bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐altitude adaptations mitigate risk for hypertension and diabetes‐associated anemia
Authors: Wander Katherine , Su Mingjie , Mattison Peter M. , Sum Chun‐Yi , Witt Christopher C. , Shenk Mary K. , Blumenfield Tami , Li Hui , Mattison Siobhán M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Human populations native to high altitude exhibit numerous genetic adaptations to hypobaric hypoxia. Among Tibetan plateau peoples, these include increased vasodilation and uncoupling of erythropoiesis from hypoxia.

Objective/Methods

We tested the hypothesis that these high‐altitude adaptations reduce risk for hypertension and diabetes‐associated anemia among the Mosuo, a Tibetan‐descended population in the mountains of Southwest China that is experiencing rapid economic change and increased chronic disease risk.

Results

Hypertension was substantially less common among Mosuo than low‐altitude Han populations, and models fit to the Han predicted higher probability of hypertension than models fit to the Mosuo. Diabetes was positively associated with anemia among the Han, but not the Mosuo.

Conclusion

The Mosuo have lower risk for hypertension and diabetes‐associated anemia than the Han, supporting the hypothesis that high‐altitude adaptations affecting blood and circulation intersect with chronic disease processes to lower risk for these outcomes. As chronic diseases continue to grow as global health concerns, it is important to investigate how they may be affected by local genetic adaptations.
Nickela‐electrocatalyzed Mild C−H Alkylations at Room Temperature
Authors: Samanta Ramesh C. , Struwe Julia , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2020

Direct alkylations of carboxylic acid derivatives are challenging and particularly nickel catalysis commonly requires high reaction temperatures and strong bases, translating into limited substrate scope. Herein, nickel‐catalyzed C−H alkylations of unactivated 8‐aminoquinoline amides have been realized under exceedingly mild conditions, namely at room temperature, with a mild base and a user‐friendly electrochemical setup. This electrocatalyzed C−H alkylation displays high functional group tolerance and is applicable to both the primary and secondary alkylation. Based on detailed mechanistic studies, a nickel(II/III/I) catalytic manifold has been proposed.
Preparation and characterization of pitch coke from oxidized polymerized pitch
Authors: Zhu Yaming , Sun Shushuang , Xu Yunliang , Zhao Chunlei , Hu Chaoshuai , Cheng Junxia , Zhao Xuefei
Published: April 2020

Refined polymerized pitch (RPP) is a by‐product from the production of mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB). In order to understand the effects of an air oxidation treatment on the microstructure of the synthesized pitch coke, oxidized and polymerized pitch (prepared by oxidation in air with RPP as the raw material) has been used as the raw material to produce pitch coke. The microstructure of as‐prepared pitch coke was determined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy and was combined with a curve‐fitting method. The true density and micro‐strength of each pitch coke was also investigated in this study. The results showed that the oxidation of RPP in air caused a mosaic structure with amorphous carbon in the derived pitch coke. In addition, the micro‐strength of the derived pitch coke improved from 65% to 77%, and the amorphous carbon content also increased from 10.41% to 14.59% after the air oxidation treatment. Therefore, the air oxidation treatment of RPP took place before liquid‐carbonization and was a feasible method for the production of hard carbon.
The role of serum Dickkopf‐1 in predicting 30‐day death in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ke Xin , Yang Ming , Luo Jin‐Ming , Zhang Yu , Chen Xiao‐Yu
Published: April 2020

Objective

Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1), an inhibitor of the canonical/‐catenin cascade of the Wnt pathway, was upregulated in brain tissues of hemorrhagic stroke rats, and its rising circulating levels were associated with poor prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients. We attempted to ascertain the relationship between serum DKK‐1 levels and 30‐day death after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

Materials and methods

Serum DKK‐1 levels were gauged in a total of 94 sTBI patients and 94 healthy controls. Trauma severity was assessed using Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Rotterdam classification based on head computerized tomography scan. Prognostic variable was 30‐day death.

Results

Compared with controls, serum DKK‐1 levels were substantially elevated in patients (median value, 3.7 versus 1.0 ng/ml). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.802 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.708–0.877) for predicting 30‐day death. Adjusted logistic regression showed that serum DKK‐1 levels above 3.7 ng/ml remained as an independent marker of 30‐day death (odds ratio, 8.573; 95% CI, 1.386–53.020) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 7.322; 95% CI, 1.320–40.622). An intimate correlation existed between DKK‐1 levels and GCS scores (r = −.649) in addition to Rotterdam classification (r = .664).

Conclusions

High serum levels of DKK‐1 are closely associated with increasing severity and rising short‐term mortality of sTBI.
SNGH16 regulates cell autophagy to promote Sorafenib Resistance through suppressing miR‐23b‐3p via sponging EGR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jing Zhao , Ye Xiaoping , Ma Xiaojie , Hu Xiangrong , Yang Wenjun , Shi Junping , Chen Gongying , Gong Ling
Published: April 2020

Objective

Tumor cells could acquire drug resistance through cell autophagy. This study aimed to explore the role of SNHG16 in sorafenib‐resistant HCC cells and its mechanism with miR‐23b‐3p.

