bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Field Evaluation of an Air-assistance Unit for Spraying Pesticide on a Vertical Crop Canopy
Authors: Prasad Athira , D Dhalin , Khatawkar Dipak S
Published: December 2024

Aims: Determination of theoretical requirements of an air assistance unit suitable for coconut palm sprayers
Study Design: The principles of displacement of air volume and terminal velocity for calculating air volume requirement and flow velocity respectively.
Place and Duration of Study:  Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Tavanur Malappuram, Kerala and 3 to 6 months.
Methodology: Based on the theoretical calculation of air volume and flow requirements, an Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) was selected for the air-assistance unit. The EDF offers an effective solution to meet the high air velocity requirements while addressing size concerns. Field trials were conducted to optimise the performance parameters of the EDF, including the air velocity at the fan outlet (10, 15 and 17 m‧s-1) and its position relative to the canopy (1, 1.5, and 2 m below the canopy).
Results: The airflow from the EDF effectively reached the top of the canopy, overcoming the challenge of delivering spray droplets to elevated heights in a vertical crop canopy. The adoption of EDF as air assistance unit, addresses the size and weight limitations by providing a higher weight-to-thrust ratio. However, droplet deposition and coverage were found to decrease with increasing spray distance. Operating the sprayer too close to the canopy cause the droplet coalescence, leading to the formation of larger droplets that dripped onto the ground. Over-spraying was more likely when the EDF was positioned too close to the canopy (1 m) at high speed (17 m‧s⁻¹), whereas under-spraying occurred when the EDF was placed too far away (2 m). Further studies are recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of airflow velocity trajectories within the canopy when spraying in vertical direction against gravity.
Conclusion: Optimal spray deposition and coverage were achieved when the EDF operated at an airflow velocity of 17 m‧s⁻¹ and was positioned 1.5 m below the crop canopy.
Efficient computational model for identification of antitubercular peptides by integrating amino acid patterns and properties
Authors: Khatun Shamima , Hasan Mehedi , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading killer caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recently, anti‐TB peptides have provided an alternative approach to combat antibiotic tolerance. We have developed an effective computational predictor, identification of antitubercular peptides (iAntiTB), by the integration of multiple feature vectors deriving from the amino acid sequences via random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. The iAntiTB combines the RF and SVM scores via linear regression to enhance the prediction accuracy. To make a robust and accurate predictor, we prepared the two datasets with different types of negative samples. The iAntiTB achieved area under the ROC curve values of 0.896 and 0.946 on the training datasets of the first and second datasets, respectively. The iAntiTB outperformed the other existing predictors.
Silicone Elastomers with High‐Permittivity Ionic Liquids Loading
Authors: Liu Xue , Yu Liyun , Nie Yi , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: July 2019

The most obvious challenge facing current dielectric elastomers (DEs) is the high driving voltages necessary to activate them, and so, an effective way to overcome this shortcoming is to increase their dielectric permittivity. Herein, high‐permittivity dielectric elastomer materials are prepared by synthesizing silicone elastomer loaded with ionic liquids (ILs). The influence of the structure and the amounts of ILs on the material properties is discussed, and important properties for material applications as DEs, such as dielectric permittivity, gel fraction, and mechanical properties, are also investigated. It is found that 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluoroantimonate (BmimSbF6) is the most suitable IL for the given system. The dielectric permittivity of the material with 90 parts per hundred rubber (phr) BmimSbF6 is 3.2 times higher than that of the pristine silicone elastomer, whereas the dielectric permittivity of pure silicone elastomer and elastomer loaded with ILs decreases in line with increased temperature in all cases. Young's modulus decreases in line with the increasing amount of BmimSbF6 in the elastomer, as expected. A simpler figure of merit (F*om) for actuators is used, and F*om of the elastomer with a 90 phr IL loading is 10.40, thereby indicating that the material has a great advantage when used in actuators.
Effect of Grain Size on Formability and Deformation Mechanism of High‐Purity Aluminum during Micro‐Embossing Process at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Su Qian , Xu Jie , Yu Huan , Shi Lei , Shan Debin , Guo Bin
Published: July 2019

Due to the high processing efficiency, the low manufacturing cost, and the emission of carbon dioxide, microforming attracts considerable attention in the field of microelectromechanical systems. Thus, the micro‐embossing process is carried out for the high purity Al of coarse‐grained (CG) and ultrafine‐grained (UFG) microstructure at temperature ranging from 373 to 523 K. The interactive effects of grain size and temperature on formability are investigated. The results indicate that UFG pure Al is of better geometrical accuracy and surface quality in comparison with CG pure Al. Meanwhile, with the increasing temperature, the filling behavior of UFG pure Al is optimized and both CG and UFG pure Al reach full filling after embossing process at 523 K. Based on the observation of the microstructure of embossed ribs, plastic deformation together with the heat effect trigger the recrystallization of the CG pure Al and the grain growth of the UFG pure Al. The deformation mechanisms of CG and UFG pure Al are clarified, according to the evolution of misorientation angle distribution and kernel average misorientation. It is confirmed that intergranule movement for UFG pure Al includes grain boundary sliding and grain rotation accounted for the excellent formability.
Integration of Plasmonic Metal and Cocatalyst: An Efficient Strategy for Boosting the Visible and Broad‐Spectrum Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Cai Xiaotong , Chen Qin , Wang Ruoxin , Wang An , Wang Jiawei , Zhong Shuxian , Liu Ya , Chen Jianrong , Bai Song
Published: July 2019

