: Jaimes Annie , Hassan Ghayda , Rousseau Cécile
Published: April 2019

Although working with trauma survivors can be a source of both deleterious and positive transformations in mental health professionals, little is known about the experience of clinicians in shared traumatic contexts, particularly in the Global South, where most humanitarian crises occur. In collective disasters or armed conflicts, the personal and professional experiences of mental health staff inform each other, situating the clinical space at the intersection between singular and collective spheres. Drawing on an intersubjective and socioecological perspective, this qualitative study explored the ways in which working in a shared traumatic context affected mental health and psychosocial staff in postearthquake Haiti. We interviewed 22 local mental health workers in the capital, Port‐au‐Prince, 2.5 years after the 2010 disaster. We coded and thematically analyzed interviews using an iterative process, based on grounded theory principles. Thematic analysis uncovered four dynamic poles in clinicians’ narratives: balancing duty and desire to help, experiencing fragility and strength, negotiating separation and connection, and sharing hurt and hope. Our findings suggest clinicians considered their work mainly as a source of strength in the face of adversity, whereas experiences of trauma and growth transmissions were mutual and intimately intertwined. We discuss the complexities of clinical work in shared traumatic settings as well as the dynamic interplay between professionals’ experiences of suffering and growth. We conclude with recommendations on ways to involve local mental health clinicians in postdisaster contexts while addressing the special needs that they may have to process their own trauma.
Lengthening the nasoseptal flap pedicle with extended dissection into the pterygopalatine fossa
Authors: Shastri Karthik S. , Leonel Luciano Cesar P. C. , Patel Varun , Charles‐Pereira Marcelo , Kenning Tyler J. , Peris‐Celda Maria , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D.
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Releasing the nasoseptal flap (NSF) pedicle from the sphenopalatine artery (SPA) foramen may considerably improve flap reach and surface area. Our objectives were quantify increases in pedicle length and NSF reach through extended pedicle dissection into the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) through cadaveric dissections and present clinical applications.

Study Design

Anatomical study and retrospective clinical cohort study.

Methods

Twelve cadaveric dissections were performed. Following standard NSF harvest, the distance from the anterior edge of the flap to the anterior nasal spine while pulling the flap anteriorly was measured. As dissection into the SPA foramen and PPF continued, similar interval measurements were completed in four stages after release from the SPA foramen, release of the internal maxillary artery (IMAX), and transection of the descending palatine artery (DPA). The extended pedicle dissection technique was performed in seven consecutive patients for a variety of different pathologies.

Results

The mean length of the NSF from the anterior nasal spine and maximum flap reach were 1.91 ± 0.40 cm/9.3 ± 0.39 cm following standard harvest, 2.52 ± 0.61 cm/9.75±1.06 cm following SPA foramen release, 4.93 ± 0.89 cm/12.16 ± 0.54 cm following full IMAX dissection, and 6.18 ± 0.68 cm/13.41 ± 0.75 cm following DPA transection. No flap dehiscence or necrosis was observed in all seven surgical patients.

Conclusions

Extended pedicle dissection of the NSF to the SPA/IMAX markedly improves the potential length and reach of the flap. This technique may provide a feasible option for reconstruction of large anterior skull base and craniocervical junction defects. Seven successful cases are presented here, but further studies with larger series are warranted to validate findings in a clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:18–24, 2020
Ig‐Nobelpreise: Fruchtfliegen im Wein und Spucke zum Putzen
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: April 2019

Zum 28. Mal erhielten im September zehn Forscherteams den Satire‐Preis für Forschungserkenntnisse, die einen „erst lachen und dann nachdenken lassen“. Die Verleihung war wie immer Klamauk – aber die Forschung dahinter ist ernst gemeint.
Polymere: Von der Orangenschale zum Implantat
Authors: Süssmuth Lisa
Published: April 2019

