bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing Real Driving Emissions of Heavy‐Duty Vehicles – Exhaust Systems and Legislation
Authors: von Pyschow Christian , Geißelmann Andreas , Beidl Christian
Published: January 2019

Despite of generally improving air quality, many European urban areas fail to comply with current immission rules. Therefore, in the automotive sector including commercial vehicles tighter limits and test procedures for real driving emissions are in discussion or have already been adopted. For the commercial vehicle sector corresponding regulations are discussed as well as challenges and measures to meet the upcoming more stringent requirements.
Primary adrenal Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Haykal Tarek , Zayed Yazan
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

A 75‐year‐old man with a left adrenal mass found on CT scan showed Hodgkin disease on biopsy. Bone marrow biopsy was normal. This is the fourth case in the literature of primary adrenal Hodgkin lymphoma. Multiple chemotherapy lines were given, and the patient years later are alive and in progression of disease.
The different dissipation behavior of chiral pesticide paclobutrazol in the brine during Chinese cabbage pickling process
Authors: Zhao Yue , Ouyang Meinan , Xiong Yabing , Wang Dandan , Guo Haoming , Yang Zhonghua
Published: January 2019

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a kind of chiral pesticide, which is a plant growth regulator and has fungicidal activity. Because of the steric‐hindrance effect, there are two enantiomers (2S, 3S; 2R, 3R) in the production. This research studied on the dissipation behavior of chiral pesticide PBZ in the brine during the Chinese cabbage pickled process by phase column‐high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The result demonstrated the PBZ enantiomers had the different dissipation in the brine. The study on the behavior of chiral pesticide PBZ in food may provide more sufficient data and information for understanding the potential risk in food and evaluating the environmental pollution at the enantiomer level.
Wenn Leichen auf Gerichtsmediziner treffen
Authors: Theofel Nadine , Roscher Sonja , Scholtis Stefan , Tsokos Michael
Published: January 2019

Die Gerichtsmedizin ist ein sehr vielfältiges Feld und setzt sich überwiegend mit Fällen auseinander, bei denen die Betroffenen laut Aussagen der Staatsanwaltschaft an einer unklaren Todesursache verstorben sind. Im Rahmen dieser hoheitlichen Aufgabe kommt der Forensischen Toxikologie eine besondere Rolle zu. Sie untersucht mithilfe von Instrumenteller Analytik, ob eine toxikologische Beeinflussung vor Eintritt des Todes vorlag. Dabei spielt es keine Rolle, welche Matrix untersucht wird. In den meisten Fällen wird die Vergiftung aufgespürt. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden zwei Fälle vorgestellt, die unterschiedliche Herangehensweisen innerhalb der Forensischen Toxikologie verdeutlichen. So wurde im ersten Fall vor Todeseintritt eine Überdosis an MDMA konsumiert, während im zweiten Fall eine unter Drogen stehende Handlung mit dem Überleben nicht mehr vereinbar war.
Chloride‐Induced Highly Active Au Catalyst for Methyl Esterification of Alcohols
Authors: Zhang Chengming , Wang Yongzhao
Published: January 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Chloride is generally regarded as a harmful species for the heterogeneous catalysts, especially Au catalysts. In this work, a series of active Au/NiOx catalysts were successfully prepared with co‐precipitation method by tracking the concentrations of chloride in the re‐dispersed aqueous solutions. For methyl esterification of alcohols, the highest active Au/NiOx catalysts could be prepared from aqueous solutions containing 8‐13 ppm chloride, the yield of methyl benzoate of catalyst Au/NiOx‐9 was 99%. The catalyst structures and the role of chloride in catalysts were explored by ICP, BET, XPS, TEM and EXAFS characterizations. It was found that the appropriate amount of residual chloride in Au catalysts was beneficial to their catalytic activities. Especially for Au/NiOx‐9, the appropriate amount of residual chloride had positive effects on the physicochemical properties of Au/NiOx catalyst, the position of Au nanoparticles (NPs) located on NiOx crystallites and the ratio of Auδ+/Au0 in catalyst, which together resulted in its high reactivity.
An Overview of Molecular Packing Mode in Two‐Dimensional Organic Nanomaterials via Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Jin Ling‐Zhi , Wang Sha‐Sha , Xie Ling‐Hai , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) organic nanomaterials are attracting increasing research interest and expected to be the ideal candidate for future‐ proofed flexible electronics and biotechnologies. Owing to the complex molecular structures and multiple intermolecular interactions in organic systems, deeper understanding of rational molecular design and assembly principles is urgently required. In this review, a collection of molecular packing mode in the 2D organic nanomaterials via supramolecular assembly is presented, so as to help explicit the relationship among molecular structures, supramolecular interactions and molecular packing motifs in 2D assembly systems. We also provide a rational and accessible schematic model to demonstrate several typical kinds of molecular packing motifs for the prediction of the 2D morphology.
A hierarchical point process with application to storm cell modelling
Authors: Albert‐Green Alisha , Braun W. John , Dean Charmaine B. , Miller Craig
Published: January 2019

