bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of size, charge, and peptide ligand length on kidney targeting by small, organic nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Yi , Jiang Kairui , Zhang Xuting , Chung Eun Ji
Published: July 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 15% of the US adult population. However, most clinically available drugs for CKD show low bioavailability to the kidneys and non‐specific uptake by other organs which results in adverse side effects. Hence, a targeted, drug delivery strategy to enhance kidney drug delivery is highly desired. Recently, our group developed small, organic nanoparticles called peptide amphiphile micelles (PAM) functionalized with the zwitterionic peptide ligand, (KKEEE)3K, that passage through the glomerular filtration barrier for kidney accumulation. Despite high bioavailability to the kidneys, these micelles also accumulated in the liver to a similar extent. To further optimize the physicochemical properties and develop design rules for kidney‐targeting micelles, we synthesized a library of PAMs of varying size, charge, and peptide repeats. Specifically, variations of the original (KKEEE)3K peptide including (KKEEE)2K, (KKEEE)K, (EEKKK)3E, (EEKKK)2E, (EEKKK)E, KKKKK, and EEEEE were functionalized onto nanoparticles, and peptide surface density and PEG linker molecular weight were altered. After characterization with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticles were intravenously administered into wildtype mice, and biodistribution was assessed through ex vivo imaging. All micelles localized to the kidneys, but nanoparticles that are positively‐charged, close to the renal filtration size cut‐off, and consisted of additional zwitterionic peptide sequences generally showed higher renal accumulation. Upon immunohistochemistry, micelles were confirmed to bind to the multiligand receptor, megalin, and histological analyses showed no tissue damage. Our study provides insight into the design of micelle carriers for kidney targeting and their potential for future therapeutic application.
Microsurgical anatomy of the facial nerve
Authors: Yang Seung H. , Park HaeKwan , Yoo Do Sung , Joo Wonil , Rhoton Albert
Published: July 2020

The facial nerve connections and pathways from the cortex to the brainstem are intricate and complicated. The extra‐axial part of the facial nerve leaves the lateral part of the pontomedullary sulcus and enters the temporal bone through the internal acoustic meatus. In the temporal bone, the facial nerve branches into fibers innervating the glands and tongue. After it emerges from the temporal bone it supplies various facial muscles. It contains a motor, general sensory, special sensory, and autonomic components. The physician needs comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and courses of the facial nerve to diagnose and treat lesions and diseases of it so that surgical complications due to facial nerve injury can be avoided. This review describes the microsurgical anatomy of the facial nerve and illustrates its anatomy in relation to the surrounding bone, connective, and neurovascular structures.
MASTL: A novel therapeutic target for Cancer Malignancy
Authors: Fatima Iram , Singh Amar B. , Dhawan Punita
Published: July 2020

Targeting mitotic kinases is an emerging anticancer approach with promising preclinical outcomes. Microtubule‐associated serine/threonine kinase like (MASTL), also known as Greatwall (Gwl), is an important mitotic kinase that regulates mitotic progression of normal or transformed cells by blocking the activity of tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). MASTL upregulation has now been detected in multiple cancer types and associated with aggressive clinicopathological features. Apart, an aberrant MASTL activity has been implicated in oncogenic transformation through the development of chromosomal instability and alteration of key oncogenic signaling pathways. In this regard, recent publications have revealed potential role of MASTL in the regulation of AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways, which may be independent of its regulation of PP2A‐B55 (PP2A holoenzyme containing a B55‐family regulatory subunit). Taken together, MASTL kinase has emerged as a novel target for cancer therapeutics, and hence development of small molecule inhibitors of MASTL may significantly improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. In this article, we review the role of MASTL in cancer progression and the current gaps in this knowledge. We also discuss potential efficacy of MASTL expression for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Predictive value of pretreatment albumin‐to‐alkaline phosphatase ratio for overall survival for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Shaozhang , Jiang Wei , Wang Huilin , Wei Ni , Yu Qitao
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To investigate the relation between AAPR and OS in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 808 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated in Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital in China from 5 March 2009 to 31 August 2018. The target‐independent and dependent variables were AAPR measured in patients before anticancer treatment and overall survival (OS), respectively. Covariates involved in this study included age, gender, ECOG status, smoking history, clinical stages, pathological type, driver mutation (EGFR or ALK), metastasis or not (bone, lung, liver, brain, malignant plural effusion, and other organs), number of organ metastasis(≤3, >3), first‐line regiment and number of treatment lines (≤3, >3).

