bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐order virtual synchronization: A new methodology for online identification of structural damping in presence of seismic excitation
Authors: Ghaderi Pedram
Published: May 2020

This paper proposes a new method for online identification of damping properties in seismically excited structures. It is a major extension of the recently developed Virtual Synchronization Method (VSM) with the following benefits: Its formulation is simpler and contains fewer design parameters. It includes a sufficient condition which can be validated online to ensure whether it is successful in identification of the structural damping model. It is assumed that the parameters of the damping model are fully unknown whereas the stiffness and mass of the structure are known. Online measurements of the ground motion acceleration, displacement and velocity vectors are available. Using these data, a virtual copy of the original structure is created. Then, the error between the states of the two systems is calculated. It is employed for designing an appropriate virtual controller which forces the virtual system to synchronize with the original one. Consequently, the states of these two systems are used to propose a nonlinear adaptive law to estimate the unknown parameters of the damping model. Provided numerical examples show that the proposed online identification method is efficiently fast, promising and worthy of further studies.
Dicer and Drosha expression in patients with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Hejazian Seyyedeh Mina , Rahbar Saadat Yalda , Bahmanpour Zahra , Hosseiniyan Khatibi Seyed Mahdi , Ardalan Mohammadreza , Zununi Vahed Sepideh
Published: May 2020

Podocytes play an essential role in the regulation of glomerular filtration and the appropriate function of the kidney. Podocytes injury is involved in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome (NS), a common renal glomerulus dysfunction characterized by proteinuria. Some in vivo studies in Dicer/Drosha knockout mice indicate the importance of Dicer, Drosha, and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of NS. In the present study, the expression levels of Dicer and Drosha along with miR‐30 family, miR‐186, miR‐193, and miR‐217 were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples of patients with NS (N = 60) using real‐time PCR. Dicer expression level in NS patients was significantly upregulated when compared to healthy controls (p = .008). No significant change was observed in the Drosha expression level in the NS group. Upregulated levels of the studied microRNAs were observed in NS group in comparison to controls, the miR‐30c‐5p (p = .005) and miR‐193‐3p (p = .041) were statistically significant. In conclusion, dysregulation in expression level of Dicer and Drosha and consequently, alteration in miRNA levels are involved in the pathophysiology of NS.
The Bulk Osteosarcoma and Osteosarcoma Stem Cell Activity of a Necroptosis‐Inducing Nickel(II)–Phenanthroline Complex
Authors: Eskandari Arvin , Flamme Marie , Xiao Zhiyin , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: May 2020

We report the anti‐osteosarcoma and anti‐osteosarcoma stem cell (OSC) properties of a nickel(II) complex, 1. Complex 1 displays similar potency towards bulk osteosarcoma cells and OSCs, in the micromolar range. Notably, 1 displays similar or better OSC potency than the clinically approved platinum(II) anticancer drugs cisplatin and carboplatin in two‐ and three‐dimensional osteosarcoma cell cultures. Mechanistic studies revealed that 1 induces osteosarcoma cell death by necroptosis, an ordered form of necrosis. The nickel(II) complex, 1 triggers necrosome‐dependent mitrochondrial membrane depolarisation and propidium iodide uptake. Interestingly, 1 does not evoke necroptosis by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) or hyperactivation of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP‐1). ROS elevation and PARP‐1 activity are traits that have been observed for established necroptosis inducers such as shikonin, TRAIL and glutamate. Thus the necroptosis pathway evoked by 1 is distinct. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report into the anti‐osteosarcoma and anti‐OSC properties of a nickel complex.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on interventional cardiology fellowship training in the New York metropolitan area: A perspective from the United States epicenter
Authors: Gupta Tanush , Nazif Tamim M. , Vahl Torsten P. , Ahmad Hasan , Bortnick Anna E. , Feit Frederick , Jauhar Rajiv , Kandov Ruben , Kim Michael , Kini Annapoorna , Lawson William , Leber Robert , Lee Alexander , Moreyra Abel E. , Minutello Robert M. , Sacchi Terrence , Vaidya Pranaychan J. , Leon Martin B. , Parikh Sahil A. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Kodali Susheel
Published: May 2020

Background

The healthcare burden posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in the New York Metropolitan area has necessitated the postponement of elective procedures resulting in a marked reduction in cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) volumes with a potential to impact interventional cardiology (IC) fellowship training.

Methods

We conducted a web‐based survey sent electronically to 21 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited IC fellowship program directors (PDs) and their respective fellows.