Methods

The sorafenib‐resistant Hep3B cell model was established. The SNHG16 and miR‐23b‐3p gene expressions were determined in normal HCC and sorafenib‐resistant HCC tissues. Detection of the expression of SNHG16 and miR‐23b‐3p and its respective correlation with survival rate were performed. Target genes to SNHG16 and miR‐23b‐3p were predicted, and verified by dual‐fluorescent reporter assay. The effects of SNHG16 and miR‐23b‐3p on SNHG16, miR‐23b‐3p, EGR1 expression, viability, apoptosis as well as LC3II/LC3 expression in Hep3B and Hep3B/So cells were detected by qRT‐PCR, CCK‐8, flow cytometry, and western blot. In in vivo studies, the NOD/SCID mice model was established to explore the effects of Hep3B and Hep3B/So cells with inhibited SNHG16 or miR‐23b‐3p on tumor size, EGR1 expression, and autophagy.

Results

High SNHG16 expression in HCC‐resistant tissues and low miR‐23b‐3p expression in all HCC tissues were detected, and the two were negatively correlated. Low SNHG16 and high miR‐23b‐3p were related to a high survival rate of HCC patients. Moreover, SNHG16 overexpression promoted Hep3B/So cell viability and autophagy, suppressed apoptosis by inhibiting miR‐23b‐3p expression through up‐regulating EGR1, however, the effect of si‐SNHG16 was opposite. In in vivo studies, miR‐23b‐3p inhibitor suppressed the high sorafenib sensitivity in Hep3B/So cells caused by SNHG16 silencing through promoting viability, autophagy, and suppressing apoptosis.

Conclusion

SNHG16 promotes Hep3B/So cell viability, autophagy, and inhibits apoptosis to maintain its resistance to sorafenib through regulating the expression of miR‐23b‐3p via sponging EGR1.
Functional characteristics and protein quality of selected commercially obtained brown and yellow canary seed flours and prepared isolates
Authors: Moura Marília A. F. , Perera Suneru , Ren Yikai , Takahashi Jacqueline A. , Ai Yongfeng , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Canary seed is a true cereal crop and classified as a “novel” food for human consumption. To explore potential food applications, the current study focused on evaluating the functional and nutritional properties of flours and protein isolates from glabrous (yellow and brown) canary seed.

Findings

The proximate composition, total starch and total amylose contents of the flours from both brown and yellow seeds were not significantly different. Both flours shared similar pasting properties and started developing viscosity at ~90°C. All the protein isolates showed >75% purity although were obtained in low yield (<5%). Most of the functional properties of the canary seed flour were significantly lower than those of the protein isolates. Similarly, lower digestibility of the flours (<32% in vitro protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid scores—PDCAAS) was evident in comparison with the isolates (>50% in vitro PDCAAS).

Conclusions

There are no significant differences between the yellow and brown canary seed proteins in terms of their composition, and functional and nutritional properties. However, marked differences were observed between the flours and protein isolates. The selection of yellow seed over the brown seed could be based on the color attributes of the flour or isolates for the intended product application.

Significance and novelty

This study provides insight on the protein quality, that is, functional and nutritional properties, of flour and protein isolates from yellow and brown canary seed. The findings provide prospects of selecting yellow seeds versus brown seeds for product applications based on their protein quality.
Reaktionstechnik in Corona‐Zeiten
Authors: Klemm Elias , Sauer Jörg
Published: April 2020

No abstract.
Computational fluid dynamics modelling of hydrocarbon fires in open environments: Literature review
Authors: Palacios Adriana , Rengel Borja , Casal Joaquim , Pastor Elsa , Planas Eulàlia
Published: April 2020

Hydrocarbon fuels are involved in most major fire accidents occurring in industrial facilities. Due to the need for an in‐depth understanding of the phenomena associated with hydrocarbon fires, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling has been widely employed in the field of fire risk analysis over the last decades. The aim of the present review is to provide the reader with a comprehensive compilation and discussion of the most important aspects involving CFD modelling to simulate hydrocarbon fires in open environments. The fire sizes simulated, the fuels used, the codes employed, the variables of interest measured, the simulation purposes and the results accuracy have been examined through a wide literature survey, which includes peer‐reviewed journals and congress papers dating from the 90s until now.
Increasing the efficiency of recurrent selection for angular leaf spot resistance in common bean
Authors: Librelon Samira Santiago , Pádua Paula Furtado de , Abreu Ângela de Fátima Barbosa , Ramalho Magno Antonio Patto , Souza Elaine Aparecida de
Published: April 2020

