bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid balance and urine volume are independent predictors of mortality in acute kidney injury
Authors: Teixeira Catarina , Garzotto Francesco , Piccinni Pasquale , Brienza Nicola , Iannuzzi Michele , Gramaticopolo Silvia , Forfori Francesco , Pelaia Paolo , Rocco Monica , Ronco Claudio , Anello Clara Belluomo , Bove Tiziana , Carlini Mauro , Michetti Vincenzo , Cruz Dinna N ,   NEFROlogia e Cura INTensiva (NEFROINT) investigators
Published: January 2013

Introduction

In ICUs, both fluid overload and oliguria are common complications associated with increased mortality among critically ill patients, particularly in acute kidney injury (AKI). Although fluid overload is an expected complication of oliguria, it remains unclear whether their effects on mortality are independent of each other. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of both fluid balance and urine volume on outcomes and determine whether they behave as independent predictors of mortality in adult ICU patients with AKI.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter, prospective cohort study in 10 Italian ICUs. AKI was defined by renal sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (creatinine >3.5 mg/dL or urine output (UO) <500 mL/d). Oliguria was defined as a UO <500 mL/d. Mean fluid balance (MFB) and mean urine volume (MUV) were calculated as the arithmetic mean of all daily values. Use of diuretics was noted daily. To assess the impact of MFB and MUV on mortality of AKI patients, multivariate analysis was performed by Cox regression.

Results

Of the 601 included patients, 132 had AKI during their ICU stay and the mortality in this group was 50%. Non-surviving AKI patients had higher MFB (1.31 ± 1.24 versus 0.17 ± 0.72 L/day; P <0.001) and lower MUV (1.28 ± 0.90 versus 2.35 ± 0.98 L/day; P <0.001) as compared to survivors. In the multivariate analysis, MFB (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.67 per L/day, 95%CI 1.33 to 2.09; <0.001) and MUV (adjusted HR 0.47 per L/day, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.67; <0.001) remained independent risk factors for 28-day mortality after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, diuretic use, non-renal SOFA and sepsis. Diuretic use was associated with better survival in this population (adjusted HR 0.25, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.52; <0.001).

Conclusions

In this multicenter ICU study, a higher fluid balance and a lower urine volume were both important factors associated with 28-day mortality of AKI patients.
Apigenin-induced apoptosis in A375 and A549 cells through selective action and dysfunction of mitochondria
Authors: Das Sreemanti , Das Jayeeta , Samadder Asmita , Boujedaini Naoual , Khuda-Bukhsh Anisur Rahman
Published: January 2013

We isolated apigenin (5,7,4’-trihydroxy flavone) from ethanolic extract of Lycopodium clavatum (LC) used as a homeopathic mother tincture for treatment of various diseases. We assessed the anticancer potentials of the compound using human malignant melanoma cell line A375 and a lung carcinoma cell line A549 and focussed on its putative molecular mechanism of action on apoptosis induction. We examined the cytotoxicity of apigenin in both cancer cells and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). A375 cells were more prone to apigenin-induced apoptosis, as compared with A549 cells after 24 h of treatment, while PBMC showed little or no cytotoxicity to apigenin. We also evaluated the effects of apigenin on interaction with DNA by comparative analysis of circular dichroism spectral data and melting temperature profiles (Tm) of calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) treated with or without apigenin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in mitochondria, super-oxide dismutase and total thiol group (GSH) activities were also analyzed. The apoptotic process involved mitochondrial pathway associated with apigenin-DNA interaction, DNA fragmentation, ROS accumulation, cytochrome c (cyt c) release and mitochondrial transmembrane potential depolarization, Bax, caspase 3, 9, PARP, up-regulation, Bcl-2 down-regulation and down-regulation of cyt c in the mitochondrial fraction. Results of mitochondrial inner membrane swelling measurements, intracellular ADP/ATP ratio and ATPase activity showed that in A549 cells, apigenin did not appear to directly target the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system but rather acted at an upstream step to activate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. However, apigenin could directly target and impair mitochondrial function in A375 cells by breaking down their oxidative phosphorylation system. Collectively, these results suggest that apigenin exhibits anticancer potential in A375 and A549 cells that may be mediated through DNA interaction, damage and mitochondrial dysfunction either by direct or indirect action on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system.
Pulsed-Neutron Monitoring of the First CO2 Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Pilot in the Middle East
Authors: Al-Aryani Fatema , Obeidi Adel , Brahmakulam Jacob , Ramamoorthy Raghu
Published: January 2013

Logging measurements in the borehole are vital for monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) floods—for assessing the fluid changes in the reservoir rock as well as in the wellbore. The saturation profile at each well location provides the efficiency of the flood process for fluid displacement within the pore and the vertical sweep across and within the reservoir zones. A snapshot from multiple well locations in the reservoir enables the creation of a picture of the flood flow pattern, and the time-lapse surveys track the progress of the flood with time.

Pulsed-neutron logs provide essential measurements for the evaluation of saturation in the injectors, producers, and observers. However, the CO2 environment, with the fluid in the borehole, remains uncharacterized in the industry. Hence, reliable inferences require either that the measurement is immune to the borehole environment or that the perturbation is minimal and can be easily corrected. Where corrections are required, suitable benchmarks should be planned in advance to verify the accuracy of the corrections. These corrections should be modeled after the physics of the measurement to the maximum extent possible.

