bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bradykinin receptor‐1 activation induces inflammation and increases the permeability of human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Mugisho Odunayo O. , Robilliard Laverne D. , Nicholson Louise F. B. , Graham E. Scott , O'Carroll Simon J.
Published: September 2019

Neuroinflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are characterised by chronic inflammation and loss of vascular integrity. Bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) activation has been implicated in many neuroinflammatory diseases, but the contribution of B1R to inflammation and vascular breakdown is yet to be determined. As a result, the present study evaluated the effect of B1R stimulation using Des‐Arg‐9‐BK on the cytokine profile and junctional properties of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMVECs). Results showed that stimulation of B1R receptors increased secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), but decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a cytokine and growth factor required for maintenance of the vasculature. B1R stimulation also resulted in the loss of occludin expression at tight junctions with no change in VE‐cadherin expression. There was also a significant increase in permeability to Evans blue albumin, suggesting an increase of vascular permeability. Taken together, these results suggest that B1R activation that occurs in neuroinflammatory diseases may contribute to both the inflammation and loss of blood‐brain barrier integrity that is characteristic of these diseases.
Invasive hemodynamic assessment of patients with submassive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Khandhar Sameer J. , Mehta Mili , Cilia Lindsey , Palevsky Harold , Matthai William , Rivera‐Lebron Belinda , Toma Catalin
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To investigate the invasive hemodynamics in patients with intermediate‐risk pulmonary embolism (PE) and the change that occurs with catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT).

Background

Intermediate‐risk PE is associated with right ventricular strain and worse outcomes yet the invasive hemodynamics have not been well described.

Methods

Ninety‐two consecutive patients with intermediate‐risk PE referred for CDT at two tertiary medical centers with Pulmonary Embolism Response Teams were included in this prospective cohort study. Hemodynamics at baseline and after CDT therapy was measured. Patients with cardiac index (CI) ≤1.8 L min–1 m–2 were compared to those without shock (CI > 1.8). Linear regression analysis was performed to study the relationship between clinical variables and low CI.

Results

Thirty‐seven out of 92 (40%) had a CI less than 1.8 L min–1 m–2. When comparing the low CI to the normal CI groups, most demographics, vital signs, biomarkers, and PE severity index (PESI) scores were similar. The low CI group had more females and slightly lower systolic blood pressures although still in the normal range (122 vs. 132 mmHg, p = .026). Treatment with CDT was associated with significant improvement in CI, heart rate, and pulmonary artery pressures in both groups. Linear regression analysis did not reveal a strong correlation between CI and noninvasive metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, or PESI score.

Conclusions

Forty percent of patients with submassive PE had a depressed CI and treatment with CDT lead to hemodynamic improvements. Invasive hemodynamics may help better identify higher risk patients and guide therapy.
Elucidating differences in phenolic profile between tef (Eragrostis tef) varieties using multivariate analyses
Authors: Sliwinski Anna , Hopfer Helene , Ziegler Gregory R.
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a cereal grain endemic to Ethiopia commonly consumed as injera, a fermented, pancake‐like bread. Tef is milled whole, retaining free, conjugated, and bound phenolic compounds that are concentrated in the bran and may differentially influence metabolism when consumed. Tef cultivars are classified by color into white and brown, an indication that they may differ in their phenolic content. This work aimed to analyze the effect of cultivar on the phenolic profile of tef grain (Eragrostis tef) while controlling for location and growing season.

Findings

The free, conjugated, and bound phenolic profiles of six tef cultivars, grown in the same season and location (Bishoftu a.k.a. Debrezeit, Ethiopia), and two grown in Idaho, USA, were characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV/Vis detection (HPLC–DAD). Subsequent uni‐ and multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple factor analysis (MFA), showed that brown and white tef cultivars can be differentiated by their free and bound phenolic fractions (free total phenolic content range = 0.12–0.19 μg/g defatted tef flour (DTF); bound total phenolic content range = 0.80–1.12 μg/g DTF). The most abundant phenolic compound in the bound fraction was ferulic acid, with the white‐colored DZ‐Cr‐384 (Kuncho) cultivar showing the highest bound ferulic acid content (280.73 μg/g DTF).

Conclusions

There are differences between the phenolic compounds of white and brown tef, likely due to differences in cultivars and growing conditions as well as extraction methods in addition to variety. Even when total phenolic content did not differ between varieties, the specific phenolic composition differed between cultivars. Therefore, when choosing tef varieties for use in in vitro or in vivo studies, it is important to consider that even the same cultivar may differ in phenolic content depending on factors such as growing location, storage time, and age.