Results

The mean age of the selected patients was 58.3 ± 10.9 years and 68.6% were male. We divided patients according to their AAPR into low (AAPR < 0.34, n = 266), medium (AAPR = 0.34‐0.47, n = 259), and high (AAPR > 0.47, n = 283) tertile groups. Medium and high AAPR were associated with a decreased risk of death after fully adjusted Cox proportional hazard model(s) with hazards ratio (HR) 0.77 (95%CI = 0.58‐1.03) and HR 0.59 (95%CI = 0.45‐0.78), respectively (P for trend <.05). The median OS of low, medium, and high AAPR was 9.3, 11.8, and 16.9 months, respectively (P value <.0001). No optimal cutoff value of AAPR for prognosing OS was identified by smooth curve fitting. The HR and the 95% confidence intervals of the left and right sides of the inflection point 0.6 as cutoff value were 0.28 (95%CI = 0.14‐0.57) and 0.77 (95%CI = 0.34‐1.73), respectively (P value = .127). By subgroup analysis, similar results were consistently observed across nearly all the subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study implied that pretreatment AAPR can be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients with advanced NSCLC. This ratio should be applied for risk stratification and clinical decision‐making in those patients.
Religiosity and consumer belonging: Influences on product evaluations
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A. , Liu Richie L.
Published: July 2020

Consumers have a fundamental need to belong. Prior research has examined the compensatory mechanisms that consumers use to restore belongingness when they have a low sense of belonging. However, research has yet to adequately understand the influence that having a high sense of belonging has on consumption behavior. Thus, three studies are conducted to address this gap in the literature, specifically examining religiosity as a source of consumers' high sense of belonging. Study 1A identifies that religiosity positively influences consumers' sense of belonging and corresponding product evaluations because belongingness creates a positive affect state. This affect then incidentally transfers a positive halo effect to product evaluations. Study 1B replicates the sequential mediation from Study 1A but only for those products that are value expressive. Studies 2 and 3 then better isolate these effects by priming religion (Study 2) as well as general social acceptance and rejection (Study 3). Findings reveal that only religion and acceptance primes influence consumers' sense of belonging and product evaluations. Discussion builds on need‐to‐belong theory and implications for marketing practice are discussed.
Further secondary metabolites produced by the fungus Pyricularia grisea isolated from buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris)
Authors: Masi Marco , Santoro Ernesto , Clement Suzette , Meyer Susan , Scafato Patrizia , Superchi Stefano , Evidente Antonio
Published: July 2020

The fungal pathogen Pyricularia grisea has been studied to evaluate its production of phytotoxins for the biocontrol of the buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) weed. A first investigation allowed to isolate several new and known phytotoxic metabolites. However, the further investigation on the organic extract obtained from the fungus liquid culture showed the presence of other metabolites possibly contributing to its phytotoxicity. Thus, four known metabolites were isolated and identified by spectroscopic (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [HRESIMS]) methods as dihydropyriculol (1), epi‐dihydropyriculol (2), 3‐methoxy‐6,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydroisocoumarin (3), and (R)‐mevalonolactone (4). The absolute configuration of 1–3 was determined for the first time by a computational analysis of their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. When the isolated compounds were bioassayed at a concentration of 5 × 10–3 M in a buffelgrass coleoptile and radicle elongation test no toxicity was detected. On the contrary, compounds 1 and 3 showed a significant stimulating effect of radical elongation. Furthermore, the difference in growth stimulation between 1 and its epimer 2 highlights the tight relationship between absolute configuration and biological activity of these fungal metabolites.
Study on the influence of surrounding urban SO2, NO2, and CO on haze formation in Beijing based on MF‐DCCA and boosting algorithms
Authors: Zhang Xin‐xin , Gu Lei‐lei , Chen Hong , Jia Guo‐zhu
Published: July 2020

The formation of haze depends on the complex evolution behavior of SO2, NO2, and CO. We explore the influence of surrounding urban oxides on haze formation in Beijing. From the perspective of time evolution, multifractal detrended cross‐correlation analysis (MF‐DCCA) method quantitatively shows that all oxides reveal persistent cross‐correlations (hxy: 0.640 sim; 0.995) in the short term and long term. The correlation characteristics of the same oxide in different regions are compared. In the short term, Zhangjiakou (SO2/NO2) and Tianjin (CO) have the strongest multifractal features, while Zhangjiakou (SO2/NO2/CO) is more prominent in the long term. Their sources are mainly Fat‐tailed. Ignoring the characteristics of timing, the fitting degree (R2) of LightGBM model to PM2.5 concentration regression is 0.862 after the addition of neighboring oxides, an increase of 2.0%. CatBoost's R2 improves by 6.4%. The feature importance score indicates that Langfang's SO2 and Chengde's CO contribute the most to the formation of PM2.5. This study has certain reference value for the formulation of oxide emission strategy in the surrounding area of Beijing.
Optimizing data center network throughput by solving TCP Incast problem using k‐means algorithm
Authors: Thiruvenkatam Banudoss , Mukeshkrishnan Munusamy Babu
Published: July 2020

TCP in casting referred to as one of the complex problems in the data center, which receives a huge amount of traffic volume from n number of senders. There are many methods proposed to solve the TCP Incast problem. In this paper, there are two steps proposed: (i) grouping sender nodes using the k‐means algorithm and (ii) handling incoming packets from the senders after grouping. Grouping senders make it easy to handle the incoming packets effectively as the complexity reduces reasonably. This is achieved through the k‐means algorithm that groups the senders and makes a priority queue for each group. The second step can be achieved through Pro‐Ack (Pro‐Acknowledgement) control in one of the methods for handling a huge volume of data at the receiver side. We demonstrated how the incoming packets can be processed and handled effectively through Pro‐Ack control with the help of the k‐means algorithm. Along with the above concepts, the robust algorithm is proposed to make priority queues. The input throughput also out performs with the existing algorithms.
Morphotype differentiation in the Great Barrier Reef Halimeda bioherm carbonate factory: Internal architecture and surface geomorphometrics
Authors: McNeil Mardi A. , Nothdurft Luke D. , Dyriw Nicholas J. , Webster Jody M. , Beaman Robin J.
Published: July 2020