A common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding program for resistance to Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) Crous & U. Braun (angular leaf spot) using recurrent selection has been conducted since 1998 in Brazil. The selection has been carried out in the field with high natural occurrence of the pathogen. One recurrent selection cycle has been conducted per year. The efficiency of artificial inoculation of P. griseola and early assessment of angular leaf spot severity in common bean progenies of this program were evaluated. For this, 254 and 166 S0:1 progenies from Cycles XVI and XVIII, respectively, were assessed for angular leaf spot severity in field, with natural occurrence of the pathogen and in greenhouse with artificial inoculation of P. griseola. Most progenies showed a high level of resistance to angular leaf spot, indicating the efficiency of recurrent selection. Artificial inoculation of P. griseola in the greenhouse showed promise for the selection of resistant plants in a recurrent selection program allowing breeders to carry out two cycles per year. A scheme was proposed that combined the advantages of early‐generation selection with artificial inoculation of the pathogen in greenhouse with the advantages of selection in field with natural occurrence of P. griseola in the dry season, increasing genetic gain per unit time.
Comparing yield trial locations based on their elicited expressions of genetic variance among soybean cultivars
Authors: Ashworth Amanda J. , Knapp Victoria , Allen Fred L. , Saxton Arnold M.
Published: April 2020

Main considerations for yield trial site selection are the ability to discriminate among genotypes, minimize redundancy, and generate a genotype × environment interaction representative of the targeted market region. The objective was to utilize soybean (Glycine max L.) variety trial results of five relative maturity group (MG) tests at five Tennessee locations spanning 14 yr to compare test location uniqueness and/or redundancy via genetic variance estimates (estimated as twice the genetic variance among homozygous lines) and cluster analysis. Principle components analyses allowed for location comparisons of genetic variance expression among cultivars in different MG tests. Individual location, test, and year genetic variance estimates ranged from < 1–285 (Mg ha−1)2. Years and locations affected the magnitude of genetic variance, with years largely driving genetic expression within MGs in these environments. Location‐induced effects were likely owing to different MGs experiencing soil moisture and temperature (day and nighttime) at varying maturity stages. Within a given location, the magnitudes of genetic variance estimates were similar among the five MGs, illustrating that glyphosate‐tolerant and nontolerant cultivars had similar genetic variability. There were three sets of three locations that consistently provided nonredundant genetic expression, with two locations being duplicative. These results indicate that four of the five locations are needed, and one location could be eliminated without compromising cultivar yield trial information for five MG tests. Such analyses are worthwhile for comparing yield trial locations for their discriminating ability and representativeness that are essential for a robust variety test program within a targeted region.
Telesurgery QoS improvement over SDN based on a Type‐2 fuzzy system and enhanced cuckoo optimization algorithm
Authors: Parsaei Mohammad Reza , Boveiri Hamid Reza , Javidan Reza , Khayami Raouf
Published: April 2020

Telemedicine is a new area based on the information and communication technology for collecting, storing, organizing, retrieving and exchanging medical information. One of the most important applications of telemedicine is indeed telesurgery in which an efficient telecommunication infrastructure between the surgery room and remote surgeons need to be established. One of the most important issues to be tackled in telesurgery is to find favorable links for routing as well as providing high Quality of Service (QoS). In this paper, an efficient model based on the hybridization of Type‐2 Fuzzy System (T2FS) and Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) over the Software Defined Networks (SDN) is proposed in order to achieve optimal and reliable routes for telesurgery application. Using T2FS, the fitness of the links is determined; then, a COA is conducted over the Constraint Shortest Path (CSP) problem to find the best routes. Delay is considered as a CSP problem which is satisfied by trying to find the paths with minimum cost. Due to the NP‐completeness of the CSP problem, an Enhanced COA (so‐called E‐COA) is proposed and utilized as a metaheuristic solver. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first SDN‐based communication model that applies both T2FS and E‐COA for assigning proper costs to the network's links, and solves the consequence CSP problem according to the QoS requirement for telesurgery. The model also recognizes and preserves the second‐best routes in order to keep the reliability for such a critical application. In addition to the simulations, the performance evaluation is also conducted on a real experimental scenario. Many comparisons are carried out between the proposed model and other conventional methods, and the evaluation study shows the superiority of the proposed model on all the three QoS‐related metrics, i.e. average end‐to‐end delay, packet loss ratio and PSNR.
DORS: A data overhead reduction scheme for hybrid networks in smart cities
Authors: Said Omar , Tolba Amr
Published: April 2020

Today, smart cities represent an effective digital platform for facilitating our lives by shifting all stakeholders toward more sustainable behavior. Consequently, the field of smart cities has become an increasingly important research area. The smart city comprises a huge number of hybrid networks, with each network containing an enormous number of nodes that transmit massive amounts of data, thus giving rise to many network problems, such as delay and loss of connectivity. Decreasing the amount of such transmitted data is a great challenge. This paper presents a data overhead reduction scheme (DORS) for heterogeneous networks in smart city environments that comprise five different methods: median, nonlinear least squares, compression, data merging, and prioritization. Each method is applied according to the current status of quality of service. To measure the performance of the proposed model, a simulation environment is constructed for a smart city using network simulation package, NS2. The obtained results indicate that DORS has the capability to decrease the size of transmitted data in the simulated smart city environment while attaining a notable performance enhancement in terms of data reduction rate, end‐to‐end delay, packet loss ratio, throughput, and energy consumption ratio.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi drive positive phylogenetic plant–soil feedbacks in a regionally dominant tropical plant family
Authors: Segnitz R. Max , Russo Sabrina E. , Davies Stuart J. , Peay Kabir G.
Published: April 2020