Significance and novelty

Comprehensive sample preparation is required to obtain a complete picture of differences in health‐promoting phenolic compounds in whole grains such as tef.
Recent Developments and Applications of Ionic Liquids in Gas Separation Membranes
Authors: Zia ul Mustafa Muhammad , bin Mukhtar Hilmi , Md Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi , Mannan Hafiz Abdul , Nasir Rizwan , Fazil Nabilah
Published: September 2019

Flue gas emissions and the harmful effects of these gases urge to separate and capture these unwanted gases. Ionic liquids due to negligible vapor pressure, thermal stability, and wide electrochemical stability have expanded its application in gas separations. A comprehensive overview of the recent developments and applications of ionic liquid membranes (ILMs) for gas separation is given. The three general classifications of ILMs, such as supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), ionic liquid polymeric membranes (ILPMs), and ionic liquid mixed‐matrix membranes (ILMMMs) along with their applications, for the separation of various mixed gases systems is discussed in detail. Furthermore, issues, challenges, computational study, and future perspectives for ILMs are also considered.
Phosphorization‐Induced Void‐Containing Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Enabling Low Lithiation/Delithiation Potential for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nie Yan , Zhang Hang , Zhang Jinfeng , Wang Lei , Zhong Siyu , Wu Yinglong , Duan Junfei , Shi Huimin , Victor Kipkoech Kirui , Zhang Guanhua , Duan Huigao
Published: September 2019

In terms of Fe3O4‐based anodes, enormous academic progress has been achieved over the past two decades; however, even with excellent half‐cell performance, the relatively high lithiation potential and unsatisfactory initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) represent two major barriers to their commercial application, at present. We propose partially phosphorized Fe3O4 (P−Fe3O4) with interior void spaces induced by phosphorization to enhance the Li+ storage property of Fe3O4‐based anodes. P−Fe3O4 anodes offer a much higher capacity at low potential compared with bare Fe3O4 electrodes. Additionally, the well‐designed nanostructure with preferable specific surface area prevents the initial irreversible lithium loss, which contributes to a brilliant ICE (80.8 % at 100 mA g−1). Moreover, in‐situ X‐ray diﬀraction proves that the formation of the LixFe3O4 phase results from an initial intercalation process. In particular, the output voltage and energy density of P−Fe3O4 full‐cells are much greater than those of Fe3O4 full‐cells. In this work, the P−Fe3O4 full‐cell exhibits a capacity of 680 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 as well as an excellent rate capability of 267 mAh g−1 with a current density up to 1000 mA g−1. This study presents a new strategy to enhance Li+ storage of Fe3O4 enabling low lithiation/delithiation potential and high ICE, which may oﬀer exciting opportunities toward designing high‐performance full‐cells with commercial cathodes.
Persistent Chemiluminescent Glow of Phenoxy‐dioxetane Luminophore Enables Unique CRET‐Based Detection of Proteases
Authors: Hananya Nir , Press Ofir , Das Alakesh , Scomparin Anna , Satchi‐Fainaro Ronit , Sagi Irit , Shabat Doron
Published: September 2019

Chemiluminescence is being considered an effective imaging modality as it offers low background and high sensitivity. Recent discovery by our group has led to development of new phenoxy‐dioxetane chemiluminescence luminophores, which are highly bright under physiological conditions. However, the current scope of probes based on these luminophores is limited, as they can only be turned on by phenol protecting group removal. Here we present a new chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) system, Glow‐CRET, in which light emission is triggered by proteolytic cleavage of a peptide substrate that links a dioxetane luminophore and a quencher. In order to compose such system, a new phenoxy‐dioxetane luminophore, 7‐HC‐CL, was developed. This luminophore exhibits intense and persistent glow chemiluminescence; it undergoes very slow chemiexcitation, and it has the highest chemiluminescence quantum yield ever reported under physiological conditions. Based on 7‐HC‐CL, a Glow‐CRET probe for matrix metalloproteinases, MMP‐CL, was synthesized. Incubation of MMP‐CL with its cognate protease resulted in 160‐fold increase in chemiluminescence signal. MMP‐CL was also able to detect matrix metalloproteinase activity in cancer cells with significantly higher signal‐to‐background ratio than an analogous fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based probe. This work is expected to open new horizons in chemiluminescence imaging, as it enables to use the dioxetanes in ways that had not been possible. We anticipate that 7‐HC‐CL and future derivatives will be utilized not only for the construction of further Glow‐CRET probes, but also for other applications, such as chemiluminescence tagging of proteins.
[2]Pseudorotaxane‐Based Supramolecular Optical Indicator for the Visual Detection of Cellular Cyanide Excretion
Authors: Zhou Jiong , Yu Guocan , Li Yang , Shen Jie , Wang Mengbin , Li Zhengtao , Wei Peifa , Tang Jianbin , Huang Feihe
Published: September 2019

Cyanide is extremely hazardous to living organisms and the environment. Owing to its wide range of applications and high toxicity, the development of functional materials for cyanide detection and sensing is highly desirable. Host–guest complexation between bis(p‐phenylene)‐34‐crown‐10 H and N‐methylacridinium salt G remarkably decreases the detection limit for cyanide anions compared with that of the guest itself. The [2]pseudorotaxane selectively recognizes the cyanide anion with high optical sensitivity as a result of the nucleophilic addition of the cyanide anion at the 9‐position of G. The host–guest complexation is further incorporated into supramolecular materials for the visual detection of cyanide anions, especially the detection of cellular cyanide excretion with a detection limit of 0.6 μm. This supramolecular method provides an extremely distinct strategy for the visual detection of cyanide anions.
Impact of A–D–A‐Structured Dithienosilole‐ and Phenoxazine‐Based Small Molecular Material for Bulk Heterojunction and Dopant‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Narayanaswamy Kamatham , Yadagiri Bommaramoni , Chowdhury Towhid Hossain , Swetha Thokala , Islam Ashraful , Gupta Vinay , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: September 2019