The calcareous Halimeda bioherms of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia are the largest actively accumulating Halimeda deposits worldwide. They contribute a substantial component of the Great Barrier Reef neritic carbonate factory, as well as the geomorphological development of Australia's northeast continental shelf. Halimeda bioherm geomorphology is complex, expressing three distinct variations in morphotype patterns: annulate, reticulate and undulate. Similar regular and irregular geomorphological patterning often results from scale‐dependent biophysical feedback mechanisms. Therefore, a better understanding of morphotype differentiation can inform the biotic and abiotic drivers of spatial heterogeneity in the bioherm ecosystem. Here, 3D LiDAR bathymetry is integrated with 2D sub‐bottom profile datasets to investigate surface topography and internal sedimentary architecture of Halimeda bioherms through space and time. Using the ESRI ArcGIS 3D Analyst and Benthic Terrain Modeller extensions, the bioherm surface and subsurface geomorphometric characteristics were quantified for the annulate, reticulate and undulate morphotypes. Significant variation was found between the three bioherm morphotypes in their surface topography, internal structure, volume, slope gradients and terrain complexity. Therefore, their geomorphology is probably influenced by differing processes and biophysical feedback mechanisms. The complex surface topography does not appear to be inherited from the antecedent substrate, and preferred aspect orientations resulting from hydrodynamic forcing appear to be limited. It is suggested here that autogenic dynamics or biotic self‐organization similar to patterns and processes in other marine organo‐sedimentary systems modulates Halimeda bioherm geomorphology, and some hypotheses are offered towards future studies. Morphotype differentiation has implications for the development of the Halimeda bioherm carbonate factory, rates of sediment aggradation and progradation, and variable capacity to fill accommodation space. Self‐organization dynamics and morphology differentiation in Modern bioherm systems could potentially inform palaeo‐environmental interpretations of fossil bioherms and phylloid algal mounds on geological timescales.
Characteristics and outcomes ofCOVID‐19 in hospitalized patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Al‐Salameh Abdallah , Lanoix Jean‐Philippe , Bennis Youssef , Andrejak Claire , Brochot Etienne , Deschasse Guillaume , Dupont Hervé , Goeb Vincent , Jaureguy Maité , Lion Sylvie , Maizel Julien , Moyet Julien , Vaysse Benoit , Desailloud Rachel , Ganry Olivier , Schmit Jean‐Luc , Lalau Jean‐Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a rapidly progressing pandemic, with four million confirmed cases and 280 000 deaths at the time of writing. Some studies have suggested that diabetes is associated with a greater risk of developing severe forms of COVID‐19. The primary objective of the present study was to compare the clinical features and outcomes in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with vs without diabetes.

Methods

All consecutive adult patients admitted to Amiens University Hospital (Amiens, France) with confirmed COVID‐19 up until April 21st, 2020, were included. The composite primary endpoint comprised admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and death. Both components were also analysed separately in a logistic regression analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 433 patients (median age: 72; 238 (55%) men; diabetes: 115 (26.6%)) were included. Most of the deaths occurred in non‐ICU units and among older adults. Multivariate analyses showed that diabetes was associated neither with the primary endpoint (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66‐1.90) nor with mortality (hazard ratio: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.40‐1.34) but was associated with ICU admission (OR: 2.06; 95%CI 1.09‐3.92,P= .027) and a longer length of hospital stay. Age was negatively associated with ICU admission and positively associated with death.

Conclusions

Diabetes was prevalent in a quarter of the patients hospitalized with COVID‐19; it was associated with a greater risk of ICU admission but not with a significant elevation in mortality. Further investigation of the relationship between COVID‐19 severity and diabetes is warranted.
The oral Ca/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II inhibitor RA608 improves contractile function and prevents arrhythmias in heart failure
Authors: Mustroph Julian , Drzymalski Marzena , Baier Maria , Pabel Steffen , Biedermann Alexander , Memmel Bernadette , Durczok Melanie , Neef Stefan , Sag Can Martin , Floerchinger Bernhard , Rupprecht Leopold , Schmid Christof , Zausig York , Bégis Guillaume , Briand Veronique , Ozoux Marie‐Laure , Tamarelle Dorothee , Ballet Veronique , Janiak Philip , Beauverger Philippe , Maier Lars S. , Wagner Stefan
Published: July 2020

Aims

Excessive activation of Ca/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is of critical importance in heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation. Unfortunately, lack of selectivity, specificity, and bioavailability have slowed down development of inhibitors for clinical use. We investigated a novel CaMKIIδ/CaMKIIɣ‐selective, ATP‐competitive, orally available CaMKII inhibitor (RA608) on right atrial biopsies of 119 patients undergoing heart surgery. Furthermore, we evaluated its oral efficacy to prevent deterioration of HF in mice after transverse aortic constriction (TAC).