While work in temperate forests suggests that there are consistent differences in plant–soil feedback (PSF) between plants with arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal associations, it is unclear whether these differences exist in tropical rainforests. We tested the effects of mycorrhizal type, phylogenetic relationships to overstory species, and soil fertility on the growth of tree seedlings in a tropical Bornean rainforest with a high diversity of both ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal trees. We found that ectomycorrhizal tree seedlings had higher growth in soils conditioned by close relatives and that this was associated with higher mycorrhizal colonization. By contrast, arbuscular mycorrhizal tree seedlings generally grew more poorly in soils conditioned by close relatives. For ectomycorrhizal species, the phylogenetic trend was insensitive to soil fertility. For arbuscular mycorrhizal seedlings, however, the effect of growing in soils conditioned by close relatives became increasingly negative as soil fertility increased. Our results demonstrate consistent effects of mycorrhizal type on plant–soil feedbacks across forest biomes. The positive effects of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis may help explain biogeographic variation across tropical forests, such as familial dominance of the Dipterocarpaceae in southeast Asia. However, positive feedbacks also raise questions about the role of PSFs in maintaining tropical diversity.
Are tiny subterranean ants top predators affecting aboveground ant communities?
Authors: Ohyama Leo , King Joshua R. , Jenkins David G.
Published: April 2020

Ants are a widespread group of ecologically important insects. Therefore, ants that are important predators of other ants are likely to play key roles by changing the abundance and impacts of their prey. Familiar arthropod predators, like army ants, are known for their overwhelming raids on invertebrate prey but are limited to mostly tropical systems. Thief ants (Genus: Solenopsis Westwood) are a cosmopolitan group of mostly subterranean ants found in a wide variety of ecosystem types. They are known for their extremely small sizes and their specialized predation where they stealthily tunnel into the nests of other larger ant species to capture and consume only immature ants (larvae and pupae). Predation of ant colonies by other ants, and specialized predatory behaviors of presumed top ant predators (e.g., army ants) are well known. However long‐term predation effects, such as across several seasons, are still poorly understood because of a lack of experimental studies. Here we report results of a ~1.5‐year press field experiment where thief ants were reduced in natural ant communities. Potential impacts, such as predator‐release, were quantified by sampling the co‐occurring ant community. Compared to control plots, overall worker abundance and biomass increased where thief ants were reduced, and effects varied among ant species. Results suggest predator release as select aboveground foraging ant species increased in abundance and that thief ants may act as significant predators. Because thief ants are abundant and widespread, similar predatory effects may occur in many ant communities, and our understanding of important predators may need to adjust to include thieving species as well as army ants. Thief ants are very abundant, tiny, specialized to consume immature life stages, equipped with powerful venom, eusocial, and subterranean. This suite of adaptive traits seems unique to eusocial predators compared to animals, where “thieving” predators are usually larger in size compared to their adult‐sized prey. Future work quantifying top‐down regulation of prey and cascading consumptive and non‐consumptive effects will help to understand thief ant predation and potential effects on ecosystem processes.
Electrospun Fe2TiO5–TiO2@Graphene Nanofibers as Highly Durable Insertion Anode with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Zhengping , Sun Haiyan , Lu Qifang
Published: April 2020

Iron titanate is of considerable interest as a potential anode material for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Herein, a fiber‐like Fe2TiO5–TiO2@graphene (rGO–FTO–TO) hybrid structure is rationally designed and delicately fabricated by anchoring reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets on Fe2TiO5–TiO2 (FTO–TO) nanofibers. The effective wrapping of rGO nanosheets can greatly improve the electrical conductivity and reduce the volume expansion. When evaluated as an anode, the rGO–FTO–TO exhibits remarkable lithium storage properties in terms of high capacity, long‐term cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. Moreover, there exists a strong electrostatic interaction between rGO nanosheets and FTO–TO nanofibers by the introduction of aminopropyltriethoxysilane to induce the immobilization of a positively charged NH3+ group on the FTO–TO surface, promoting the bonding with negatively charged carboxylic acid (COO−) and hydroxyl (OH) groups on the rGO. With strong electrostatic interaction, the rGO–FTO–TO exhibits appreciably enhanced initial capacity, elevated capacity retention, and high columbic efficiency compared with those of pristine FTO–TO nanofibers. This work provides a feasible strategy for fabricating a graphene‐encapsulated FTO–TO fiber‐like composite as a promising high‐performance anode for lithium‐ion batteries.
A Cross‐Linked PCBM Interlayer for Efficient and UV‐Stable Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Zhimin , Liu Ning , Liu Zhou , Wang Xiao , Hu Youdi , Xu Qiaofei , Li Shunde , Qiao Zhi , Cheng Lei , Wang Chunwu , Meng Ke , Chen Gang
Published: April 2020

