bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Perpetual Peace: The Dynamics of US and Vietnam Relations Since The Settlement of Agent Orange Case in 2000
Authors: Utama Bhakti Putra , Pattipeilhy Shary Charlotte , Windiani Dr. Reni
Published: December 2019

Agent Orange is a toxic chemical liquid used by the United States military during the Vietnam War in 1955-1975. The use of chemical weapons is classified as a form of crime due to violations of international agreements. This research tries to explain how Agent Orange has become a significant factor in the dynamics of relations between the US and Vietnam. The dynamics will be analyzed using the concept by Immanuel Kant. There are 6 articles that must be done to achieve lasting peace, but this article only discusses articles 1, 5, and 6 which are the basis for the establishment of perpetual peace. Article 1 Perpetual Peace requires a peace agreement that is made as detailed as possible, evidenced by the articles in the 1973 Paris Peace Accord which did not prevent war in the short term, but succeeded in forming a long-term peace scheme. Article 5 Perpetual Peace is also implemented without the intervention of US in Vietnam domestic politics, which until now holds communist ideology. Finally, the US corrective action through the cleaning of the Agent Orange is an embodiment of article 6 of Perpetual Peace. Changes in relations carried out through various collaborations have resulted in a process leading to lasting peace, at least for the US and Vietnam.
A 42 mV startup ring oscillator using gain-enhanced self-bias inverters for extremely low voltage energy harvesting
Authors: Matsuzuka Ryo , Terada Tatsuya , Matsumoto Kaori , Kitamura Masatoshi , Hirose Tetsuya
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a ring oscillator (ROSC) capable of operating at an extremely low supply voltage. The proposed ROSC consists of gain-enhanced self-bias inverters. The voltage gain of the proposed inverter is improved by controlling the body bias voltages. Measurements of a prototype chip demonstrated that our proposed ROSC can operate at an extremely low supply voltage of 42 mV.
Methyl Red Indicator on Smart Packaging as a Freshness Sensor for Tilapia Fillets
Authors: Ayu Sariningsih Kinanthi , Rostini Iis , Haetami Kiki
Published: December 2019

This research aims to analyze the response of methyl red indicator film sensor label color changes on smart packaging in detecting the freshness of tilapia fillets over a shelf life of 10 hours at room temperature (± 25ºC). This research uses a comparative descriptive method. The parameters observed were pH values, total plate count (TPC) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN). The results of this research indicate that the response of the film label consists of several concentrations of methyl red namely control (0%); 0.05%; 0.5% and 1%. The best results from film sensor label response is 0.05% Methyl red concentration in detecting the freshness of tilapia fillets and showed the most rapid response to changing the color of the label at the observation of the 7th hours during storage of 10 hours with 8 times the observation time. The freshness of tilapia fillets has decreased quality with changes in pH that tend to fluctuate ie the pH has decreased and then rose again as the color changes are indicated by the film label from yellow to reddish-orange. Total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) and total plate count (TPC) during the observation showed a trend towards the same graph results, namely, the longer shelf life will increase the decrease in freshness quality of tilapia fillets with marked decay. Therefore, the freshness level of tilapia fillets can be determined by the smart packaging sensor methyl red indicator label at room temperature storage (± 25ºC).
Effects of Dennettia tripetalla (Backer), Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) and Aframomum melegueta Schum Oils against the African Sweet Potato Weevil, Cylas puncticollis (Boheman)
Authors: Nta A. I. , Oku E. E.
Published: December 2019

Laboratory investigations were performed to ascertain the efficacies of Dennettia tripetalla (G.Backer), Xylopiaa ethiopica (A. Rich) and Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum) for the control of Cylas puncticolis, African sweet potato weevil. Organic solvent extracts of the leaves and fruits of the test plants were separately applied at concentration of 1, 3 and 5% (w/v) for investigation. The biological assays were conducted for six months under ambient temperature, relative humidity (28±3°C, 65±5% RH) and 12Hr light/dark photoperiods; laid out in a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated four times. Results disclosed that 3 and 5% extracts of the three test plants led to significantly (P<0.05) higher mortality of C. puncticollis when compared with 1% and control. 3.75 extract of the tubers. n-hexane extracts of all the test plant products significantly (P <0.05) repelled more than 60% of C. puncticollis within one-hour of exposure. .  Extracts of A. melegueta fruit at 3 and 5% and X. aethiopica fruit at 5% had the most significant (P<0.05) insecticidal activity, followed by extract of D. tripetalla (at 5%). Adult emergence was also significantly higher in control than treated tubers with A. melegueta products giving the lowest significant number of emerged adults. The results of this research demonstrate the efficacies of the test plants extracts for the control of C. puncticollis infesting sweet potato roots during post-harvest storage at the small scale farming level in Calabar, Nigeria.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Community Pharmacists towards Weight Management in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Elkhalifa Abd Elmoneim O. , Humida Fajr H. E. , Hussien Maha A. S. , Kanan Shaza O. H.
Published: December 2019