Methods and results

In human atrial cardiomyocytes and trabeculae, respectively, RA608 significantly reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca leak, reduced diastolic tension, and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca content. Patch‐clamp recordings confirmed the safety of RA608 in human cardiomyocytes. C57BL6/J mice were subjected to TAC, and left ventricular function was monitored by echocardiography. Two weeks after TAC, RA608 was administered by oral gavage for 7 days. Oral RA608 treatment prevented deterioration of ejection fraction. At 3 weeks after TAC, ejection fraction was 46.1 ± 3.7% (RA608) vs. 34.9 ± 2.6% (vehicle), n = 9 vs. n = 12, P < 0.05, ANOVA, which correlated with significantly less CaMKII autophosphorylation at threonine 287. Moreover, a single oral dose significantly reduced inducibility of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in CaMKIIδ transgenic mice 4 h after administration. Atrial fibrillation was induced in 6/6 mice for vehicle vs. 1/7 for RA608, P < 0.05, 'n − 1'  χ2 test. Ventricular tachycardia was induced in 6/7 for vehicle vs. 2/7 for RA608, P < 0.05, 'n − 1'  χ2 test.

Conclusions

RA608 is the first orally administrable CaMKII inhibitor with potent efficacy in human myocytes. Moreover, oral administration potently inhibits arrhythmogenesis and attenuates HF development in mice in vivo.
Pathogenesis and management of myocardial injury in coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Wei Zhi‐Yao , Geng Yong‐Jian , Huang Ji , Qian Hai‐Yan
Published: July 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, has become a major health crisis and a worldwide pandemic. COVID‐19 is characterized by high infectivity, long incubation period, diverse clinical presentations, and strong transmission intensity. COVID‐19 can cause myocardial injury as well as other cardiovascular complications, particularly in senior patients with pre‐existing medical conditions. The current review summarizes the epidemiological characteristics, potential mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and recent progress in the management of COVID‐19 cardiovascular complications.
Acceleration of kidney function decline after incident hospitalization with cardiovascular disease: the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project
Authors: Ishigami Junichi , Trevisan Marco , Lund Lars H. , Jernberg Tomas , Coresh Josef , Matsushita Kunihiro , Carrero Juan‐Jesus
Published: July 2020

Aims

The cardiorenal syndrome refers to a bidirectional relationship between the kidney and the heart. However, epidemiological evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is actually scarce.

Methods and results

We examined the slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in the 2 years before vs. after an incident hospitalization with heart failure (HF) (n = 20 420), coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 18 152), or stroke (n = 1808) using data from a complete laboratory data collection in Stockholm, Sweden between 2006 and 2011. eGFR slopes were estimated using mixed‐effect models with unstructured residual correlation. Overall, incident hospitalization with HF and CHD, but not stroke, was significantly associated with a subsequent accelerated decline in eGFR, with a faster eGFR decline and greater slope change after HF than CHD. The pre‐event vs. post‐event eGFR slopes (mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) were −1.67 (−1.77 to −1.57) vs. −2.76 (−2.82 to −2.71), with a Δslope of −1.09 (−1.16 to −1.02) for HF; −1.09 (−1.20 to −0.98) vs. −1.87 (−1.92 to −1.81), with a Δslope of −0.78 (−0.85 to −0.70) for CHD; and −1.00 (−1.37 to −0.63) vs. −0.99 (−1.19 to −0.78), with a Δslope of 0.02 (−0.24 to 0.27) for stroke. The accelerated declines in eGFR after HF and CHD were consistent across the spectrum of eGFR, although pre‐event eGFR slopes were steeper in lower eGFR (e.g. pre‐event eGFR slope for HF −0.64 (−0.76 to −0.53) for eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, −1.43 (−1.57 to −1.30) for eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2, and −2.42 (−2.71 to −2.12) for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Conclusions

Incident hospitalization with cardiac diseases (i.e. HF and CHD) was significantly associated with a subsequent acceleration of eGFR decline.
Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of 3'‐C‐Hydroxymethyl‐3'‐O‐Phosphonomethyl‐β‐D‐5'‐deoxyxylose Nucleosides
Authors: Ji Shujie , Wang Song , Wang Haixia , Gao Yingying , Xu Wenke , Huo Xiangyu , Herdewijn Piet , Liu Feng‐Wu
Published: July 2020