Im Jahr 2016 produzierte die Industrie weltweit 335 Millionen Tonnen Kunststoff. Ein Großteil davon landet als Plastikmüll in unserer Umwelt und bleibt dort. Wissenschaftler forschen daher an besser abbaubaren Kunststoffen. Ein neuer Ansatz nutzt dafür Bioabfälle.
Bilanz 2018: BASF: Weniger Wasser, mehr Segmente
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Im vergangenen Jahr schwächelte die Automobilindustrie, die größte Kundenbranche der BASF, und so dezimierte sich auch das Konzernergebnis. Neue Strukturen und Investitionen in Asien sollen dieses verbessern.
Mein Lieblingselement: Bismut
Authors: Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: April 2019

Warum Bismut? Weil es ein vielseitiges Schwergewicht ist, das sowohl in der Molekülchemie als auch in den Materialwissenschaften immer wieder überrascht, obwohl es seit Jahrhunderten genutzt wird.
Bilanz 2018: Novartis: Mehr Biosimilars
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Novartis gewann im Jahr 2018 mit Biopharmazeutika. Von nicht verschreibungspflichtigen Medikamenten trennte sich das Unternehmen.
Werbung: Je emotionaler, desto besser
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2019

Mit Drohnen um die Wette zu fliegen, gilt Sponsoren als Trend. Chemieunternehmen unterstützen nach wie vor Fußball. Welche Sportarten sie fördern und warum sie dies tun oder nicht.
Bor ey!
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: April 2019

Chemie und Elemente in der Alltagssprache – nicht immer hör‐, aber geschrieben oft sichtbar.
Advances in Chemical Biology 2019
Authors: Vazquez Olalla , Böttcher Thomas
Published: April 2019

Ende Januar fand im Dechema‐Haus in Frankfurt am Main die Tagung Advances in Chemical Biology der Fachgruppe Chemische Biologie statt. Zwei Tage lang standen für die mehr als 90 Teilnehmer die Entwicklungen an der Schnittstelle zwischen Chemie und Biologie im Zentrum der Veranstaltung. 18 Vorträge, 4 Keynote‐Lectures mit internationaler Besetzung und über 30 Poster bildeten die Facetten der chemischen Biologie ab.
Internationales Jahr des Periodensystems:Groß, klein, eckig oder rund
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: April 2019

Gelegentlich versuchen sich Menschen daran, dem Periodensystem der Elemente etwas Neues abzugewinnen – frei nach dem Motto „Schönheit gibt es in allen Formen und Größen“.
Organizational innovativeness and its determinants in South Korean nonprofit human service organizations
Authors: Shin Junseob , Choi Young Keun
Published: April 2019

This study compares the level of organizational innovativeness and its determinants in different types of nonprofit human service organizations. Based on theoretical conceptualizations of organizational innovation, it was hypothesized that community service organizations (CSOs) would be more innovative than residential service organizations (RSOs), and determinants of organizational innovation (such as organizations' characteristics, internal and external properties, and executive leadership) would influence innovativeness. Data from a survey of two types of human service organizations in South Korea (127 RSOs for children and 220 CSOs) revealed that the level of innovation in both types of organizations was not significantly different. The determinants of decentralization and formalization showed significant impacts on innovativeness in CSOs. Decentralization also had a significant positive effect on innovativeness in RSOs. However, executive leadership was a significant determinant of organizational innovativeness in CSOs only. Based on these results, administrative implications are suggested for the facilitation of organizational innovation in nonprofit human service organizations.
TNF‐α Upregulates IKKε Expression via the Lin28B/let‐7a Pathway to Induce Catecholamine Resistance in Adipocytes
Authors: Li Min , Wang Min , Liu Yuesheng , Huang Shanlong , Yi Xiaoqing , Yin Chunyan , Wang Sisi , Zhang Meizhen , Yu Qiang , Li Peng , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: April 2019

Objective

Overexpression of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase subunit epsilon (IKKε) contributes to blunted catecholamine‐induced lipolysis. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) upregulates adipose IKKε expression to inhibit stimulated lipolysis, which can be reversed by IKKε inhibitors. This study investigated adipose IKKε expression in children with and without obesity and potential involvement of the Lin28B/let‐7a axis in posttranscriptional regulation of TNF‐α‐stimulated IKKε in adipocytes.