Herein, the synthesis of the novel acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A)‐structured small molecule Si‐PO‐2CN based on dithienosilole (DTS) as building block flanked by electron‐rich phenoxazine (POZ) units, which are terminated with dicyanovinylene, is presented. Si‐PO‐2CN showed unique electrochemical and photophysical properties and has been successfully employed in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as well as in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). The PSCs fabricated with dopant‐free Si‐PO‐2CN as hole‐transport material (HTM) exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.1 % (active area=1.02 cm2). Additionally, a PCE of 5.6 % has been achieved for OSCs, which employed Si‐PO‐2CN as p‐type donor material when blended with a [6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) acceptor. The versatile application of Si‐PO‐2CN provides a pathway for further implementation of DTS‐based building blocks in solar cells for designing new molecules.
Iodine‐Promoted Domino Oxidative Cyclization for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Novel Fused Four‐Ring Quinoxaline Fluorophores by sp3 C−H Functionalization
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yang Min , Jia Chengli , Ji Min
Published: September 2019

A method for the synthesis of novel fused four‐ring quinoxaline skeleton has been described by an I2 promoted sp3 C−H functionalization between 1,2,3,3‐tetramethyl‐3H‐indolium iodides and 1,2‐diamines. This transformation proceeds smoothly under metal‐ and peroxide‐free conditions through a sequential iodination, oxidation, annulation and rearrangement. Moreover, 8,9‐dichloro‐5,12,12‐trimethyl‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐5,12‐dihydroquinolino[2,3‐b]quinoxaline showed good photophysical properties and was used in live cell imaging, indicating the potential value of this skeleton as a fluorophore in probes.
An Unprecedented Ga/P Frustrated Lewis Pair: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity
Authors: Sun Xiong , Zhu Qin , Xie Zhuoyi , Su Wei , Zhu Jun , Zhu Congqing
Published: September 2019

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) represent a new paradigm of main‐group chemistry. The Lewis acidic centers in FLP chemistry are typically B and Al atoms in the studies reported over the past decade, and most of them are tri‐coordinated with strong electron‐withdrawing groups. Herein, a Ga/P system is reported which contains an unprecedented four‐coordinated Lewis acidic Ga center. This Ga/P species performs classical addition reactions toward heterocumulenes, alkyne, diazomethane, and transition metal complex. Regioselective formation of the products can be rationalized by DFT calculations. The penta‐coordinated gallium atom center in these products is rare in the FLP chemistry. This study enriches the diversity of FLPs and demonstrates that a four‐coordinated Lewis acidic site with a donor‐acceptor bond can also be FLP active.
Donor–Acceptor [2]‐ and [3]Catenanes Assembled from Versatile Pre‐Organized Cp*Rh/Ir‐Directed Pseudorotaxane Tectons
Authors: Liu Dong , Lu Ye , Lin Yue‐Jian , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: September 2019

A stepwise self‐assembly protocol has been used to synthesize [2]‐ and [3]catenanes. Firstly, binuclear Cp*Rh/Ir‐directed (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) pseudorotaxanes were prepared through self‐assembly, driven by donor–acceptor interactions between electron‐deficient naphthalenediimide (NDI) units and an electron‐rich crown ether. Subsequently, the pre‐organized pseudorotaxanes were applied as tectons for self‐assembly of [2]‐ and [3]catenanes by combination with very simple linkers. The structures of the catenanes were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and elemental analysis.
Herausforderung Turnaround
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: September 2019

Bei ihrem 28. Treffen tauschten die VDI‐Betriebsingenieure der Regionalgruppe Rhein‐Main‐Neckar bei Merck Gernsheim ihre Turnaround‐ ‐Erfahrungen aus. Intensiv besprochen wurden Energiestillstände und das Bilfinger Turnaround Concept (BTC).
Vorausschau ohne Hellseherei
Authors: Sulz Michaela
Published: September 2019

Probleme beheben, bevor sie auftreten und Stress verursachen: darum geht es in der vorausschauenden Wartung. Worüber seit einigen Jahren viel geredet wird, wird immer mehr zur Realität bei vielen Anbietern. Die Kosten‐einsparungen sind enorm, zeigt ein Beispiel in der chemischen Abwasseraufbereitung. Dabei ist der Aufwand für die Anlagenbetreiber gering, sobald die Systeme aufgesetzt sind und sie selbständig die Prozesse steuern.
Kalkstein holt Phosphor zurück
Authors:   ZSW
Published: September 2019

Am Zentrum für Sonnenenergie‐ und Wasserstoff‐Forschung Baden‐Württemberg (ZSW) wird derzeit ein Verfahren entwickelt, das Phosphor bereits während der Verbrennung des Klärschlammes extrahiert. Eine Test‐anlage ist seit Frühjahr 2019 in Betrieb. Die wirtschaftlichen Aussichten des Phosphor‐Recyclings sind interessant: Ab 2029 wird die Rückgewinnung aus Klärschlämmen in Deutschland Pflicht für alle großen Kläranlagen
Phosphor‐Rückgewinnung aus Aschen
Authors: Kirchhof Jan
Published: September 2019

