bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Oxidation of Theophylline in Organic Solvents: HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS/MS Analysis of the Oxidation Products
Authors: Chiarotto Isabella , Mattiello Leonardo , Pandolfi Fabiana , Rocco Daniele , Feroci Marta , Petrucci Rita
Published: August 2019

The electrochemical oxidation of theophylline was investigated by controlled potential electrolysis in two different organic solvents and in water for comparison. The anodic oxidation was monitored by cyclic voltammetry in situ and UV‐Vis spectrophotometry ex situ and the final electrolyzed solutions were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry after chromatographic separation with an HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS/MS system. The main oxidation products evidenced as the main diode array chromatographic peaks were tentatively assigned to dimeric forms of theophylline, two of which have never been reported before, on the base of retention time, UV‐Vis spectrum, m/z ratio in both positive and negative ESI modes and fragmentation pattern. Two chemical paths following the primary mono‐electronic anodic oxidation of theophylline to the final evidenced oxidation products have been proposed.
Studying the cold sintering process of zinc ferrite as an incongruent dissolution system
Authors: Kamani Mahsa , Yourdkhani Amin , Poursalehi Reza , Sarraf‐Mamoory Rasoul
Published: August 2019

In this research, cold sintering process (CSP) was successfully applied for zinc ferrite. A Pechini‐type sol‐gel method was used to synthesize two types of powders, a single‐phase powder and a multiphase powder consisting of zinc ferrite, hematite, and zinc oxide. The powders were chemically treated in 12 M solution of acetic acid in ethanol. Our investigations indicated that zinc dissolves incongruently from zinc ferrite with respect to iron. Then, the chemically treated powders were mixed with 18‐21 weight percent (wt%) treatment solution to utilize for the CSP. Our studies indicated that the CSP of the chemically treated multiphase powder results in single‐phase zinc ferrite samples. Conversely, the CSP of the chemically treated single‐phase zinc ferrite powder led to samples having hematite as the secondary phase. The CSP at 350°C under 300 MPa uniaxial pressure for four hours and postannealing at 750°C for six hours resulted in samples with 93% relative density. Microstructure studies revealed that the samples under CSP were sintered with well‐defined grains and grain boundaries. This study is an introduction to develop the CSP for the sintering of technologically important transition metal ferrites.
A health services research agenda to fully integrate cancer rehabilitation into oncology care
Authors: Pergolotti Mackenzi , Alfano Catherine M. , Cernich Alison N. , Yabroff K. Robin , Manning Peter R. , de Moor Janet S. , Hahn Erin E. , Cheville Andrea L. , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: August 2019

Adults with cancer are at risk of restricted functioning in work, usual activities, life roles, and quality of life both during and after cancer treatment. Herein, the authors discuss unique opportunities to examine how cancer rehabilitation, delivered as part of cancer and survivorship care, might help to achieve the quadruple aim of better patient health, better patient experience, and lower cost for patients who receive services, as well as improving the work life of clinicians and staff.
Predictors of skeletal‐related events and mortality in men with metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database
Authors: Tablazon Ingrid Lorese , Howard Lauren E. , De Hoedt Amanda M. , Aronson William J. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Terris Martha K. , Freedland Stephen J. , Williams Stephen B.
Published: August 2019

Background

Although skeletal‐related events (SREs) are linked with a reduced quality of life and worse outcomes, to the authors' knowledge the factors that predict SREs are minimally understood. The objective of the current study was to identify predictors of SREs and all‐cause mortality among men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

Data were collected on 837 men with bone mCRPC at 8 Veterans Affairs medical centers within the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database from 2000 through 2017. Patients were followed to assess development of SREs (pathological fracture, radiotherapy to bone, spinal cord compression, or surgery to bone). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate predictors of SREs and mortality.

Results

Of the 837 men with bone mCRPC, 287 developed a SRE and 740 men died (median follow‐up, 26 months). Bone pain was found to be the strongest predictor of SREs (hazard ratio [HR], 2.96; 95% CI, 2.25‐3.89). A shorter time from CRPC to the development of metastasis (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85‐0.99), shorter progression to CRPC (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91‐0.98), and visceral metastasis at the time of diagnosis of bone metastasis (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.18‐3.09) were associated with an increased risk of SREs. Ten or more bone metastases (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.72‐2.74), undergoing radical prostatectomy (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61‐0.89), shorter progression to CRPC (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94‐0.99), older age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.04), higher prostate‐specific antigen level at the time of diagnosis of metastasis (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.28), bone pain (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23‐1.70), and visceral metastasis (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.23‐2.39) were associated with an increased mortality risk.