Interfacial engineering is crucial for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to ensure efficient charge carrier transfer, and pivotal for device performances. Herein, a novel cross‐linked PCBM (CL‐PCBM) interlayer at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface of the methylammonium‐free PSC device is incorporated. The dimeric PCBM interlayer prepared using a facile UV cross‐linking technique concurrently improves the quality of the resultant perovskite film and the charge transfer capability of the ETL, leading to significantly enhanced device photovoltaic performances. In addition, the PSC devices integrating the CL‐PCBM interlayers exhibit superior humidity and UV stabilities. The successful employment of the CL‐PCBM interlayer can bring new insight into the design and engineering of high‐quality interfaces for efficient PSCs.
Lead Sulfide Nanocubes for Solar Energy Storage
Authors: Lemsi Amira , Cardenas-Morcoso Drialys , Haro Marta , Gil-Barrachina Carlos , Aranda Clara , Maghraoui-Meherzi Hager , García-Tecedor Miguel , Giménez Sixto , Julián-López Beatriz
Published: April 2020

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanocubes are produced by a very simple solvothermal procedure that uses a unique molecule, ethylenediamine, as solvent and capping ligand to control the size and shape of the nanocrystals. Detailed structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical evaluation confirms the suitability of these nanoparticles for photocapacitive applications, when synergistically combined with spin‐coated BiVO4 photoelectrodes, as derived from the estimated energy diagram. Furthermore, the p–n junction facilitates the photo‐oxidation of PbS nanoparticles under light irradiation. In the dark, the photogenerated charges are released providing an electric output response with a solar‐to‐current efficiency of 0.042%, storing extra energy to the H2 produced by water splitting when the BiVO4 photoanode works under illumination. Herein, the importance of the synthetic route and methodology to ensemble materials for advanced solar energy storage applications is highlighted.
Exergy analysis of a diesel engine fuelled with Aegle marmelos de‐oiled seed cake pyrolysis oil opus
Authors: Baranitharan P.
Published: April 2020

Biofuel is a renewable fuel and can be used as a replacement for diesel. Pyrolysis oil can be derived from non‐edible de‐oiled seed cakes. This investigation focuses on the exergy investigation of a compression ignition (CI) engine to maximize the work exergy (availability) and minimize the destroyed exergy, powered by Aegle marmelos (AM) de‐oiled seed cake bio‐oil blends. A dual blend of diesel and AM pyrolysis oil was taken in ratios, F0 = 100 + 0, F5 = 95 + 5, F10 = 90 + 10, F15 = 85 + 15, and F20 = 80 + 20 and were tested on a constant speed CI engine at standard compression ratio. The investigational analysis exhibited that a high amount of oxygen content in AM pyrolysis oil blends increased the brake thermal efficiency and decreased the brake‐specific fuel consumption compared with diesel (F0). The owing exergy efficiency was obtained from the F20 blend (57.21%) at 100% load (W). Based on the investigation, considering availability and performance behavior of F5, F10, F15, and F20 blends were suggested as suitable biofuel alternatives to diesel.
Energy Management Controller for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Sat‐Nav Data
Authors: Al‐Sagheer Y. , Steinberger‐Wilckens R.
Published: April 2020

The hybridization of fuel cells (FC) and battery in electric vehicles necessitates designing an energy management system (EMS) for optimal energy use of the two power sources. The EMS represents a high‐level controller (HLC) calculating the optimal power split between the two power sources, using a prediction model for the vehicle's electric load over a planned journey trajectory. However, the instantaneous actual power demand of the vehicle is likely to deviate from the prediction due to varying traffic circumstances. This power offset needs to be compensated for whilst the optimality is still considered. A control approach is proposed here that converts the optimal power split into a dimensionless power split ratio (PSR). This ratio is passed to a low‐level controller (LLC) to be implemented as a set‐point. The LLC is responsible for simultaneously controlling the power of the FC and the battery using solely one control element, which is the DC‐DC boost converter. The PSR will be maintained whatever the actual power demand of the vehicle is. This approach will result in a fully controlled optimal power utilization, so that the high efficiency of the battery and the extended range enabled by the FC system are used to best effect.
Influence of Structural Modification of Micro‐Porous Layer and Catalyst Layer on Performance and Water Management of PEM Fuel Cells: Hydrophobicity and Porosity
Authors: Mohseninia A. , Kartouzian D. , Eppler M. , Langner P. , Markötter H. , Wilhelm F. , Scholta J. , Manke I.
Published: April 2020

The influence of hydrophobicity and porosity of the catalyst layer (CL) and cathode microporous layer (MPLC) on water distribution and performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is investigated. Hydrophobicity of the layers is altered with the addition of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and mono‐dispersed polymer particles are utilized to introduce the macro‐pores with a diameter of 0.5 µm and 30 µm within the CL and MPLC, respectively.