The combination of plasmonic metal and cocatalyst with semiconductor has been widely used to simultaneously improve the efficiencies of light absorption, charge separation, and surface reaction for high‐performance photocatalysis. Despite the tremendous efforts, the ternary nanostructures suffer from two bottlenecks: 1) long distance between plasmonic metal and cocatalyst increases the chance of hot electron loss; 2) opposite transmission directions between plasmon‐induced hot electrons and semiconductor‐generated free electrons disfavor the practical application of broad‐spectrum photocatalysis. In this paper, a novel photocatalytic nanostructure, in which plasmonic Au and Pd cocatalysts are integrated into Janus heterojunction on the TiO2, is demonstrated. The advantages of the designed photocatalyst include: 1) the shortened distance between Au and Pd as well as the formation of additional channel of Au–Pd interface accelerates the hot electron transfer; 2) the opposite directions of visible‐light‐induced hot electrons and ultraviolet‐light‐excited free electrons are mediated with a unified TiO2 → Au → Pd transmission route during the broad‐spectrum photocatalysis. As a result, 15 mg of the designed photocatalyst achieves average H2 production rates of 0.79 and 7.59 µmol h−1 under visible and broad‐spectrum irradiation, respectively, much higher than those of other binary and ternary architectures consisting of TiO2, Pd, and Au.
Anthropometric indices for predicting cardiovascular risk factors: Ellisras longitudinal study
Authors: Sebati Betty , Monyeki Kotsedi , Kemper Han Cornelis Geraad , Sekgala Machoene Derrick , Mphekgwana Peter
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine which anthropometric indices can best predict the presence of common cardiovascular risk factors among young adults in the rural village of Ellisras in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods

A total of 624 young adults (306 males and 318 females) aged 18 to 29 years took part in this cross‐sectional study. Anthropometrics were measured according to the standard procedures. Blood pressure and blood parameters were collected and measured. The stepwise logistic regression was used to determine anthropometric indices that can predict the presence of common cardiovascular risk factors and a receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess discrimination abilities of anthropometric indices for cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) in multivariable adjusted models was not found to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors compared to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). The area below the ROC curve for the abovementioned indices was above 0.62.

Conclusions

The central obesity indices, WC and WHtR, are better predictors of dyslipedemia and hypercholesterolemia, whereas BMI was a better predictor of hypertension among young adults living in rural South Africa between the ages of 18 and 29 years.
Comparing disability and return to work outcomes between alternative and traditional workers' compensation programs
Authors: Schofield Katherine , Ryan Andrew D. , Dauner Kim N.
Published: July 2019

Background

The Union Construction Workers' Compensation Program (UCWCP) was developed in 1996 as an alternative workers' compensation arrangement. The program includes use of a preapproved medical and rehabilitation network and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and prioritizes a quick and safe return‐to‐work. The aim of this study is to determine if differences in recovery‐related outcomes exist between UCWCP and the statutory workers' compensation system (SWCS).

Methods

Claims data from 2003 to 2016 were classified as processed through UCWCP or SWCS. Outcomes included: temporary total disability (TTD), vocational rehabilitation (VR), claim duration and costs, and permanent partial disability (PPD). The relative risk of incurring TTD, VR, and PPD in UCWCP vs SWCS was calculated using log‐binomial regression. Linear regression examined the relationship between programs and continuous outcomes including costs and duration. Estimates were adjusted for age, sex, wage, and severity.

Results

The UCWCP processed 15.8% of claims; higher percentages of UCWCP claimants were older and earned higher wages. Results point to positive findings of decreased TTD incidence and cost, lower risk of TTD extending over time, higher likelihood of VR participation, and less attorney involvement and stipulation agreements associated with UCWCP membership. Differences were more apparent in workers who suffered permanent physical impairment.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the defining programmatic elements of the UCWCP, including its medical provider and rehabilitation network and access to ADR, have been successful in their aims. Claims with increased severity exhibited more pronounced differences vs SWCS, potentially due, in part, to greater use of programmatic elements.
A Beneficial Effect of Bromination on the Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of Aza‐BODIPY Dyes with Electron‐Donating Groups
Authors: Obłoza Magdalena , Łapok Łukasz , Pędziński Tomasz , Nowakowska Maria
Published: July 2019