Conclusions

Among men with bone mCRPC, bone pain was found to be the strongest predictor of SREs and the number of bone metastases was a strong predictor of mortality. If validated, these factors potentially may be used for risk stratification and for SRE prevention strategies.
Virtual network function–forwarding graph embedding: A genetic algorithm approach
Authors: Pham Tran Anh Quang , Sanner Jean‐Michel , Morin Cédric , Hadjadj‐Aoul Yassine
Published: August 2019

Network function virtualization (NFV) provides a simple and effective mean to deploy and manage network and telecommunications' services. A typical service can be expressed in the form of a virtual network function–forwarding graph (VNF‐FG). Allocating a VNF‐FG is equivalent to place VNFs and virtual links onto a given substrate network considering resources and quality‐of‐service (QoS) constraints. The deployment of VNF‐FGs in large‐scale networks, such that QoS measures and deployment cost are optimized, is an emerging challenge. Single‐objective VNF‐FGs allocation has been addressed in existing literature; however, there is still a lack of studies considering multiobjective VNF‐FGs allocation. In addition, it is not trivial to obtain optimal VNF‐FGs allocation due to its high computational complexity even in case of single‐objective VNF‐FGs allocation. Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been proved its ability in coping with multiobjective optimization problems; thus, we propose a GA‐based scheme to solve multiobjective VNF‐FGs allocation problem in this paper. The numerical results confirm that the proposed scheme can provide near Pareto‐optimal solutions within a short execution time.
Ceramide: a novel inducer for neural tube defects
Authors: Ross Micah M. , Piorczynski Ted B. , Harvey Jamison , Burnham Tyson S. , Francis Morgan , Larsen Madison W. , Roe Kyle , Hansen Jason M. , Stark Michael R.
Published: August 2019

Background

Circulating plasma ceramides, a class of bioactive sphingolipids, are elevated in metabolic disorders, including obesity. Infants of women with these disorders are at 2‐ to 3‐fold greater risk for developing a neural tube defect (NTD). This study aimed to test the effects of embryonic exposure to C2‐ceramides (C2) during neural tube closure. Preliminary data shows an increase in NTDs in chick embryos after C2 exposure, and addresses potential mechanisms.

Results

Cell and embryo models were used to examine redox shifts after ceramide exposure. While undifferentiated P19 cells were resistant to ceramide exposure, neuronally differentiated P19 cells exhibited an oxidizing shift. Consistent with these observations, GSH E
h curves revealed a shift to a more oxidized state in C2 treated embryos without increasing apoptosis or changing Pax3 expression, however cell proliferation was lower. Neural tube defects were observed in 45% of chick embryos exposed to C2, compared to 12% in control embryos.

Conclusions

C2 exposure during critical developmental stages increased the frequency of NTDs in the avian model. Increased ROS generation in cell culture, along with the more oxidative GSH E
h profiles of C2 exposed cells and embryos, support a model wherein ceramide affects neural tube closure via altered tissue redox environments.
Spatiotemporal characterization of dynamic epithelial filopodia during zebrafish epiboly
Authors: Rutherford Nathan E. , Wong Alexander H. , Bruce Ashley E. E.
Published: August 2019

Background

During zebrafish epiboly, the embryonic cell mass, or blastoderm, spreads to enclose the yolk cell. The blastoderm consists of an outer epithelial sheet, the enveloping layer (EVL), and the underlying deep cell layer (DEL). Studies have provided insights into the mechanisms of EVL and deep cell epiboly, but little is known about the interactions between the two cell layers and what role they may play during epiboly.

Results

We used live imaging to examine EVL basal protrusions. We identified them as filopodia based on f‐actin content and localization of fluorescently tagged filopodial markers. A spatiotemporal analysis revealed that the largest number of EVL filopodia were present during early epiboly at the animal pole. In functional studies, expression of a constitutively active actin‐bundling protein resulted in increased filopodial length and delayed gastrulation.

Conclusions

We identified protrusions on the basal surface of EVL cells as filopodia and showed that they are present throughout the EVL during epiboly. The largest number of filopodia was at the animal pole during early epiboly, which is when and where deep cell radial intercalations occur to the greatest extent. These findings suggest that EVL filopodia may function during epiboly to promote deep cell rearrangements during epiboly initiation.
No evidence for local adaptation and an epigenetic underpinning in native and non‐native ruderal plant species in Germany
Authors: Herden Jasmin , Eckert Silvia , Stift Marc , Joshi Jasmin , van Kleunen Mark
Published: August 2019

Many invasive species have rapidly adapted to different environments in their new ranges. This is surprising, as colonization is usually associated with reduced genetic variation. Heritable phenotypic variation with an epigenetic basis may explain this paradox.

Here, we assessed the contribution of DNA methylation to local adaptation in native and naturalized non‐native ruderal plant species in Germany. We reciprocally transplanted offspring from natural populations of seven native and five non‐native plant species between the Konstanz region in the south and the Potsdam region in the north of Germany. Before the transplant, half of the seeds were treated with the demethylation agent zebularine. We recorded survival, flowering probability, and biomass production as fitness estimates.

Contrary to our expectations, we found little evidence for local adaptation, both among the native and among the non‐native plant species. Zebularine treatment had mostly negative effects on overall plant performance, regardless of whether plants were local or not, and regardless of whether they were native or non‐native.