Ein abfallfreies Verfahren, mit dem Phosphor aus Aschen recycelt und direkt einsatzfähiger Qualitätsdünger ‐erzeugt werden kann, hat der Anlagenbauer Glatt Ingenieurtechnik aus Weimar entwickelt
Bessere Ersatzteilversorgung für rotierende Maschinen
Authors: Smith Pharic , Hardock Siegbert
Published: September 2019

Die jüngsten Fortschritte in der Konstruktion und Herstellung von Ersatzteilen haben den Zeitaufwand für die Produktion von Teilen für Reparatur und geplanten Austausch reduziert. Digitalisierung und neue Fertigungstechniken ermöglichen stark verkürzte Lieferfristen. Zwei Experten von Sulzer Pumpen berichten, was heutzutage möglich ist.
ECG changes after percutaneous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair
Authors: Bo Hou , Heinzmann David , Grasshoff Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Schlensak Christian , Gawaz Meinrad , Schreieck Jürgen , Langer Harald F. , Patzelt Johannes , Seizer Peter
Published: September 2019

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) has a severe impact on hemodynamics and induces severe structural changes in the left atrium. Atrial remodeling is known to alter excitability and conduction in the atrium facilitating atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. PMVR is a feasible and highly effective procedure to reduce MR in high‐risk patients, which are likely to suffer from atrial rhythm disturbances. So far, electroanatomical changes after PMVR have not been studied.

Hypothesis

In the current study, we investigated changes in surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) of patients undergoing PMVR for reduction of MR.

Methods

We evaluated 104 surface ECGs from patients in sinus rhythm undergoing PMVR. P wave duration, P wave amplitude, PR interval, QRS duration, QRS axis, and QT interval were evaluated before and after PMVR and at follow‐up.

Results

We found no changes in QRS duration, QRS axis, and QT interval after successful PMVR. However, P wave duration, amplitude, and PR interval were significantly decreased after reduction of MR through PMVR (P < .05, respectively).

Conclusion

The data we provide offers insight into changes in atrial conduction after reduction of MR using PMVR in patients with sinus rhythm.
Combination weighted clustering algorithms in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Lv Zhigang , Wang Peng , Sun Mengyu , Qiao Mengyu
Published: September 2019

The topology of the distributed cognitive radio network is volatile as influenced by the behavior of primary users, and this condition leads to the large communication overhead and low utilization of spectrum resources. A combination weighted clustering algorithm is proposed in the study to reduce the communication overhead of the distributed cognitive network and maintain the stability of the network structure. First, a clustering algorithm considering the available channel, geographic location, and experienced data (used for collecting the behavior of secondary users (SUs) in the network and the evaluation on it) of SUs is put forward through analyzing the characteristics of the idle channels in cognitive network. Three factors, namely, average channel capacity, stability, and channel quality, are converted into quantifiable values. The cluster head is determined on the basis of the three factors. Then, the cluster members and gateway nodes are determined using the weighting formula and the location information of the cluster head. Results show that the proposed clustering algorithm can generate 15% more clusters than other algorithms and reduce 40% of network communication overhead when the transmission distance between cognitive users and the channel number change. Thus, the stability of the cluster structure is maintained and the communication overhead is decreased. This study provides references for the construction of the stable distributed cognitive network.
Hybrid‐based novel approach for resource scheduling using MCFCM and PSO in cloud computing environment
Authors: Nanjappan Manikandan , Albert Pravin
Published: September 2019

Cloud computing is a growing environment. Many of the users are interested to outsource their data in cloud; however, load balancing in cloud is still at risk. Resource allocation plays a major role in load balancing. In this scheduling problem, independent task in cloud computing can allocate resource by the summary of modified canopy fuzzy c‐means algorithm (MCFCMA). To allocate task to their corresponding resource, particle swarm‐based optimization algorithm (PSO) is used. In proposed scheme, first independent task selected based on load feed‐back, cluster the requested task using MCFCMA and schedule task to each virtual machine. VM selects parallel execution in virtual machine manager. Calculate feature value using PSO algorithm. Allocate resource to the task. Since our proposed system selects resource based on parallel execution, it reduces load balancing in Cloud Quantum Computation (CQC). The proposed system overcomes issues in load balancing and load scheduling; this can be proved by its precision and privacy calculation.
RETRACTED: Evolution from ancient medication to human‐centered Healthcare 4.0: A review on health care recommender systems
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Singh Aujla Gagangeet , Bajaj Rohit
Published: September 2019