A series of aza‐BODIPY dyes substituted with meta‐(dimethylamino)phenyl groups were synthesized and their spectroscopic, photophysical, and electrochemical properties were compared. Highly desirable photophysical and photochemical properties were induced in meta‐(Me2N)Ph‐substituted aza‐BODIPY by bromination of the aromatic rings at the 3 and 5 positions. In particular, high values of singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) were measured, ranging from 0.36 to 0.58. The photosensitized oxygenation process of a model compound – diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) ‐ proceeds via a Type II mechanism for the di‐bromo derivative, while for the tetra‐bromo derivative a mixed mechanism involving both 1O2 and other reactive forms of oxygen formation (Type I and/or Type III) was detected. Nanosecond laser photolysis experiments of the brominated aza‐BODIPYs revealed T1→Tn absorption spanning from ca. 350 nm to ca. 510 nm with the triplet lifetimes (τT) ranged between 15.6 μs and 26.0 μs. The brominated aza‐BODIPYs studied exhibited an absorption band within the so‐called “therapeutic window”, with λabs located between 620 nm and 636 nm. As estimated by CV/DPV measurements, the meta‐(Me2N)Ph‐substituted aza‐BODIPYs studied exhibited a multi‐electron oxidation processes at a relatively low oxidation potentials (Eox), pointing to the very good electron‐donating properties of these molecules. All compounds studied exhibited extremely high photostability and thermal stability.
Experiences of National Disability Insurance Scheme planning from the perspective of adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Perry Elyse , Waters Rebecca , Buchanan Angus
Published: July 2019

The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is attempting to address long‐term inequalities experienced by people with disability. Planning is central to the NDIS. People with intellectual disability will be the largest group of NDIS participants, and their perspectives are underrepresented in the literature. It is important to understand how they experience and perceive NDIS planning. Ten adults with intellectual disability participated in semi‐structured interviews to explore their experiences of NDIS planning. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77) six stages of thematic analysis. Six themes were identified: planning preparation not fit for purpose, creating goals, goals not met, planning not meeting real needs, lack of choice and control and importance of relationship with planner. In principle, the NDIS presents a real opportunity to increase the choice and control, social and economic participation, and independence of people with disability; however, this does not always translate into practice for people with intellectual disability.
Different Regimes of Ultrashort Pulse Propagation in Disordered Layered Media with Resonant Loss and Gain
Authors: Novitsky Denis V. , Redka Dmitrii , Shalin Alexander S.
Published: July 2019

Different optical nanostructures containing both loss and gain components attract ever‐increasing attention as novel advanced materials and building blocks for a variety of nanophotonic and plasmonic applications. Unique tunable optical signatures of the so‐called active metamaterials support their utilization for sensing, imaging, and signal processing on micro‐ and nanoscales. However, this tunability requires flexible control over the metamaterial parameters, which could be provided by involving a set of nonlinear interactions. In this paper, a method of governing ultrashort pulses is proposed by varying the level of a population difference disorder in a random active metamaterial. This enables us to deliver three different interaction regimes: self‐induced transparency (low disorder), localization regime (moderate disorder), and light amplification (strong disorder) corresponding to strongly different light pulse speeds. Since this control could be realized via rather plain tools, like simple pump tuning, the proposed disordered medium opens a room of opportunities for designing a peculiar active component for a whole set of highly demanded optical applications.
A new phenological metric for use in pheno‐climatic models: A case study using herbarium specimens of Streptanthus tortuosus
Authors: Love Natalie L. Rossington , Park Isaac W. , Mazer Susan J.
Published: July 2019

Premise

Herbarium specimens have been used to detect climate‐induced shifts in flowering time by using the day of year of collection (DOY) as a proxy for first or peak flowering date. Variation among herbarium sheets in their phenological status, however, undermines the assumption that DOY accurately represents any particular phenophase. Ignoring this variation can reduce the explanatory power of pheno‐climatic models (PCMs) designed to predict the effects of climate on flowering date.

Methods

Here we present a protocol for the phenological scoring of imaged herbarium specimens using an ImageJ plugin, and we introduce a quantitative metric of a specimen's phenological status, the phenological index (PI), which we use in PCMs to control for phenological variation among specimens of Streptanthus tortuosus (Brassicaceeae) when testing for the effects of climate on DOY. We demonstrate that including PI as an independent variable improves model fit.

Results

Including PI in PCMs increased the model R2 relative to PCMs that excluded PI; regression coefficients for climatic parameters, however, remained constant.

Discussion

Our protocol provides a simple, quantitative phenological metric for any observed plant. Including PI in PCMs increases R2 and enables predictions of the DOY of any phenophase under any specified climatic conditions.
Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of α‐Functionalized 2H‐Chromenes in Water: A Tandem Self‐Promoted pseudo‐Substitution and Decarboxylation Process
Authors: Jiang Chunhui , Chen Yayun , Zhang Hongkui , Tan Jian‐Ping , Wang Tianli
Published: July 2019

A catalyst‐free decarboxylative reaction between β‐keto acids and 2H‐chromene acetals in water was developed. This reaction featured a broad substrate scope and easily obtainable starting materials to afford α‐functionalized 2H‐chromenes in high yields. The synthetic value of this protocol was also demonstrated by the scale‐up synthesis and versatile conversions of the title product into other useful compounds. In addition, control experiments indicated that water was essential for the reactivity. Mechanistic studies further revealed that the reaction proceeded through a self‐promoted tandem pseudo‐substitution and decarboxylation process.
Post‐Treatment of CH3NH3PbI3/PbI2 Composite Films with Methylamine to Realize High‐Performance Photoconductor Devices
Authors: Li Jieni , Li Henan , Liu Lai , Yao Huizhen , Tian Bingbing , Su Chenliang , Zhong Haizhe , Wang Ye , Zhang Lifu , Shi Yumeng
Published: July 2019