Synthesis. We conclude that local adaptation, at least at the scale of our study, plays no major role in the success of non‐native and native ruderal plants. Consequently, we found no evidence yet for an epigenetic basis of local adaptation.
Global genetic diversity, lineage distribution, and Wolbachia infection of the alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Sanaei Ehsan , Husemann Martin , Seiedy Marjan , Rethwisch Michael , Tuda Midori , Toshova Teodora B. , Kim Min Jee , Atanasova Daniela , Kim Iksoo
Published: August 2019

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) is a well‐known example of a worldwide‐distributed pest with high genetic variation. Based on the mitochondrial genes, the alfalfa weevil clusters into two main mitochondrial lineages. However, there is no clear picture of the global diversity and distribution of these lineages; neither the drivers of its diversification are known. However, it appears likely that historic demographic events including founder effects played a role. In addition, Wolbachia, a widespread intracellular parasite/symbiont, likely played an important role in the evolution of the species. Wolbachia infection so far was only detected in the Western lineage of H. postica with no information on the infecting strain, its frequency, and its consequences on the genetic diversity of the host. We here used a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences of the host and sequence information on Wolbachia to document the distribution of strains and the degree of infection. The Eastern lineage has a higher genetic diversity and is found in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and eastern America, whereas the less diverse Western lineage is found in Central Europe and the western America. Both lineages are infected with the same common strain of Wolbachia belonging to Supergroup B. Based on neutrality tests, selection tests, and the current distribution and diversification of Wolbachia in H. postica, we suggested the Wolbachia infection did not shape genetic diversity of the host. The introduced populations in the United States are generally genetically less diverse, which is in line with founder effects.
Departments involved during the first episode of acute heart failure and subsequent emergency department revisits and rehospitalisations: an outlook through the NOVICA cohort
Authors: Miró Òscar , García Sarasola Ana , Fuenzalida Carolina , Calderón Sofía , Jacob Javier , Aguirre Alfons , Wu Da M. , Rizzi Miguel A. , Malchair Pierre , Haro Antonio , Herrera Sergio , Gil Víctor , Martín‐Sánchez Francisco J. , Llorens Pere , Herrero Puente Pablo , Bueno Héctor , Domínguez Rodríguez Alberto , Müller Christian E. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Chioncel Ovidiu , Alquézar‐Arbé Aitor ,   on behalf of the ICA‐SEMES Research Group
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We investigated the natural history of patients after a first episode of acute heart failure (FEAHF) requiring emergency department (ED) consultation, focusing on: the frequency of ED visits and hospitalisations, departments admitting patients during the first and subsequent hospitalisations, and factors associated with difficult disease control.

Methods and results

We included consecutive patients diagnosed with FEAHF (either with or without previous heart failure diagnosis) in four EDs during 5 months in three different time periods (2009, 2011, 2014). Diagnosis was adjudicated by local principal investigators. The clinical characteristics of the index event were prospectively recorded, and all post‐discharge ED visits and hospitalisations [related/unrelated to acute heart failure (AHF)], as well as departments involved in subsequent hospitalisations were retrospectively ascertained. ‘Uncontrolled disease’ during the first year after FEAHF was considered if patients were attended at ED (≥ 3 times) or hospitalised (≥ 2 times) for AHF or died. Overall, 505 patients with FEAHF were included and followed for a mean of 2.4 years. In‐hospital mortality was 7.5%. Among 467 patients discharged alive, 288 died [median survival 3.9 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.5–4.4], 421 (90%) revisited the ED (2342 ED visits; 42.4% requiring hospitalisation, 34.0% AHF‐related) and 357

(77%) were hospitalised (1054 hospitalisations; 94.1% through ED, 51.4% AHF‐related). AHF‐related hospitalisations were mainly in internal medicine (28.0%), short‐stay unit (26.3%), cardiology (20.8%), and geriatrics (14.1%). Only 47.4% of AHF‐related hospitalisations were in the same department as the FEAHF, and internal medicine involvement significantly increased with subsequent hospitalisations (P = 0.01). Uncontrolled disease was observed in 31% of patients, which was independently related to age > 80 years [odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.17–2.77], systolic blood pressure < 110 mmHg at ED arrival (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.26–5.38) and anaemia (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.51–3.78).

Conclusion

In the present aged cohort of AHF patients from Barcelona, Spain, the natural history after FEAHF showed different patterns of hospital department involvement. Advanced age, low systolic blood pressure and anaemia were factors related to uncontrolled disease during the year after debut.
Gold‐Iron Bimetallic Nanoparticles Impregnated Reduced Graphene Oxide Based Nanosensor for Label‐free Detection of Biomarker Related to Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Purohit Buddhadev , Mahato Kuldeep , Mandal Riddhipratim , Srivastava Ananya , Chandra Pranjal
Published: August 2019