This research was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of community pharmacists in Khartoum state towards weight managements, and to explore their roles in dispensing of off label drugs as weight management drugs. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 100 community pharmacists in Khartoum state who were chosen randomly. The secondary data was collected from different references, journals, textbooks and internet website. The results of this study showed that 91% of community pharmacists were highly involved in providing advice in weight management. The dispensing of weight management medications depended mainly on weight of the patients (25%). This research revealed that 49% of pharmacists dispensed the metformin for off label use as anti-obesity drug, 58% of them dispense it under prescription while 51% of the pharmacists never dispensed it for weight loss. In addition, 27% of the pharmacists’ dispensed mosegore (sandomigran) for weight gain while the majority of them never dispense it (73%).
Construindo a Democracia Cultural: Cidadania, Federação e Participação
Authors: Moraes Marcelo Viana Estevão de
Published: December 2019

No início do século XXI, houve uma mudança no paradigma da política cultural brasileira. O foco passou a ser a cidadania cultural. Uma das inovações institucionais foi a criação do Sistema Nacional de Cultura, de caráter federativo e participativo. O sucesso de sua implementação depende da conjugação de coordenação, participação e efetividade gerencial, assim como da revisão do modelo de financiamento do setor. No entanto, a nova orientação do governo federal, a partir de 2019, coloca em questão a continuidade dessa política de Estado, consagrada na Constituição Federal.
SNX16 activates c‐Myc signaling by inhibiting ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation of eEF1A2 in colorectal cancer development
Authors: Shen Zhiyong , Li Yongsheng , Fang Yuan , Lin Mingdao , Feng Xiaochuang , Li Zhenkang , Zhan Yizhi , Liu Yuechen , Mou Tingyu , Lan Xiaoliang , Wang Yanan , Li Guoxin , Wang Jiping , Deng Haijun
Published: December 2019

Sorting nexin 16 (SNX16), a member of the sorting nexin family, has been implicated in tumor development. However, the function of SNX16 has not yet been investigated in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we showed that SNX16 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with normal counterparts. Upregulated mRNA levels of SNX16 predicted poor survival of CRC patients. Functional experiments showed that SNX16 could promote CRC cells growth both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of SNX16 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, whereas ectopic overexpression of SNX16 had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, SNX16‐eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A2 (eEF1A2) interaction could inhibit the degradation and ubiquitination of eEF1A2, followed by activation of downstream c‐Myc signaling. Our study unveiled that the SNX16/eEF1A2/c‐Myc signaling axis could promote colorectal tumorigenesis and SNX16 might potentially serve as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and an intervention of CRC.
Rigidity evaluation of pre‐stressed rubber bearings of long‐span roofs
Authors: Morita Akira , Honma Keiichi , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Nakamura Misaki , Yamashita Tetsuo
Published: December 2019

When The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 occurred, long‐span structures such as gymnasium with long‐span steel ceiling supported by RC columns was damaged as the bearings, which connected the steel roof column and the RC columns, were damaged. In this study, two effective improvements to prevent the pull‐out of anchor bolts and crushing of base mortar are proposed. The first improvement is to add disk springs between the base plate and anchor bolt nuts, which prevents the pull‐out of anchor bolts. In the second improvement, an elastic rubber plate is inserted between the base plate and mortar to avoid mortar crushing. Based on test results, an evaluation method for rotational stiffness is proposed, which can be calculated from the stiffness corresponding to the pre‐stressed force, disk spring, anchor bolts, and rotational spring constant of the rubber.
Electrical impedance myography for reducing sample size in Duchenne muscular dystrophy trials
Authors: Leitner Melanie L. , Kapur Kush , Darras Basil T. , Yang Michele , Wong Brenda , Dalle Pazze Laura , Florence Julaine , Buck Martin , Freedman Laura , Bohorquez Jose , Rutkove Seward , Zaidman Craig
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity of electrical impedance myography (EIM) to disease progression in both ambulatory and non‐ambulatory boys with DMD.

Methods and Participants

A non‐blinded, longitudinal cohort study of 29 ambulatory and 15 non‐ambulatory boys with DMD and age‐similar healthy boys. Subjects were followed for up to 1 year and assessed using the Myolex® mViewTM EIM system as part of a multicenter study.

Results

In the ambulatory group, EIM 100 kHz resistance values showed significant change compared to the healthy boys. For example, in lower extremity muscles, the average change in EIM 100 kHz resistance values over 12 months led to an estimated effect size of 1.58. Based on these results, 26 DMD patients/arm would be needed for a 12‐month clinical trial assuming a 50% treatment effect. In non‐ambulatory boys, EIM changes were greater in upper limb muscles. For example, biceps at 100kHz resistance gave an estimated effect size of 1.92 at 12 months. Based on these results, 18 non‐ambulatory DMD patients/arm would be needed for a 12‐month clinical trial assuming a 50% treatment effect. Longitudinal changes in the 100 kHz resistance values for the ambulatory boys correlated with the longitudinal changes in the timed supine‐to‐stand test. EIM was well‐tolerated throughout the study.

Interpretation

This study supports that EIM 100 kHz resistance is sensitive to DMD progression in both ambulatory and non‐ambulatory boys. Given the technology’s ease of use and broad age range of utility it should be employed as an exploratory endpoint in future clinical therapeutic trials in DMD.