In environmetrics, interest often centres around the development of models and methods for making inference on observed point patterns assumed to be generated by latent spatial or spatio‐temporal processes, which may have a hierarchical structure. In this research, motivated by the analysis of spatio‐temporal storm cell data, we generalize the Neyman–Scott parent–child process to account for hierarchical clustering. This is accomplished by allowing the parents to follow a log‐Gaussian Cox process thereby incorporating correlation and facilitating inference at all levels of the hierarchy. This approach is applied to monthly storm cell data from the Bismarck, North Dakota radar station from April through August 2003 and we compare these results to simpler cluster processes to demonstrate the advantages of accounting for both levels of correlation present in these hierarchically clustered point patterns.The Canadian Journal of Statistics47: 46–64; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Biomass‐Derived N, O, and S‐Tridoped Hierarchically Porous Carbon as a Cathode for Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chabu Johnny Muya , Li Yajuan , Liu You‐Nian
Published: January 2019

Restraining soluble polysulfides from diffusing out of the cathode is fundamental to the development of high‐performance lithium−sulfur batteries. The porous architecture and unique physicochemical characteristics of biomass‐derived carbon materials makes it possible to improve the battery performance. Here, two types of porous carbon composites (NOSPC‐1 and NOSPC‐2) with in situ N, S and O tri‐doping are obtained from yam via chemical activation. Structural analysis reveals that NOSPC‐1 presents a highly graphitized interconnected micro‐/mesoporous architecture. As a sulfur host, NOSPC‐1‐800 with 70% sulfur initiates a high reversible discharge capacity of 1556 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. The cathode further exhibits superior rate performance and long cycle life with 401.2 mAh g−1 reversible capacity and more than 95% coulombic efficiency after 450 cycles at 1 C. Our findings provide meaningful insights toward exploring novel biomass‐derived carbon materials for advanced Li−S batteries.
Influence of an Ammonium Tag on the Switching Dynamics of Azobenzenes in Polar Solvents
Authors: Strauss Marcel A. , Wegner Hermann A.
Published: January 2019

Herein, we present a comprehensive study of the photophysical properties of an ammonium‐tagged azobenzene in comparison to the unsubstituted compound in different solvents. It was shown that the thermal Z→E isomerization rate is decreased for the ammonium‐tagged azobenzene. Additionally, the rate is higher with increased permittivity of the solvent. The results have been supported by DFT computations.
In Vitro Monocyte/Macrophage Phagocytosis Assay for the Prediction of Drug‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Narayanan Padma Kumar , Li Nianyu
Published: January 2019