Results

Fourteen programs (67%) responded to the survey and all acknowledged a significant decrease in CCL procedural volumes. More than half of the PDs reported part of their CCL being converted to inpatient units and IC fellows being redeployed to COVID‐19 related duties. More than two‐thirds of PDs believed that the COVID‐19 pandemic would have a moderate (57%) or severe (14%) adverse impact on IC fellowship training, and 21% of the PDs expected their current fellows' average percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volume to be below 250. Of 25 IC fellow respondents, 95% expressed concern that the pandemic would have a moderate (72%) or severe (24%) adverse impact on their fellowship training, and nearly one‐fourth of fellows reported performing fewer than 250 PCIs as of March 1st. Finally, roughly one‐third of PDs and IC fellows felt that there should be consideration of an extension of fellowship training or a period of early career mentorship after fellowship.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a significant reduction in CCL procedural volumes that is impacting IC fellowship training in the NY metropolitan area. These results should inform professional societies and accreditation bodies to offer tailored opportunities for remediation of affected trainees.
Radiation therapy and the risk of herpes zoster in patients with cancer
Authors: Shimizuguchi Takuya , Sekiya Noritaka , Hara Konan , Taguchi Ayumi , Nakajima Yujiro , Miyake Yu , Shibata Yukiko , Taguchi Kentaro , Ogawa Hiroaki , Ito Kei , Karasawa Katsuyuki
Published: May 2020

Background

The role and impact of radiation therapy (RT) on the development of herpes zoster (HZ) has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between RT and HZ.

Methods

A propensity score‐matched, retrospective cohort study was conducted using institutional cancer registry data and medical records from 2011 to 2015. The risk of developing HZ in the RT and non‐RT groups was compared using a Cox proportional hazards model. Associations also were explored between the RT field and the anatomic location of HZ in patients who developed HZ after RT. The expected number of HZ events within the radiation field was calculated according to the RT received by each patient; then, this number was compared with the observed number of in‐field events.

Results

Of 17,655 patients, propensity score matching yielded 4350 pairs; of these, 3891 pairs were eligible for comparison. The cumulative incidence of HZ in the RT group (vs the non‐RT group) during the first 5 years after the index date was 2.1% (vs 0.7%) at 1 year, 3.0% (vs 1.0%) at 2 years, 3.4% (vs 1.3%) at 3 years, 4.1% vs 1.7% at 4 years, and 4.4% vs 1.8% at 5 years. The RT group showed a significantly higher risk of HZ than the non‐RT group (hazard ratio, 2.59, 95% CI, 1.84‐3.66). In the 120 patients who developed HZ after RT, HZ events were observed significantly more frequently within the RT field than expected (74 vs 43.8 events; P < .001).

Conclusions

Patients with cancer who received RT showed a significantly higher risk of HZ, which was commonly observed within the radiation field.
Association of GSTM1 null variant with anthracycline‐related cardiomyopathy after childhood cancer—A Children's Oncology Group ALTE03N1 report
Authors: Singh Purnima , Wang Xuexia , Hageman Lindsey , Chen Yanjun , Magdy Tarek , Landier Wendy , Ginsberg Jill P. , Neglia Joseph P. , Sklar Charles A. , Castellino Sharon M. , Dreyer Zoann E. , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Blanco Javier G. , Relling Mary V. , Burridge Paul , Bhatia Smita
Published: May 2020

Background

Anthracycline‐related cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of late morbidity in childhood cancer survivors. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are a class of phase II detoxification enzymes that facilitate the elimination of anthracyclines. As free‐radical scavengers, GSTs could play a role in oxidative damage‐induced cardiomyopathy. Associations between the GSTμ1 (GSTM1) null genotype and iron‐overload–related cardiomyopathy have been reported in patients with thalassemia.

Methods

The authors sought to identify an association between the GSTM1 null genotype and anthracycline‐related cardiomyopathy in childhood cancer survivors and to corroborate the association by examining GSTM1 gene expression in peripheral blood and human‐induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) from survivors with and without cardiomyopathy. GSTM1 gene deletion was examined by polymerase chain reaction in 75 survivors who had clinically validated cardiomyopathy (cases) and in 92 matched survivors without cardiomyopathy (controls). Conditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for sex, age at cancer diagnosis, chest radiation, and anthracycline dose was used to assess the association between genotype and cardiomyopathy. Proprietary bead array technology and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to measure GSTM1 expression levels in samples from 20 cases and 20 matched controls. hiPSC‐CMs from childhood cancer survivors (3 with cardiomyopathy, 3 without cardiomyopathy) also were examined for GSTM1 gene expression levels.

Results

A significant association was observed between the risk of cardiomyopathy and the GSTM1 null genotype (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3‐5.9; P = .007). There was significant downregulation of GSTM1 expression in cases compared with controls (average relative expression, 0.67 ± 0.57 vs 1.33 ± 1.33, respectively; P = .049). hiPSC‐CMs from patients who had cardiomyopathy revealed reduced GSTM1 expression (P = .007).

Conclusions

The current findings could facilitate the identification of childhood cancer survivors who are at risk for anthracycline‐related cardiomyopathy.
The effects of clinically‐derived parametric data uncertainty in patient‐specific coronary simulations with deformable walls
Authors: Seo Jongmin , Schiavazzi Daniele E. , Kahn Andrew M. , Marsden Alison L.
Published: May 2020