On the first CO2 enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) pilot project in the Middle East—unique in the world because the CO2 flood was implemented with the reservoir at original oil saturation—several pulsed-neutron surveys were recorded in the injector, observer, and producer wells. The surveys included capture and inelastic mode acquisition. Several novel techniques of data acquisition and interpretation were successfully tried. This paper presents the steps in planning and executing the jobs and the results of the surveys. Limitations of existing characterization and those imposed by the measurement environments in the subject wells are discussed, and we show, through comparison with benchmarks, that correction for the unusual borehole environment is possible. The paper illustrates how the different modes of pulsed-neutron data acquisition complement each other in the individual wells in assessing the borehole environment, providing adequate input data to enable a multiphase reservoir-fluid analysis, and yielding independent fluid saturations for effective comparison. The results of the analysis are compared with openhole evaluation to help create a coherent picture of the reservoir.

The fluid analysis from the pilot wells confirms the high displacement efficiency of CO2 as an EOR fluid. The saturation profiles from individual wells portray the vertical sweep of the flood, and the snapshot from the multiple wells gives the areal sweep. Combined with the data from production-log sensors and permeability from the magnetic resonance, the flood-breakthrough layers are identified.
Simultaneous Sequencing of 24 Genes Associated with Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: McCarthy Hugh J. , Bierzynska Agnieszka , Wherlock Matt , Ognjanovic Milos , Kerecuk Larissa , Hegde Shivaram , Feather Sally , Gilbert Rodney D. , Krischock Leah , Jones Caroline , Sinha Manish D. , Webb Nicholas J.A. , Christian Martin , Williams Margaret M. , Marks Stephen , Koziell Ania , Welsh Gavin I. , Saleem Moin A.
Published: January 2013

Background and objectives

Up to 95% of children presenting with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in early life will have a pathogenic single-gene mutation in 1 of 24 genes currently associated with this disease. Others may be affected by polymorphic variants. There is currently no accepted diagnostic algorithm for clinical genetic testing. The hypothesis was that the increasing reliability of next generation sequencing allows comprehensive one-step genetic investigation of this group and similar patient groups.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study used next generation sequencing to screen 446 genes, including the 24 genes known to be associated with hereditary steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. The first 36 pediatric patients collected through a national United Kingdom Renal Registry were chosen with comprehensive phenotypic detail. Significant variants detected by next generation sequencing were confirmed by conventional Sanger sequencing.

Results

Analysis revealed known and novel disease-associated variations in expected genes such as NPHS1, NPHS2, and PLCe1 in 19% of patients. Phenotypically unexpected mutations were also detected in COQ2 and COL4A4 in two patients with isolated nephropathy and associated sensorineural deafness, respectively. The presence of an additional heterozygous polymorphism in WT1 in a patient with NPHS1 mutation was associated with earlier-onset disease, supporting modification of phenotype through genetic epistasis.

Conclusions

This study shows that next generation sequencing analysis of pediatric steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome patients is accurate and revealing. This analysis should be considered part of the routine genetic workup of diseases such as childhood steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, where the chance of genetic mutation is high but requires sequencing of multiple genes.
Prostaglandin E2 Receptor, EP3, Is Induced in Diabetic Islets and Negatively Regulates Glucose- and Hormone-Stimulated Insulin Secretion
Authors: Kimple Michelle E. , Keller Mark P. , Rabaglia Mary R. , Pasker Renee L. , Neuman Joshua C. , Truchan Nathan A. , Brar Harpreet K. , Attie Alan D.
Published: January 2013

BTBR mice develop severe diabetes in response to genetically induced obesity due to a failure of the β-cells to compensate for peripheral insulin resistance. In analyzing BTBR islet gene expression patterns, we observed that Pgter3, the gene for the prostaglandin E receptor 3 (EP3), was upregulated with diabetes. The EP3 receptor is stimulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and couples to G-proteins of the Gi subfamily to decrease intracellular cAMP, blunting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Also upregulated were several genes involved in the synthesis of PGE2. We hypothesized that increased signaling through EP3 might be coincident with the development of diabetes and contribute to β-cell dysfunction. We confirmed that the PGE2-to-EP3 signaling pathway was active in islets from confirmed diabetic BTBR mice and human cadaveric donors, with increased EP3 expression, PGE2 production, and function of EP3 agonists and antagonists to modulate cAMP production and GSIS. We also analyzed the impact of EP3 receptor activation on signaling through the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor. We demonstrated that EP3 agonists antagonize GLP-1 signaling, decreasing the maximal effect that GLP-1 can elicit on cAMP production and GSIS. Taken together, our results identify EP3 as a new therapeutic target for β-cell dysfunction in T2D.
Hyaluronan Accumulates With High-Fat Feeding and Contributes to Insulin Resistance
Authors: Kang Li , Lantier Louise , Kennedy Arion , Bonner Jeffrey S. , Mayes Wesley H. , Bracy Deanna P. , Bookbinder Louis H. , Hasty Alyssa H. , Thompson Curtis B. , Wasserman David H.
Published: January 2013