Phagocytosis of platelets by monocytes and macrophages is a primary mechanism of platelet clearance in vivo and has been increasingly implicated in playing an important role in thrombocytopenia mediated by monoclonal antibodies intended for therapeutic purposes. In the present article, we describe an in vitro flow cytometry assay to assess the effect of antibody‐mediated platelet phagocytosis by monocytes. Freshly isolated platelets were labeled with a fluorescent probe, 5‐chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) and then co‐cultured with isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the same donor in the presence of increasing concentrations of a monoclonal antibody drug. After incubation, an increase in CMFDA fluorescence intensity of CD14 positive monocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry as an assessment for drug‐mediated platelet phagocytosis by monocytes. The assay has been evaluated using both human and cynomolgus monkey cells for the prediction of drug‐induced thrombocytopenia. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Series‐type charger with output voltage automatically regulated and hot swap
Authors: Hwu Kuo‐Ing , Liu Hsiu‐Pang
Published: January 2019

Since the traditional series‐type charger has no function of hot swap, a new series‐type charger with hot swap is presented herein. In this study, hot‐swap battery and stopping charging battery are achieved by floating voltage detection and battery bypass detection. Furthermore, by means of controlling the voltage across the collector of the bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and the ground, the output voltage of the DC–DC converter can be automatically adjusted. Accordingly, the BJT can always work under the active region with a designed constant voltage across it for any number of batteries in the steady state, reducing undesired conduction loss. Also, one constant current control circuit is utilized, which is connected in series with the voltage and bypass detectors. Above all, unlike the traditional series‐type charger with the active equalizer, there is no energy transferred among batteries in the proposed charger. Finally, the proposed series‐type charger with four battery channels is designed and applied to charging 18650 Li‐ion batteries. Via some experimental results, the effectiveness of the proposed charger can be verified.
Insulin Resistance and Growth Retardation in Mice Lacking Insulin Receptor Substrate‐1 and Identification of Insulin Receptor Substrate‐2
Authors: Kadowaki T. , Tamemoto H. , Tobe K. , Terauchi Y. , Ueki K. , Kaburagi Y. , Yamauchi T. , Satoh S. , Sekihara H. , Aizawa S. , Yazaki Y.
Published: January 2019

To clarify the physiological roles of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in vivo, we made mice with a targeted disruption of the IRS‐1 gene locus. Mice homozygous for targeted disruption of the IRS‐1 gene were born alive but were retarded in embryonal and postnatal growth. They also had resistance to the glucose‐lowering effects of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and factor‐2 (IGF‐2). These data suggest the existence of both IRS‐1‐dependent and IRS·1·independent pathways for signal transduction of insulin and IGFs. Moreover, we identified tyrosine phosphorylation of a 190‐kDa protein (pp190) as a novel substrate (IRS‐2) for insulin receptor kinase in livers of IRS‐1 deficient mice which can bind both P13‐kinase and Ash/Grb2.
A Prospective Study of Health Check Examinees for the Development of Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus: Relationship of the Incidence of Diabetes with the Initial Insulinogenic Index and Degree of Obesity
Authors: Kosaka K. , Kuzuya T. , Yoshinaga H. , Hagura R.
Published: January 2019

A total of 1788 non‐diabetic subjects, screened by a general health check, had either glycosuria or marginal elevation of fasting blood glucose and/or HbA1c. They were followed by repeated 100 g oral glucose tolerance tests for up to 8 years. Their initial mean age was 52 years and the mean BMI was 23.2. Low insulin secretory response was defined when the insulinogenic index, a ratio of increment of plasma insulin to that of plasma glucose 30 min after oral glucose load, was lower than 0.5. Cumulative incidence of diabetes with fasting blood glucose (FBG) exceeding 120 mg dl−1 was significantly higher in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) than in non‐IGT, and in each of IGT and non‐IGT groups, the incidence was significantly higher for low than normal insulin responders. The mean initial plasma insulin response in subjects who developed diabetes was significantly lower than in those who remained non‐diabetic with the same category of glucose tolerance at baseline irrespective of the degree of glucose intolerance. The mean baseline BMI did not differ whether or not they developed diabetes, but a few cases who developed diabetes despite normal initial insulin response were much more obese. Fasting insulin levels did not correlate with FBG during the course of development of diabetes. We suggest that defective insulin secretion plays a predominant role in the non‐obese subtype of NIDOM which includes the majority of Japanese patients, while both insulin resistance and insulin secretory defect are important in the obese subtype for the development of diabetes.
Effects of Troglitazone on Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Henry R.R.
Published: January 2019