Cardiovascular simulations are increasingly used for noninvasive diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, to guide treatment decisions, and in the design of medical devices. Quantitative assessment of the variability of simulation outputs due to input uncertainty is a key step toward further integration of cardiovascular simulations in the clinical workflow. In this study, we present uncertainty quantification in computational models of the coronary circulation to investigate the effect of uncertain parameters, including coronary pressure waveform, intramyocardial pressure, morphometry exponent, and the vascular wall Young's modulus. We employ a left coronary artery model with deformable vessel walls, simulated via an Arbitrary‐Lagrangian‐Eulerian framework for fluid‐structure interaction, with a prescribed inlet pressure and open‐loop lumped parameter network outlet boundary conditions. Stochastic modeling of the uncertain inputs is determined from intra‐coronary catheterization data or gathered from the literature. Uncertainty propagation is performed using several approaches including Monte Carlo, Quasi Monte Carlo sampling, stochastic collocation, and multi‐wavelet stochastic expansion. Variabilities in the quantities of interest, including branch pressure, flow, wall shear stress, and wall deformation are assessed. We find that uncertainty in inlet pressures and intramyocardial pressures significantly affect all resulting QoIs, while uncertainty in elastic modulus only affects the mechanical response of the vascular wall. Variability in the morphometry exponent used to distribute the total downstream vascular resistance to the single outlets, has little effect on coronary hemodynamics or wall mechanics. Finally, we compare convergence behaviors of statistics of QoIs using several uncertainty propagation methods on three model benchmark problems and the left coronary simulations. From the simulation results, we conclude that the multi‐wavelet stochastic expansion shows superior accuracy and performance against Quasi Monte Carlo and stochastic collocation methods.
Maximum of the Characteristic Polynomial for a Random Permutation Matrix
Authors: Cook Nicholas , Zeitouni Ofer
Published: May 2020

Let PN be a uniform random N × N permutation matrix and let χN(z) = det(zIN − PN) denote its characteristic polynomial. We prove a law of large numbers for the maximum modulus of χN on the unit circle, specifically, with probability tending to 1 as N → ∞, for a numerical constant x0 ≈ 0.652. The main idea of the proof is to uncover a logarithmic correlation structure for the distribution of (the logarithm of) χN, viewed as a random field on the circle, and to adapt a well‐known second‐moment argument for the maximum of the branching random walk. Unlike the well‐studied CUE field in which PN is replaced with a Haar unitary, the distribution of χN(e2πit) is sensitive to Diophantine properties of the point t. To deal with this we borrow tools from the Hardy‐Littlewood circle method. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of Erlotinib Hydrochloride Tablets: Randomized, Open‐Label, 2‐Period Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Wang Lu , Ruan Zourong , Yang Dandan , Hu Yin , Liang Jian , Chen Jinliang , Shao Rong , Xu Yichao , Guan Yanlu , Jiang Bo
Published: May 2020

A randomized, open‐label, 2‐period crossover study was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and bioequivalence of 2 erlotinib hydrochloride tablets (a test formulation and a reference formulation) in healthy Chinese subjects. Subjects were randomized to receive a single oral dose of the erlotinib hydrochloride test or reference formulation (150 mg) under fasting conditions. The washout period was 12 days. Blood samples were collected at scheduled time points, and plasma concentrations were determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. A noncompartmental method was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters and to evaluate the bioequivalence of the 2 formulations. Safety assessments were performed during the whole study period. The results suggest that the pharmacokinetic parameter values of the test formulation were similar to those of the reference formulation. The 90% confidence intervals of the geometric least‐squares mean ratios of the test to reference formulation were 94.06% to 105.43% for maximum concentration, 88.21% to 97.57% for area under the concentration‐time curve to last measurement, and 87.37% to 97.14% for area under the curve extrapolated to infinity, which are all within the accepted bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. These findings suggest that the 2 erlotinib hydrochloride tablets were bioequivalent in accordance with predetermined regulatory criteria.
Enhancement of Negative Photochromic Properties of Naphthalene‐Bridged Phenoxyl‐Imidazolyl Radical Complex
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Mutoh Katsuya , Abe Jiro
Published: May 2020

Negative photochromism has increased attention as a light‐switch for functional materials. A development of fast photochromic molecules has been also expected because a rapid thermal back reaction within a millisecond time scale is useful for real‐time switching. Herein, we synthesized the derivatives of the naphthalene‐bridged phenoxyl‐imidazolyl radical complex (Np−PIC) showing the negative photochromism to demonstrate the efficient strategy to increase the visible light sensitivity and to control the thermal back reaction rates. The distances of the C−C bond of the transient 2,4’‐isomer shows good agreement with the thermodynamic stability, leading to the control of the thermal back reaction rate. We revealed the cyclic voltammetry and the DFT calculations are efficient to predict the characters of the HOMO and LUMO. The introduction of the electron‐withdrawing dicyanoquinodimethane group is efficient to induce the photochromic reaction with increased visible‐light sensitivity by the expansion of the π‐conjugation. The results will give an important insight for the future development of fast‐responsive negative photochromic molecules.
Live lectures and videos do not differ in relation to learning outcomes of dental ergonomics
Authors: Leinonen Jukka , Laitala Marja‐Liisa , Pirttilahti Julia , Niskanen Leena , Pesonen Paula , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the knowledge attained by third‐year dental students in physical ergonomics altering live lectures and videos in teaching. The second aim was to investigate implementation of the theoretical knowledge on ergonomics into practice.