We report for the first time a microwave assisted, one pot, direct, and facile synthesis of monodispersed iron‐gold bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPAu‐Fe) using glucose as a reducing agent in merely 90 s. The as such synthesized BNPAu‐Fe were thoroughly characterized using UV‐Vis, XRD, TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, and raman spectroscopy. These BNPAu‐Fe were further impregnated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and coated onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to develop a sensor probe for label free electrochemical detection of acetaminophen, which is considered to be a most potent biomarker related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. The sensor probe was systematically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The BNPAu‐Fe‐rGO nanocomposite matrix showed the sensing of acetaminophen with a wide dynamic range between 50 and 800 nM with detection limit (DL) of 0.14 nM (±0.05) nM (RSD<4.12 %) that was lower compared to previously reported acetaminophen sensors. To show the practical application of the sensor probe, acetaminophen was detected in human urine samples, which showed the percentage recovery between 86.65 % and 91.32 %. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where BNPAu‐Fe impregnated rGO was used to detect acetaminophen. Interferences due to various molecules such as glucose, serum albumin, glycine, glutamic acid, alanine, citric acid, and ascorbic acid were tested individually and in mixed sample. Long‐term stability of sensor probe was examined which was found to be stable up to 12 weeks. The sensor fabricated using BNPAu‐Fe‐rGO nanocomposite has many attractive features such as; simplicity, rapidity, and label free detection, hence it could be a method of choice for acetaminophen detection in clinical settings.
Sensitive and Profitable Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid in the Presence of Dopamine with a Novel Carbon Paste Electrode Decorated with a Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Tamayo Lenka V. , Torres Juan F. , Llanos‐Penagos Johisner , Calderón Jorge A. , Nagles Edgar , García‐Beltrán Olimpo , Hurtado John J.
Published: August 2019

A new microcomposite with copper(II) complex and carbon paste (CuC/CPE) was developed to determine the uric acid (UA) content in the presence of dopamine (DP) and was characterized via cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed high selectivity for UA compared with DP because the anodic peak currents for DP were near those of a CPE without Cuc and were considerably increased for UA. The UA and DP increases were 86.9 % and 14.3 %, respectively, according to CV and 96.6 % and 25.5 %, respectively, according to square wave voltammetry (SWV) with the CuC/CPE. Moreover, the anodic peak separation for UA and DP was 0.17 V. With optimal parameters (pH, 3.3; adsorption time(tADS), 30 s;adsorption potential (EADS), 0.10 V), the anodic peak currents for UA were proportional to concentrations between 1.6 and 14.4 μmol L−1 using standard solutions with UA concentrations ranging from 8.0–40.5 μmol L−1 and real samples. The UA detection limit was 0.13 μmol L−1. The new sensor was used to determine the UA contentin human urine samples, and the method was checked with a urine chemistry control from Bio‐Rad based on human urine spiked with quantities of UA and showed a recovery between 84 % and 106 % at concentrations below 10.0 μmol L−1.
Piezoelectric Flexible Energy Harvester Based on BaTiO3 Thin Film Enabled by Exfoliating the Mica Substrate
Authors: Hyeon Dong Yeol , Park Kwi-Il
Published: August 2019

Flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters (f‐PEHs) have exhibited significant potential as long‐lasting self‐powered sources or sensor devices, as they can generate reliable and repeatable electricity under harsh and tiny mechanical bending cycles without restraints anywhere and anytime. Herein, a new approach for transferring piezoelectric ceramic thin films onto a single flexible substrate via piecemeal elimination of the sacrificial mica substrates is proposed. The crystallized piezoelectric BaTiO3 thin film on a rigid mica substrate with electrodes and passivation layers is peeled off by means of a physical delamination process using sticky tape as the remover. The film is then transferred onto a flexible polyimide substrate using a polymer elastomer as a support. The fabricated BaTiO3 thin‐film f‐PEH successfully converts an open‐circuit voltage of ≈0.5 V and a short‐circuit current of ≈30 nA from repeated mechanical bending deformations. The energy generation mechanism and performance of the perovskite BaTiO3 thin‐film f‐PEH is supported using finite‐element analysis (FEA) with multiphysics simulations. The novel transfer techniques adopting the removal of sacrificial mica layers opens the door to various high‐performance flexible and wearable applications based on all‐inorganic materials.
Performance analysis of signal space diversity–based cooperative relaying over α−κ−μ fading channels
Authors: Sikri Aman , Srinivas K.V.
Published: August 2019

The α−κ−μ fading channel is a generalized fading model that incorporates the nonlinearity and nonhomogeneous scattering behavior of the propagation medium. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a signal space diversity (SSD)–based cooperative decode‐and‐forward relay scheme over α−κ−μ fading channels. In particular, we derive the novel closed‐form expression of the average symbol error rate for the SSD‐based cooperative relay scheme. Capitalizing on this, we quantify the diversity order of SSD‐based cooperative decode‐and‐forward scheme over α−κ−μ fading channels. We compare the analytical results with the results obtained through Monte Carlo simulations to validate our theoretical results.
Association between meat consumption and risk of breast cancer: Findings from the Sister Study
Authors: Lo Jamie J. , Park Yong‐Moon Mark , Sinha Rashmi , Sandler Dale P.
Published: August 2019