Trial Registration: Clincialtrials.gov registration #NCT02340923
Predefined containment control for general linear multiagent systems with time‐varying delays and switching topologies
Authors: Zhou Shiyu , Hua Yongzhao , Dong Xiwang , Li Qingdong , Ren Zhang
Published: December 2019

Containment control problems for general linear multiagent systems with switching interaction topologies and time‐varying delays are studied. Firstly, state observers are constructed to estimate the multiple leaders under the influence of switching graphs and time‐varying delays. Secondly, a predefined containment protocol is presented based on the distributed state observer, where the expected convex combination of multiple leaders is predefined by several given weights. Moreover, an algorithm with two steps to confirm the gain matrices of the containment protocol and state observer is given. Based on linear matrix inequality technique and common Lyapunov‐Krasovskii stability theory, the convergence of this control strategy for multiagent systems with switching topologies and time‐varying delays to achieve state containment is proved. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to verify the validity of the theoretical results.
Growth charts in Kabuki syndrome 1
Authors: Ruault Valentin , Corsini Carole , Duflos Claire , Akouete Sandrine , Georgescu Véra , Abaji Mario , Alembick Yves , Alix Eudeline , Amiel Jeanne , Amouroux Cyril , Barat‐Houari Mouna , Baumann Clarisse , Bonnard Adeline , Boursier Guilaine , Boute Odile , Burglen Lydie , Busa Tiffany , Cordier Marie‐Pierre , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Delrue Marie‐Ange , Doray Bérénice , Faivre Laurence , Fradin Mélanie , Gilbert‐Dussardier Brigitte , Giuliano Fabienne , Goldenberg Alice , Gorokhova Svetlana , Héron Delphine , Isidor Bertrand , Jacquemont Marie‐Line , Jacquette Aurélia , Jeandel Claire , Lacombe Didier , Le Merrer Martine , Sang Kim Hanh Le Quan , Lyonnet Stanislas , Manouvrier Sylvie , Michot Caroline , Moncla Anne , Moutton Sébastien , Odent Sylvie , Pelet Anna , Philip Nicole , Pinson Lucile , Reversat Julie , Roume Joëlle , Sanchez Elodie , Sanlaville Damien , Sarda Pierre , Schaefer Elise , Till Marianne , Touitou Isabelle , Toutain Annick , Willems Marjolaine , Gatinois Vincent , Geneviève David
Published: December 2019

Kabuki syndrome (KS, KS1: OMIM 147920 and KS2: OMIM 300867) is caused by pathogenic variations in KMT2D or KDM6A. KS is characterized by multiple congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Growth restriction is frequently reported. Here we aimed to create specific growth charts for individuals with KS1, identify parameters used for size prognosis and investigate the impact of growth hormone therapy on adult height. Growth parameters and parental size were obtained for 95 KS1 individuals (41 females). Growth charts for height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and occipitofrontal circumference were generated in standard deviation values for the first time in KS1. Statural growth of KS1 individuals was compared to parental target size. According to the charts, height, weight, BMI, and occipitofrontal circumference were lower for KS1 individuals than the normative French population. For males and females, the mean growth of KS1 individuals was −2 and −1.8 SD of their parental target size, respectively. Growth hormone therapy did not increase size beyond the predicted size. This study, from the largest cohort available, proposes growth charts for widespread use in the management of KS1, especially for size prognosis and screening of other diseases responsible for growth impairment beyond a calculated specific target size.
A Renal‐Clearable Macromolecular Reporter for Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Huang Jiaguo , Jiang Yuyan , Li Jingchao , He Shasha , Huang Jingsheng , Pu Kanyi
Published: December 2019

Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent disease with high morbidity and mortality; however, in vivo optical imaging of BC remains challenging because of the lack of cancer‐specific optical agents with high renal clearance. Herein, a macromolecular reporter (CyP1) was synthesized for real‐time near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and urinalysis of BC in living mice. Because of the high renal clearance (ca. 94 % of the injection dosage at 24 h post‐injection) and its cancer biomarker (APN=aminopeptidase N) specificity, CyP1 can be efficiently transported to the bladder and specially turn on its NIRF signal to report the detection of BC in living mice. Moreover, CyP1 can be used for optical urinalysis, permitting the ex vivo tracking of tumor progression for therapeutic evaluation and easy translation of CyP2 as an in vitro diagnostic assay. This study not only provides new opportunities for non‐invasive diagnosis of BC, but also reveals useful guidelines for the development of molecular reporters for the detection of bladder diseases.
Effects of halloysite nanotubes on the morphology and CO2/CH4 separation performance of Pebax/polyetherimide thin‐film composite membranes
Authors: Afshoun Hamid Reza , Pourafshari Chenar Mahdi , Moradi Mohammad Reza , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Enhancing the performance of gas separation membranes is one of the major concerns of membrane researchers. Thus, in this study, poly(ether‐block‐amide) (Pebax)/polyetherimide (PEI) thin‐film composite membranes were prepared and their CO2/CH4 gas separation performance was investigated by means of pure and mixed gases permeation tests. To improve the properties of these membranes, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were added to Pebax layer at different loadings of 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 wt % to form Pebax‐HNT/PEI membranes. Scanning electron microscopy, gas sorption, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry tests were also performed to investigate the impact of HNT on structure and properties of prepared membranes. Results showed that both CO2/CH4 selectivity and CO2 permeance increased by adding HNT to Pebax layer up to 2 wt %. By increasing HNT loading to 5 wt %, the CO2/CH4 selectivity decreased from 32 to 18, while CO2 permeance increased from 3.25 to 4.2 GPU. Pebax/PEI and Pebax‐HNT/PEI membranes containing 2 wt % of HNT were tested using CO2/CH4 gas mixtures at different feed CO2 concentrations and feed pressure of 4 bar. The results showed that with increasing CO2 concentration from 20 to 80 vol %, CO2/CH4 selectivity of Pebax/PEI composite membranes increased by 19%, while, in Pebax‐HNT/PEI membrane, CO2/CH4 selectivity decreased by 40%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48860.
Plasticization of poly(lactide) with poly(ethylene glycol): Low weight plasticizer vs triblock copolymers. Effect on free volume and barrier properties
Authors: Chaos Ana , Sangroniz Ainara , Fernández Jorge , del Río Javier , Iriarte Marian , Sarasua Jose Ramon , Etxeberria Agustin
Published: December 2019