Organometallic halide perovskites have attracted great research interest as light‐active materials for use in optoelectronics. Here, we report a high‐performance photoconductor based on a methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) film that was prepared from a methylamine‐treated MAPbI3/PbI2 perovskite film. An ultrahigh responsivity of 3.6 A W−1 and detectivity of 5.4×1012 Jones were obtained for the film under 0.5 mW cm−2 white‐light illumination. In addition, under 420 nm light irradiation, the film exhibited its highest responsivity and detectivity of 30 A W−1 and 2.4×1014 Jones, respectively. The excellent photo‐response performance results from the improved electronic quality and suppressed nonradiative recombination channels of the treated perovskite thin film.
Protein Topology Prediction Algorithms Systematically Investigated in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Weill Uri , Cohen Nir , Fadel Amir , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Schuldiner Maya
Published: July 2019

Membrane proteins perform a variety of functions, all crucially dependent on their orientation in the membrane. However, neither the exact number of transmembrane domains (TMDs) nor the topology of most proteins have been experimentally determined. Due to this, most scientists rely primarily on prediction algorithms to determine topology and TMD assignments. Since these can give contradictory results, single‐algorithm‐based predictions are unreliable. To map the extent of potential misanalysis, the predictions of nine algorithms on the yeast proteome are compared and it is found that they have little agreement when predicting TMD number and termini orientation. To view all predictions in parallel, a webpage called TopologYeast: http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/TopologYeast was created. Each algorithm is compared with experimental data and a poor agreement is found. The analysis suggests that more systematic data on protein topology are required to increase the training sets for prediction algorithms and to have accurate knowledge of membrane protein topology.
Cytotoxic Spliceostatin Analogs from Pseudomonas sp.
Authors: Zhao Hong , Zhang Bei , Ma Lie‐Feng , Shi Lin‐Mei , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: July 2019

Two new spliceostatin analogs, designed as spliceostatins J and K (1 and 2), were isolated and identified from the culture of Pseudomonas sp., along with two known ones, FR901464 (3) and spliceostatin E (4). Their structures were elucidated by detailed interpretation of their spectroscopic data, especially 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS. Spliceostatin J (1) represented the first example of spliceostatins bearing an unusual hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furan moiety. Biological assay showed all the isolated compounds except 1 displayed potent cytotoxic activities against two cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231 and A‐549). Structure‐activity‐relationship studies revealed that the tetrahydropyran ring in spliceostatin analogs was necessary for their bioactive retention.
The Sub‐picomolar Cu2+ Dissociation Constant of Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Bossak‐Ahmad Karolina , Frączyk Tomasz , Bal Wojciech , Drew Simon C.
Published: July 2019

The apparent affinity of human serum albumin (HSA) for divalent copper has long been the subject of great interest, due to its presumed role as the major Cu2+‐binding ligand in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Using a combination of electronic absorption, circular dichroism and room‐temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, together with potentiometric titrations, we competed the tripeptide GGH against HSA to reveal a conditional binding constant of log c
=13.02±0.05 at pH 7.4. This rigorously determined value of the Cu2+ affinity has important implications for understanding the extracellular distribution of copper.
Splenic infarction in babesiosis: A rare presentation
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Patel Poras , Manvar Kapil , Kellner Timothy , Guevara Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Babesiosis is a protozoan parasitic infection transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Splenic infarction is a rare, but potentially life‐threatening complication of babesiosis; it is therefore vital that this complication is recognized.
One Pot Asymmetric Synthesis of (R)‐Phenylglycinol from Racemic Styrene Oxide via Cascade Biocatalysis
Authors: Sun Zai‐Bao , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Li Fu‐Long , Nie Yao , Yu Hui‐Lei , Xu Jian‐He
Published: July 2019

(R)‐Phenylglycinol is an important chiral building block for pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, and its efficient synthesis from cheap and commercially available starting materials is challenging and highly desirable. Herein, a new three‐step one‐pot cascade system employing epoxide hydrolase, glycerol dehydrogenase, and ω‐transaminase was designed for the asymmetric synthesis of (R)‐phenylglycinol from racemic styrene oxide. A cofactor self‐sufficient system employing AlaDH/L−Ala was utilized for the regeneration of expensive cofactor NAD+ and removal of by‐product pyruvate. Furthermore, in situ product removal by cation resin adsorption was used to drive the thermodynamic equilibrium of the cascade reaction to the direction of product generation. Finally, optically pure (R)‐phenylglycinol was successfully produced from racemic styrene oxide with high yield (81.9 %) and excellent enantioselectivity (99 % ee).
Effect of fragmentation of cancer care on treatment use and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hester Caitlin A. , Karbhari Nishika , Rich Nicole E. , Augustine Mathew , Mansour John C. , Polanco Patricio M. , Porembka Matthew R. , Wang Sam C. , Zeh Herbert J. , Singal Amit G. , Yopp Adam C.
Published: July 2019

Background

Fragmented cancer care (FC), or care received from multiple institutions, increases systemic health care costs and potentiates cancer care disparities. There is a paucity of data on mechanisms contributing to FC and the resulting effect on patient outcomes. This study characterized patient‐ and hospital‐level factors associated with FC, time to treatment (TTT), and overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with HCC from 2004 to 2015 and receiving treatment were identified in the Texas Cancer Registry. Patient‐ and hospital‐level factors were compared across 2 cohorts: an FC treatment group and a nonfragmented cancer care (NFC) treatment group. Covariate‐adjusted treatment use and OS were compared between the 2 treatment groups.