Meat consumption has been postulated to increase the risk of breast cancer, but this association has not been consistently seen. We examined the association between consumption of different types of meat, meat mutagens and incident invasive breast cancer. Information on consumption of different meat categories and meat cooking practice behaviors was obtained from 42,012 Sister Study participants who completed a Block 1998 Food Frequency Questionnaire at enrollment (2003–2009) and satisfied eligibility criteria. Exposure to meat type and meat mutagens was calculated, and associations with invasive breast cancer risk were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. During follow‐up (mean, 7.6 years), 1,536 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed at least 1 year after enrollment. Increasing consumption of red meat was associated with increased risk of invasive breast cancer (HRhighest vs. lowest quartile:1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.48, ptrend = 0.01). Conversely, increasing consumption of poultry was associated with decreased invasive breast cancer risk (HR highest vs. lowest quartile: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72–1.00; ptrend = 0.03). In a substitution model with combined red meat and poultry consumption held constant, substituting poultry for red meat was associated with decreased invasive breast cancer risk (HR highest vs. lowest quartile of poultry consumption: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.89). No associations were observed for cooking practices, estimated heterocyclic amines or heme iron from red meat consumption with breast cancer risk. Red meat consumption may increase the risk of invasive breast cancer, whereas poultry consumption may be associated with reduced risk. Substituting poultry for red meat could reduce breast cancer risk.
The NEDD4‐1 E3 ubiquitin ligase: A potential molecular target for bortezomib sensitivity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Huang Xi , Gu Huiyao , Zhang Enfan , Chen Qingxiao , Cao Wen , Yan Haimeng , Chen Jing , Yang Li , Lv Ning , He Jingsong , Yi Qing , Cai Zhen
Published: August 2019

E3 ubiquitin ligases primarily determine the substrate specificity of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system and play an essential role in the resistance to bortezomib in multiple myeloma (MM). Neural precursor cell‐expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4‐1 (NEDD4‐1, also known as NEDD4) is a founding member of the NEDD4 family of E3 ligases and is involved in the proliferation, migration, invasion and drug sensitivity of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the role of NEDD4‐1 in MM cells and explored its underlying mechanism. Clinically, low NEDD4‐1 expression has been linked to poor prognosis in patients with MM. Functionally, NEDD4‐1 knockdown (KD) resulted in bortezomib resistance in MM cells in vitro and in vivo. The overexpression (OE) of NEDD4‐1, but not an enzyme‐dead NEDD4‐1‐C867S mutant, had the opposite effect. Furthermore, the overexpression of NEDD4‐1 in NEDD4‐1 KD cells resensitized the cells to bortezomib in an add‐back rescue experiment. Mechanistically, pAkt‐Ser473 levels and Akt signaling were elevated and decreased by NEDD4‐1 KD and OE, respectively. NEDD4‐1 ubiquitinated Akt and targeted pAkt‐Ser473 for proteasomal degradation. More importantly, the NEDD4‐1 KD‐induced upregulation of Akt expression sensitized MM cells to growth inhibition after treatment with an Akt inhibitor. Collectively, our results suggest that high NEDD4‐1 levels may be a potential new therapeutic target in MM.
Quantitative investigation of vascular response to mesenteric venous thrombosis using large‐field‐of‐view photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Qin Wei , Qi Weizhi , Xi Lei
Published: August 2019

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is one of major causes leading to severe mesenteric ischemia. Vascular network plays an important role during the occurrence and development of MVT. However, there lacks an appropriate imaging method, which features advanced volumetric resolving capability, superior sensitivity to hemoglobin, and ultra‐large field‐of‐view (FOV), to investigate vascular response of MVT. In this study, we developed and applied a large‐FOV optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy to quantify the vascular response during the entire course of two different MVT models in which we ligated the superior mesenteric vein and inferior mesenteric vein, respectively. Furthermore, we developed a quantitative algorithm to derive total vascular length, relative concentration of total hemoglobin and vascular density over the FOV to reveal different vascular responses in different MVT models.
Cytotoxicity and bioactivity assessments for Cu2+ and La3+ doped high‐silica sol‐gel derived bioglasses: The complex interplay between additive ions revealed
Authors: Ben‐Arfa Basam A. E. , Palamá Ilaria E. , Miranda Salvado Isabel M. , Ferreira José M. F. , Pullar Robert C.
Published: August 2019

We show the influence of two functional ions (Cu2+ and La3+), incorporated into a quaternary (Si, Ca, Na, P) sol‐gel derived bioactive glass system, on its particle size, cytotoxicity, and bioactivity. By doping the parent glass with the two ions in singular or combined forms, 15 doped glasses were prepared by a rapid sol‐gel technique. The influence of the combined doping on the particle size and cell viability was successfully evaluated by the aid of signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (S/N), using Taguchi analysis. This allowed us to analyze the complex interplay of effects between these ions, and the marked differences in biocompatibility between the three cell types studied. Cu addition had a significant effect on reducing the glass particle size, while both increased density. Cell viability was significantly improved for some doping combinations, demonstrating that while combined Cu–La doping was beneficial for biocompatibility with lymphoblasts, individual high‐Cu or low‐La doping was better with fibroblasts, and either high‐Cu or low‐La doping, or certain combined Cu–La combinations, were the optimum for osteoblasts. However, the bioactivity of doped samples was generally similar to that of the parent glass, although both La, and particularly Cu, did appear to aid dissolution of ions when immersed in SBF, act as glass modifiers, and encourage HAp crystallization. The results reveal that potential synergistic benefits can be obtained by combining the effects on the mean particle size, density, cytotoxicity, and bioactivity of the glasses. The greatly improved biocompatibility of some of the doped glasses makes them promising candidates for biomedical applications.
A novel “turn‐on” fluorescent sensor for hydrogen peroxide based on oxidized porous g‐C3N4 nanosheets
Authors: Guo Zhaoliang , Zhao Qiannan , Zhang Yuqian , Li Bingdong , Li Lijuan , Feng Liwei , Wang Manman , Meng Xianguang , Zuo Guifu
Published: August 2019