In order to make poly(lactide) (PLA) suitable for food packaging applications, its toughness must be improved. In this work, the plasticization effectiveness of a low‐molecular‐weight plasticizer and a triblock copolymer are analyzed. For this purpose, PLA is blended with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(lactide‐ethylene glycol‐lactide) (LA‐EG‐LA) triblock copolymer. The obtained results show that copolymers are more effective, reducing the glass transition temperature of PLA. Although PLA/PEG blends have been widely studied in the literature, the barrier character has not been analyzed, which is of paramount importance for packaging applications. Therefore, the permeability to carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor of PLA/PEG blends has been characterized observing an increase with the incorporation of PEG, which is the expected behavior. However, the incorporation of LA‐EG‐LA copolymers leads to permeability values that are slightly higher, similar, or even lower than PLA. Furthermore, the free volume of the samples has been analyzed in order to gain a deeper insight on the factors affecting the transport properties. Overall, this works aims to provide a better understanding towards the design of biodegradable packaging with improved properties that could be also extended to other biodegradable polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48868.
Eroding diversity away: Impacts of a tetrapod breakwater on a subtropical coral reef
Authors: Masucci Giovanni Diego , Acierno Alessandro , Reimer James Davis
Published: December 2019

Artificial barriers for coastal protection have been deployed across numerous tropical and subtropical islands in the Pacific, including Okinawa Island, southern Japan, where artificial defences have been installed along a large part of the coastline.

Although artificial barriers can lead to beach narrowing or loss and can exacerbate erosion, their effects on coral reef ecosystems remain understudied.

This study investigated the impact of a tetrapod breakwater in Ogimi Village, Okinawa Island, Japan, comparing the area affected by the presence of the barrier with a nearby natural coastline, and examining differences in physical parameters (depth profiles, sediment granulometry, and erosion on plaster balls) and benthic community composition.

Significant differences in depth profiles, sediment granulometry, and erosion were found, suggestive of alterations in water energy levels (lower than controls on the landward side of the barrier, and higher on the seaward side).

The benthic community was also clearly affected, with almost no living corals growing over the blocks or in their proximity.

Overall, the data show how breakwaters can affect the physical environment and benthic communities in a subtropical coral reef ecosystem, with negative consequences for coral survival.
Determining spatial use of the world's second largest humpback dolphin population: Implications for place‐based conservation and management
Authors: Liu Mingming , Bejder Lars , Lin Mingli , Zhang Peijun , Dong Lijun , Li Songhai
Published: December 2019

Place‐based management can be an effective conservation tool to protect cetaceans from anthropogenic pressures. The spatial use of the world's second largest population of the threatened Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) is not well‐documented, which makes it challenging to designate protected areas for this population.

To address this knowledge gap and to test the efficacy of an existing dolphin protected area (Zhanjiang Leizhou Bay Municipal Humpback Dolphin Nature Reserve, ZLBMHDNR), boat‐based surveys were conducted to document dolphin occurrence from 2015 to 2018, covering an area of 1221 km2in the eastern waters off Zhanjiang, China. In total, 253 dolphin group sightings were obtained during 174 survey days.

Spatial analysis showed that humpback dolphins aggregated in threecore‐use areaswith higher sighting density within the survey area. Furthermore,intermediate‐useandbroad‐use areaswere identified that could be essential for the movements of humpback dolphins among thesecore‐use areas.

The spatial usage of humpback dolphins was compared inside and outside the ZLBMHDNR. Results suggest that the ZLBMHDNR is insufficient to encompass a significant portion of dolphin habitat. The ZLBMHDNR (21 km2) is not large enough, and thus it should be expanded for effective place‐based conservation management in this region.

For developing a protected area network, important dolphin habitats identified in this study should be protected as a single management unit. Additionally, mitigation of anthropogenic pressures is needed to be taken into consideration as conservation initiatives in the study area.

This study provides support for a more science‐informed protected area network, and highlights the necessity of implementing place‐based conservation and management for the world's second largest humpback dolphin population.
Generation of Distinct Patterns of Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoantigens by Peptidylarginine Deiminase Types 2 and 4 During Perforin‐Induced Cell Damage
Authors: Romero Violeta , Darrah Erika , Andrade Felipe
Published: December 2019

Objective

To address the independent roles of peptidylarginine deiminase type 2 (PAD2) and PAD4 in generating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) autoantigens by using a system that mimics intracellular citrullination in the RA joint.