Increased deposition of specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components is a characteristic of insulin-resistant skeletal muscle. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major constituent of the ECM. The hypotheses that 1) HA content is increased in the ECM of insulin-resistant skeletal muscle and 2) reduction of HA in the muscle ECM by long-acting pegylated human recombinant PH20 hyaluronidase (PEGPH20) reverses high-fat (HF) diet–induced muscle insulin resistance were tested. We show that muscle HA was increased in HF diet–induced obese (DIO) mice and that treatment of PEGPH20, which dose-dependently reduced HA in muscle ECM, decreased fat mass, adipocyte size, and hepatic and muscle insulin resistance in DIO mice at 10 mg/kg. Reduced muscle insulin resistance was associated with increased insulin signaling, muscle vascularization, and percent cardiac output to muscle rather than insulin sensitization of muscle per se. Dose-response studies revealed that PEGPH20 dose-dependently increased insulin sensitivity in DIO mice with a minimally effective dose of 0.01 mg/kg. PEGPH20 at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg reduced muscle HA to levels seen in chow-fed mice, decreased fat mass, and increased muscle glucose uptake. These findings suggest that ECM HA is a target for treatment of insulin resistance.
Conducting polymer-silver composites
Authors: Stejskal Jaroslav
Published: January 2013

Preparations of hybrid composites composed of two conducting components, a conducting polymer and silver, are reviewed. They are produced mainly by the oxidation of aniline or pyrrole with silver ions. In another approach, polyaniline or polypyrrole are used for the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver. Other synthetic approaches are also reviewed. Products of oxidation of aniline derivatives, including phenylenediamines, are considered. Morphology of both the conducting polymers and the silver in composites displays a rich variety. Conductivity of the composites seldom exceeds 1000 S cm−1 and seems to be controlled by percolation. Interfacial effects are also discussed. Potential applications of hybrid composites are outlined; they are likely to extend especially to conducting inks, printed electronics, noble-metal recovery, antimicrobial materials, catalysts, and sensors.
Preparation of aqueous polyaniline-vesicle suspensions with class III peroxidases. Comparison between horseradish peroxidase isoenzyme C and soybean peroxidase
Authors: Junker Katja , Gitsov Ivan , Quade Nick , Walde Peter
Published: January 2013

Aniline was polymerised enzymatically in aqueous solution at pH = 4.3 and 25°C in the presence of submicrometer-sized vesicles formed from sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate (AOT). H2O2 served as oxidant and the enzyme used was either horseradish peroxidase isoenzyme C (HRPC) or soybean peroxidase (SBP), both being class III peroxidases. From previous studies with HRPC, it is known that stable vesicle suspensions containing the emeraldine salt form of polyaniline (PANI-ES) can be obtained within 1–2 days with a 90–95 % yield, provided that optimal reaction conditions are applied. Unfortunately, HRPC becomes inactivated during polymerisation. In the present study, a linear dendritic block copolymer was added to HRPC, resulting in higher operational enzyme stability; the stabilising effect, however, was too small to afford a substantial decrease in the required amount of enzyme. Moreover, replacing HRPC with SBP was of no advantage, although SBP is known to be more stable towards inactivation by H2O2 than HRPC. By contrast, SBP was found to be much slower in oxidising aniline, and complete inactivation of SBP occurred before all the aniline monomers were oxidised, leading to low yields and the formation of over-oxidised products. The same was observed for HRP isoenzyme A2. Reactions without vesicles indicated that peroxidase inactivation was probably caused by PANI-ES.
Solubility and micronisation of phenacetin in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Wu Xing , Yi Jian-Min , Liu Yue-Jin , Liu Yong-Bing , Zhang Pan-Liang
Published: January 2013

The rapid expansion of a supercritical solution (RESS) process represents an attractive prospect for producing sub-micron and nano-particles of medical compounds with low solubility. The solubility of phenacetin in supercritical carbon dioxide was measured by the analytical-isothermal method at pressures ranging from 9.0 MPa to 30.0 MPa and temperatures ranging from 308.0 K to 328.0 K. The results show that the mole fraction solubility of phenacetin in supercritical carbon dioxide is up to 10−5. Four density-based semi-empirical models were introduced to correlate the experimental data. Agreement between the model predictions and experimental data is greater with the Adachi-Lu-modified Chrastil model than with the Chrastil model, Méndez-Santiago-Teja model, and the Bartle model and the average absolute relative deviation (AARD) observed is 0.0483. The preparation of fine phenacetin particles by the RESS process under different conditions of extraction temperatures (308.0–328.0 K), extraction pressures (9.0–30.0 MPa), nozzle temperatures (373.0–393.0 K), nozzle diameters (0.1–0.8 mm), and collection distance (20.0–40.0 mm) was investigated. The size and morphology of the resultant particles were analysed by SEM. A remarkable modification in size and morphology can be obtained by condition-optimisation.
Determination of antioxidant activity using oxidative damage to plasmid DNA — pursuit of solvent optimization
Authors: Treml Jakub , Šmejkal Karel , Hošek Jan , Žemlička Milan
Published: January 2013