Studies to date confirm that troglitazone has therapeutic benefits to NIDDM and can normalize JGT in those individuals at increased risk of developing NIDDM. Hyperinsulinaemia is reduced by such treatment in association with reduced insulin resistance and there are favourable effects on blood pressure with troglitazone therapy as well. Since insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia are usually present in obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), troglitazone may be useful in preventing the development of NIDDM in these susceptible populations.
Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity in Newly Diagnosed NIDDM Caucasians in the UK
Authors: Owens D.R. , Luzio S.D. , Coates P.A.
Published: January 2019

Beta‐cell secretion and insulin sensitivity was studied in healthy subjects and newly diagnosed Caucasian (Welsh) NIDDM patients. A standardized meal tolerance test (MTT) and frequent sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests (FSIVGTT) were employed and the patients stratified according to fasting plasma glucose (FPG). A deficient early (first hour) post‐prandial (MTT) insulin secretion was demonstrated in all NIDDM patients, deteriorating with increasing fasting hyperglycaemia. For the patient group fasting and post‐prandial hyperproinsulinaemia was evident with diminishing post‐prandial excursions as fasting hyperglycaemia increased. The early phase (0–10 min) insulin secretion to intravenous glucose (300 mg kg−1) was severely impaired in NIDDM patients. A short‐lived paradoxical fall in plasma insulin concentrations was observed in those with FPG >9 mmol l−1. Insulin sensitivity utilizing the insulin modified FSIVGTT demonstrated that all NIDDM patients had marked insulin insensitivity. Characteristic of the newly diagnosed previously untreated Caucasian NIDDM is a dysfunctional beta cell, resulting in a deficit in insulin secretion with relative hyperproinsulinaemia. The quantitative and qualitative secretory status of the beta cell decreases with increasing fasting hyperglycaemia. Insulin sensitivity is markedly reduced when FPG exceeds 7.0 mmol l−1 with little or no further discernible fall with deteriorating glycaemic control.
β‐Cell Loss and Glucose Induced Signalling Defects in Diabetes Mellitus Caused by Mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) Gene Mutation
Authors: Oka Y. , Katagiri H. , Ishihara H. , Asano T. , Kobayashi T. , Kikuchi M.
Published: January 2019

Japanese diabetic patients with diabetic mothers were screened, using peripheral leukocytes, for an A to G transition at nucleotide pair 3243, a tRNALeu(UUR) mutation of the mitochondrial gene. This mutation was identified in four pedigrees from among 300 unrelated patients. Diabetes mellitus cosegregated with the mutation, except in one young subject, and was maternally inherited. Long‐term follow‐up revealed that the underlying disorder, in affected individuals, is a progressive impairment of insulin secretion. In accordance with this finding, the mutation was found to be highly prevalent in a diabetes mellitus subset termed slowly progressive IDDM; the mutation was identified in 3 out of 27 subjects enrolled in the prospective study of islet cell antibody (ICA) positive, initially non‐insulin‐dependent diabetic Japanese patients, who are at high risk of progressing to insulin dependence over several years. The histologic characteristics of slowly progressive insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus include substantial loss, though incomplete, of pancreatic β‐cells. Mitochondrial gene defects in β‐cells could therefore cause glucose induced signalling defects as well as β‐cell loss. This would explain the wide range of diabetic phenotypes, from NIDDM to IDDM, in patients with this mitochondrial gene mutation.
Transient Improvement of Cerebellar Oligodendroglial Development in a Neonatal Hyperoxia Model by PDGFA Treatment
Authors: Scheuer Till , Klein Luisa Sophie , Bührer Christoph , Endesfelder Stefanie , Schmitz Thomas
Published: January 2019