Methods

PAD2‐ or PAD4‐expressing 293T cells and mock‐transfected cells were used as targets in cytotoxic assays using lymphokine‐activated killer cells, cytotoxic YT cell granule contents, or purified human perforin. Protein citrullination and autoantigen production were determined by immunoblotting using the anti–modified citrulline–Senshu method and RA sera (n = 30), respectively.

Results

RA sera recognized at least 3 categories of autoantigens in PAD‐expressing target cells killed by the cytotoxic lymphocyte granule–induced death pathway. These included: 1) autoantigens targeted in their native form, 2) citrullinated antigens, and 3) antigens cleaved by cytotoxic proteases (e.g., granzymes). Interestingly, although target cells expressing PAD2 or PAD4 showed prominent hypercitrullination of a broad range of proteins during cytotoxic granule–induced cell damage, autoantibodies in RA sera targeted only a very limited number of antigens in hypercitrullinated cells. Furthermore, RA sera showed distinct reactivities to autoantigens generated by PAD2 or PAD4.

Conclusion

The cytotoxic granule–induced death pathway has the capacity to modify antigens by inducing hypercitrullination and antigen cleavage in target cells. Interestingly, among a large number of citrullinated proteins generated by PAD2 and PAD4 in cells, only a few are likely involved in the production of autoantibodies in RA.
Robust tracking control of an aircraft with critical actuator jam failures
Authors: Chan Po‐Chun , Chang Bor‐Chin , Bayram Mevlut , Kwatny Harry , Belcastro Christine M.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we present a new single fixed controller approach based on the multivariableH2control/regulator theory with internal model principle to solve a challenging control problem arising from an on‐flight critical elevator jam at random positions that otherwise would need switching numerous controllers or online adaptive redesign approaches.
Synthesis and activity of a coumarin‐based fluorescent probe for hydroxyl radical detection
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xu Lijing , Zhou Yindi , Zhang Weijian , Wang Yuanhong , Zhu Yu
Published: December 2019

As a type of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radical (·OH) is closely associated with many kinds of diseases. The present study aimed to develo p a novel OH fluorescent probe based on coumarin, a new compound that has not been previously reported. This probe exhibited good linear range and selectivity for ·OHl, and is able to avoid interference from some metal ions and other kinds of ROS (H2O2, O2.‐, 1O2, and HClO). Meanwhile, this probe has been used to evaluate the ·OH‐scavenging efficiency of different compounds, such as isopropyl alcohol, cytosine, uracil, Tempo, Glutathione (GSH), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Therefore, the present study shows that this probe not only can effectively measure the level of ·OH, but also can assess the ·OH‐scavenging efficiency of different compounds. Furthermore this current study suggested that following further optimization, this probe may be potentially applied in the diagnosis of oxidative stress in human body.
Recurrence of idiopathic acute pancreatitis after cholecystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Umans D S , Hallensleben N D , Verdonk R C , Bouwense S A W , Fockens P , Santvoort H C , Voermans R P , Besselink M G , Bruno M J , van Hooft J E
Published: December 2019

Background

Occult biliary disease has been suggested as a frequent underlying cause of idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP). Cholecystectomy has been proposed as a strategy to prevent recurrent IAP. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of cholecystectomy in reducing the risk of recurrent IAP.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically for studies including patients with IAP treated by cholecystectomy, with data on recurrence of pancreatitis. Studies published before 1980 or including chronic pancreatitis and case reports were excluded. The primary outcome was recurrence rate. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were undertaken to calculate risk ratios using a random-effects model with the inverse-variance method.

Results

Overall, ten studies were included, of which nine were used in pooled analyses. The study population consisted of 524 patients with 126 cholecystectomies. Of these 524 patients, 154 (29·4 (95 per cent c.i. 25·5 to 33·3) per cent) had recurrent disease. The recurrence rate was significantly lower after cholecystectomy than after conservative management (14 of 126 (11·1 per cent) versus 140 of 398 (35·2 per cent); risk ratio 0·44, 95 per cent c.i. 0·27 to 0·71). Even in patients in whom IAP was diagnosed after more extensive diagnostic testing, including endoscopic ultrasonography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, the recurrence rate appeared to be lower after cholecystectomy (4 of 36 (11 per cent) versus 42 of 108 (38·9 per cent); risk ratio 0·41, 0·16 to 1·07).

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy after an episode of IAP reduces the risk of recurrent pancreatitis. This implies that current diagnostics are insufficient to exclude a biliary cause.
Intermittent hypoxia improves cognition and reduces anxiety‐related behavior in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Meng Sheng‐Xi , Wang Bing , Li Wen‐Tao
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Although hypoxia can exacerbate symptoms of various neurological disorders, accumulating evidence has indicated that intermittent hypoxia (IH) may exert protective effects against brain diseases. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether exposure to IH exerts beneficial effects in a transgenic murine model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because comorbid anxiety is prevalent among patients with AD, we explored the effects of IH on anxiety‐like behaviors and associated factors in APP/PS1 mice.

Methods

APP/PS1 mice were subjected to IH for two weeks. We assessed cognitive performance and anxiety‐related behavior using standard behavioral assessments. Amyloid beta (Aβ) levels in the hippocampus were assessed using immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We also assessed cell morphology and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus.