The treated materials are implemented in a specially designed fuel cell with an active area of 8 cm2 to perform operando high‐resolution neutron tomography measurements. At high current density and humid operating conditions, MPLs with higher PTFE content increase the overall water content of the cell. The more hydrophobic MPL (40 wt.% PTFE) performs below the corresponding reference MPL (20 wt.% PTFE), whereas the performance result of double layer MPLC gives hint for further potential improvements of such design. The local water saturation beneath the land regions with the presence of perforated CL and MPLC is increased which is explained by lower capillary pressure barriers of bigger pores. Despite a higher water content, the perforated layers enhance the performance of the cell at both dry (RH 70%) and humid conditions (RH 120%), indicating that the parallel two‐phase flow is facilitated where the oxygen is transported through small pores and the water is preferentially transported through the bigger pores.
Proton and photon radiosensitization effects of niraparib, a PARP‐1/‐2 inhibitor, on human head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Wang Li , Cao Jianzhong , Wang Xiaochun , Lin Eric , Wang Zeming , Li Yuting , Li Yupeng , Chen Mei , Wang Xianliang , Jiang Bo , Zhang Ruiping , Sahoo Narayan , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhu X. Ronald , Myers Jeffrey N. , Frank Steven J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Combining photon or proton radiotherapy with targeted therapy shows promise for head and neck cancer (HNSCC). The poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]‐ribose) polymerase‐1/2 inhibitor niraparib targets DNA damage repair (DDR). We evaluated the effects of niraparib in combination with photons or protons, and its effects on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of protons, in human HNSCC cell lines.

Methods

Radiosensitivity was assessed and RBE was calculated with clonogenic survival assays; unrepaired DNA double‐strand breaks were evaluated using immunocytochemical analysis of 53BP1 foci.

Results

Niraparib reduced colony formation in two of the four cell lines tested (P < .05), enhanced radiosensitivity in all four cell lines, delayed DDR (P < .05), and increased proton vs photon RBE.

Conclusion

Niraparib enhanced the sensitivity of four HNSCC cell lines to both photons and protons and increased the RBE of protons, possibly by inhibiting DDR. Niraparib may enhance the effectiveness of both photon and proton radiotherapy for patients with HNSCC.
Improving outcomes for marginalised rural families through a care navigator program
Authors: Kirby Sue , Edwards Karen , Yu Serena , van Gool Kees , Powell‐Davies Gawaine , Harris‐Roxas Ben , Gresham Ellie , Harris Mark , Hall Jane
Published: April 2020

Issues addressed

Health promotion programs are based on the premise that health and well‐being is impacted by a person's living circumstances, not just factors within the health arena. Chronic health issues require integrated services from health and social services. Navigator positions are effective in assisting chronic disease patients to access services. This family program in a small rural town in Western New South Wales targeted marginalised families with children under five years of age with a chronic health issue. The navigator developed a cross‐sectoral care plan to provide services to address family issues. The study aimed to identify navigator factors supporting improved family outcomes.

Methods

Participants included parent/clients (n = 4) and the cross‐sectoral professional team (n = 9) involved in the program. During the interview, participants were asked about their perspective of the program. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed informed by the Chronic Care Model underpinned by Health Promotion Theory.

Results

The program improved client family's lives in relation to children's health and other family health and social issues. Trust in the care navigator was the most important factor for parents to join and engage with the program. The care navigator role was essential to maintaining client engagement and supporting cooperation between services to support families.

Conclusion

Essential care navigator skills were commitment, ability to persuade and empower parents and other professionals.

So what?

This descriptive study demonstrated the positive influence of the care navigator and the program on high risk families in a small isolated community. It can be adopted by other communities to improve life for families at risk.
Health literacy needs in weight management of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Lim Siew , Smith Caroline A. , Costello Michael F. , MacMillan Freya , Moran Lisa , Teede Helena , Ee Carolyn
Published: April 2020

Issue addressed

Lifestyle modification plays a key role in weight management and chronic disease prevention in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS experience challenges in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours, which may be related to health literacy. The aims of this study were to explore the health literacy needs of women with PCOS in lifestyle and weight management to inform research and practice.

Methods

Ten women with PCOS participated in focus groups and semi‐structured telephone interviews on lifestyle and weight management in PCOS.

Results

For functional health literacy, women with PCOS are highly motivated for lifestyle and weight management due to the long‐term consequences of PCOS. For interactive health literacy, barriers included delayed diagnosis and poor communication. Women with PCOS were resourceful in accessing a wide range of weight management services but some experience barriers such as costs or the feelings of embarrassment associated with accessing relevant services. For critical health literacy, no facilitators and barriers could be identified for the domain of participation in making decisions for health.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS experience facilitators and barriers in functional and interactive health literacy in lifestyle and weight management.

So what?