Results

Among 4329 patients with HCC, 1185 (27.4%) received FC, and 3144 (72.6%) received NFC. Compared with NFC patients, FC patients had larger tumors (median size ≥4 cm, 52.6% vs 35.2%; P < .001), and a higher proportion had a regional/metastatic stage (35.9% vs 26.7%; P < .001). Among patients with localized disease, FC was associated with decreased odds of curative therapy (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7‐0.9). FC was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.24) and increased TTT (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.7‐0.8). In the subset of patients with localized‐stage HCC who received curative therapy, FC was associated with worse OS (median survival, 67 vs 43 months; HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.4) and increased TTT (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.7‐0.8).

Conclusions

FC patients were less likely to undergo curative therapy when they were diagnosed at an early stage. After covariate adjustment, newly diagnosed patients with HCC receiving FC had worse OS and increased TTT.
Addressing fragmentation of care requires strengthening of health systems and cross‐institutional collaboration
Authors: Molina George , Qadan Motaz
Published: July 2019

Addressing the fragmentation of cancer care requires the strengthening of existing health systems and bridging the divide between low‐volume and high‐volume hospitals and non–safety net and safety net hospitals. This can be accomplished through restructuring, investment, and cross‐collaboration between institutions that promote multidisciplinary and multi‐institutional care.
Relaxivity of Gd‐Based MRI Contrast Agents in Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid as a Model for Tissues
Authors: Fragai Marco , Ravera Enrico , Tedoldi Fabio , Luchinat Claudio , Parigi Giacomo
Published: July 2019

The efficiency of MRI contrast agents depends on the relaxation rate enhancement that they can induce at imaging fields. It is well known that, at these fields, large relaxation rates are obtained by binding of gadolinium(III) ions to large molecules. By the same token, the interaction of the gadolinium(III) complexes with macromolecules that are found in biological tissues can be responsible for an increase of the relaxation rate with respect to the value observed in liquids. We investigate here the relaxation enhancement of gadoteridol (Gd‐HP‐DO3A) in crosslinked hyaluronic acid, taken as model tissue, using fast field‐cycling relaxometry. The analysis of the relaxation profiles as a function of the magnetic fields indicates that a sizable increase in the relaxation rates is due to a modest interaction of the contrast agent with the hydrogel and to the slower mobility of the water molecules outside the first‐coordination sphere of the gadolinium(III) ion.
Reduced‐order method for mathematical modeling of multiphase dc‐dc converter
Authors: Kawakami Taichi , Yamamoto Masayoshi
Published: July 2019

A multiphase dc‐dc converter is effective for miniaturization and achieving high‐power density in a switching power supply. However, its mathematical modeling becomes complex as the phase number of the circuit increases. This study proposes a new modeling method to derive a reduced‐order method in a simple manner. The frequency characteristics of the reduced‐order model are fit to those of the original mathematical model of the multiphase dc‐dc converter. Therefore, the efficacy of the proposed method is validated.
Loss analysis of permanent magnet synchronous machines by considering circulating currents of armature windings
Authors: Yamazaki Katsumi , Yui Haiyan , Ohguchi Hideki , Shuto Masao
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we investigate the losses caused by circulating currents generated in armature windings of permanent magnet synchronous machines by using electromagnetic field analysis. In the analysis, each parallel connected wire in the windings is modeled by finite elements in order to consider the difference in the electromotive forces and the generation of the circulating currents. The calculated losses are compared with experimental results. It is clarified that the armature copper loss in permanent magnet machines with parallel connected wires considerably increases by the circulating currents.
Plasma behavior and characteristics of a pulsed‐laser‐driven MHD electrical power generation
Authors: Iwata Toshiki , Tsukazawa Satohiro , Okuno Yoshihiro
Published: July 2019

The fundamental electrical power generation experiment of a pulsed‐laser‐driven magnet hydrodynamics generator with a divergent channel and segmented electrodes has been conducted with a rough estimate of gas heating efficiency of laser energy. The output energy is increased with the decrease in the initial filling gas pressure because of the increase in the gas velocity and the electrical conductivity with the gas temperature. The output power is surely improved in comparison with the previously examined generator with constant height channel and continuous electrode. About 70% of the incident laser energy is absorbed and less than 20% is transferred to the blast wave energy at low initial filling gas pressure in the present experimental setup.
Experimental validation with field circuit by changing start voltage of salient pole synchronous motor
Authors: Kori Daisuke , Koyama Takayuki , Iizuka Motonobu
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on the experimental validation characteristics of a salient pole synchronous motor with the starting field circuit in contact. The starting characteristics were experimentally evaluated at voltages of 100%, 75%, and 50% using a 1.5 kVA salient pole synchronous motor. The signal for pulling into step was applied to the field circuit by using the control module for all test conditions. The results confirmed the proper pulling into step at 100% of voltage, and the results of the tests at 50% and 75% of voltage revealed that the pulling into step under these conditions becomes stable at the suitable slip condition.
Variations in the Solid‐State Emissions of Clothespin‐Shaped Binuclear trans‐Bis(salicylaldiminato)platinum(II) with Halogen Functionalities
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Ito Mizuki , Naota Takeshi
Published: July 2019