Results

Exposure to IH significantly increased cognitive performance and decreased anxiety‐related behaviors in APP/PS1 mice. Immunofluorescence and ELISA results revealed that IH pretreatment significantly lowered Aβ levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Morphological studies validated the neuroprotective effect of IH exposure on hippocampal neurogenesis. Molecular studies revealed IH‐enhanced BDNF expression and inhibition of apoptosis‐related protein expression in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that IH improves cognition and reduces anxiety in a murine model of AD. Thus, further studies are required to determine whether IH can be used as a preventive/adjuvant therapy in patients with AD.
Using circulating tumor DNA as a novel biomarker to screen and diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ziying , Chen Peng , Xie Hui , Cao Peiguo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

A meta‐analysis was formulated to appraise the diagnostic accuracy of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled all relevant studies published until September 2019. Four primary subgroups were investigated: the subgroup of quantitative or qualitative analysis of ctDNA, the subgroup of Ras association domain family 1 isoform A （RASSF1A） methylation in ctDNA and the subgroup of the combined alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and ctDNA assay. We analyzed the pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) as well as the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 33 qualified articles with 4113 subjects were incorporated into our meta‐analysis. The combined SEN, SPE, and DOR in quantitative studies were 0.722 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.686‐0.756), 0.823 (95% CI: 0.789‐0.854), 18.532 (95% CI: 8.245‐41.657), respectively, yielding an AUC of 0.880. For qualitative studies, the corresponding value was 0.568 (95% CI: 0.548‐0.587), 0.882 (95% CI: 0.867‐0.897), 10.457 (95% CI: 7.270‐15.040) and 0.787, respectively. Detection of RASSF1A methylation yielded an AUC of 0.841, with a SEN of 0.644 (95% CI: 0.608‐0.678) and a SPE of 0.875 (95% CI: 0.847‐0.900). AFP combined with ctDNA assay achieved an AUC of 0.944, with a SEN of 0.760 (95% CI: 0.728‐00.790) and a SPE of 0.920 (95% CI: 0.893‐00.942).

Conclusion

Circulating tumor DNA displays a promising diagnostic potential in HCC. However, it is not independently sufficient and can serve as an assistant tool combined with AFP for HCC screening and detection.
Agreement by design: The effect of visual harmony on responses to surveys
Authors: Orth Ulrich R. , Nickel Kristina , Böhm Rebekka , Röwe Katharina
Published: December 2019

The present study is one of the first to empirically examine how the visual harmony of a questionnaire can lead to measurement bias. Researchers often employ questionnaires with Likert scales to measure constructs. In this note, we examine how the design of the survey instrument, specifically, its visual harmony, can impair measurement accuracy. Two studies investigate effects of visual harmony in surveys on responses to Likert scales using paper and pencil surveys. Applying an established customer relationship management model, Study 1 employs a survey of female visitors to a grocery store (n = 115). Switching to a product and brand innovation context, Study 2 employs a survey of male and female members of a consumer panel (n = 180) to examine responses to a new e‐scooter. Across studies, results indicate that assessing important consumer response constructs through visually more harmonious surveys can lead to more positive response patterns, lower scale reliability, and questionable validity, especially with females. Although these effects do not occur uniformly across measures and samples, they occur regardless of consumers' past experience with completing questionnaires, their familiarity with questionnaire design, and the naturalness and elaborateness of the visual design. Relating specific elements (e.g., text boxes, type font, shapes, and images) and relational properties of design (e.g., balance, symmetry, and coherence) to consumers' overall perception of harmony aids marketers and researchers in achieving intermediate levels to obtain realistic, reliable, and valid results.
Management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection complicated by cardiogenic shock using mechanical circulatory support with the Impella device
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Polak Samantha , George Zachary , LeDoux John , Sohn Richard , Stys Adam , Jeon Cathy , Ghazzawi Yousef , Wood Malissa
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim is to evaluate the feasibility of using mechanical circulatory support, specifically the Impella device, in spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) patients with cardiogenic shock.

Background

The therapeutic options for managing SCAD complicated by cardiogenic shock are limited. Risky revascularization procedures are often necessary.

Methods

This was a multicenter case series in the United States. Approximately 20 cases of Impella implantation in patients with SCAD are known. The implanting physician for each of these cases was contacted and de‐identified records were requested. The records were analyzed for Impella indications, outcomes, and complications.

Results

Records from four cases were received. All patients survived to hospital discharge and no major complications were observed. In two cases, cardiogenic shock developed in the absence of ongoing ischemia, suggesting a Takotsubo‐like cardiomyopathy. In these cases, the Impella provided hemodynamic support until the patient's cardiac function recovered.