Future interventions should seek to further understand and address these gaps in health literacy by increasing weight management skills through behaviour change techniques, improving health professional‐patient communication through tools such as question prompt lists, enhancing peer support by increasing distributed health literacy in PCOS support groups and by providing opportunities for co‐design of interventions.
Sustained release of human platelet lysate growth factors by thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan hydrogel promotes skin wound healing in rats
Authors: Lim Thou , Tang Qian , Zhu Zhenzhong , Wei Xiaojuan , Zhang Changqing
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the effect of thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) hydrogel loaded with human platelet lysate (hPL) on skin wound healing in rats. hPLs were generated by freeze–thaw method of platelet‐rich plasma from healthy donors. Successful grafting of hydroxybutyl group to chitosan molecular chain to obtain HBC hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. HBC/hPL was prepared by combining 10% (vol/vol) hPL with HBC solution. Surface morphologies were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy, rheological properties were measured by rheometer, and sustained release of factors from HBC/hPL was measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. We evaluated the in vitro effect of HBC/hPL on human umbilical cord vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and tube formation. The effect of growth factors released from HBC/hPL in promoting skin wound healing was evaluated by gross observation, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence in vivo. Rheological analyses indicated the gelation temperatures of HBC and HBC/hPL were 17 and 14°C, respectively. ELISA showed sustained release of human platelet‐derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor‐β1 from HBC/hPL hydrogel. In vitro studies revealed HBC/hPL promoted greater levels of HUVECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation than the HBC and control groups. In vivo studies showed better wound healing, greater amounts of newly formed collagen, as well as neovascular and neo‐epidermis markers in the wound site of HBC/hPL‐treated group compared to the HBC and control groups. HBC/hPL is a promising potential therapeutic agent for promoting skin wound healing via the sustained release of growth factors.
Creation of a contractile biomaterial from a decellularized spinach leaf without ECM protein coating: An in vitro study
Authors: Robbins Emily R. , Pins George D. , Laflamme Michael A. , Gaudette Glenn R.
Published: April 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) results in the death of cardiac tissue, decreases regional contraction, and can lead to heart failure. Tissue engineered cardiac patches containing human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS‐CMs) can restore contractile function. However, cells within thick patches require vasculature for blood flow. Recently, we demonstrated fibronectin coated decellularized leaves provide a suitable scaffold for hiPS‐CMs. Yet, the necessity of this additional coating step is unclear. Therefore, we compared hiPS‐CM behavior on decellularized leaves coated with collagen IV or fibronectin extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to noncoated leaves for up to 21 days. Successful coating was verified by immunofluorescence. Similar numbers of hiPS‐CMs adhered to coated and noncoated decellularized leaves for 21 days. At Day 14, collagen IV coated leaves contracted more than noncoated leaves (3.25 ± 0.39% vs. 1.54 ± 0.60%; p < .05). However, no differences in contraction were found between coated leaves, coated tissue culture plastic (TCP), noncoated leaves, or noncoated TCP at other time points. No significant differences were observed in hiPS‐CM spreading or sarcomere lengths on leaves with or without coating. This study demonstrates that cardiac scaffolds can be created from decellularized leaves without ECM coatings. Noncoated decellularized leaf surfaces facilitate robust cell attachment for an engineered tissue patch.
Audit quality and audit size: Evidence from auditor mergers in China
Authors: Zhan Jun , Her Young‐Won , Chen Keji
Published: April 2020

Focusing on the surge of mergers among Chinese local accounting firms around the year 2000, this study examines the impacts of auditor mergers on audit quality, and documents increased earnings quality for non‐Big 5 clients during the postmerger period. The study also brings up the question for further investigation, whether the Big 5 auditors provide significant higher quality audits than the non‐Big auditors do in China, a far less litigious audit market environment, during the period of 1999–2002. We find limited differences in terms of audit quality between the Big 5 and non‐Big 5 auditors. We do not find significant differences in reported discretionary accruals and probability of reporting losses between Big 5 clients and non‐Big 5 clients. Only with the earnings conservatism proxy, clients with Big 5 recognize bad news more quickly than non‐Big 5 clients. Furthermore, findings of this study suggest the Big 5 audits do not contribute to the accruals quality differences in China, implying legal enforcement and litigation risks have greater propensity to drive auditor incentives.
Induction and maintenance of specific multipotent progenitor stem cells synergistically mediated by Activin A and BMP4 signaling
Authors: Chen Yanglin , Wu Baojiang , Zheng Li , Wu Caixia , Wei Mengyi , Chen Chen , Li Xihe , Bao Siqin
Published: April 2020