In preterm infants, the changes from fetal life to ex‐utero conditions often coincide with reduced growth and white matter damage of the cerebellum. The premature increase in arterial oxygen tension caused by preterm birth may dysregulate cerebellar development. In a hyperoxia rat model of white matter damage to mimic a steep increase in oxygen levels by 24 h exposure to 80% O2 from postnatal day 6 (P6) to day 7, we analyzed growth factor (GF) synthesis of cerebellar astrocytes. Determination of GF production was performed in astrocytes after Magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) isolation from cerebelli after hyperoxia exposure ex vivo, and also in astroglial cultures. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) function was analyzed in cerebellar OPCs isolated by MACS after hyperoxia. Administration of PDGFA from P6 to P11, during hyperoxia and during 4 days recovery, was finally tested for protection of oligodendroglia and myelination. As a result, expression of the GFs Pdgfa, Fgf2, and Bdnf was diminished in cerebellar astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression of Olig1, Olig2, Sox9, Sox10, and Cnp was reduced in OPCs in vivo. Nasal PDGFA application improved oligodendroglial proliferation after hyperoxia at P7. However, this treatment effect vanished until P9. Impaired MBP expression after hyperoxia was attenuated by PDGFA treatment until P11, but not beyond when PDGFA supply was stopped. In this study on neonatal cerebellar injury, it is documented for the first time that improvement of oligodendroglial proliferation and of myelination can be achieved by PDGFA treatment. However, the treatment benefit is not maintained long term.
Reviving Human Research in Costa Rica
Authors: Householder Michael , Solano‐López Ana Laura , Muñóz‐Rojas Derby , Rivera Suzanne M.
Published: January 2019

Costa Rica is a small developing nation in Central America with a well‐regarded universal health care system and a strong human rights tradition. In the latter part of the twentieth century, it became a popular site for clinical trials funded by multinational pharmaceutical companies. In light of concerns about ineffective oversight and alleged research abuses, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court passed a moratorium on all biomedical studies involving humans. This moratorium was in place between 2010 and 2014, when the Legislative Assembly passed a new national law to protect participants’ rights and welfare. This case study reviews the history of human research protections in Costa Rica and provides recommendations for how Costa Rica can move forward responsibly as a leader in human research for the region.
Preserved white matter microstructure in adolescent patients with atypical anorexia nervosa
Authors: Olivo Gaia , Swenne Ingemar , Zhukovsky Christina , Tuunainen Anna‐Kaisa , Saaid Avista , Salonen‐Ros Helena , Larsson Elna‐Marie , Brooks Samantha J. , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Patients with atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) are often in the normal‐weight range at presentation; however, signs of starvation and medical instability are not rare. White matter (WM) microstructural correlates of atypical AN have not yet been investigated, leaving an important gap in our knowledge regarding the neural pathogenesis of this disorder.

Method

We investigated WM microstructural integrity in 25 drug‐naïve adolescent patients with atypical AN and 25 healthy controls, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with a tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) approach. Psychological variables related to the eating disorder and depressive symptoms were also evaluated by administering the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and the Montgomery–Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS‐S) respectively, to all participants.

Results

Patients and controls were in the normal‐weight range and did not differ from the body mass index standard deviations for their age. No between groups difference in WM microstructure could be detected.

Discussion

Our findings support the hypothesis that brain structural alterations may not be associated to early‐stage atypical AN. These findings also suggest that previous observations of alterations in WM microstructure in full syndrome AN may constitute state‐related consequences of severe weight loss. Whether the preservation of WM structure is a pathogenetically discriminant feature of atypical AN or only an effect of a less severe nutritional disturbance, will have to be verified by future studies on larger samples, possibly directly comparing AN and atypical AN.
Metabarcoding free‐living marine nematodes using curated 18S and CO1 reference sequence databases for species‐level taxonomic assignments
Authors: Macheriotou Lara , Guilini Katja , Bezerra Tania Nara , Tytgat Bjorn , Nguyen Dinh Tu , Phuong Nguyen Thi Xuan , Noppe Febe , Armenteros Maickel , Boufahja Fehmi , Rigaux Annelien , Vanreusel Ann , Derycke Sofie
Published: January 2019