Material and methods

Forty‐five students divided into two groups attended a live lecture (45 min) or viewed videos (45 min). After the first teaching session, the groups changed parts. All students answered a questionnaire with 13 true or false‐questions on ergonomics at baseline and immediately after both teaching sessions. Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare questionnaire scores of the student groups. Additionally, we photographed 17 randomly selected students 3 months after baseline during a simulation workshop on endodontics. We analyzed the photographs for ergonomic postures using a specific 12‐point checklist.

Results

At baseline, no difference in the knowledge between the two groups was discovered, when both scored 72%. After the first teaching session, significant improvement in both groups (p < .05) was found; and there was no statistically significant difference in the scores between the groups (88% in the lecture‐first and 82% in the video‐first group). After the second teaching session, the scores were similar in both groups. Overall all improvement in both groups was significant (p < .001). The photograph analysis showed half of the postures being in accord with the ergonomic guidelines.

Conclusions

Both live lectures and videos showed similar outcomes in teaching ergonomics. Implementation of the knowledge on ergonomics is insufficient. Videos provide an easy‐to‐organize alternative to live lectures in teaching dental ergonomics. New means are needed to have dental students implement their knowledge on ergonomics into practice.
The focus of schools on twenty‐first–century competencies and students’ experience of these competencies
Authors: Volman Monique , Karssen Merlijn , Emmelot Yolande , Heemskerk Irma
Published: May 2020

The importance of teaching twenty‐first–century competencies has increasingly been emphasised. Little is known, however, about how schools actually approach teaching such competencies. We investigated (1) how innovative and innovating secondary schools in the Netherlands implement a focus on self‐regulation, collaboration and creativity in their curriculum and (2) how and to what extent schools’ curricular focus was reflected in students’ self‐reported mastery of these competencies. To answer the first sub‐question we used the data of 16 school portraits. The second question was addressed with a quasi‐experimental study. About 551 students from 51 tenth grade classes (age 15–16) of 12 schools completed questionnaires measuring their self‐reported competencies regarding self‐regulation, collaboration and creativity, and the extent to which they experienced a curricular focus on self‐regulation, collaboration and creativity in their schools. The article describes how innovative and innovating schools aim at developing their students’ self‐regulation, collaboration and creativity through curriculum content, pedagogy and school organisation. It appears that the stronger a schools’ curricular focus on self‐regulation, collaboration and creativity, the more students indicate they master these competencies, and the more they improve in self‐regulation and collaboration skills between the ninth and tenth grade.
In vitro pharmacology of fentanyl analogs at the human mu opioid receptor and their spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Hassanien Sherif H. , Bassman Jonathon R. , Perrien Naccarato Carmelita M. , Twarozynski Jack J. , Traynor John R. , Iula Donna M. , Anand Jessica P.
Published: May 2020

Opioids are widely misused and account for almost half of overdose deaths in the United States. The cost in terms of lives, health care, and lost productivity is significant and has been declared a national crisis. Fentanyl is a highly potent mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and plays a significant role in the current opioid epidemic; fentanyl and its analogs (fentalogs) are increasingly becoming one of the biggest dangers in the opioid crisis. The availability of fentalogs in the illicit market is thought to play a significant role in the recent increase in opioid‐related deaths. Although there is both rodent homolog in vivo and in vitro data for some fentalogs, prior to this publication very little was known about the pharmacology of many of these illicit compounds at the human MOR (hMOR). Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and in vitro assays, this study describes the spectral and pharmacological properties of 34 fentalogs. The reported spectra and chemical data will allow for easy identification of novel fentalogs in unknown or mixed samples. Taken together these data are useful for law enforcement and clinical workers as they will aid in the identification of fentalogs in unknown samples and can potentially be used to predict physiological effects after exposure.
Interspecific variation and elevated CO2 influence the relationship between plant chemical resistance and regrowth tolerance
Authors: Decker Leslie E. , Hunter Mark D.
Published: May 2020

To understand how comprehensive plant defense phenotypes will respond to global change, we investigated the legacy effects of elevated CO2 on the relationships between chemical resistance (constitutive and induced via mechanical damage) and regrowth tolerance in four milkweed species (Asclepias). We quantified potential resistance and tolerance trade‐offs at the physiological level following simulated mowing, which are relevant to milkweed ecology and conservation. We examined the legacy effects of elevated CO2 on four hypothesized trade‐offs between the following: (a) plant growth rate and constitutive chemical resistance (foliar cardenolide concentrations), (b) plant growth rate and mechanically induced chemical resistance, (c) constitutive resistance and regrowth tolerance, and (d) regrowth tolerance and mechanically induced resistance. We observed support for one trade‐off between plant regrowth tolerance and mechanically induced resistance traits that was, surprisingly, independent of CO2 exposure. Across milkweed species, mechanically induced resistance increased by 28% in those plants previously exposed to elevated CO2. In contrast, constitutive resistance and the diversity of mechanically induced chemical resistance traits declined in response to elevated CO2 in two out of four milkweed species. Finally, previous exposure to elevated CO2 uncoupled the positive relationship between plant growth rate and regrowth tolerance following damage. Our data highlight the complex and dynamic nature of plant defense phenotypes under environmental change and question the generality of physiologically based defense trade‐offs.
Small coastal streams—Critical reservoirs of genetic diversity for trout (Salmo trutta L.) in the face of increasing anthropogenic stressors
Authors: King R. Andrew , Stockley Bruce , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: May 2020