Conclusion

Although a small case series, given the scarcity of SCAD cases complicated by cardiogenic shock and the limited therapies available to treat these patients, these data are of clinical value in highlighting the feasibility of Impella use in SCAD. The Impella can be valuable for procedural support and in cardiogenic shock, especially in cases without evidence of ongoing ischemia.
MnOx‐loaded Mesoporous Silica for the Catalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde. Effect of the Melt Infiltration Conditions on the Activity – Stability Behavior
Authors: Rochard Guillaume , Ciotonea Carmen , Ungureanu Adrian , Giraudon Jean‐Marc , Royer Sébastien , Lamonier Jean‐François
Published: December 2019

Conventional melt infiltration (over calcined SBA‐15 silica support) and optimized melt infiltration (over surfactant‐containing SBA‐15 support) were used for the first time to prepare MnOx nanoparticles encapsulated within the support pores. A comprehensive study on the evolution of textural, structural, and morphological characteristics of the MnOx‐silica composites as well as their redox and surface properties is reported herein by varying synthesis parameters, such as manganese loading (5, 10, 20 and 30 Mn wt.%), and post‐treatment temperature (300 and 500 °C). The catalytic performances of the materials prepared in this work have been evaluated in the catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde. The results show a high performance of the SBA‐15 supported manganese oxide at low‐ to moderate‐ temperatures of reaction (Temperature at 50 % of HCHO conversion into CO2 ranging from 110° to 150 °C), activity being related to Mn oxidation state (from 2.3 to 4) and MnOx phase location, confined with or without 2D spatial distribution in the support porosity or formed at the external surface of SBA‐15. A high stability (60 hours), under dry air and 50 % relative humidity air, is reported for MnOx‐based nanocatalysts prepared by conventional and optimized melt infiltration procedures.
Design of Ultra‐Microporous Carbons by Interpenetrating MF Prepolymer into PAAS Networks at Molecule Level for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Ma Yan‐Dong , Gao Jian‐Fei , Chen Xi‐Wen , Kong Ling‐Bin
Published: December 2019

The pore structure control of porous carbons, especially ultra‐microporous carbons, has long been a great challenge, and it is desirable to propose new strategies to deal with this dilemma. Herein, we designed and obtained ultra‐microporous dominant porous carbon materials (UMC‐IPNs) with an unimodal pore diameter of 0.6 nm by the strategy of interpenetrating polymer networks precursor carbonization. Thanks to the intertwining characteristics of the two interpenetrating polymer networks, the microphase separation which often occurs between the polymers is well suppressed, and also the pores of the as‐obtained ultra‐microporous carbons are interconnected. The calculated specific surface area is 1551 m2 g−1. Furthermore, as electrode material, UMC‐IPNs has been confirmed to have exceptional electrochemical performance (the specific capacitance is 268 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and after 10,000 cycles, the capacity is 96 % of the original at 6 A g−1) and rapid electrochemical kinetics (the surface capacitance effect ratio is about 85.4 % in our calculation results). In addition, ultra‐microporous carbons are interesting for other applications such as gas capture, catalysis, and sensor technology.
A perspective on modeling evolution
Authors: de Juan Anna , Mas Sílvia , Maeder Marcel , Tauler Romà
Published: December 2019

Data modeling is a wide concept that exists since long and encompasses all possible ways to interpret the information associated with a process, analytical measurement or set of related parameters that presents a systematic variation. Data modeling can follow the path of knowledge and be based on first principles or can focus on measurements and empirical models. These different approaches are known as hard‐ and soft‐modeling, respectively.

It seemed to us very appropriate to dedicate this article to Paul Gemperline, a person who has significantly contributed to the worlds of hard‐ and soft‐modeling, presumably acknowledging the value of looking at data from all possible perspectives.

The following pages do not intend to be an extensive review, but a personal perspective on values, milestones and progress of hard‐ and soft‐modeling and on the necessary existence and valuable combination of both ways to interpret chemical information.
Digital bandstop filtering in the quantitative analysis of glucose from near‐infrared and midinfrared spectra
Authors: Alrezj Osamah , Benaissa Mohammed , Alshebeili Saleh A.
Published: December 2019

This work proposes the use of bandstop filtering (BSF) as a pretreatment method in the quantitative analysis of glucose from both near‐infrared (NIR) and midinfrared (MIR) spectra. The proposed method is investigated and evaluated against the traditional bandpass filtering (BPF) and implemented with the linear calibration models principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict the glucose from an aqueous mixture consisting of glucose and human serum albumin dissolved in a phosphate buffer solution. The results obtained show that BSF pretreatment achieves better prediction performance than BPF in both the NIR and MIR spectral regions. For detailed analysis, the BPF and BSF were implemented under both the Butterworth and Chebyshev filter configurations in both bands; in the NIR region, the Butterworth BSF combined with the PLSR model provides the best glucose prediction by reducing the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) from 100 mg/dL without filtering to 34 mg/dL with a coefficient of determination R2 of .982. In the MIR region, the Chebyshev BSF combined with either PLSR or PCR improves the glucose prediction by reducing the RMSEP by 54% compared with 45% when using BPF and with R2 of.995.
Simultaneous determination of ten aminoglycoside antibiotics in aquatic feeds by high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry with pass‐through cleanup
Authors: Lou Xiaoyi , Tang Yunyu , Fang Changling , Kong Cong , Yu Huijuan , Shi Yongfu , Huang Dongmei , Guo Yaoguang , Xiao Dongxue
Published: December 2019