High‐throughput sequencing has the potential to describe biological communities with high efficiency yet comprehensive assessment of diversity with species‐level resolution remains one of the most challenging aspects of metabarcoding studies. We investigated the utility of curated ribosomal and mitochondrial nematode reference sequence databases for determining phylum‐specific species‐level clustering thresholds. We compiled 438 ribosomal and 290 mitochondrial sequences which identified 99% and 94% as the species delineation clustering threshold, respectively. These thresholds were evaluated in HTS data from mock communities containing 39 nematode species as well as environmental samples from Vietnam. We compared the taxonomic description of the mocks generated by two read‐merging and two clustering algorithms and the cluster‐free Dada2 pipeline. Taxonomic assignment with the RDP classifier was assessed under different training sets. Our results showed that 36/39 mock nematode species were identified across the molecular markers (18S: 32, JB2: 19, JB3: 21) in UClust_ref OTUs at their respective clustering thresholds, outperforming UParse_denovo and the commonly used 97% similarity. Dada2 generated the most realistic number of ASVs (18S: 83, JB2: 75, JB3: 82), collectively identifying 30/39 mock species. The ribosomal marker outperformed the mitochondrial markers in terms of species and genus‐level detections for both OTUs and ASVs. The number of taxonomic assignments of OTUs/ASVs was highest when the smallest reference database containing only nematode sequences was used and when sequences were truncated to the respective amplicon length. Overall, OTUs generated more species‐level detections, which were, however, associated with higher error rates compared to ASVs. Genus‐level assignments using ASVs exhibited higher accuracy and lower error rates compared to species‐level assignments, suggesting that this is the most reliable pipeline for rapid assessment of alpha diversity from environmental samples.
A self‐regulation account of the job performance–job satisfaction relationship
Authors: Heidemeier Heike , Moser Klaus
Published: January 2019

We present a self‐regulation account of the job performance–job satisfaction relationship according to which job performance leads to job satisfaction, if it involves optimal expectancies for successful performance. Using response surface methodology (n = 747 employees), we found that employees who held overly negative (self‐effacement) or overly positive self‐perceptions of performance (self‐enhancement) gained less satisfaction from their jobs. As hypothesized by self‐discrepancy theory, self‐effacement promoted fear‐related negative emotions, whereas self‐enhancement was linked to disappointment. Self‐enhancers also reported lower trust and reduced satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, which may partly explain why self‐enhancement had particularly detrimental effects. Furthermore, among employees high in performance‐goal orientation, attaining high normative performance, as indicated by above‐average supervisor evaluations, rather than optimal expectancies for success, explained job satisfaction. Our findings support the conclusion that need satisfaction and the ensuing self‐regulatory processes determine the shape and the size of the performance–satisfaction relationship.
Highlighting the uniqueness in dielectrophoretic enrichment of circulating tumor cells
Authors: S. Iliescu Florina , Sim Wen Jing , Heidari Hossein , P. Poenar Daniel , Miao Jianmin , Taylor Hayden K. , Iliescu Ciprian
Published: January 2019

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play an essential role in the metastasis of tumors, and thus can serve as a valuable prognostic factor for malignant diseases. As a result, the ability to isolate and characterize CTCs is essential. This review underlines the potential of dielectrophoresis for CTCs enrichment. It begins by summarizing the key performance parameters and challenges of CTCs isolation using microfluidics. The two main categories of CTCs enrichment—affinity‐based and label‐free methods—are analysed, emphasising the advantages and disadvantages of each as well as their clinical potential. While the main argument in favour of affinity‐based methods is the strong specificity of CTCs isolation, the major advantage of the label‐free technologies is in preserving the integrity of the cellular membrane, an essential requirement for downstream characterization. Moving forward, we try to answer the main question: “What makes dielectrophoresis a method of choice in CTCs isolation?” The uniqueness of dielectrophoretic CTCs enrichment resides in coupling the specificity of the isolation process with the conservation of the membrane surface. The specificity of the dielectrophoretic method stems from the differences in the dielectric properties between CTCs and other cells in the blood: the capacitances of the malignantly transformed cellular membranes of CTCs differ from those of other cells. Examples of dielectrophoretic devices are described and their performance evaluated. Critical requirements for using dielectrophoresis to isolate CTCs are highlighted. Finally, we consider that DEP has the potential of becoming a cytometric method for large‐scale sorting and characterization of cells.
Species sensitivity distributions for use in environmental protection, assessment, and management of aquatic ecosystems for 12 386 chemicals
Authors: Posthuma Leo , van Gils Jos , Zijp Michiel C. , van de Meent Dik , de Zwart Dick
Published: January 2019