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Hydroxyl radical is the oxidative species most commonly causing damage to cells. The aim of this work was to optimize the method for antioxidant activity determination on a model lipophilic geranylated flavanone, diplacone. This method uses protection of plasmid DNA from oxidation by a hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction involving oxidation of metal ions using H2O2 and ascorbate. The method was optimized for lipophilic compounds using several solvents and co-solvents. It was found that (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (0.1 mass % aq. sol.) is the best co-solvent for our model lipophilic compound to measure the antioxidant activity by the method presented. Other solvents, namely dimethyl sulfoxide, Cremophor EL® (0.1 mass % aq. sol.), ethanol, and methanol, were not suitable for the determination of the antioxidant activity by the method described. Tween 80 (0.1 mass % aq. sol.) and a mixture of 10 vol. % ethanol and 9 mass % bovine serum albumin (aq. sol.) significantly decreased the antioxidant activity of the model lipophilic compound and thus were not suitable for this method.
S-Layer Protein Self-Assembly
Authors: Pum Dietmar , Toca-Herrera Jose , Sleytr Uwe
Published: January 2013

Crystalline S(urface)-layers are the most commonly observed cell surface structures in prokaryotic organisms (bacteria and archaea). S-layers are highly porous protein meshworks with unit cell sizes in the range of 3 to 30 nm, and thicknesses of ~10 nm. One of the key features of S-layer proteins is their intrinsic capability to form self-assembled mono- or double layers in solution, and at interfaces. Basic research on S-layer proteins laid foundation to make use of the unique self-assembly properties of native and, in particular, genetically functionalized S-layer protein lattices, in a broad range of applications in the life and non-life sciences. This contribution briefly summarizes the knowledge about structure, genetics, chemistry, morphogenesis, and function of S-layer proteins and pays particular attention to the self-assembly in solution, and at differently functionalized solid supports.
Efficient Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Hybrid Poplar Populus davidiana Dode × Populus bollena Lauche
Authors: Han Xue , Ma Shurong , Kong Xianghui , Takano Tetsuo , Liu Shenkui
Published: January 2013

Poplar is a model organism for high in vitro regeneration in woody plants. We have chosen a hybrid poplar Populus davidiana Dode × Populus bollena Lauche. By optimizing the Murashige and Skoog medium with (0.3 mg/L) 6-benzylaminopurine and (0.08 mg/L) naphthaleneacetic acid, we have achieved the highest frequency (90%) for shoot regeneration from poplar leaves. It was also important to improve the transformation efficiency of poplar for genetic breeding and other applications. In this study, we found a significant improvement of the transformation frequency by controlling the leaf age. Transformation efficiency was enhanced by optimizing the Agrobacterium concentration (OD600 = 0.8–1.0) and an infection time (20–30 min). According to transmission electron microscopy observations, there were more Agrobacterium invasions in the 30-day-old leaf explants than in 60-day-old and 90-day-old explants. Using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker, the expression of MD–GFP fusion proteins in the leaf, shoot, and root of hybrid poplar P. davidiana Dode × P. bollena Lauche was visualized for confirmation of transgene integration. Southern and Northern blot analysis also showed the integration of T-DNA into the genome and gene expression of transgenic plants. Our results suggest that younger leaves had higher transformation efficiency (~30%) than older leaves (10%).
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Dendrons Bearing Amino-Nitro-Substituted Azobenzene Units and Oligo(ethylene glycol) Spacers: Thermal, Optical Properties, Langmuir Blodgett Films and Liquid-Crystalline Behaviour
Authors: Ortíz-Palacios Jesús , Rodríguez-Alba Efraín , Avelar Mayra , Martínez Ana , Carreón-Castro Maria , Rivera Ernesto
Published: January 2013

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel series of first and second generation Fréchet type dendrons bearing amino-nitro substituted azobenzene units and tetra(ethylene glycol) spacers. These compounds were fully characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopies, and their molecular weights were determined by MALDI-TOF-MS. The thermal properties of the obtained dendrons were studied by TGA and DSC and their optical properties by absorption spectroscopy in solution and cast film. Molecular calculations were performed in order to determine the optimized geometries of these molecules in different environments. Besides, Langmuir and Langmuir Blodgett films were prepared with the first generation dendrons that were shown to be amphiphilic. Finally, some of the dendrons showed a liquid crystalline behaviour, which was studied by light polarized microscopy as a function of the temperature in order to determine the transition temperatures and the structure of the mesophase.
El uso de la métrica árabe en la obra Ben Tĕhillim de Samuel Ibn Nagrela
Authors: Martínez Delgado José
Published: January 2013

El objetivo de este estudio es identificar y explicar cada una de las variantes métricas registradas en la colección Ben Tĕhillim de Samuel Ibn Nagrela desde la preceptiva clásica ( ͑ilm al- ͑arūḍ). La siguiente exposición de hechos se aparta de la que puede encontrarse en los manuales o estudios de métrica hebrea medieval tradicionales, ya sean modernos o medievales, y lo que se pretende es mostrar esta métrica en su forma y contexto original tal cual se aprecia en los manuales árabes medievales.
Utility of Blood Culture in Uncomplicated Pneumonia in Children
Authors: Mendoza-Paredes Alberto , Bastos Jorge , Leber Mark , Erickson Evelyn , Waseem Muhammad
Published: January 2013

Background

It is believed to be the standard of care to obtain a blood culture in a child who is hospitalized for pneumonia. In recent years, many studies have questioned the utility of this practice in the presence of age appropriate immunization. We conducted this study to determine the current prevalence of bacteremia in children with uncomplicated pneumonia and the utility of obtaining blood cultures in these children.