The syntheses, aggregation motifs and solid‐state emissions of clothespin‐shaped binuclear trans‐bis(salicylaldiminato)platinum(II) complexes 1–4 bearing halogen atoms (X) at the para positions of phenoxy moieties are described and compared with those of the non‐substituted analog 5. Crystalline (±)‐4 (X = I, polymorph B) obtained by recrystallization from benzene exhibits intense phosphorescent emission under UV irradiation at ambient temperature, while crystals of (±)‐1 (X = F), (±)‐2 (X = Cl), (±)‐3 (X = Br) and (±)‐4 (X = I, polymorph A), obtained from poor solvents including hexanes, are less emissive under the same conditions. The emission intensities of these crystals increase in the order of (±)‐4 (B) > (±)‐5 > (±)‐1–3, (±)‐4 (A). XRD analysis shows that the less emissive crystals (±)‐1–3 and (±)‐4 (polymorph A) form specific aggregates in which (R)‐ and (S)‐units with “A”‐shaped conformations are aligned in an alternating, shuttlecock‐like interpenetrating manner as a result of one‐dimensional infinite X⋯π interactions. The emissive polymorph 4 (B) exhibits a significantly different non‐interpenetrating alignment of “A”‐shaped conformational units, which are firmly bound as a result of a two‐dimensional constraint network consisting of I⋯I and Pt⋯Pt interactions. The present variations in solid‐state emission are therefore explained on the basis of the constraint dimensionality of the packing units of each complex.
Synthesis and Characterization of Azine‐[5]Helicene Hybrids
Authors: Gulevskaya Anna V. , Tonkoglazova Daria I. , Guchunov Andrey S. , Misharev Alexander D.
Published: July 2019

Novel azine‐helicene hybrids (pyridine‐, pyrazine‐ and quinoxaline‐fused along the central ring [5]helicenes) have been prepared in good overall yields through a five‐step synthetic sequence. Commercially available 2,3‐dihaloazines were used as starting materials. To discern the effect of merging an azine moiety within a helical skeleton, the X‐ray structures, UV/Vis absorption spectra, cathodic and anodic electrochemistry of the helicene hybrids were investigated and compared to that of the parent [5]helicene.
Defining the Minimum Acceptable Diagnostic Accuracy of Noninvasive Fibrosis Testing in Cirrhosis: A Decision Analytic Modeling Study
Authors: Majumdar Avik , Campos Sara , Gurusamy Kurinchi , Pinzani Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A.
Published: July 2019

No studies explore the clinical consequences of using noninvasive tests (NITs) compared to liver biopsy (LB) in diagnosing cirrhosis. Our aim was to combine two decision analytic models to determine the minimum diagnostic accuracy criteria for NITs to diagnose cirrhosis with equivalence to LB in terms of mortality. We further evaluated selected existing NITs used alone and sequentially. A decision tree was constructed with associated 2‐year mortality incorporating an LB or NIT strategy to diagnose cirrhosis in a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 asymptomatic patients. Cirrhosis prevalence was modeled at 5%, 20%, and 50%. Decision curve analyses were performed, expressing the net benefit of tests over a range of threshold probabilities (Pt). The NIT deriving from the two models that could diagnose cirrhosis with at least equal mortality to LB was termed “mNIT.” Existing NITs were then compared using both decision models. The combined mNIT minimum sensitivity and specificity to diagnose cirrhosis with equivalence to LB at 5%, 20% and 50% cirrhosis prevalence were; 89% and 88%, 94% and 85%, and 94% and 87%, respectively at Pt = 0.20. Sequential NITs performed better than single NITs at any prevalence. Combining both decision models, FibroTest plus vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and VCTE alone were the only existing NITs that were better than or equal to LB at diagnosing cirrhosis at 5% prevalence. At 20% and 50% prevalence, only FibroTest high specificity cutoff plus VCTE was equivalent to or better than LB. Conclusion: Decision analytic models were used to determine the minimum acceptable diagnostic accuracy of NITs for diagnosing cirrhosis; we recommend that such models should be used as the standard in evaluating the diagnostic performance of NITs.
An experimental study on thermal management of concentrated photovoltaic cell using loop heat pipe and heat sink
Authors: S. Anand , M. Senthil Kumar , K. R. Balasubramanian , R. Ajith Krishnan , L. Maheswari
Published: July 2019