L‐2'‐deoxythreose nucleoside phosphonates PMDTA and PMDTT possess potent anti‐HIV activity. Herein, a novel class of 3'‐C‐branched‐l‐threose nucleoside phosphonate analogs, 5'‐deoxy‐3'‐C‐hydroxymethyl‐3'‐O‐phosphonomethyl‐d‐xylose nucleosides, were synthesized and biologically evaluated. The key sugar intermediate 3‐C‐benzyloxymethyl‐3‐O‐diethylphosphonomethyl‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐d‐5‐deoxyxylose (8) was firstly synthesized, which may be an interesting scaffold for access to diverse 3'‐C‐branched l‐threosyl nucleoside phosphonate derivatives. And the key synthesis involved Wittig olefination of 1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐3‐oxo‐α‐d‐5‐deoxyxylose, stereoselective dihydroxylation of alkenes by aqueous KMnO4, selective benzylation of hydroxymethyl group under activation of dibutyltin oxide, and introduction of phosphonate group by nucleophilic substitution. Eventually, glycosylation under Vorbrüggen conditions provided 3'‐C‐hydroxymethyl‐3'‐O‐phosphonomethyl‐β‐d‐5'‐deoxyxylose nucleoside analogs in satisfying yield.
Modified hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate‐supplemented diet protects porcine oocyte quality from zearalenone toxicity
Authors: Xu Yao , Sun Ming‐Hong , Li Xiao‐Han , Ju Jia‐Qian , Chen Li‐Yuan , Sun Yu‐Rong , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: July 2020

Zearalenone (ZEN) is one of the most common mycotoxins produced by fungus in contaminated feed. ZEN has multiple toxicities, including reproductive toxicity of domestic animals, particularly pigs. However, studies on the effects of ZEN on ovary/oocytes have been primarily based on in vitro experiments, and there is still no evidence from porcine in vivo models due to multiple limitations. Moreover, no report has investigated the effect of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) as a supplement on pig oocyte quality. In the present study, we fed pigs a 1.0 mg/kg ZEN‐contaminated diet for 10 days. The results showed that pigs fed ZEN presented reduced oocyte–cumulus cell interactions, an increase in the number of denuded oocytes in ovaries, a decrease in the number of oocytes in each ovary, and an increase in the oocyte death rate. Oocytes from ZEN‐exposed pigs exhibited a delayed cell cycle and abnormal cytoskeletal dynamics during meiotic maturation, which could be due to oxidative stress‐induced autophagy. Moreover, we also show that supplementing the ZEN‐contaminated diet with modified HSCAS effectively protected porcine oocyte quality. Taken together, our study provides in vivo data demonstrating the protective effects of HSCAS against ZEN toxicity in porcine oocytes.
An introduction for the special issue on environmental health and genome integrity
Authors: Yan Shan , Vaziri Cyrus
Published: July 2020

Environmental exposures and genome maintenance mechanisms that respond to environmentally‐induced genotoxicity have a profound impact on human health. Eight review articles in this Special Issue (SI) titled “Environmental Health and Genome Integrity” describe emerging new mechanisms by which distinct forms of environmentally‐induced DNA damage are remediated, and explain how DNA repair pathway choices impact genome integrity and disease propensity. Here, we provide an introduction to reviews from this SI. Our expanding knowledge of how genotoxic exposures impact the genome will allow us to better predict, prevent and treat environmentally‐induced human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A spatio‐temporal model for the analysis and prediction of fine particulate matter concentration in Beijing
Authors: Wan Yating , Xu Minya , Huang Hui , Xi Chen Song
Published: July 2020

Effective air quality management and forecasting in Beijing is urgently needed as the region suffers from the worst air pollution in any standards. However, the statistical mechanism of the PM2.5formation with respect to various factors is underexplored in this region and China in general. Through an elaborate application with refinement of a spatio‐temporal model with varying coefficients to the dynamics of PM2.5around Beijing based on a large dataset, we provide a comprehensive interpretation for the dynamics of PM2.5concentration with respect to its gaseous precursors, meteorological conditions and geographical variables. Furthermore, we conduct multistep temporal forecasts on a rolling basis for both the PM2.5concentration and the pollution levels. With the help of the expectation‐maximization algorithm, the proposed models estimated for eight seasons from March 2015 to February 2017 around Beijing provide satisfactory in‐sample fits and generate more accurate out‐of‐sample forecasts, compared with Finazzi and Fassò's original model as well as other alternative models. Valuable insights in tackling the excessive air pollution in Beijing are suggested from the comprehensive application of our model.
Discussion on A high‐resolution bilevel skew‐tstochastic generator for assessing Saudi Arabia's wind energy resources
Authors: Zammit‐Mangion Andrew
Published: July 2020

Statistical spatiotemporal environmental data analysis is rarely straightforward, with one having to face challenges relating to big data, non‐Gaussianity, nonstationarity, multiple scales of behavior, deterministic (numerical) model output, and more. One often has to rely heavily on good statistical parallel computing skills and sound knowledge of the application domain. The work of Tagle et al. (2020) overcomes all of these challenges, and is an excellent example of the tangible contributions spatiotemporal modeling and distribution theory can make to the environmental sciences at the policy level. In this discussion piece I focus on a few high‐level concepts in the paper of Tagle et al. (2020) that are relevant to related application domains. I also provide some technical suggestions that could be used to facilitate inference.
Optimization of a solar water heating system for vapor absorption refrigeration system
Authors: Christopher Sathiya Satchi , Santosh Ravichandran , Ponrajan Vikram Muthuraman , Prabakaran Rajendran , Thakur Amrit Kumar , Xu Huijin
Published: July 2020