The evolution of intelligent and data‐driven systems has pushed for the tectonic transition from ancient medication to human‐centric Healthcare 4.0. The rise of Internet of Things, Internet of Systems, and wireless body area networks has endowed the health care ecosystem with a new digital transformation supported by sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. Under this umbrella, health care recommendation systems have emerged as a driver for providing patient‐centric personalized health care services. Recommendation systems are automatic systems that derive the decisions on the basis of some valid input parameters and vital health information collected through wearable devices, implantable equipments, and various sensor. Therefore, to understand the state‐of‐the‐art developments in the health care ecosystem, this paper provides a comprehensive survey on health care recommendation systems and the associated paradigms. This survey starts from the ancient health care era and move toward the Healthcare 4.0 in a phased manner. The road map from Healthcare 1.0 to Healthcare 4.0 is analyzed to highlight different technology verticals supporting the digital transformation. This study also provides the systematic review of the health care systems, the types of health care systems, and the recommender systems. Moreover, a deep analysis of health care recommender systems and its types is also presented. Finally, the open issues and challenges associated with the adaption and implementation of human‐centric Healthcare 4.0 ecosystem are discussed. This is provided to find out the possible research questions and gaps so that the corresponding solutions could be developed in the near future.
Fluoroalkylselenolation of Alkyl Silanes/Trifluoroborates under Metal‐Free Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Ghiazza Clément , Khrouz Lhoussain , Billard Thierry , Monnereau Cyrille , Tlili Anis
Published: September 2019

Herein a metal‐free fluoroalkylselenolation of alkylsilanes as well as potassium alkyltrifluoroborates under visible light photocatalysis is disclosed. The developed methodologies are performed under mild conditions, room temperature in the presence of an organic photocatalyst and blue LED irradiation. Mechanistic investigations including luminescence and EPR spectroscopy allow us to shed light on both mechanisms.
Impaired theory of mind in unaffected first‐degree relatives of patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Tapajóz Fernanda , Soneira Sebastian , Catoira Natalia , Aulicino Alfredo , Allegri Ricardo F.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Previous studies have shown theory of mind (ToM) is affected in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). There has also been growing interest in the study of endophenotypes in psychiatric disorders, since they allow better understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying different conditions, making them potential targets for future treatment. The goal of this study was to investigate whether ToM inefficiencies observed in patients with AN, are shared by unaffected first‐degree relatives.

Method

Performance on two ToM tasks (Reading the Mind in the Eyes and Faux Pas Test) were compared in 17 unaffected first‐degree relatives of AN patients and in 17 healthy individuals matched for age and level of education. Depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, and eating disorder symptoms were also assessed and correlated with ToM and clinical/demographic variables.

Results

Significant differences between groups were observed in all ToM tasks, with relatives of AN patients showing poorer performance. ToM assessment did not correlate with any clinical or demographic variable.

Conclusions

The preliminary results of this study suggest unaffected first‐degree relatives of AN patients display similar patterns of difficulty in ToM as reported previously for AN patients, supporting the hypothesis that ToM inefficiencies are a familial trait in this condition.
Analysis and application of the piezoelectric energy harvester on light electric logistics vehicle suspension systems
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Wang Tie , Shi Jinhong , Zhang Baifu , Zhang Ruiliang , Li Meng , Wen Yonggang
Published: September 2019

Vehicles are subject to a variety of road unevenness and random road excitations that potentially cause the vehicle to undergo a significant amount of energy dissipation, while compromising energy efficiency. This paper focuses on designing a novel piezoelectric energy harvester and aims to assess the energy harvesting potential, from the vehicle suspension, under random and pulse road excitations. To describe the energy harvesting process, a dual‐mass suspension system vibration model of a light electric logistics vehicle, equipped with a piezoelectric energy harvester, is developed. Various parameters, such as driving speed, ratio of the moment arms of the lever, and piezoelectric material cross‐sectional area, are included in the model, for basic harvesting energy. The root mean square (RMS) value of harvested power, in the case of random road, is up to 18.83 W, while the maximum respective value, in the case of pulse road, is 102.24 W and is obtained at 30 km/h. The harvested electricity is very valuable and useful, as it can be used to power automotive electrical equipment. The results of this paper provide an important reference frame for future research, related to energy harvesting from vehicle suspension.
The Effects of Natural Suspended Solids on Copper Toxicity to the Cardinal Tetra in Amazonian River Waters
Authors: Crémazy Anne , Wood Chris M. , Smith D. Scott , Val Adalberto L.
Published: September 2019

The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of particles on metal aquatic toxicity in a tropical system. To this end, we investigated the effects of natural suspended solids on copper (Cu) geochemistry and acute toxicity to the cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi), in 2 Amazonian rivers with different total suspended solids (TSS) levels: the Rio Negro (low TSS ~ 8 mg L–1) and the Rio Solimões (high TSS ~ 70 mg L–1). The effect of particles on Cu aqueous geochemistry was assessed by measuring total, dissolved, and free ionic Cu concentrations in filtered (<0.45 μm) and unfiltered waters. Furthermore, acute Cu toxicity to fish was assessed in both filtered and unfiltered waters, by measuring physiological net fluxes of Na+, Cl–, K+, and total ammonia (in both river waters) and 96-h fish mortality (in Rio Solimões only). The particles in the Rio Negro were not abundant enough to play a significant role in our study. On the other hand, the Rio Solimões particles bound approximately 70% of total aqueous Cu in our tests. In agreement with bioavailability-based models, this decrease in dissolved (and free ionic) Cu concentration decreased Cu lethality in the 96-h toxicity tests. In the physiological measurements, the best evidence of particle protection was the total alleviation of Cu-induced Cl– losses. These flux tests also suggested that the particles themselves may negatively affect Na+ balance in the fish. Overall, the present study supports the use of bioavailability concepts to account for the role of natural suspended solids on metal biological effects in the Amazon River basin. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2708–2718. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Effects of suspended solids on copper acute toxicity to the cardinal tetra.
Embryonic Exposure to 2,2′,3,5′,6-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-95) Causes Developmental Malformations in Zebrafish
Authors: Ranasinghe Prabha , Thorn Robert J. , Seto Renee , Creton Robbert , Bridges William C. , Chapman Susan C. , Lee Cindy M.
Published: September 2019