We used microsatellite markers to investigate levels and structuring of genetic diversity in trout (Salmo trutta L.) sampled from 16 rivers along the south coast of Cornwall in southwest England. This region is characterized by many small coastal streams with a few larger catchments. At a regional level, genetic structuring of contemporary populations has been influenced by a combination of events, including the last Ice Age and also more recent human activities over the last millennium. All populations are shown to have gone through strong genetic bottlenecks, coinciding with increased exploitation of mineral resources within catchments, beginning during the Medieval period. At more local levels, contemporary human‐induced habitat fragmentation, such as weir and culvert construction, has disproportionally affected trout populations in the smaller catchments within the study area. However, where small catchments are relatively unaffected by such activities, they can host trout populations with diversity levels comparable to those found in larger rivers in the region. We also predict significant future loses of diversity and heterozygosity in the trout populations inhabiting small, isolated catchments. Our study highlights how multiple factors, especially the activity of humans, have and continue to affect the levels and structuring of genetic diversity in trout over long timescales.
Infusion of N‐acetyl cysteine during hypoglycaemia in humans does not preserve the counterregulatory response to subsequent hypoglycaemia
Authors: Moheet Amir , Kumar Anjali , Zhang Yuan , Eberly Lynn , Coles Lisa D. , Seaquist Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2020

Aim

Administration of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) during hypoglycaemia will preserve the counterregulatory response to subsequent hypoglycaemia in healthy humans.

Methods

This was a randomized double‐blind cross over study where humans were given either a 60‐minute infusion of NAC (150 mg/kg) followed by a 4‐hour infusion of NAC (50 mg/kg) or saline starting 30 minutes before the initiation of a 2‐hour hypoglycaemic (HG) clamp at 8 am. After rest at euglycaemia for ~2 hours, subjects were exposed to a 2nd HG clamp at 2 pm and discharged home in euglycaemia. They returned the following day for a 3rd HG clamp at 8 am.

Results

Twenty‐two subjects were enrolled. Eighteen subjects completed the entire protocol. The epinephrine response during clamp 3 (171 ± 247 pg/mL) following clamp 1 NAC infusion was lower than the response during the clamp 1 NAC infusion (538 ± 392 pg/mL) (clamp 3 to clamp 1 NAC: P = .0013). The symptom response during clamp 3 (7 ± 5) following clamp 1 NAC infusion was lower than the response during the clamp 1 NAC infusion (16 ± 10) (clamp 3 to clamp 1 NAC: P = .0003). Nine subjects experienced rash, pruritus or nausea during NAC infusion.

Conclusion

We found no difference in the hormone and symptom response to experimental hypoglycaemia measured in subjects who were administered NAC as opposed to saline the day before. This observation suggests that further development of NAC as a therapy for impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes may be unwarranted.
Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) in Edible Oils and Possible Minimization by Deodorization Through the Example of Cocoa Butter
Authors: Stauff Anna , Schnapka Julia , Heckel Frank , Matissek Reinhard
Published: May 2020

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) are present in many fats and oils as well as foods prepared thereof. A survey of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in different types of vegetable fats and oils is reported. Contents of MOSH/MOAH were quantified using liquid chromatography online‐coupled to gas chromatography with flame‐ionization detection (LC‐GC‐FID). Cocoa butter (n = 142) showed levels from <LOQ (2.5 mg kg−1) to 162 mg kg−1 ΣMOSH (sum of C10–C50) and <LOQ to 55 mg kg−1 ΣMOAH, in palm oil (n = 21) ΣMOSH were quantified from <LOQ to 124 mg kg−1 and ΣMOAH from <LOQ to 39 mg kg−1. Sunflower oil showed lower levels: ΣMOSH were determined in the range of <LOQ to 17 mg kg−1 and MOAH were not observed at all. A possible influence of deodorization and a subsequent minimization of MOSH/MOAH was investigated. Systematic model‐experiments were performed on laboratory scale using spiked cocoa butter. Significant minimization of volatile MOH subfractions ≤C24 were observed at a deodorization temperature of 210 °C. Deodorization can be considered as an important processing step to reduce or even remove volatile MOSH/MOAH ≤C24.

Practical Applications: Regardless of their possible entry routes into the food chain, volatile fractions of MOSH/MOAH can be removed by deodorizing vegetable fats and oils. This model‐study identifies the temperatures of deodorization that provide a significant improvement toward minimization of undesired MOSH/MOAH.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Varieties: Fatty Acid Profiles and Upgrading of γ‐Linolenic Acid–Containing Hemp Seed Oils
Authors: Alonso‐Esteban José Ignacio , González‐Fernández María José , Fabrikov Dmitri , Torija‐Isasa Esperanza , Sánchez‐Mata María de Cortes , Guil‐Guerrero José Luis
Published: May 2020