We recently reported that epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs)‐like cells could be derived from preimplantation embryos (named as AFSCs). Here, we established AFSCs from pre‐implantation embryos of multiple mouse strains and showed that unlike EpiSCs, the derivation efficiency of AFSCs was affected by the genetic background. We then used AFSCs lines to dissect the roles of Activin A (Act A) and basic fibroblast growth factor and reported that Act A alone was capable of maintaining self‐renewal but not developmental potential in vivo. Finally, we established a novel experimental system, in which AFSCs were efficiently converted to multipotent progenitor stem cells using Act A and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (named as ABSCs). Importantly, these ABSCs contributed to neural mesodermal progenitors and lateral plate mesoderm in postimplantation chimeras. Taken together, our study established a robust experimental system for the generation of specific multipotent progenitor stem cells that was self‐renewable and capable of contributing to embryonic and extra‐embryonic tissues.
Neuroprotective effect of melatonin on radiation‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brainstem of rats
Authors: Motallebzadeh Elham , Tameh Abolfazl Azami , Zavareh Sayyed Alireza Talaei , Farhood Bagher , Aliasgharzedeh Akbar , Mohseni Mehran
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin on irradiation‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brainstem region of Wistar rats. Therefore, the animals underwent whole‐brain X‐radiation with a single dose of 25 Gy in the presence or absence of melatonin pretreatment at a concentration of 100 mg/kg BW. The rats were allocated into four groups (10 rats in each group): namely, vehicle control (VC), 100 mg/kg of melatonin alone (MLT), irradiation‐only (RAD), and irradiation plus 100 mg/kg of melatonin (RAM). An hour before irradiation, the animals received intraperitoneal (IP) melatonin and then were killed after 6 hr, followed by measurement of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the brainstem region. Furthermore, the western blot analysis technique was performed to assess the caspase‐3 expression level. Results showed significantly higher MDA and NO levels in the brainstem tissues for the RAD group when compared with the VC group (p < .001). Moreover, the irradiated rats exhibited a significant decrease in the levels of CAT, SOD, GPx, and TAC (p < .01, p < .001, p < .001, and p < .001, respectively) in comparison to the VC group. The results of apoptosis assessment revealed that the expression level of caspase‐3 significantly rose in the RAD group in comparison with the VC group (p < .001). Pretreatment with melatonin ameliorated the radiation‐induced adverse effects by decreasing the MDA and NO levels (p < .001) and increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities (p < .001). Consequently, the caspase‐3 protein expression level in the RAM group showed a significant reduction in comparison with the RAD group (p < .001). In conclusion, melatonin approximately showed a capacity for neuroprotective activity in managing irradiation‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the brainstem of rats; however, the use of melatonin as a neuroprotective agent in humans requires further study, particularly clinical trials.
Prenatal two‐and three‐dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta: Case report and literature review
Authors: Ma Jianing , Zhang Ying , Wang Yu , Zhao Leisheng
Published: April 2020

In utero diagnosis of anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AOPA) has been rarely reported, although this malformation has a high mortality rate due to the rapid development of pulmonary hypertension. We report two cases of AOPA, in which either the left or the right pulmonary artery originated from the distal part of the ascending aorta. Scanning around the three‐vessel view to search for the origin of the left and right pulmonary arteries is essential for the diagnosis. In addition, recognition of an abnormal vessel at the three‐vessel tracheal view is also useful. Three‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation technique facilitates the identification of the anomalous origin of the pulmonary artery and should be considered a complementary modality in fetal cardiac examinations.
On Purpose: Leader Self‐Development and the Meaning of Purposeful Engagement
Authors: Walker Dayna O. H. , Reichard Rebecca J.
Published: April 2020

For leaders to develop deep‐level change, they must do so “on purpose.” Developmental experience alone—be it training, job assignments, coaching, or mentoring—is not adequate to develop leadership. Instead, leaders' purposeful engagement with experience develops leadership, particularly at the deepest levels of change. The current article defines leader self‐development and explains how the reasons a leader develops (i.e., autonomy) are just as important as a leader's ability to develop (i.e., self‐regulation). Increased attention to leader self‐development will allow practitioners to foster deeper, larger, and more long‐lasting changes in individuals' capacity to lead and will allow researchers to get to the core of examining the process of development.
A multi‐century meteo‐hydrological analysis for the Adda river basin (Central Alps). Part I: Gridded monthly precipitation (1800–2016) records
Authors: Crespi Alice , Brunetti Michele , Ranzi Roberto , Tomirotti Massimo , Maugeri Maurizio
Published: April 2020

The 1800–2016 monthly precipitation record for the upper Adda river basin is presented. It is computed by applying the anomaly method to a quality‐checked and homogenized observation database. The reconstruction accuracy and its evolution over the study period is evaluated at both station and grid‐cell levels. The anomaly‐based interpolation provides rather robust estimates even for the early years of sparse station coverage with basin precipitation reconstruction errors around 10%. The Theil‐Sen trend analysis on the basin precipitation series shows significant (Mann‐Kendall p value <.05) long‐term tendencies of −3.8 ± 1.9% and −9.3 ± 3.8% century−1 for annual and autumn precipitation, respectively, even though the annual trend is not significant by excluding the first decades from the evaluation. As the basin precipitation record is expected to be underestimated due to the rain‐gauge snow undercatch, the monthly precipitation fields are subjected to a correction procedure which allows to derive the multiplicative correcting constant to be applied to the basin annual precipitation series. The comparison between 1845 and 2016 yearly corrected precipitation and runoff records highlights current annual water losses of about 400 mm while the annual runoff coefficients exhibit a long‐term significant decrease of −6.4 ± 1.0% century−1. This change in the hydrological cycle is mostly to be ascribed to the strong long‐term reduction in annual runoff values (−11.8 ± 3.2% century−1) driven by increasing evapotranspiration due to both temperature increase and, likely, land‐use changes.