Methods

Adipose IKKε was detected in children both with and without obesity. The effects of TNF‐α on IKKε expression of adipocytes were investigated. Inhibitor and mimics of microRNA let‐7a or short interfering RNA of protein lin‐28 homolog B (Lin28B) were used to determine the effect of the Lin28B/let‐7a axis on TNF‐α‐mediated IKKε upregulation. Reporter assays were performed to confirm that let‐7a targets the IKKε gene.

Results

Adipose IKKε expression in children with obesity was upregulated to a greater extent than that in children without obesity and was positively correlated with BMI. TNF‐α increased IKKε expression through activation of Lin28B/let‐7a and then inhibited isoproterenol‐stimulated lipolysis in adipocytes. Blocking the Lin28B /let‐7a axis rescued inhibition of isoproterenol‐stimulated lipolysis produced by TNF‐α by inhibiting IKKε expression. Reporter assays confirmed that IKKε is a target of let‐7a.

Conclusions

Adipose IKKε expression in children with obesity is substantially elevated and positively correlated with BMI. TNF‐α induces catecholamine resistance via activation of the Lin28B/let‐7a/IKKε pathway.
Comparative and chemometric analysis of correlations between the chemical fingerprints and anti‐proliferative activities of ganoderic acids from three Ganoderma species
Authors: Zhang Chunyun , Fu Dan , Chen Guilin , Guo Mingquan
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Investigation on ganoderic acids (GAs) from different cultivars and origins of Ganoderma species, regarding to their composition, contents and bioactivities, will be of great importance for the development and quality control of Ganoderma‐based healthcare products or drugs.

Objective

Comparative and chemometric analysis of different Ganoderma species were conducted to reveal the correlations between their chemical fingerprints and anti‐proliferative activities.

Methodology

Six Ganoderma samples with different origins and parts of fruiting body (pileus and stipe) were extracted with chloroform and enriched by a SPE‐C18 cartridge. The eluents were used for high‐performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐UV/ESI‐MS/MS) analysis and cytotoxicity assay with three cancer cell lines (SGC‐7901, HT‐29 and Hep G2). Chemometric analysis was applied to correlate their chemical compositions and corresponding bioactivities.

Results

Sixteen peaks (accounting for 70% of the total peak areas) were identified as GAs, and their contents ranged from 0.368 to 10.8 μg/g in various Ganoderma species. The extracts from three Ganoderma species had significant anti‐proliferative activities (inhibitory rates ranged from 70.8% to 80.7%), and extracts from Lurongzhi showed remarkable inhibition to all three cancer cells (inhibitory rates range from 81.6% to 92.1%). Finally, chemometric analysis revealed that 3,7,12‐trihydroxy‐4,4,14‐trimethyl‐11,15‐dioxochol‐8‐en‐24‐oic acid and 12‐acetoxy‐15‐hydroxy‐4,4,14‐trimethyl‐3,7,11‐trioxochol‐8‐en‐24‐oic acid were the two compounds with most potential anti‐proliferative activity for SGC‐7901.

Conclusion

The correlations between chemical fingerprints and anti‐proliferative activities of various Ganoderma species give remarkable insight into the true bioactive components of chemical markers for the quality assessment of the Ganoderma resources, and provide a good guidance for the study on the chemical spectrum–bioactivity relationship.
Loneliness as a mediator of the relationship of social cognitive variables with depressive symptoms and quality of life in lung cancer patients beginning treatment
Authors: Hyland Kelly A. , Small Brent J. , Gray Jhanelle E. , Chiappori Alberto , Creelan Ben C. , Tanvetyanon Tawee , Nelson Ashley M. , Cessna‐Palas Julie , Jim Heather S.L. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Loneliness, or the discrepancy between perceived and desired level of social connectedness, is an understudied but important psychosocial factor in cancer patients.