Hemp seeds (HS) constitute a rich nutrient source and contain γ‐linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3, n‐6), which is a healthy fatty acid (FA). The objectives of this research are i) to look for GLA‐rich varieties of unhusked hemp seeds (UHS) and commercial hulled hemp seeds (HHS); ii) to check the influence of different extracting systems on both oil yield and FA profiles; iii) to test a simultaneous oil extraction/GLA‐enrichment process looking to improve GLA content. Hop and European hackberry seeds (both from Cannabaceae family) are also analyzed for comparative purposes. GLA is the most discriminant FA among UHS varieties, ranging in both UHS and HHS seeds from 0.5% to 4.5% of total FA, while hop seeds are the richest GLA source from Cannabaceae (7.2% of total FA). The extraction system selected for hemp seeds processing has a clear influence on oil yields, although, the FA profiles are slightly modified. The use of n‐hexane and n‐hexane:acetone in extractions allows an improvement in oil yields at the same GLA percentage. A process comprising saponification and subsequent cooling allows the improvement of GLA percentage in both hemp and hop seeds extracts at values higher than 10% of total FA, at high yields (>70%).

Practical Applications: The global HS market increases significantly year after year and the demand of hemp products is increasing rapidly. The natural GLA sources in nature are limited, and although hemp contains GLA, this reaches low percentages in the oil. Hemp is a well‐established crop with highly standardized agricultural technologies, thus, the development of any well‐designed processes feasible for application in oil extraction industries, would allow the development of new GLA‐based functional seed oils. This would boost the development of the agricultural and food industries dedicated to revaluing hemp products.
Acetylcholinesterase Sensor with Patterned Structure for Detecting Organophosphorus Pesticides Based on Titanium Dioxide Sol‐gel Carrier
Authors: Hu Huaying , Wang Bo , Li Yiru , Wang Pengchang , Yang Lianqiao
Published: May 2020

In this paper, novel and stable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) sensor with patterned structure for detecting organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) based on titanium dioxide sol‐gel carrier was proposed and prepared. Biosensor was assembled by dropping titanium oxide, chitosan (CS) and enzyme to the surface of the glass carbon step by step. The concentration range of the sensor detection for dichlorvos (DDVP) is 1.13 nM to 22.6 μM, and the limit of detection (LOD) is 0.23 nM. It can also detect dichlorvos in cabbage juice samples accurately. The preparation of biosensor adopted a patterned novel structure for the first time, which opens a new way for the structure optimization of organophosphorus pesticide sensor.
Highly Selective Nanostructured Electrochemical Sensor Utilizing Densely Packed Ultrathin Gold Nanowires Film
Authors: Dervisevic Esma , Dervisevic Muamer , Wang Yan , Malaver‐Ortega Luis F. , Cheng Wenlong , Tuck Kellie L. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Cadarso Victor J.
Published: May 2020

The number of studies conducted about nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors has increased in recent years due to the development of more stable and robust electrodes using noble metals. One of the key aspects for achieving high sensing performance including detection limit and sensitivity is the design of electrode architecture. Herein, we report a new electrochemical sensing platform featuring ultrathin standing gold nanowires (AuNWs) for nonenzymatic detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The use of AuNWs resulted in an increased electron transfer efficiency due to the higher active surface area compared to traditional gold film electrodes. This sensor demonstrates good selectivity, reproducibility, a linear range up to 49.5 mM of H2O2 with a sensitivity of 0.185±0.003 mAmM−1cm−2 and a limit of detection of 111 μM. The biological relevance of this sensor was tested in cell culture media to illustrate the performance of the proposed sensing electrode in complex biological media.
Future trends and main concepts of adaptive facade systems
Authors: Attia Shady , Lioure Romain , Declaude Quentin
Published: May 2020

There is a growing interest in adaptive facade technologies to counter overheating problems and well‐being concerns in smart and high‐performance buildings. However, traditional literature review studies do not necessarily provide deep insights into the future trends of adaptive facade technologies. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel conceptual framework and technological classification for adaptive facades in the future. Our research methodology includes a literature review expert interviews and content analysis. In‐depth interviews with 27 international adaptive facade experts were conducted with a focus on the European context. The results categorize the adaptive facade technologies under four promising families and present a conceptual framework that identifies human‐centered design, smart building operating systems, service‐driven solutions, circularity, and materials as the main drivers of the facade technological advancements. Overall, this methodology yields new and rich qualitative knowledge related to adaptive facades; however, it has certain limitations, such as being time‐consuming. The research provides insights on future delivery processes and the future structural trends of adaptive facades. The new categorization and framework articulate the multifunctionality and performance requirements of facade technologies including smartness, automation, comfort, and well‐being.
Palaeoenvironmental distribution of Ordovician dasycladaleans in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Yang , Jiang Hong‐Xia , Wu Ya‐Sheng , Pan Wen‐Qing , Liu Li‐Jing , Zhang Bao‐Shou , Zhang Liu‐Ping
Published: May 2020