One of the most critical innovations in the solar energy conversion is the use of concentrators for generating power from a smaller area of the cell. The thermal management has an exceptional role in the concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cell, without which the operating temperature will increase owing to the thermal degradation. In the present study, a prototype of low CPV with single‐cell configuration using a Fresnel lens and a manual tracker with geometrical concentration ratio of up to 25 Suns is made. The performance of the CPV with passive cooling arrangements, such as heat sink and loop heat pipes (LHPs), is analyzed under real‐time outdoor conditions. The results obtained infer that the LHP‐based cooling system has brought down the average temperature rise above ambient to 37.8°C from 54.16°C and 72.6°C in the heat sink and bare CPV systems, respectively. Also, the LHP managed to reject the heat to the surrounding with an average thermal resistance of 1.005°C/W, which is the least when compared with the heat sink. Apart from the instabilities caused by the interference of clouds, the CPV with the LHP cooling system could generate 10% more power output than the one with a heat sink.
Activation of GPR30 promotes osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells: An implication in osteoporosis
Authors: Lin Xiaozong , Li Li , Wu Shuliang , Tian Jun , Zheng Weizhuo
Published: July 2019

Osteoporosis is an age‐related disease characterized by reduced bone volume and disturbed bone metabolism. Novel therapies to rescue or prevent reduced bone mass by guiding the differentiation of pluripotent bone marrow stromal cells away from adipocyte differentiation and toward osteoblastic differentiation may serve as a valuable treatment option against osteoporosis. Estrogen has long been recognized as a key effector of bone formation and mineralization, but the exact mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of the estrogen‐specific G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30/GPER) using its specific agonist G1 in MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast cells. Our findings demonstrate that expression of GPR30 is upregulated during osteoblast differentiation and that agonism of GPR30 significantly increases some key markers of mineralization including alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osterix, and type I collagen. We also demonstrate that GPR30 agonism upregulates expression of Runx2, which is recognized as an essential transcription factor involved in bone formation. Additionally, through a series of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐inhibition experiments using compound C, we show that the positive effects of GPR30 on mineralization and differentiation of preosteoblasts are mediated through the AMPK/anti‐acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) pathway. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrate the potential of GPR30 as a novel target for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis of FSCN1‐interacting proteins in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Cui Jiajia , Zhang Yuliang , Niu Min , Xue Xuting , Yin Hongyu , Tang Yemei , Dai Li , Dai Fengsheng , Guo Yujia , Wu Yongyan , Gao Wei
Published: July 2019

Fascin actin‐bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) is an evolutionarily conserved actin‐bundling protein that plays a critical role in cell migration, motility, adhesion, and cellular interactions. Although multiple clinical studies have implicated the expression of FSCN1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) progression, the precise mechanism of FSCN1 in the process has not been clearly elucidated. To define FSCN1 function, we characterized FSCN1‐interacting proteins in LSCC cells by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (MS). After data filtering, 119 proteins with expression in both the Hep‐2 and TU‐177 cell samples were identified as FSCN1‐interacting partners. With in‐depth bioinformatics analysis, we linked FSCN1 to critical cellular processes including cell adhesion, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, regulation of protein ubiquitination, ribosomal RNA processing, and small molecule metabolism. We discuss the interactions between FSCN1 and some of the newly validated partners. The identification of these potential partners of FSCN1 expands our knowledge of the FSCN1 interactome and provides a valuable resource for understanding the functions of this protein in LSCC progression.
Novel multicomponent organic–inorganic WPI/gelatin/CaP hydrogel composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Dziadek Michal , Kudlackova Radmila , Zima Aneta , Slosarczyk Anna , Ziabka Magdalena , Jelen Piotr , Shkarina Svetlana , Cecilia Angelica , Zuber Marcus , Baumbach Tilo , Surmeneva Maria A. , Surmenev Roman A. , Bacakova Lucie , Cholewa‐Kowalska Katarzyna , Douglas Timothy E. L.
Published: July 2019

The present work focuses on the development of novel multicomponent organic–inorganic hydrogel composites for bone tissue engineering. For the first time, combination of the organic components commonly used in food industry, namely whey protein isolate (WPI) and gelatin from bovine skin, as well as inorganic material commonly used as a major component of hydraulic bone cements, namely α‐TCP in various concentrations (0–70 wt%) was proposed. The results showed that α‐TCP underwent incomplete transformation to calcium‐deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) during preparation process of the hydrogels. Microcomputer tomography showed inhomogeneous distribution of the calcium phosphate (CaP) phase in the resulting composites. Nevertheless, hydrogels containing 30–70 wt% α‐TCP showed significantly improved mechanical properties. The values of Young's modulus and the stresses corresponding to compression of a sample by 50% increased almost linearly with increasing concentration of ceramic phase. Incomplete transformation of α‐TCP to CDHA during preparation process of composites provides them high reactivity in simulated body fluid during 14‐day incubation. Preliminary in vitro studies revealed that the WPI/gelatin/CaP composite hydrogels support the adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of human osteoblast‐like MG‐63 cells. The WPI/gelatin/CaP composite hydrogels obtained in this work showed great potential for the use in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
The androgen receptor antagonist enzalutamide induces apoptosis, dysregulates the heat shock protein system, and diminishes the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor β1 expression in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Abazid Alexander , Martin Benedikt , Choinowski Anja , McNeill Rhiannon V. , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove , Ziegler Patrick , Zimmermann Uwe , Burchardt Martin , Erb Holger , Stope Matthias B.
Published: July 2019