In this work, the optimization study of the solar collector integrated, with a thermal energy storage tank for the vapor absorption refrigeration system, was studied using TRNSYS. The performance of the integrated system was evaluated considering major contributing parameters such as solar collector area, the mass flow rate of the operating fluids, storage tank volume and height, absorber plate thickness, tube spacing, absorber tube diameter, insulation thickness, and glass thickness/properties, respectively. A physical model of the complete solar water heating (SWH) and refrigeration system was developed followed by simulation studies of the major components for optimization, and finally, the obtained results were compared with the reported data for validation. The results indicated that, by using the solar power with a serpentine tube type flat plate collector of area 24 m2 and a storage volume to a specific collector area of about 60 Lm−2, the optimized system could meet 65% of the annual thermal energy requirement for the refrigeration unit. Further, the annual performance of the optimized solar collector in terms of collector efficiency, heat removal factor, and overall heat loss coefficient was found to be about 0.32, 0.87, and 2.99 W m−2 K, respectively. In addition, the optimization approach that is adopted using TRNSYS in the present study could be used for optimizing the solar‐based energy system for various applications.
The technical and economic evaluation of biodiesel production processes from different vegetable oils
Authors: Nguyen D. Duc , Pirouzfar Vahid , Hosseini Fatemeh Sadat , Su Chia‐Hung
Published: July 2020

Human being has been always thinking to apply renewable energy due to limited resources of energy. Therefore, alternative fuels have been chosen based on the following characteristics: environmental sustainability, being competitive with fossil fuels, technical justification, and easy production. In this research, various biodiesel production processes are simulated and technically analyzed using Aspen HYSYS. Then, the related flowsheets have been economically analyzed by Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (Icarus). Finally, the present net values have also been estimated by means of parameters such as the cost and sale values of vegetable oils, glycerol, NA3PO4, H3PO4,and biodiesel based on the interest rates. Considering these analyses, prediction procedures, equations of capital cost estimation, and net present value were developed. According to the analysis, the use of palm oils is more appropriate than other oils for biodiesel production because its ROR (36.01%) is higher than soybean oil (27.64%) and olive oil (3.39%). According to the calculated ROR values, palm oil and soybean oil have scored the highest rate of return, respectively.
Seismic performance of chevron‐configured special concentrically braced frames with yielding beams
Authors: Asada Hayato , Sen Andrew D. , Li Tao , Berman Jeffrey W. , Lehman Dawn E. , Roeder Charles W.
Published: July 2020

Current seismic design requirements for special concentrically braced frames (SCBFs) in chevron configurations require that the beams supporting the braces be designed to resist the demands resulting from the simultaneous yielding of the tension brace and degraded, post‐buckling strength of the compression brace. Recent research, including large‐scale experiments and detailed finite‐element analyses, has demonstrated that limited beam yielding is not detrimental to chevron braced frame behavior and actually increases the story drift at which the braces fracture. These findings have resulted in new expressions for computing beam demands in chevron SCBFs that reduce the demand in the tension brace to be equal to the expected compressive capacity at buckling of the compression brace. In turn, the resultant force on the beam is reduced as is the required size of the beam. Further study was undertaken to investigate the seismic performance of buildings with SCBFs, including chevron SCBFs with and without yielding beams and X‐braced frames. Prototype three‐ and nine‐story braced frames were designed using all three framing systems, that is, chevron, chevron with yielding beams, and X SCBFs, resulting in six building frames. The nonlinear dynamic response was studied for ground motions simulating two different seismic hazard levels. The results were used to characterize the seismic performance in terms of the probability of salient damage states including brace fracture, beam vertical deformation, and collapse. The results demonstrate that the seismic performance of chevron SCBFs with limited beam yielding performs as well as or better than the conventionally designed chevron and X SCBFs.
Depressive symptoms rather than executive functioning predict group cognitive behavioural therapy outcome in binge eating disorder
Authors: Dingemans Alexandra E. , van Son Gabriëlle E. , Vanhaelen Christine B. , van Furth Eric F.
Published: July 2020

Executive functions play an important role in mediating self‐control and self‐regulation. It has been suggested that the inability to control eating in Binge Eating Disorder (BED) may indicate inefficiencies in executive functioning. This study investigated whether executive functioning predicted cognitive behavioural therapy outcome in BED while accounting for other possible predictors: depressive symptoms, interpersonal factors, eating disorder psychopathology, and self‐esteem. Executive functioning and other predictors were assessed in 91 patients with BED by means of neuropsychological tests and questionnaires at baseline. Eating disorder (ED) symptoms were assessed during treatment at variable time points. Potential predictor variables were investigated using multivariate Cox regression models. Recovery was defined by means of two different indicators based on the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire: (a) showing a 50% reduction in baseline symptom ED severity and/or reaching the clinical significance cut‐off; and (b) achieving abstinence of objective binge eating. Severity of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor for outcome on both indicators. Patients with no or mild depressive symptoms recovered faster (i.e., 50% reduction in ED symptoms and abstinence of objective binge eating) than those with severe depressive symptoms, which is in line with previous studies. Executive functioning was not related to treatment outcome in this study.
Projecting maize yield under local‐scale climate change scenarios using crop models: Sensitivity to sowing dates, cultivar, and nitrogen fertilizer rates
Authors: Chisanga Charles B. , Phiri Elijah , Chinene Vernon R. N. , Chabala Lydia M.
Published: July 2020