2,2′,3,5′,6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-95) is an environmental neurotoxicant. There is accumulated evidence that some neurotoxic effects of PCB-95 are caused by increased spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in neurons resulting from modifying ryanodine receptors (RyR) in calcium-releasing channels. However, there are large gaps in explaining brain and other developmental malformations on embryonic PCB-95 exposure. In the present study, we address those deficiencies by studying the toxic effects of PCB-95 using zebrafish as an ontogenetic model. To characterize these effects, zebrafish embryos with intact chorions were exposed to 4 different concentrations of PCB-95 (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 ppm) for 3 consecutive days. The controls were maintained in 0.5 × E2 medium or egg water and in 0.1% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/0.5 × E2 medium or egg water. PCB-95-treated groups showed dose-dependent decreases in survival and hatching rates, with increased rates of developmental malformations when compared to controls. These include morphological malformations, brain cell necrosis, and smaller eye sizes at 5 d post fertilization. These data suggest potential mechanisms underlying the abnormal behavior observed in a visual stimulus assay. The present study provides insight into PCB-95-induced developmental toxicity and supports the use of the zebrafish model in understanding the effects of PCB-95 exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:162–170. © 2019 SETAC
Determination of Isoproturon in Environmental Samples using the QuEChERS Extraction-Spectrofluorimetric Method
Authors: Muhammad Mian , Rasul Jan Muhammad , Shah Jasmin , Ara Behisht
Published: September 2019

An accurate and sensitive method has been developed for determination of the herbicide isoproturon using the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) extraction-spectrofluorimetric technique. The method involves the reaction of 2-cyanoacetamide with isoproturon in basic medium (NH3; 15 mol/L). The resulting fluorescent product was found to show maximum emission at 378 nm and maximum excitation at 333 nm. Fluorescence intensity under the influence of different parameters was investigated. The linear range of analyte concentrations was found to be 0.5 to 15 µg/mL, with a limit of detection of 0.144 µg/mL, a limit of quantification of 0.437 µg/mL (signal to noise ratio = 3), and a regression coefficient of 0.9991, under optimized conditions. The proposed method was effectively applied for determination of isoproturon in different matrices; the percentage of recovery varied from 85.00 ± 1.2% to 96.00 ± 0.5%. The method was also applied for residue analysis of isoproturon in real soil samples collected from a pilot field. For extraction of isoproturon, the QuEChERS extraction approach was used, and the average residue in the soil samples was found to be 0.81 ± 0.07 µg/g. To show the potential of this approach, our results were compared with those of other methods reported in the literature. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2614–2620. © 2019 SETAC
Fermented black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) attenuates methionine and choline deficient diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Ahn Meejung , Kim Jeongtae , Choi Yuna , Ekanayake Poornima , Chun Ji‐Yeon , Yang DaWun , Kim Gi-Ok , Shin Taekyun
Published: September 2019

As one of the wide‐ranging form of chronic liver disease, there are only limited therapeutic options for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated whether fermented black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger; FBR) ameliorates lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatic fibrosis, which are characteristics of the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Fermented black radish treatment reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, which appeared to be associated with the downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors, including sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, and lipid accumulation‐related genes including adipocyte protein‐2 and fatty acid synthase. Administration of FBR to C57BL/6J mice challenged with methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet significantly attenuated the increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and triglyceride. In addition, treatment with FBR interestingly repressed the hepatic inflammation induced with MCD diet, by lowering the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and suppressing the inactivation of macrophages and Kupffer cells in the liver. Fermented black radish was also shown to mitigate liver fibrosis through the inhibition of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor beta‐1, and collagen type I alpha 1 chain. Our results indicate that FBR ameliorates NAFLD and its related metabolic disease by regulating multiple pathways, suggesting that FBR may be an effective dietary supplement for ameliorating NAFLD.
A general statistic to test an optimally weighted combination of common and/or rare variants
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Wu Baolin , Sha Qiuying , Zhang Shuanglin , Wang Xuexia
Published: September 2019