Dasycladalean calcified green algae are common in the Phanerozoic, and have been reported from various lagoons and other environments of post‐Ordovician periods. There is a paucity of studies exploring palaeoecology of Ordovician dasycladaleans. Based on examination of 1,089 large thin sections from the Upper Ordovician Lianglitag Formation in 12 drilling wells in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China, dasycladaleans mainly occur in platform margins, less abundant in open platforms, and absent from restricted platform tidal‐flats and lagoons. Lagoons used here are in a geological sense, referring to only water bodies enclosed by reefs and banks and featured by abnormal salinity and monotonous eurytopic animals. According to lithology and biota, the lagoons in previous studies are actually open platforms. Thus, this study shows that dasycladaleans are not adapted to lagoons, and this nature of them did not change with time. Statistical analysis shows that occurrence frequency of the Ordovician dasycladaleans is 52% in platform margin environments, 22% in open platform environments, and 0% in restricted platform environments.
Synchronicity of excitatory inputs drives hippocampal networks to distinct oscillatory patterns
Authors: Geschwill Pascal , Kaiser Martin E. , Grube Paul , Lehmann Nadja , Thome Christian , Draguhn Andreas , Hollnagel Jan‐Oliver , Both Martin
Published: May 2020

The rodent hippocampus expresses a variety of neuronal network oscillations depending on the behavioral state of the animal. Locomotion and active exploration are accompanied by theta‐nested gamma oscillations while resting states and slow‐wave sleep are dominated by intermittent sharp wave‐ripple complexes. It is believed that gamma rhythms create a framework for efficient acquisition of information whereas sharp wave‐ripples are thought to be involved in consolidation and retrieval of memory. While not strictly mutually exclusive, one of the two patterns usually dominates in a given behavioral state. Here we explore how different input patterns induce either of the two network states, using an optogenetic stimulation approach in hippocampal brain slices of mice. We report that the pattern of the evoked oscillation depends strongly on the initial synchrony of activation of excitatory cells within CA3. Short, synchronous activation favors the emergence of sharp wave‐ripple complexes while persistent but less synchronous activity—as typical for sensory input during exploratory behavior—supports the generation of gamma oscillations. This dichotomy is reflected by different degrees of synchrony of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents within these two states. Importantly, the induction of these two fundamental network patterns does not depend on the presence of any neuromodulatory transmitter like acetylcholine, but is merely based on a different synchrony in the initial activation pattern.
Investigating young water fractions in a small Mediterranean mountain catchment: Both precipitation forcing and sampling frequency matter
Authors: Gallart Francesc , Valiente María , Llorens Pilar , Cayuela Carles , Sprenger Matthias , Latron Jérôme
Published: May 2020

The proportion of water younger than 2–3 months (young water fraction, Fyw) has become increasingly investigated in catchment hydrology. Fyw is typically estimated by comparing seasonal tracer cycles in precipitation and streamflow, through water sampling. However, some open research questions remain, such as: (i) whether part of the summer precipitation should be discarded because the high evapotranspiration demand, (ii) how well Fyw serves as a metric to compare catchments, and (iii) how sampling frequency affects Fyw estimates. To address these questions, we investigated Fyw in soil‐, ground‐ and stream waters for the small Mediterranean Can Vila catchment. Rainfall was sampled at 5‐mm intervals. Mobile soil water and groundwater were sampled fortnightly. Stream water was sampled depending on flow at variable time intervals (30 min to 1 week). Over 58 months, this sampling provided 1,529 δ18O determinations. Isotopic analyses results led us to include summer precipitation in the input signal. We found the highest Fyw in mobile soil waters (34%), while this was almost zero for groundwater except during wet periods. For stream waters, Fyw depended on the discharge variations, so that the flow‐weighted young water fraction () was 22.6%, whereas the time‐weighted Fyw was just 6.2%. Both and its discharge sensitivity (Sd) varied when different 12‐month sampling periods were investigated. The young water fraction that would be obtained from a virtual thorough sampling () was estimated from the Sd and the observed stream flow. This showed an underestimation of by 25% for the frequent dynamic sampling and 66% for weekly sampling, due to missing high flows. Our results confirm that Fyw and its discharge sensitivity are metrics very sensitive to meteorological forcing during the analysed period. Thus, comparisons between catchments need long‐term mean annual values and their variability. Our findings also support the dependence of Fyw estimates on the sampling rate and show the advantages of flow‐weighted analysis. Finally, catchment water turnover investigations should be accompanied by the analysis of flow duration curves.
Compare water supply and water demand—A model for a better understanding of water management in ancient times by the example of Assyrian settlements along the lower Ḫābūr River*
Authors: Röttcher Klaus
Published: May 2020

The understanding of water management can be key to the understanding of cultures. The collaboration between archaeology and water management gives rise to new and interesting insights into the function and use of hydraulic structures and water management in ancient civilizations. In this article the concept was introduced of how water supply and water demand can be compared to check especially how many people could exist in an area. This concept was developed and tested by the situation of Assyrian settlements along the Ḫābūr River with a part of the available archaeology data. Further discussions between experts on water management and archaeology could improve this concept. Displaying water management is an essential contribution to the understanding of the canal system along the Lower Ḫābūr River and its importance for the local population. Extensive research into the processing and incorporation of all available data can further refine the route of the canal. The developed concept is also an idea for other archaeology projects in arid and semi‐arid regions to check if the water supply is enough for the estimated number of people.
Decellularized extracellular matrix‐rich hydrogel–silver nanoparticle mixture as a potential treatment for acute liver failure model
Authors: Ahmed Ebtehal , Saleh Tarek , Yu Lina , Song Su‐Hyeon , Park Kyung‐Mee , Kwak Ho‐Hyun , Woo Heung‐Myong
Published: May 2020