An oxidized, porous graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNs) was successfully obtained via a bottom‐up approach. The inner filter effect (IFE) of Fe (III) tetrakis (1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrin pentachlorideporphyrin pentachloride (FeTMPyP) on the CNNs results in fluorescence quenching of the CNNs due to the overlap of FeTMPyP absorbance band and CNNs emission band. It is interesting that the quenched fluorescence could be “turned on” in response to the participation of H2O2, which caused by decomposition of FeMPyP. In this study, for the first time, a porous fluorescence probe based on CNNs and FeTMPyP was designed and an excellent H2O2 detection performance with a large detection range of 0.1 ~ 100 μM and a detection limit of 0.07 μM was achieved. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully used for H2O2 detection in RAW 264.7 cells.
Identification and expression profile of Delta‐GST in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)
Authors: Wang Yun , Duan Ya‐Fei , Wang Jun , Zhou Chuan‐Peng , Jiang Shi‐Gui , Lin Hei‐Zhao , Huang Jian‐Hua
Published: August 2019

Delta GST is an insect‐specific class and a prominent class of the glutathione S‐transferases family that is involved in xenobiotic detoxification and antioxidant defense. The full‐length complementary DNA of delta‐class GST from Penaeus monodon (PmDeltaGST; 839 bp long with a 657 bp coding region) was cloned. The encoded polypeptide of 218 amino acids had a predicted molecular mass of 24.30 kDa. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that PmDeltaGST was significant similarity to GST genes in crustaceans and insects. Tissue expression profile analysis by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain showed that PmDeltaGST was constitutively expressed in all the examined tissues, with the highest expression in hepatopancreas and intestine and the weakest expression in ovary. PmDeltaGST messenger RNA expression and protein levels in hepatopancreas was significantly increased at 14 days postexposure of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), keeping on the high level at 28 days, but decreased at 56 days. The results suggested that PmDeltaGST was involved in the response to AFB1 exposure.
Development of the paratympanic pneumatic system of Japanese quail
Authors: Tahara Rui , Larsson Hans C. E.
Published: August 2019

Avian heads are characterized as having two extensive air‐filled systems lined with epithelia; the paranasal and paratympanic sinuses. Many diverticula derived from the paratympanic sinus system are known to reticulate with each other to form a single merged pneumatic space within the adult braincase. However, the development of these complex branching and reticulating epithelia has not been examined in detail. In this study, we describe the comprehensive developmental pattern of the paratympanic sinus and its associated soft tissues in a model bird, Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The data are derived from three‐dimensional reconstructions based on histological sections and soft tissue enhanced micro‐CT data. Those data provide the foundation of the complex hierarchical developmental pattern of the paratympanic sinus system. Moreover, associations with other tissues help establish key morphologies that identify each pneumatic entity. This study clarifies the developmental relationships of the ventral portions of the paratympanic sinus system, the siphoneal diverticulum and marginal sinus, based on the ligaments associated with the Eustachian tube. In addition, detailed histological pneumatic morphologies reveal hitherto unknown epithelial diversity, which may be indicative of equally complex developmental processes. We use the pneumatization of the quadrate as an example to support a close relationship with vascular growth and pneumatic epithelia invasion into ossified bone. We confirm pneumatic diverticula never enter into cartilages, possibly due to the absence of vasculature in these tissues. Lastly, we use the concept of a morphogenetic tree as a tool to help present the complex developmental pattern of the paratympanic sinus system and apply it toward inferring pneumatic morphologies in a nonavian theropod braincase.
118‐year climate and extreme weather events of Metropolitan Manila in the Philippines
Authors: Bagtasa Gerry
Published: August 2019

Metropolitan Manila, the Philippines, is a megacity with a population of 12.9 million people. Unabated urbanization and disorganized infrastructure build‐up, coupled with a large urban poor population have made many of its population vulnerable to climate change. This study presents the 118‐year urban climate and extreme weather events of Metropolitan Manila. Daily average and minimum temperature are on the rise comparable to countrywide trends. Consequently, there are more warm and less cold nights. Total annual precipitation is also increasing at a rate of 77.99 mm/decade. Decreasing simple daily intensity index implies that higher observed precipitation is due to the increase in wet days count rather than intensity. Tropical cyclones (TCs) are critical in producing most extreme rainfall events in the metropolis. Extreme precipitation is induced either by a TC's immediate rainbands or remote precipitation effects by enhancing the prevailing summer monsoon flow. TC‐induced rain modulates annual rainfall variability and is estimated to contribute 45.2% to Metropolitan Manila mean total rainfall.
Spatial and temporal variability of East African Kiremt season precipitation and large‐scale teleconnections
Authors: Broman Daniel , Rajagopalan Balaji , Hopson Thomas , Gebremichael Mekonnen
Published: August 2019