Both genome‐wide association study and next‐generation sequencing data analyses are widely employed to identify disease susceptible common and/or rare genetic variants. Rare variants generally have large effects though they are hard to detect due to their low frequencies. Currently, many existing statistical methods for rare variants association studies employ a weighted combination scheme, which usually puts subjective weights or suboptimal weights based on some adhoc assumptions (e.g., ignoring dependence between rare variants). In this study, we analytically derived optimal weights for both common and rare variants and proposed a general and novel approach to test association between an optimally weighted combination of variants (G‐TOW) in a gene or pathway for a continuous or dichotomous trait while easily adjusting for covariates. Results of the simulation studies show that G‐TOW has properly controlled type I error rates and it is the most powerful test among the methods we compared when testing effects of either both rare and common variants or rare variants only. We also illustrate the effectiveness of G‐TOW using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17) data. Additionally, we applied G‐TOW and other competitive methods to test disease‐associated genes in real data of schizophrenia. The G‐TOW has successfully verified genes FYN and VPS39 which are associated with schizophrenia reported in existing publications. Both of these genes are missed by the weighted sum statistic and the sequence kernel association test. Simulation study and real data analysis indicate that G‐TOW is a powerful test.
Rationale for Cocreating a Community for Underrepresented Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math: An Indigenous Paradigm
Authors: Windchief Sweeney
Published: September 2019

This chapter provides a rationale for supporting American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields particularly at the graduate level through Pacific Northwest Circle of Success: Mentoring Opportunities in STEM (PNW‐COSMOS) Alliance activities and offers direction for the development of programming for other groups underrepresented in STEM.
Native Voices
Authors: Galindo Ed , Lambert Lori , Thomas Aaron
Published: September 2019

This chapter introduces the importance of the Native voice, culture, and ways of knowing in education and research from various tribal peoples’ perspective.
Institutional Commitments to Ensure Native Graduate Student Success
Authors: Mills Jack I. , Bisbee Yolanda , Aston Barbara , Komlos Barbara Z. , Lokensgard Kenneth H. , Carris Lori M. , Arouca Raquel A.
Published: September 2019

Rather than implementing diversity initiatives piecemeal, institutions seeking to broaden the participation of Indigenous students in higher education should consider adopting a comprehensive strategy of transformation. This chapter provides elements of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the success of Indigenous students.
Adherence with National Comprehensive Cancer Network posttreatment surveillance guidelines in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Tam Samantha , Nurgalieva Zhannat , Weber Randal S. , Lewis Carol M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Surveillance in head and neck cancer (HNC) is essential to detect recurrent or new lesions and to optimize function. This study describes drivers of surveillance adherence in patients with HNC and its effect on prognosis.

Methods

Adherence with surveillance of HNC patients was determined using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network HNC guidelines. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine predictors of adherence and overall survival (OS).

Results

Results showed that 110 of 221 patients (50.2%) were adherent with surveillance. Distance from the treatment center was the only significant association. Adherence was not associated with OS following multivariate adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43‐1.09). However, 5‐10 years after treatment completion, adherence was an independent predictor of survival (aHR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09‐0.61).

Conclusion

Adherence with surveillance is important in improving survival in patients with HNC, especially in the long term.
Factors predisposing to the development of orocutaneous fistula following surgery for oral cancer: Experience from a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Girkar Farhana , Thiagarajan Shivakumar , Malik Akshat , Sawhney Shikhar , Deshmukh Anuja , Chaukar Devendra , D'Cruz Anil
Published: September 2019

Background

Orocutaneous fistula (OCF) is one of the frequently encountered postoperative complications following surgery for oral cancer, leading to prolonged hospital stay and delay in the initiation of adjuvant therapy.

Methods

We included all patients with oral cancer operated between January 2016 to December 2017 and at risk to develop an OCF. We assessed the incidence of OCF, its management, and factors predisposing to its development.

Results

Of 587 eligible patients, 9% developed OCF. On univariate and multivariate analysis, patients undergoing bilateral neck dissection or with surgical site infection (SSI) (P < .001) were at maximum risk. On univariate analysis, the incidence was higher following resections for tongue‐floor of mouth sub site (P = .002), irrespective of the type of flap used for reconstruction. Majority (57%) required surgical intervention for management.

Conclusion

The presence of SSI and performing bilateral neck dissection posed the maximum risk for developing OCF in patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer.
Young and elderly oral squamous cell carcinoma patients present similar angiogenic profile and predominance of M2 macrophages: Comparative immunohistochemical study
Authors: Teixeira Lucas R. , Almeida Luciana Y. , Silva Rodrigo N. , Mesquita Ana T. M. , Colturato Carla B. N. , Silveira Heitor A. , Duarte Andressa , Ribeiro‐Silva Alfredo , León Jorge E.
Published: September 2019

Background

M2 macrophages are often detected in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which, influenced by hypoxic conditions, appear to have high angiogenesis‐inducing capacity. However, the effects of immunosenescence on tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and angiogenesis in OSCC are unknown.

Methods

Fifty‐seven OSCCs were divided into 3 groups (I: <40 years [n = 17]; II: 40‐65 years [n = 20]; III: >65 years [n = 20]). Immunohistochemistry for CD68 and CD163 (TAMs), and CD34 and D2‐40 for microvessel density (MVD), microvessel area (MVA), and total vascular area (TVA) were performed.

Results

All groups showed similar clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Similar CD68 and CD163 expression, confirmed a M2 phenotype. MVD, MVA, and TVA were similar, however, with significant predominance of blood vessels. No significant correlation between macrophage and angiogenic markers was observed.