Enzalutamide's accepted mode of action is by targeting the androgen receptor's (AR) activity. In clinical practice, enzalutamide demonstrates a good benefit‐risk profile for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PC), even after poor response to standard antihormonal treatment. However, since both, well‐established antiandrogens and enzalutamide, target AR functionality, we hypothesized that additional unknown mechanisms might be responsible for enzalutamide's superior anticancer activity. In the current study, PC cells were incubated with enzalutamide and enzalutamide‐dependent modulation of apoptotic mechanisms were assessed via Western blot analysis, TDT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling assay, and nuclear morphology assay. Alterations of heat shock protein (HSP), AR, and estrogen receptor (ER) expression were examined by Western blot analysis. Enzalutamide attenuated the proliferation of PC cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. In the presence of enzalutamide, apoptosis occurred which was shown by increased BAX expression, decreased Bcl‐2 expression, nuclear pyknosis, and genomic DNA fragmentation. Moreover, enzalutamide inhibited the expression of HSPs primarily involved in steroid receptor stabilization and suppressed AR and ERβ1 expression. This study demonstrates for the first time that enzalutamide treatment of PC cells triggers varying molecular mechanisms resulting in antiproliferative effects of the drug. In addition to the well‐characterized antagonistic inhibition of AR functionality, we have shown that enzalutamide also affects the intracellular synthesis of steroid receptor‐associated HSPs, thereby diminishing the expression of AR and ERβ1 proteins and inducing apoptotic pathways. According to an indirect attenuation of HSP‐associated factors such as steroid receptors, endometrial carcinoma, uterine leiomyosarcoma, and mamma carcinoma cells also demonstrated inhibited cell growth in the presence of enzalutamide. Our data, therefore, suggest that enzalutamide's high efficacy is at least partially independent of AR and p53 protein expression, which are frequently lost in advanced PC.
SKP2, positively regulated by circ_ODC1/miR‐422a axis, promotes the proliferation of retinoblastoma
Authors: Du Shanshan , Wang Shuai , Zhang Fengyan , Lv Yong
Published: July 2019

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy in infants and children. S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (SKP2) has been unmasked as an oncogene in a great many of carcinomas. The biologic function and the detailed molecular mechanism of SKP2 in RB need to be better understood. In this study, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot showed the ectopic expression of SKP2 in RB tissues and cell lines. Loss of function assays showed the attenuated cell proliferation in RB as a result of SKP2 knockdown. In addition, bioinformatics analysis predicted the interaction between SKP2 and miR‐422a. Luciferase reporter assay and Pearson's correlation analysis validated the negative correlation between miR‐422a and SKP2. MiR‐422a overexpression led to a decline of SKP2 expression and cell growth in RB. The binding capacity between miR‐422a and circ_ODC1 was also predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that circ_ODC1 is negatively correlated with miR‐422a. Silencing circ_ODC1 resulted in a rise in miR‐422a expression and RB cell growth. Moreover, reduced cell growth was restored by SKP2 overexpression. In a word, SKP2, induced by circ_ODC1 and miR‐422a, promotes RB proliferation. Our new findings in this research might expedite the discovery of novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets of RB.
Upregulation of long noncoding TNFSF10 contributes to osteoarthritis progression through the miR‐376‐3p/FGFR1 axis
Authors: Huang Bingzhe , Yu Haichi , Li Yingzhi , Zhang Wei , Liu Xiaoning
Published: July 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease with high morbidity, but there is still no definitive treatment for it. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to play key roles in OA progression. This work was done to investigate the roles and action mechanism of lncRNA TNFSF10 in OA. The messenger RNA levels of TNFSF10 in articular cartilage samples from patients or chondrocytes were detected by Quantitative real‐time PCR assay (qRT‐PCR). The effects of TNFSF10 on chondrocytes were evaluated on the basis of cell growth, apoptosis, and inflammation. Then, the interaction between TNFSF10 and miR‐376‐3p was explored by dual‐luciferase reporter test, RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull‐down assay. Finally, various cell experiments, Western blot analysis, and qRT‐PCR were performed to study the interaction among TNFSF10, miR‐376‐3p, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). It was found that TNFSF10 was upregulated in OA cartilages and stimulated cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, and inflammation for chondrocytes. In addition, TNFSF10 acted as a competing endogenous RNA to downregulate miR‐376‐3p, and the influence of TNFSF10 on chondrocytes was partly reversed by miR‐376‐3p. Moreover, FGFR1, as a target of miR‐376‐3p, had reversal functions on the outcomes mediated by miR‐376‐3p. The further analysis displayed that there was a negative relationship between TNFSF10 and miR‐376‐3p as well as miR‐376‐3p and FGFR1, while FGFR1 was positively related with TNFSF10. Altogether, TNFSF10 overexpression probably stimulated proliferation and inflammation, and inhibited apoptosis by regulating the miR‐376‐3p/FGFR1 axis, implying that its increase contributed to OA progression. Our study provided a new potential biomarker or therapeutic target‐TNFSF10, which was helpful to develop an efficient approach to cure OA.