Objective

To evaluate the risk of bacteremia in hospitalized young children with pneumonia.

Methods

This was a retrospective review from July 2003 until July 2008. The setting was the pediatric emergency department of an urban teaching hospital. The study population included children under 36 months of age who had been fully immunized and who had been hospitalized with radiographic evidence of uncomplicated pneumonia. Excluded were children who were currently using antibiotics or who had used antibiotics within the previous 48 hours, as well as children with immunodeficiency status such as sickle cell anemia, immunoglobulin deficiency, or children on steroid therapy. The radiologist's interpretation of each chest radiograph was reviewed and recorded. The variables studied were age (in months), gender, race, birth history, pneumococcal vaccination status, appearance on arrival, temperature on arrival, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, band count, and urine culture. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results

A blood culture was obtained in 535 children hospitalized with radiographic pneumonia. Bacteremia was present in 12 children (2.2%). All organisms isolated from the blood cultures were considered contaminants.

Conclusion

Children hospitalized with uncomplicated pneumonia have a low rate of positive blood cultures. None of the variables studied predicted bacteremia. The absence of true-positive cultures among the organisms isolated suggests little value in obtaining blood cultures in children hospitalized due to uncomplicated pneumonia.
Fully HOC Scheme for Mixed Convection Flow in a Lid-Driven Cavity Filled with a Nanofluid
Authors: Li Dingfang , Wang Xiaofeng , Feng Hui
Published: January 2013

A fully higher-order compact (HOC) finite difference scheme on the 9-point two-dimensional (2D) stencil is formulated for solving the steady-state laminar mixed convection flow in a lid-driven inclined square enclosure filled with water-Al2O3 nanofluid. Two cases are considered depending on the direction of temperature gradient imposed (Case I, top and bottom; Case II, left and right). The developed equations are given in terms of the stream function-vorticity formulation and are non-dimensionalized and then solved numerically by a fourth-order accurate compact finite difference method. Unlike other compact solution procedure in literature for this physical configuration, the present method is fully compact and fully higher-order accurate. The fluid flow, heat transfer and heat transport characteristics were illustrated by streamlines, isotherms and averaged Nusselt number. Comparisons with previously published work are performed and found to be in excellent agreement. A parametric study is conducted and a set of graphical results is presented and discussed to elucidate that significant heat transfer enhancement can be obtained due to the presence of nanoparticles and that this is accentuated by inclination of the enclosure at moderate and large Richardson numbers.
Modeling organic aerosol from the oxidation of α-pinene in a Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) chamber
Authors: Chen S. , Brune W. H. , Lambe A. , Davidovits P. , Onasch T.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. A model has been developed to simulate the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and was tested against data produced in a Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) flow reactor and a large environmental chamber. The model framework is based on the two-dimensional volatility basis set approach (2D-VBS), in which SOA oxidation products in the model are distributed on the 2-D space of effective saturation concentration (Ci*) and oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O : C). The modeled organic aerosol mass concentrations (COA) and O : C agree with laboratory measurements within estimated uncertainties. However, while both measured and modeled O : C increase with increasing OH exposure as expected, the increase of modeled O : C is rapid at low OH exposure and then slows as OH exposure increases while the increase of measured O : C is initially slow and then accelerates as OH exposure increases. A global sensitivity analysis indicates that modeled COA values are most sensitive to the assumed values for the number of Ci* bins, the heterogeneous OH reaction rate coefficient, and the yield of first-generation products. Modeled SOA O : C values are most sensitive to the assumed O : C of first-generation oxidation products, the number of Ci* bins, the heterogeneous OH reaction rate coefficient, and the number of O : C bins. All these sensitivities vary as a function of OH exposure. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the 2D-VBS model framework may require modifications to resolve discrepancies between modeled and measured O : C as a function of OH exposure.
Brown carbon: a significant atmospheric absorber of solar radiation?
Authors: Feng Y. , Ramanathan V. , Kotamarthi V. R.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Several recent observational studies have shown organic carbon aerosols to be a significant source of absorption of solar radiation. The absorbing part of organic aerosols is referred to as brown carbon. Comparisons with observations indicate that model-simulated aerosol absorption is under-estimated in global models, one of the reasons being the neglect of brown carbon. Using a global chemical transport model coupled with a radiative transfer model, we estimate for the first time the enhanced absorption of solar radiation due to "brown" carbon (BrC) in a global model. When BrC is included, the simulated wavelength dependence of aerosol absorption, as measured by the Angstrom exponent increases from 0.9 to 1.2 and thus agrees better with AERONET spectral observations at 440–870 nm. The resulting absorbing aerosol optical depth increases by 3–18% at 550 nm and up to 56% at 350 nm. The global simulations suggest that BrC contributes up to +0.25 W m−2 or 19% of the absorption by anthropogenic aerosols, of which 72% is attributed to black carbon, and 9% is due to sulfate and non-absorbing organic aerosols coated on black carbon. Like black carbon, the overall forcing of BrC at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) is a warming effect (+0.11 W m−2), while the effect at the surface is a reduction or dimming (−0.14 W m−2). Because of the inclusion of BrC in our model, the direct radiative effect of organic carbonaceous aerosols changes from cooling (−0.08 W m−2) to warming (+0.025 W m−2) at the TOA, on a global mean basis. Over source regions and above clouds, the absorption of BrC is more significant and thus can play an important role in photochemistry and the hydrologic cycle.
Observaciones para la aplicación de la legislación sobre el consumidor
Authors: Bautista Lara Jorge
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.929 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.125-135
El tratado Altamirano - Harrison
Authors: Montiel Argüello Alejandro
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.931 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.157-173
Housing Status and Acute Care Use After Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Decker Hannah , Colom Sara , Graham-Squire Dave , Wick Elizabeth , Kushel Margot B. , Raven Maria , Kanzaria Hemal K.
Published: July 2024