The current study investigated the relationship between loneliness, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and social cognitive variables (eg, stigma, social constraint, and cancer‐related negative social expectations), and explored loneliness as a mediator of the relationship between social cognitive variables and depressive symptoms and quality of life in lung cancer patients beginning treatment.

Methods

Patients within 3 months of beginning treatment for lung cancer completed measures of loneliness, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and social cognitive variables. Correlational, chi‐square, and hierarchical regression analyses evaluated relationships among variables. Bias‐corrected bootstrapping methods estimated the indirect effect and 95% confidence interval for mediation models.

Results

Participants (n = 105, M = 65.5 years, 55% female) endorsed low to moderate levels of loneliness. Greater loneliness was associated with greater depressive symptoms and worse quality of life (P's < .001), and loneliness explained unique variance in depressive symptoms (F = 10.18, P < .001, ΔR2 = .06, Total R2 = .35) and quality of life (F = 19.55, P < .001, ΔR2 = .05, Total R2 = .52) after controlling for significant covariates. Greater stigma, social constraint, and cancer‐related negative social expectations were associated with greater loneliness and depressive symptoms and worse quality of life (P's < .001). Loneliness partially mediated the relationship of social cognitive variables with depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusions

Beyond its direct impact on clinically relevant outcomes, the experience of loneliness may be a mechanism by which social cognitive factors influence depressive symptoms and quality of life in lung cancer patients.
Polymeric Stabilization of Nano‐Scale HMX Suspensions During Wet Milling
Authors: Doukkali Mouhcine A. , Gauthier Eric , Patel Rajen B. , Stepanov Victor , Hadim Hamid
Published: April 2019

The focus of this paper is to investigate the polymeric stabilization of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) suspensions using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The PVP adsorption on HMX surface was studied using zeta potential measurements, which revealed that the shorter PVP polymer chain (lesser molecular weight) adsorbed better than the longer one (greater molecular weight). This study also showed that the solvent dramatically affects the PVP adsorption. A turbidity test was conducted, showing that lower molecular weight PVP offers better stability. This stability is enhanced by increasing the ethanol concentration. The depletion mechanism was responsible for HMX stabilization with ethanol. Finally, a milling study was conducted to compare the HMX with and without a stabilization mechanism. This study indicated that PVP in 50 % water/50 % ethanol was able to stabilize HMX by depletion and reduce the size to 180 nm within 10 minutes of milling. Strong aggregation was observed for HMX milled in the absence of the stabilization mechanism. The stabilization techniques discussed in this study appeared to lead to a shorter processing time and a more efficient milling process when utilized. Under comparable milling conditions, a particle size of 180 nm could be achieved with stabilization compared to 500 nm without. Such a dramatic improvement of the milling process bodes well for future nanoHMX production, as well as that of similar materials.
In‐situ Robust Polymeric Networks Prepared via Facile Uncatalyzed Huisgen Cycloaddition of Alkyne‐terminated Polyurethane with Terminal Azides
Authors: Min Byoung S. , Go Cheongah , Kim Sung J. , Shim Hong M.
Published: April 2019

We carried out catalyst – and solvent‐free Huisgen azide‐alkyne cycloadditon (AAC) to develop the polyurethane‐based networks crosslinked through triazole moieties at chain‐ends. An asymmetrical divalent compound carrying the hydroxyl and electron‐deficient alkyne as terminal groups was newly synthesized to prepare the alkyne‐terminated polymer containing urethane moieties within polymer backbone. Additionally, three kinds of terminal‐azide crosslinkers were introduced to react with alkyne‐terminated polyurethanes without any promoters. Kinetics of the uncatalyzed AAC were monitored by using real‐time FT‐IR technique at 50 °C temperature. The rate of AAC using aromatic azide dipole was faster than other dipoles. Compared to the non‐polyurethane‐based networks crosslinked via either urethane or triazole moieties at chain‐ends, triazole chain‐ends crosslinked polyurethane networks conveyed the excellent mechanical properties. However, thermal properties at low temperature were not as good as those of non‐polyurethane networks. Especially, Tg of polyurethane networks formed by an oligomeric azide crosslinker was much higher than others.
Surface Electromagnetic Waves on the Interfaces of Gradient Dielectric Media: Visible Spectral Range
Authors: Shvartsburg Aleksandr B. , Silin Nikolay V. , Nesterov Yury G.
Published: April 2019