A simple and sensitive method has been established based on pass‐through cleanup and high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry (HPLC‐Q/Orbitrap MS) for the simultaneous determination of ten aminoglycosides (AGs) in aquatic feeds. The extraction solution and cleanup procedure had been optimized, and good sensitivity, accuracy, and precision were obtained. The calibration curves of AGs were linearity (R2 > 0.99) in the range of 2.0 to 200 μg/L (or 5.0 to 500 μg/L). The limits of detection of AGs were between 10 and 25 μg/kg. The recoveries of AGs ranged from 74.9% to 94.3%, and the intraday and interday relative standard deviations were less than 15%. Finally, this method was successfully applied to determine ten AGs in 30 aquatic feed samples. It might be the first time to use pass‐through cleanup approach combined with HPLC‐Q/Orbitrap MS method for AGs determination in aquatic feed samples.
An Atomistic Understanding of Allosteric Inhibition of Glutamate Racemase: a Dampening of Native Activation Dynamics
Authors: Witkin Katie R. , Vance Nicholas R. , Caldwell Colleen , Li Quinn , Yu Liping , Spies M. Ashley
Published: December 2019

Glutamate racemases (GR) are members of the family of bacterial enzymes known as cofactor‐independent racemases and epimerases and catalyze the stereoinversion of glutamate. D‐amino acids are universally important for the proper construction of viable bacterial cell walls, and thus have been repeatedly validated as attractive targets for novel antimicrobial drug design. Significant aspects of the mechanism of this challenging stereoinversion remain unknown. The current study employs a combination of MD and QM/MM computational approaches to show that the GR from H. pylori must proceed via a pre‐activation step, which is dependent on the enzyme's flexibility. This mechanism is starkly different from previously proposed mechanisms. These findings have immediate pharmaceutical relevance, as the H. pylori GR enzyme is a very attractive allosteric drug target. The results presented in this study offer a distinctly novel understanding of how AstraZeneca's lead series of inhibitors cripple the H. pylori GR's native motions, via prevention of this critical chemical pre‐activation step. Our experimental studies, using SPR, fluorescence and NMR WaterLOGSY, show that H. pylori GR is not inhibited by the uncompetitive mechanism originally put forward by Lundqvist et al.. The current study supports a deep connection between native enzyme motions and chemical reactivity, which has strong relevance to the field of allosteric drug discovery.
Accumulation of CD103+ CD8+ T cells in a cutaneous melanoma micrometastasis
Authors: Hochheiser Katharina , Aw Yeang Han Xian , Wagner Teagan , Tutuka Candani , Behren Andreas , Waithman Jason , Angel Christopher , Neeson Paul J , Gebhardt Thomas , Gyorki David E
Published: December 2019

Objective

The immune system can halt cancer progression by suppressing outgrowth of clinically occult micrometastases in a state of cancer‐immune equilibrium. Cutaneous melanoma provides a unique opportunity to study the immune contexture of such lesions, as miniscule skin metastases are accessible to clinical inspection and diagnostic biopsy.

Methods

Here, we analysed by multiplex immunofluorescence microscopy samples from a melanoma patient presenting with an overt and an occult in‐transit metastasis (ITM), the latter of which appeared as a small erythematous papule.

Results

Microarchitecture and immune composition in the two lesions were vastly different. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accumulated around the margin of the overt SOX10+ Melan A+ ITM but were largely excluded from the tumor centre. By contrast, the occult micrometastasis contained only few SOX10+ Melan A− melanoma cells which were scattered within a dense infiltrate of T cells, including a prominent population of CD103+ CD8+ T cells resembling tissue‐resident memory T (TRM) cells. Notably, almost every single melanoma cell in the micrometastasis was in close proximity to these TRM‐like cells.

Conclusion

Such results support the emerging concept that CD103+ CD8+ TRM cells are key mediators of cancer surveillance and imply an important function of these cells in controlling clinically occult micrometastases in humans.
Study of multiple impurity seeding effect using SONIC integrated divertor code for JT‐60SA plasma prediction
Authors: Yamoto Shohei , Hoshino Kazuo , Homma Yuki , Nakano Tomohide , Hayashi Nobuhiko
Published: December 2019

In order to study the potential impurity seeding operation regime of the future fusion devices, the first application of the integrated divertor code SONIC to the Ar + Ne mixed‐impurity seeding operation of JT‐60SA steady‐state high‐β plasma has been carried out. In the case, Ne is added to Ar‐only seeding, the separatrix electron density has fell into the desired low separatrix electron density of the scenario. This is mainly because the D+ flow velocity towards the inner divertor has been increased by the Ne seeding. The resultant friction force transports Ar impurities towards the inner divertor region, while impurities are stagnated in the top of scrape‐off layer (SOL) in the Ar‐only seeding case. The higher impurity radiation power in the divertor regions and lower one in the SOL region above the X point have been obtained in mixed‐impurity seeding cases, which show similar tendency as the Ar + Ne mixed‐impurity seeding experiment in JT‐60 U. At the core edge, Zeff has been slightly increased and the radiation power has been decreased as the Ne seeding rate increases. The core plasma/impurity transport has been also evaluated by the TOPICS code using the impurity density at the core edge computed by the SONIC as a boundary parameter. The results show lower Zeff and radiation power, and higher electron temperature in the core in the mixed‐impurity seeding cases. Above possible contributors to the better energy confinement indicate that the mixed‐impurity seeding operation might be more effective than Ar‐only seeding operation.