This cohort study examines housing status and acute care use after a cancer diagnosis among individuals treated at a public hospital in San Francisco, California.
Characterization of a commercial plastic scintillator for electron FLASH dosimetry
Authors: Oh Kyuhak , Hyun Megan A. , Gallagher Kyle J. , Yan Ying , Zhou Sumin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the potential of a commercially available plastic scintillator, the Exradin W2, as a real‐time dosimeter for ultra‐high‐dose‐rate (UHDR) electron beams. This work aimed to characterize this system's performance under UHDR conditions and addressed limitations inherent to other conventional dosimetry systems.

Methods and materials

We assessed the W2's performance as a UHDR electron dosimeter using a 16 MeV UHDR electron beam from the FLASH research extension (FLEX) system. Additionally, the vendor provided a beta firmware upgrade to better handle the processing of the high signal generated in the UHDR environment. We evaluated the W2 regarding dose‐per‐pulse, pulse repetition rate, charge versus distance, and pulse linearity. Absorbed dose measurements were compared against those from a plane‐parallel ionization chamber, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters and radiochromic film.

Results

We observed that the 1 × 1 mm W2 scintillator with the MAX SD was more suitable for UHDR dosimetry compared to the 1 × 3 mm W2 scintillator, capable of matching film measurements within 2% accuracy for dose‐per‐pulse up to 3.6 Gy/pulse. The W2 accurately ascertained the inverse square relationship regarding charge versus virtual source distance with R2 of ∼1.00 for all channels. Pulse linearity was accurately measured with the W2, demonstrating a proportional response to the delivered pulse number. There was no discernible impact on the measured charge of the W2 when switching between the available repetition rates of the FLEX system (18–180 pulses/s), solidifying consistent beam output across pulse frequencies.

Conclusions

This study tested a commercial plastic scintillator detector in a UHDR electron beam, paving the way for its potential use as a real‐time, patient‐specific dosimetry tool for future FLASH radiotherapy treatments. Further research is warranted to test and improve the signal processing of the W2 dosimetry system to accurately measure in UHDR environments using exceedingly high dose‐per‐pulse and pulse numbers.
Light‐Activated In Situ Vaccine with Enhanced Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Infiltration and Function for Potent Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: An Xian , Chen Zhuang , Luo Yi , Yang Peng , Yang Zuo , Ji Tiannan , Chi Yajing , Wang Shuyuan , Zhang Ruili , Wang Zhongliang , Li Jianxiong
Published: July 2024

In situ cancer vaccination is an attractive strategy that stimulates protective antitumor immunity. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are major mediators of the adaptive immune defenses, with critical roles in antitumor immune response and establishing immune memory, and are consequently extremely important for in situ vaccines to generate systemic and lasting antitumor efficacy. However, the dense extracellular matrix and hypoxia in solid tumors severely impede the infiltration and function of CTLs, ultimately compromising the efficacy of in situ cancer vaccines. To address this issue, a robust in situ cancer vaccine, Au@MnO2 nanoparticles (AMOPs), based on a gold nanoparticle core coated with a manganese dioxide shell is developed. The AMOPs modulated the unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME) to restore CTLs infiltration and function and efficiently induced immunogenic cell death. The Mn2+‐mediated stimulator of the interferon genes pathway can be activated to further augment the therapeutic efficacy of the AMOPs. Thus, the AMOPs vaccine successfully elicited long‐lasting antitumor immunity to considerably inhibit primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. This study not only highlights the importance of revitalizing CTLs efficacy against solid tumors but also makes progress toward overcoming TME barriers for sustained antitumor immunity.
A Colored Temperature‐Adaptive Cloak for Year‐Round Building Energy Saving
Authors: Yin Yingying , Sun Pengcheng , Zeng Yijun , Yang Meng , Gao Shouwei , Wang Steven , Huang Zhengyong , Zhang Yingfan , Wang Yang , Wang Zuankai
Published: July 2024