This paper is devoted to a peculiar branch of surface electromagnetic waves, belonging to the visible spectral range. Contrary to the well known surface waves, supported by the sharp boundary of solid plasma in metals and semiconductors, the waves discussed here are shown a gradient interface of non‐conducting gradient dielectric without free carriers. The subsurface layer of this dielectric is characterized by the gradual decrease of dielectric permittivity in the direction , normal to the boundary  = 0, saturated in the depth of medium. Unlike the traditional condition , the field's localization near the interface of the dielectric is determined by another condition: grad , meanwhile . Spectra of surface modes are determined by the non‐local dispersion, stipulated by the spatial distribution . The spatial structure of surface wave fields is examined by means of two different exactly solvable models . The broadband and wide band spectral ranges of visible surface waves illustrating the sensitivity of their spectra to the fine details of distribution , presented by these models, are considered.
Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure and Biaxial Strains on the Elastic, Electronic and Lattice Vibrational Properties of Trigonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Li Shuaiqi , Shi Liwei , Zhu Haiyan , Xia Wangsuo , Wang Ying
Published: April 2019

The effects of hydrostatic pressure and biaxial strains on the elastic, electronic, and lattice vibrational properties of a new superhard material trigonal boron nitride (T‐BN) are studied by first‐principles calculation. The mechanical and dynamical stabilities of T‐BN are confirmed by elastic constants criteria and phonon dispersion curves. It is found that all elastic constants and elastic modulus increase (decrease) under pressure and compressive (tensile) strain . The Vicker's hardness of every single chemical bond as well as the crystal is calculated by a microscopic model. The hardness of T‐BN 55.5 GPa is smaller than that in c‐BN (64 GPa) but increases significantly with increasing pressure and compressive . The anisotropic index and anisotropic velocities, as well as the Debye temperature for T‐BN are also discussed. Moreover, the computational infrared absorption spectra exhibit significant blueshift under pressure and , while redshift of A3 and E4 modes can be observed when . Electronic calculation shows the T‐BN is an indirect band‐gap semiconductor, and energy gap decreases monotonically under computational conditions. Analysis based on density of states is conducted, clarifying the causes of bonding and bandgap changes in T‐BN.
Modelling spatially correlated observation errors in variational data assimilation using a diffusion operator on an unstructured mesh
Authors: Guillet Oliver , Weaver Anthony T. , Vasseur Xavier , Michel Yann , Gratton Serge , Gürol Selime
Published: April 2019

We propose a method for representing spatially correlated observation errors in variational data assimilation. The method is based on the numerical solution of a diffusion equation, a technique commonly used for representing spatially correlated background errors. The discretization of the pseudo‐time derivative of the diffusion equation is done implicitly using a backward Euler scheme. The solution of the resulting elliptic equation can be interpreted as a correlation operator whose kernel is a correlation function from the Matérn family.

In order to account for the possibly heterogeneous distribution of observations, a spatial discretization technique based on the finite element method (FEM) is chosen where the observation locations are used to define the nodes of an unstructured mesh on which the diffusion equation is solved. By construction, the method leads to a convenient operator for the inverse of the observation‐error correlation matrix, which is an important requirement when applying it with standard minimization algorithms in variational data assimilation. Previous studies have shown that spatially correlated observation errors can also be accounted for by assimilating the observations together with their directional derivatives up to arbitrary order. In the continuous framework, we show that the two approaches are formally equivalent for certain parameter specifications. The FEM provides an appropriate framework for evaluating the derivatives numerically, especially when the observations are heterogeneously distributed.