Precipitation during the Ethiopian Kiremt (June–September) season has exhibited significant interannual and multi‐decadal variability over the 20th and early 21st century. We investigate the temporal variability in the strength of the teleconnections between sea‐surface temperatures in key global oceanic regions, including the Tropical Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Tropical Atlantic, and Kiremt season precipitation at sub‐seasonal, interannual and multi‐decadal time scales. We also investigate the influence of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO). We perform a systematic analysis of 112‐year long (1901–2012) precipitation in the northern region of East Africa including the southern and central regions of Ethiopia and uncover interesting spatial, temporal and sub‐seasonal variability, and teleconnection patterns. Precipitation anomalies during wet and dry years extend throughout Northern Africa and also, during September extends over Indian subcontinent, suggesting large‐scale variability of wet/dry patterns. Wet (dry) years are accompanied by La Nina like (El Nino like) conditions in the tropical Pacific and extending into Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Through Bayesian dynamical linear modelling we find that temporal changes in seasonal precipitation correspond to changes in the strengths of sea surface temperature teleconnections, and that the relative strengths of these teleconnections rather than one dominant teleconnection influences precipitation variability. During three precipitation epochs in this region, the mid‐century pluvial, the late‐century drought, and the early 21st century, we find that changes in precipitation are related to changes in the main dynamical features of precipitation. These findings suggest that Kiremt season precipitation is in a new regime, and is of key interest to the agricultural and water resources communities who rely on accurate forecasts of precipitation to make operational decisions.
Role of testosterone and androgen receptor in periodontal disease progression in female rats
Authors: Steffens João Paulo , Valenga Henrique Meister , Santana Luis Carlos Leal , Albaricci Maria Carolina da Costa , Kantarci Alpdogan , Spolidorio Luis Carlos
Published: August 2019

Background

Sex hormone therapy has strict recommendations in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, in which testosterone (TES) replacement may play a potential role. However, it remains unclear whether TES affects the course of chronic inflammation and alveolar bone loss in females. Herein, we investigated the role of androgen receptor and TES on the inflammatory response and alveolar bone resorption associated with ligature‐induced periodontal disease in female rats.

Methods

Fifty female Holtzman rats were divided in five groups (n = 10/group): androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide); estrogen receptor antagonist (fulvestrant); TES supplementation; aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole); and TES plus anastrozole. Periodontitis was induced by ligatures around the lower first molars for 2 weeks. Twenty animals (n = 10/group) were used as untreated ligated or non‐ligated controls. Bone loss and the number of osteoclasts were measured through radiographic and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and bone markers were measured by multiplex immunoassay and ELISA in serum samples and periodontal tissues.

Results

The blockage of androgen receptor significantly increased radiographic bone loss and tissue levels of IL‐1α (P <0.05), IL‐1β (P <0.001) and IL‐10 (P <0.01) compared with the periodontitis group. Testosterone supplementation significantly increased EGF levels in tissue samples, whereas when combined with aromatase inhibitor anastrozole significantly increased both EGF and VEGF (P <0.05). None of the treatment conditions significantly impacted the number of osteoclasts compared with the periodontitis group.

Conclusions

Androgen receptor activation is an important factor in the regulation of several inflammatory markers, and its blockage significantly increases bone loss.
Identification of the major metabolites of (R)‐salbutamol in human urine, plasma and feces using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Ye Fengying , Liu Shan , Yang Yang , Zhao Ting , Li Shuang , Zhou Ting , Tan Wen
Published: August 2019

(R)‐Salbutamol is a selective β2‐adrenoreceptor agonist, which produces a short‐acting bronchodilator effect and is widely used for the treatment of respiratory diseases in humans. Drug metabolism and identification of the metabolites play an essential role in the evaluation of the overall efficacy and safety of the drugs in clinical practices. There are few reports on the identification of major metabolites of (R)‐salbutamol in humans, and the number of identified metabolites is very limited. In this research, a method of ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed for the discovery and identification of (R)‐salbutamol and its major metabolites in human biological samples. Totally, twelve metabolites of (R)‐salbutamol were found and identified and all the metabolites could be found in urine, one metabolite in plasma and two metabolites in feces. Among all the metabolites, eight metabolites have never been reported before. The results indicated that (R)‐salbutamol was mainly metabolized through isomerization, oxidation, reduction, glucuronidation, and sulfation pathways in vivo. The possible metabolic pathways of (R)‐salbutamol were subsequently presented in this study, which contribute to a better understanding of the metabolism of (R)‐salbutamol in humans.
Towards stopping land degradation in drylands: Water‐saving techniques for cultivating biocrusts in situ
Authors: Zhao Yang , Jia Rong Liang , Wang Jin
Published: August 2019