Achieving year‐round energy savings in buildings holds great significance toward reaching carbon neutrality and sustainability. Switchable thermal‐management materials offer an energy‐free solution to dynamically regulating internal building temperatures, by passively emitting heat into cold outer space in summer, and absorbing heat from hot sunlight in winter. In addition to dynamic thermal regulation, color display is another pursuit for addressing aesthetic considerations; however, most current dynamically switchable materials lack color options, due to an optical conflict between adaptive solar reflection and selective visible absorption, limiting their wide adoption in aesthetic scenarios such as commercial exterior walls. Herein, a colored temperature‐adaptive cloak (CTAC) that achieves dynamically switchable thermal management in an energy‐neutral way without sacrificing year‐round vibrant color display is reported. This is realized by decoupling solar reflectivity modulation and color display through the choice of two individual constituent components, including thermochromic microcapsules, and fluorescent dyes. Moreover, compared to single‐mode samples with similar colors, the CTAC with dual modes stays 5.6–3.4 °C warmer during cold winter and 14.9–7.9 °C cooler during hot summer (peak solar irradiance: ≈735 and 1030 W m−2, respectively), exhibiting a remarkable potential to achieve year‐round building energy savings.
Hydroxyurea to prevent brain injury in children with sickle cell disease (HU Prevent)—A randomized, placebo‐controlled phase II feasibility/pilot study
Authors: Casella James F. , Furstenau Dana K. , Adams Robert J. , Brambilla Donald J. , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Fehr James J. , Jordan Lori C. , King Allison A. , Ichord Rebecca N. , McKinstry Robert C. , Kraut Michael A. , Shaw Dennis W. , White Desiree A. , Whyte‐Stewart Donna A. , Avadhani Radhika , Barron‐Casella Emily A. , Cannon Alicia D. , Eaton Cyd K. , Riekert Kristin A. , Shay Joanne E. , Smith‐Seidel Cynthia A. , Weiss Diane C. , Ostapkovich Noeleen D. , Vermillion Krista , Treine Kevin E. , Kingsbury Claire E. , Strouse John J. , Thompson Richard E. , Hanley Daniel F.
Published: July 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) injury is common in sickle cell disease (SCD) and occurs early in life. Hydroxyurea is safe and efficacious for treatment of SCD, but high‐quality evidence from randomized trials to estimate its neuroprotective effect is scant. HU Prevent was a randomized (1:1), double‐blind, phase II feasibility/pilot trial of dose‐escalated hydroxyurea vs. placebo for the primary prevention of CNS injury in children with HbSS or HbS‐β0‐thalassemia subtypes of SCD age 12–48 months with normal neurological examination, MRI of the brain, and cerebral blood flow velocity. We hypothesized that hydroxyurea would reduce by 50% the incidence of CNS injury. Two outcomes were compared: primary—a composite of silent cerebral infarction, elevated cerebral blood flow velocity, transient ischemic attack, or stroke; secondary—a weighted score estimating the risk of suffering the consequences of stroke (the Stroke Consequences Risk Score—SCRS), based on the same outcome events. Six participants were randomized to each group. One participant in the hydroxyurea group had a primary outcome vs. four in the placebo group (incidence rate ratio [90% CI] 0.216 [0.009, 1.66], p = .2914) (~80% reduction in the hydroxyurea group). The mean SCRS score was 0.078 (SD 0.174) in the hydroxyurea group, 0.312 (SD 0.174) in the placebo group, p = .072, below the p‐value of .10 often used to justify subsequent phase III investigations. Serious adverse events related to study procedures occurred in 3/41 MRIs performed, all related to sedation. These results suggest that hydroxyurea may have profound neuroprotective effect in children with SCD and support a definitive phase III study to encourage the early use of hydroxyurea in all infants with SCD.
Direct In Situ Polymer Modification of Titania Nanomaterial Surfaces via UV‐irradiated Radical Polymerization
Authors: Tanaka Tomonari , Nishimura Shota , Nishiyama Kaito , Aso Yuji , Nishida Hisataka , Cho Sunghun , Sekino Tohru
Published: July 2024

Polymer modification of titania nanomaterials can provide media dispersibility and various functionalities onto the titania surface. Herein, we report the direct in situ polymer modification of the surface of titania nanotubes (TNTs) and titania nanoparticles (TNPs) via ultraviolet (UV)‐irradiated radical polymerization without any pretreatment of titania. The resulting polymer‐modified TNTs and TNPs dispersed well in solvents. The characterization of the products using various techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed the successful modification of the TNT and TNP surfaces by the polymers produced via UV‐irradiated radical polymerization. The polymers on the titania surface were isolated by dissolving titania using hydrofluoric acid and analyzed by means of size exclusion chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry. The polymer‐modified TNTs and TNPs maintained their photocatalytic activity in dye degradation under UV irradiation. Moreover, glycopolymer‐modified TNTs were successfully prepared using the UV‐irradiated polymerization system. The glycopolymer retained its lectin biding affinity on the TNT surface.
Discovery of A G‐Quadruplex Unwinder That Unleashes the Translation of G‐Quadruplex‐Containing mRNA without Inducing DNA Damage
Authors: Teng Xucong , Hu Difei , Dai Yicong , Jing Haitao , Hu Wenxuan , Zhang Qiushuang , Zhang Na , Li Jinghong
Published: July 2024