Numerical experiments are performed using a realistic data distribution from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI). Correlations obtained with the FEM‐discretized diffusion operator are compared with those obtained using the analytical Matérn correlation model. The method is shown to produce an accurate representation of the target Matérn function in regions where the data are densely distributed. The presence of large gaps in the data distribution degrades the quality of the mesh and leads to numerical errors in the representation of the Matérn function. Strategies to improve the accuracy of the method in the presence of such gaps are discussed.
Benchmark calculations of Rényi, Tsallis entropies, and Onicescu information energy for ground state helium using correlated Hylleraas wave functions
Authors: Ou Jen‐Hao , Ho Yew Kam
Published: April 2019

Accurate values of physical quantities serve as the stepping stone for further researches. Consequently, we provide benchmark values of Shannon, Rényi, Tsallis entropies, and Onicescu information energy for ground state helium. With the highly correlated Hylleraas wave functions, our calculations fully considered the effect of electron correlation. Presented numerical results converge with increasing size of basis set, fulfill analytic relations between the quantities, and satisfactorily agree with those in the literature. In particular, we present these information‐theoretic quantities with high accuracy, and it is believed that the reported data would be a valuable reference for further research on information‐theoretic quantities of atomic and molecular systems.
Anti‐Tumor Effect of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles Carrying siRNA and Adriamycin
Authors: Yang Wenkang , Zhang Shuang , Sun Xueke , Jin He , Zhang Chenyi , Li Xu , Gao Jucai , Dong Biao , Xu Lin , Zhao Lijing , Guo Lirong , Song Hongwei
Published: April 2019

A combination of treatment strategies with two or more different mechanisms can together prevent cancer progression. In this paper, we present a combination of strategies with siRNA interference‐induced gene silencing, photothermal therapy and mesoporous drug delivery methods to cure cancer. First we synthesize oil‐soluble copper sulfide nanoparticles, which are modified with mesoporous silica and (3‐Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), then use it as siRNA carrier to achieve siRNA transmission. At the same time, mesopores can also be used for drug delivery. Our results suggest that the copper sulfide nanomaterial loaded with siRNA and Adriamycin entered the cell successfully, and the composite can kill cancer cells effectively.
Synthesis, Structures and Lewis‐Acid‐Induced Isomerization of 8‐Methoxy[2.2]metaparacyclophanes and a DFT Study
Authors: Islam Md. Monarul , Feng Xing , Rahman Shofiur , Georghiou Paris E. , Matsumoto Taisuke , Tanaka Junji , Alodhayb Abdullah , Redshaw Carl , Yamato Takehiko
Published: April 2019

Methyl substituted 8‐methoxy[2.2]MPCPs 8 a–b were obtained via the corresponding thiacylophanes and its oxidized products. Lewis acid‐catalyzed (AlCl3‐MeNO2) reactions of 5‐tert‐butyl‐8‐methoxy‐12,13,15,16‐tetramethyl[2.2]MPCP 8 b under various conditions led to transannular cyclization and isomerization reactions, affording the considerably less‐strained 5‐tert‐butyl‐8‐methoxy[2.2]MPCP 9, 5‐tert‐butyl‐8‐hydroxy‐14,16,17,18‐tetramethyl[2.2]metacyclophane 10 and pyrene derivatives 11 and 12. However, on prolonging the reaction time to 3 h for 8 b, the major product is 5‐tert‐butyl‐8‐hydroxy[2.2]MPCP 10. These reactions are strongly affected by the size and properties of the C‐8 substitutents as well as the methyl substitutents on the para‐linked benzene rings, which increase the strain in the molecules. The 1H NMR spectra and X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 8 b revealed that it adopts a syn‐conformation both in solution and in the solid state.