The APSIM‐Maize and CERES‐Maize models are widely used in impact studies to analyze the effect of climate change on future maize yield. The study objectives were to develop climate scenarios, assess crop model's sensitivity, and predict the impact of climate change on rainfed maize yield based on five global climate models under two RCP (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios. The scenarios were based on the mid‐century and tested for sowing dates (SDs), maize cultivars, and nitrogen fertilizer rates (N). For field calibration and validation, the split‐split‐plot experimental design with three replicates was set up at Mount Makulu, Zambia. The treatments were SD, cultivar, and N‐rate were the main plot, subplot, and subsub plot, respectively. The APSIM‐Maize and CERES‐Maize models were used to run simulations using seasonal analysis. The impacts of climate change on maize yield were simulated for the future 2040–2069/1980–2010 using the AgMIP Protocols. The ensemble means from the simulation result in precipitation decrease and temperature increase. Days after planting to anthesis and maturity would reduce in 2050 (2040–2069). The % change in grain yield would range from 2.78% to 9.94%, −3.81% to −8.88%, and −2.33% to 10.63% under N1 (55.2 N kg/ha), N2 (110.4 N kg/ha), and N3 (165.6 N kg/ha) as affected by SDs, respectively. The simulation showed evidence of climate change and hence affect maize growth and yield. Therefore, there is a need to put in place strategies for alleviating the impact of climate change in maize production in Zambia.
A high‐order implicit hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method for the Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony equation
Authors: Fabien Maurice S.
Published: July 2020

This article introduces an efficient numerical scheme for the solution of the Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony equation. The scheme is fully implicit, and combines high‐order time stepping and a hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method in space. Implicit time stepping allows for larger time steps, while remaining robust for long‐time simulations. It is shown that the scheme is energy stable, and conserves mass. Computational experiments demonstrate that the scheme is high‐order accurate, robust, and possesses good conservation properties.
Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract alters gut microbiota composition, enhances short‐chain fatty acids production, and ameliorates osteoporosis in the senescence‐accelerated mouse P6 (SAMP6) model
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Yajing , Nie Zhiying , Han Lifeng , Zhong Xinqin , Yan Xiaohui , Gao Xiumei
Published: July 2020

The bark and the leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. content similar bioactive components, but the leaf of this medically important plant is mostly abandoned. In this study, we revealed that the aqueous extract of E. ulmoides leaf (EUL) can promote the growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB) and inhibit the formation of osteoclast in vitro. This extract was next administrated to senescence‐accelerated mice P6 to evaluate examine its influence on the composition of gut microbiota (GM), short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and osteoporosis (OP). The results showed that supplementation of the EUL aqueous extract to the mouse model: (a) increased bacterial diversity and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut, (b) increased SCFAs concentration in the feces and serum, and (c) ameliorated OP based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD), Dual‐energy X‐ray bone scan, and HE staining of distal femur.
A general framework for integrative analysis of incomplete multiomics data
Authors: Lin Dan‐Yu , Zeng Donglin , Couper David
Published: July 2020

There is a tremendous current interest in measuring multiple types of omics features (e.g., DNA sequences, RNA expressions, methylation profiles, metabolic profiles, protein expressions) on a large number of subjects. Although genotypes are typically available for all study subjects, other data types may be measured only on a subset of subjects due to cost or other constraints. In addition, quantitative omics measurements, such as metabolite levels and protein expressions, are subject to detection limits in that the measurements below (or above) certain thresholds are not detectable. In this article, we propose a rigorous and powerful approach to handle missing values and detection limits in integrative analysis of multiomics data. We relate quantitative omics variables to genetic variants and other variables through linear regression models and relate phenotypes to quantitative omics variables and other variables through generalized linear models. We derive the joint‐likelihood for the two sets of models by allowing arbitrary patterns of missing values and detection limits for quantitative omics variables. We carry out maximum‐likelihood estimation through computationally fast and stable algorithms. The resulting estimators are approximately unbiased and statistically efficient. An application to a major study on chronic obstructive lung disease yielded new biological insights.
Understanding the Science Surrounding Environmental Consequences and Rehabilitation Actions Stemming from Brazil's Fundão Tailing Dam Rupture
Authors: Smith Ross Edward William , Val Adalberto Luis
Published: July 2020