To explore the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for G‐quadruplex (G4) mediated diseases, it is crucial to manipulate and intervene in intracellular G4 structures using small molecular tools. While hundreds of G4 stabilizers have been developed, there is a significant gap in the availability of G4 unwinding agents. Here, we propose a strategy to disrupt G‐quadruplexes by forming G−C hydrogen bonds with chemically modified cytidine trimers. We validated a good G4 unwinder, the 2′‐F cytidine trimer (2′‐F C3). 2′‐F C3 does not inhibit cell growth nor cause severe DNA damage at a concentration below 10 μM. Moreover, 2′‐F C3 does not affect gene transcription nor RNA splicing, while it significantly enhances the translation of G4‐containing mRNA and upregulates RNA splicing, RNA processing and cell cycle pathways. The discovery of this G4 unwinder provides a functional tool for the chemical modulation of G4s in living cells.
Exhaled Anesthetic Xenon Regeneration by Gas Separation Using a Metal–Organic Framework with Sorbent‐Sorbate Induced‐Fit
Authors: Zhao Li , Peng Xiaowan , Deng Chenghua , Li Jia‐Han , Pan Huiyuan , Zou Jin‐Sheng , Liu Bei , Deng Chun , Xiao Peng , Sun Changyu , Peng Yun‐Lei , Chen Guangjin , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Noble gas xenon (Xe) is an excellent anesthetic gas, but its rarity, high cost and constrained production prohibits wide use in medicine. Here, we have developed a closed‐circuit anesthetic Xe recovery and reusage process with highly effective CO2‐specific adsorbent CUPMOF‐5 that is promising to solve the anesthetic Xe supply problem. CUPMOF‐5 possesses spacious cage cavities interconnected in four directions by confinement throat apertures of ~3.4 Å, which makes it an ideal molecular sieving of CO2 from Xe, O2, N2 with the benchmark selectivity and high uptake capacity of CO2. In situ single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) and computational simulation solidly revealed the vital sieving role of the confined throat and the sorbent‐sorbate induced‐fit strengthening binding interaction to CO2. CUPMOF‐5 can remove 5 % CO2 even from actual moist exhaled anesthetic gases, and achieves the highest Xe recovery rate (99.8 %) so far, as verified by breakthrough experiments. This endows CUPMOF‐5 great potential for the on‐line CO2 removal and Xe recovery from anesthetic closed‐circuits.
Top management team gender diversity and green innovation: A contingent curvilinear link
Authors: Liu Xilu , Liao Yi‐Chuan , Ma Pengcheng , Dong Yusen
Published: July 2024

The increasing significance of green innovation for firm competitiveness introduces greater risks and uncertain returns, challenging top managers' strategic decisions. The influence of top management team (TMT) characteristics, particularly gender diversity, on green innovation remains unclear. Drawing on gender difference and social identity theories, this study examines the curvilinear relationship between TMT gender diversity and green innovation among 2026 Chinese publicly listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2018. Through the use of fixed‐effects Poisson models to confirm our hypotheses, we uncover an inverted U‐shaped relationship between TMT gender diversity and green innovation. Furthermore, we delve into the contingent roles of individual, corporate, and industry factors affecting this primary relationship. Specifically, our findings reveal that the educational attainment of female executives and the strength of green industry innovation flatten the inverted U‐shaped curve between TMT gender diversity and green innovation, whereas state ownership steepen it. Our study resolves the inconsistencies found in previous research by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and offers empirical insights into the role of women in shaping sustainable development in emerging markets.
Collective victim beliefs in the aftermath of historical trauma and their effects on psychological well‐being: Initial findings among the Polish diaspora in the United States
Authors: Skrodzka Magdalena , Vollhardt Johanna Ray
Published: July 2024

Historical trauma impacts the affected groups long after traumatic events. In response to such experiences, people may make sense of this history through collective victimisation beliefs that compare their ingroup's experiences to outgroups' experiences. Additionally, they may perceive these collective experiences as central to their self and group identity, or distance themselves from them. However, it is not yet well understood how distinct beliefs about historical trauma are linked to psychological well‐being. The present study examined this question among the Polish diaspora in the United States (N = 280). Mediation analyses showed a negative indirect effect of exclusive victim beliefs and centrality of collective victimisation on psychological well‐being, while inclusive victim beliefs and decentring collective victimisation had positive indirect effects on psychological well‐being. Structural equation modelling examining all collective victim beliefs simultaneously highlighted historical victimisation as identity content (a subscale of centrality of collective victimisation) as a particularly important predictor of psychological well‐being, through historical trauma emotions. Overall, in line with appraisal theory, these findings suggest that how a group's historical victimisation is construed is linked to emotional processes and can predict psychological well‐being. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Long‐Life Pillar[5]quinone Cathode for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yeşilot Serkan , Solmaz Yasemin , Kılıç Nazmiye , Unal Burcu , Sel Ozlem , Demir‐Cakan Rezan
Published: July 2024

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are currently gaining a significant amount of attention as a low‐cost and high safety energy storage option. While mostly inorganic structures are used as cathode materials in aqueous zinc batteries, these materials undergo structural degradation, therefore, alternative organic cathodes are expected to be developed to replace inorganic materials in aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). In this work, pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) is used as a cathode in AZIBs for the first time. Besides investigating the charge storage mechanism and interfacial property evolution of P5Q by various ex situ analyses, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and density functional theory (DFT) demonstrates both Zn2+ and H+ incorporation. The P5Q exhibits >99 % Coulombic efficiency through 10000 cycles at ultra‐fast (500 °C) current density, yielding a capacity value of approximately 120 mAh g−1 at the end of the cycle. When the current density is changed from 500 °C to 120 °C, an initial discharge capacity of approximately 182 mAh g−1 is achieved, demonstrating outstanding performance with over 80 % capacity retention for the subsequent 7000 cycles.