Conclusions

A similar TAM and angiogenesis profile suggests the participation of other mechanisms, instead immunosenescence, in young and elderly OSCC patients.
Delineating extent and magnitude of river flooding to lakes across a northern delta using water isotope tracers
Authors: Remmer Casey R. , Owca Tanner , Neary Laura , Wiklund Johan A. , Kay Mitchell , Wolfe Brent B. , Hall Roland I.
Published: September 2019

Hydrological monitoring in complex, dynamic northern floodplain landscapes is challenging, but increasingly important as a consequence of multiple stressors. The Peace‐Athabasca Delta in northern Alberta, Canada, is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance reliant on episodic river ice‐jam flood events to recharge abundant perched lakes and wetlands. Improved and systematic monitoring of landscape‐scale hydrological connectivity among freshwater ecosystems (rivers, channels, wetlands, and lakes) is needed to guide stewardship decisions in the face of climate change and upstream industrial development. Here, we use water isotope compositions, supplemented by measurements of specific conductivity and field observations, from 68 lakes and 9 river sites in May 2018 to delineate the extent and magnitude of spring ice‐jam induced flooding along the Peace and Athabasca rivers. Lake‐specific estimates of input water isotope composition (δI) were modelled after accounting for influence of evaporative isotopic enrichment. Then, using the distinct isotopic signature of input water sources, we develop a set of binary mixing models and estimate the proportion of input to flooded lakes attributable to river floodwater and precipitation (snow or rain). This approach allowed identification of areas and magnitude of flooding that were not captured by other methods, including direct observations from flyovers, and to demarcate flow pathways in the delta. We demonstrate water isotope tracers as an efficient and effective monitoring tool for delineating spatial extent and magnitude of an important hydrological process and elucidating connectivity in the Peace‐Athabasca Delta, an approach that can be readily adopted at other floodplain landscapes.
Rare patients in routine care: Treatment and outcome in advanced papillary renal cell carcinoma in the prospective German clinical RCC‐Registry
Authors: Staehler Michael , Goebell Peter J. , Müller Lothar , Emde Till‐Oliver , Wetzel Natalie , Kruggel Lisa , Jänicke Martina , Marschner Norbert ,   the RCC‐Registry Group (Tumour Registry of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma)
Published: September 2019

Non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a very rare malignancy that includes several histological subtypes. Each subtype may need to be addressed separately regarding prognosis and treatment; however, no Phase III clinical trial data exist. Thus, treatment recommendations for patients with non‐clear cell metastatic RCC (mRCC) remain unclear. We present first prospective data on choice of first‐ and second‐line treatment in routine practice and outcome of patients with papillary mRCC. From the prospective German clinical cohort study (RCC‐Registry), 99 patients with papillary mRCC treated with systemic first‐line therapy between December 2007 and May 2017 were included. Prospectively enrolled patients who had started first‐line treatment until May 15, 2016, were included into the outcome analyses (n = 82). Treatment was similar to therapies used for clear cell mRCC and consisted of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors and recently checkpoint inhibitors. Median progression‐free survival from start of first‐line treatment was 5.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1–9.2) and median overall survival was 12.0 months (95% CI, 8.1–20.0). At data cutoff, 73% of the patients died, 6% were still observed, 12% were lost to follow‐up, and 9% were alive at the end of the individual 3‐year observation period. Despite the lack of prospective Phase III evidence in patients with papillary mRCC, our real‐world data reveal effectiveness of systemic clear cell mRCC therapy in papillary mRCC. The prognosis seems to be inferior for papillary compared to clear cell mRCC. Further studies are needed to identify drivers of effectiveness of systemic therapy for papillary mRCC.
Kanechlor 500‐mediated changes in serum and hepatic thyroxine levels primarily occur in a transthyretin‐unrelated manner
Authors: Kato Yoshihisa , Tamaki Sekihiro , Haraguchi Koichi , Ikushiro Shin‐ichi , Fujii Yukiko , Ohta Chiho , Atobe Kazutaka , Kimura Osamu , Endo Tetsuya , Koga Nobuyuki , Yamada Shizuo , Degawa Masakuni
Published: September 2019

The effects of Kanechlor‐500 (KC500) on the levels of serum total thyroxine (T4) and hepatic T4 in wild‐type C57BL/6 (WT) and its transthyretin (TTR)‐deficient (TTR‐null) mice were comparatively examined. Four days after a single intraperitoneal injection with KC500 (100 mg/kg body weight), serum total T4 levels were significantly decreased in both WT and TTR‐null mice. The KC500 pretreatment also promoted serum [125I]T4 clearance in both strains of mice administrated with [125I]T4, and the promotion of serum [125I]T4 clearance in WT mice occurred without inhibition of the [125I]T4‐TTR complex formation. Furthermore, the KC500 pretreatment led to significant increases in liver weight, steady‐state distribution volume of [125I]T4, hepatic accumulation level of [125I]T4, and concentration ratio of the liver to serum in both strains of mice. The present findings indicate that the KC500‐mediated decrease in serum T4 level occurs in a TTR‐unrelated manner and further suggest that KC500‐promoted T4 accumulation in the liver occurs through the development of liver hypertrophy and the promotion of T4 transportation from serum to liver.