Collapse of the Fundão tailings dam in November 2015 in Minas Gerais, Brazil, resulted in the release of approximately 36 million cubic meters of primarily clay and fine sand–sized particles to the environment. The spill event extended over 600 km of the Rio Doce catchment and affected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and compromised socioeconomic activities throughout the watershed. Numerous monitoring programs and research investigations in the catchment since that time contribute to better understanding of the environmental consequences and plans for rehabilitation of the landscape. The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Latin America Geographic Unit hosted the Fundão Dam Rupture Science Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, in June 2019 to report on the findings from these studies. Fourteen technical papers from that meeting are presented in this Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM) special series. These papers and the technical discussions at the meeting reflect the consensus opinions of scientists who attended the symposium. Delegates generally agreed that society must commit to rehabilitation after disasters based on the best available evidence describing the structure and function of affected ecosystems. Scientists can play a crucial role in prioritizing and facilitating rehabilitation actions, as well as monitoring for progress toward achieving goals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:569–571. © 2020 SETAC
The potential of breast cancer screening in Europe
Authors: Zielonke Nadine , Kregting Lindy M. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , Veerus Piret , Heinävaara Sirpa , McKee Martin , de Kok Inge M. C. M. , de Koning Harry J. , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T. ,   the EU‐TOPIA collaborators
Published: July 2020

Currently, all European countries offer some form of breast cancer screening. Nevertheless, disparities exist in the status of implementation, attendance and the extent of opportunistic screening. As a result, breast cancer screening has not yet reached its full potential. We examined how many breast cancer deaths could be prevented if all European countries would biennially screen all women aged 50 to 69 for breast cancer. We calculated the number of breast cancer deaths already prevented due to screening as well as the number of breast cancer deaths which could be additionally prevented if the total examination coverage (organised plus opportunistic) would reach 100%. The calculations are based on total examination coverage in women aged 50 to 69, the annual number of breast cancer deaths for women aged 50 to 74 and the maximal possible mortality reduction from breast cancer, assuming similar effectiveness of organised and opportunistic screening. The total examination coverage ranged from 49% (East), 62% (West), 64% (North) to 69% (South). Yearly 21 680 breast cancer deaths have already been prevented due to mammography screening. If all countries would reach 100% examination coverage, 12 434 additional breast cancer deaths could be prevented annually, with the biggest potential in Eastern Europe. With maximum coverage, 23% of their breast cancer deaths could be additionally prevented, while in Western Europe it could be 21%, in Southern Europe 15% and in Northern Europe 9%. Our study illustrates that by further optimising screening coverage, the number of breast cancer deaths in Europe can be lowered substantially.
Leukocyte telomere length, cancer incidence and all‐cause mortality among Chinese adults: Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Samavat Hamed , Luu Hung N. , Beckman Kenneth B. , Jin Aizhen , Wang Renwei , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: July 2020

Telomeres play a key role in chromosomal maintenance and stability. To date, few studies have investigated the association of leukocyte telomere length with risk of cancer incidence and all‐cause mortality in a large prospective cohort, particularly of the Asian population. Relative telomere lengths in genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples were quantified using a validated quantitative real‐time PCR among 26 540 middle‐aged or older Chinese adults. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cancer and deaths by quintiles of telomere length were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression method with adjustment for age, sex and other potential confounders. After baseline blood collection, 4353 persons developed cancer and 7609 died. Participants with the longest decile of telomeres had a 26% (95% CI: 11%‐44%) higher risk of total cancer incidence compared to the shortest decile after controlling for age, sex and other potential founders (Ptrend < .0001). In contrast, longer telomeres were associated with lower risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.84‐1.03), noncancer death (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71‐0.92), specifically, death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70‐0.89) and digestive diseases (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42‐0.88). Our findings demonstrated that longer telomeres are associated with increased risk of cancer development overall and several common cancer types including breast, rectal, prostate, pancreatic cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. Our study also confirmed that longer telomeres are associated with a reduced risk of noncancer related death.
Risk of secondary hematologic malignancies associated with breast cancer chemotherapy and G‐CSF support: A nationwide population‐based cohort
Authors: Jabagi Marie Joelle , Vey Norbert , Goncalves Anthony , Le Tri Thien , Zureik Mahmoud , Dray‐spira Rosemary
Published: July 2020

Our study aimed to analyze the risk of hematologic malignancies (HM) associated with the use of G‐CSF with chemotherapy for BC. Using the French National Health Data System, we examined the HM risks in patients diagnosed with an incident breast cancer between 2007 and 2015, who received chemotherapy for BC. Main outcomes were acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), multiple myeloma (MM), Hodgkin lymphoma or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HL/NHL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphocytic lymphoma (ALL/LL). Among a total of 122 373 BC survivors, 38.9% received chemotherapy only and 61.1% received chemotherapy + G‐CSF. Overall, 781 cases of hematologic malignancies occurred. We observed a nonsignificant increase in the risk of AML (aHR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.7), of MDS (aHR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9‐1.8) and of ALL/LL (aHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0‐4.4) among patients treated by chemotherapy + G‐CSF compared to chemotherapy only. In analyses by dose, we observed a slight increase in the risk of AML (1‐3 doses: aHR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8‐1.7/4+ doses: aHR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.8) and of MDS (1‐3 doses: aHR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7‐1.7/4+ doses: aHR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.9), a significant increase in risk of ALL (1‐3 doses: aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.5‐3.9 / 4+ doses: aHR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐5.1) with increasing cycles of G‐CSF. Our population‐based study showed that the ALL/LL was the only HM at increased risk with the use of growth factors with a possible dose‐effect relationship. Our data regarding the risk of all the other HM are reassuring.