In recent years, inoculating sand surfaces with biocrust organisms has become one of the most promising biotechnological strategies for controlling and reversing land degradation in drylands. To fully exploit this biotechnology on a large scale in drylands, researchers must explore water‐saving techniques to incubate biocrusts in situ. To achieve this aim, we tested three methods—broadcasting dried cyanobacteria, spraying fresh cyanobacteria, and broadcasting natural biocrust fragments—to culture biocrusts in situ on the Tengger Desert in Northern China. The cover of incubated biocrust increased during the first 2 months after inoculation (from 6% to more than 20.0% in treatments using biocrust fragments); biocrust cover declined but persisted after 12 months of incubation (13.8% cover in the best treatment, natural cyanobacteria fragments). The cover of cyanobacteria was higher than the cover of lichen in our natural cyanobacteria‐lichen crust fragment treatment (NCL; p < .05) after incubating for 12 months. We highlight that cyanobacteria should be selected for biocrust incubation during the initial stages of dryland restoration. Accumulated rainfall was positively related to the cover of incubated biocrust. However, wind speed and wind erosion intensity were both negatively related to the cover of incubated biocrust. In conclusion, broadcasting biocrust fragments is a rapid, efficient, and water‐saving biotechnique to cultivate biocrusts in situ. Actions to reduce wind speed and wind erosion, such as mechanical sand fixing, can help stabilize soils and improve crust cultivation.
The association between diabetes and olfactory impairment in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Sun Joo , Windon Melina J. , Lin Sandra Y.
Published: August 2019

Background

Evidence suggests that olfactory impairment (OI) may be a degenerative neurologic complication of diabetes; however, the association is not yet well established. The objective of this work was to systematically review existing literature on the association between diabetes and OI in adults, with meta‐analysis of evaluable studies.

Methods

A literature search encompassing 358 abstracts from the last 75 years in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane was performed. English‐language articles investigating adults with diabetes and OI in comparison to control groups with original data and ≥7 subjects were included. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was applied for quality assessment. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles. For meta‐analysis, the odds ratio of OI in diabetes compared with control groups was calculated using the fixed effects model.

Results

The initial search yielded 358 abstracts, from which 21 articles were reviewed and 11 articles (n = 6,747) were included. Studies included were case‐control (64%) or cross‐sectional (36%) with evidence level 3b. On the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale, the mean quality assessment score for case‐control and cross‐sectional studies was 7.4 (maximum of 9) and 7.0 (maximum of 10), respectively. A statistically significant association between diabetes and olfaction compared with controls was found in 6 (55%) of the 11 articles. Four studies were eligible for meta‐analysis, which yielded an overall odds of having OI with diabetes as 1.58 times more likely than in control groups (95% CI [1.16, 2.16]; I2 = 10.3%).

Conclusions

The reviewed studies support a significant association between diabetes and OI. Further studies are warranted to characterize this association.

Level of Evidence

3a
Experimental investigation of the scalability of roller‐clinching processes with regard to joint strength and failure mode
Authors: Vitzthum S. , Hiller M. , Volk W.
Published: August 2019

Clinching is a joining technology, which does not need any auxiliary joining elements, and which enables a wide variety of different materials to be joined. Therefore, it fulfills the demands of multi‐material lightweight design. Because of the translational tool movement, continuous joining is not possible. To overcome this disadvantage, roller clinching uses rotational tool movement. It is a novel joining technology, which combines the advantages of conventional clinching with rotary processes. Based on previous studies, the process scalability of roller clinching is investigated within this study. A comprehensive experimental parameter study is thus shown to reveal the influence of the following geometrical process parameters: roll distance, punch and die rolling radii and clinchpoint diameter. Furthermore, process limits are identified. The joint quality is evaluated using three different methods. Microsections are recorded and the joint strength is measured using pull‐out as well as shear tests. The results are shown in relation to each other and connected to the particular failure mode. Finally, conclusions are derived to enable the further development of the process of roller clinching.
Influence of the jet velocity on the weld quality of magnetic pulse welded dissimilar sheet joints of aluminum and steel
Authors: Schumacher E. , Rebensdorf A. , Böhm S.
Published: August 2019

The object of this investigation is to determine the influence of the jet velocity on the weld quality of sheet joints produced via magnetic pulse welding. The use of a suitable high‐speed camera system enables to observe the jet in detail, to determine its velocity during the collision process and to compare them to the achieved qualities (tensile strength, weld seam characteristics) of the welded samples. The results show that the quality of the weld generally correlates with the jet velocity, however the mere consideration of its velocity proves not to be a promising approach for predicting a specific weld quality. It becomes evident that the jet thickness has to be considered, since quality‐critical characteristics of the weld seam appears in greater extent when the jet thickness increases.
On the blow‐up criterion of 3D Navier‐Stokes equation in
Authors: Benameur Jamel , Orf Hajer
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we prove two results about the blow‐up criterion of the three‐dimensional incompressible Navier‐Stokes equation in the Sobolev space
. The first one improves the result of Cortissoz et al. The second deals with the relationship of the blow up in
and some critical spaces. Fourier analysis and standard techniques are used.