Acute liver failure (ALF) occurs due to severe liver damage that triggers rapid loss of normal liver function. Here, we investigate the usefulness of an injectable liver extracellular matrix (LECM)‐rich hydrogel generated from an optimized decellularization protocol incorporated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a promising therapy for ALF. First, we optimized a non‐destructive protocol for rat liver decellularization to obtain ECM‐rich well‐preserved scaffold. Then, LECM hydrogel generated from two commonly used decellularization protocols were compared by LECM hydrogel obtained from our optimized protocol. The ALF model was induced by an intraperitoneal (IP) thioacetamide (TAA) injection followed by the IP injection of LECM hydrogel, collagen–AgNP mixture, or LECM hydrogel–AgNP mixture. LECM‐rich scaffold and hydrogel were successfully obtained using our optimized decellularization protocol. Use of the LECM hydrogel–AgNP mixture to treat TAA‐induced ALF greatly improved liver injury and histological liver regeneration. Interleukin‐6 and transforming growth factor‐beta expressions were significantly reduced, while albumin, hepatocyte growth factor, and Ki67‐positive cells were highly expressed. Moreover, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase plasma levels and liver homogenate nitric oxide level were significantly lowered. In conclusion, the LECM hydrogel–AgNP mixture has potential efficient therapeutic and regenerative effects on TAA‐induced liver injury.
Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the sense of community responsibility scale
Authors: Prati Gabriele , Procentese Fortuna , Albanesi Cinzia , Cicognani Elvira , Fedi Angela , Gatti Flora , Mannarini Terri , Rochira Alessia , Tartaglia Stefano , Boyd Neil , Nowell Branda , Gattino Silvia
Published: May 2020

The central aim of the present research was to examine the psychometric properties of adapted versions of the sense of community (SOC) responsibility scale in three Italian samples. We examined the psychometric properties of three modified versions of the sense of community responsibility (SOC‐R) scale. Consistent with the original scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the scale was unidimensional and exhibited excellent internal consistency. In addition, factor analyses revealed that SOC responsibility and SOC are two separate, albeit related, constructs. The results also provided evidence of the discriminant validity of SOC and SOC‐R on key outcomes. Taken together, these results provide support for the Community Experience Model, which posits that community experiences are a function of resource and responsibility components, as well as for the adaptable nature of the SOC‐R scale to the Italian context.
“It feels like home”: Transgender youth in the Midwest and conceptualizations of community climate
Authors: Paceley Megan S. , Sattler Patricia , Goffnett Jacob , Jen Sarah
Published: May 2020

Community climate toward sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth is associated with higher rates of victimization and poorer health and wellbeing‐related outcomes such as depression and suicidal ideation. However, this field of research has underemphasized the experiences of transgender youth, particularly within the Midwestern context which is marked by vast rurality and characterized as sociopolitically conservative. Using qualitative and community‐based methods, this study identified factors that impact community climate from the perspective of transgender youth (n = 19) in the Midwest and situated them within the Ecological Systems Theory (EST). Thematic analysis of interviews revealed four themes: resources, visibility, policies, and ideologies. Themes often crossed levels within the EST, indicating the complexity and interrelated nature of climate across local, regional, and national contexts. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Sex‐dependent effects of postweaning exposure to an enriched environment on novel objective recognition memory and anxiety‐like behaviors: The role of hippocampal BDNF level
Authors: Sakhaie Nona , Sadegzadeh Farshid , Mohammadnia Alireza , Dadkhah Masoumeh , Saadati Hakimeh
Published: May 2020

Exposure to enriched environment (EE) has been indicated to enhance cognitive functions, hippocampal neural plasticity, neurogenesis, long‐term potentiation, and levels of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in laboratory animals. Also, studies on the sex‐dependent effects of exposure to EE during adolescence on adult cognitive functions are less. This is important because the beneficial effects of EE may be predominant in the adolescence stage. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the effects of EE during adolescence (PND21‐PND60) on novel objective recognition memory (NORM), anxiety‐like behaviors, and hippocampal BDNF mRNA level in the adult male and female rats. Assessment of NORM and anxiety‐like behaviors has been done by novel objective recognition task, open field (OF), and elevated plus maze (EPM), respectively. The expression of BDNF mRNA level was also evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR. Our findings demonstrated that housing in the EE during adolescence improves NORM in adult male rats. Also, exposure to EE during adolescence had a different effect on anxiety‐like behaviors in both sexes. Additionally, our results indicated an augmented BDNF level in the hippocampus of male and female rats. In conclusion, adolescent exposure to EE has sex‐dependent effects on cognitive functions and anxiety‐like behaviors and increases BDNF mRNA expression in the hippocampus of both male and female rats; thus, BDNF is an important factor that can mediate the beneficial effects of EE and running exercise on cognitive functions and psychiatric traits.