The present study considers the collection and use of ecotoxicity data for risk assessment with species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) of chemical pollution in surface water, which are used to quantify the likelihood that critical effect levels are exceeded. This fits the European Water Framework Directive, which suggests using models to assess the likelihood that chemicals affect water quality for management prioritization. We derived SSDs based on chronic and acute ecotoxicity test data for 12 386 compounds. The log-normal SSDs are characterized by the median and the standard deviation of log-transformed ecotoxicity data and by a quality score. A case study illustrates the utility of SSDs for water quality assessment and management prioritization. We quantified the chronic and acute mixture toxic pressure of mixture exposures for >22 000 water bodies in Europe for 1760 chemicals for which we had both exposure and hazard data. The results show the likelihood of mixture exposures exceeding a negligible effect level and increasing species loss. The SSDs in the present study represent a versatile and comprehensive approach to prevent, assess, and manage chemical pollution problems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:905–917. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Graph illustrating our contribution to an increased ability to provide environmental decision support with species sensitivity distributions. LCA = life cycle assessment.
Evaluation of Two Water Transports through Electrolyte Membrane of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Based on Water Visualization and Current Measurement
Authors: Nishida K. , Hosotani T. , Asa M.
Published: January 2019

To alleviate membrane dehydration in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) during low‐humidity operations, it is essential to deeply understand two water crossover phenomena through electrolyte membranes. This study presented the quantitative method for separately evaluating the electro‐osmotic and back‐diffusion water transports in the electrolyte of an operating PEFC based on the measurements of water vapor and current distributions. Firstly, the water vapor distribution in the anode flow field was investigated by the visualization technique using humidity test paper (HTP). Subsequently, the detailed transport processes of water through the electrolyte membrane can be numerically estimated from the measurement results of water and current profiles by using a simple fuel cell model. In this work, the effects of inlet gas humidification, microporous layer (MPL) addition and flow configuration on the two water transports in the membrane were demonstrated under low‐humidity conditions to verify the validity of the proposed methodology. Results revealed that the introduction of MPL on the cathode side increases the water concentration in the anode channel due to the back‐diffusion effect. The counter‐flow configuration effectively improves the membrane hydration at the anode inlet because of the strong back‐diffusion from the wetted cathode outlet.
Zur Anwendung von Einplatinen‐Computern in der bodenmechanischen Forschung und Lehre am Beispiel eines einaxialen Druckversuchs zur Untersuchung teilgesättigter, granularer Böden
Authors: Milatz Marius
Published: January 2019

Seit ein paar Jahren finden Einplatinen‐Computer und Mikrocontroller zunehmend Anwendung in Bastlerkreisen, in der Lehre an Schulen und Universitäten, aber auch in der Industrie und Wissenschaft. In diesem Beitrag wird an einem konkreten experimentellen Messprojekt aus der bodenmechanischen Forschung an teilgesättigten, granularen Böden aufgezeigt, wie mithilfe eines Einplatinen‐Computers ein bodenmechanischer Versuchsapparat entwickelt und umgesetzt werden kann. Der Beitrag fokussiert sich dabei auf die Anwendung von Einplatinen‐Computern in der bodenmechanischen Forschung und Lehre. Hier bieten sich verschiedene Vorteile, etwa aus Sicht der Forschung, die Freiheiten bei der Entwicklung von Forschungsapparaten, und aus Sicht der Lehre, die Motivation, Studierende der Bodenmechanik mit Labormesstechnik und (physikalischer) Programmierung vertraut zu machen, einem Gebiet, das im Bauingenieurstudium in der Regel zu kurz kommt oder von Studierenden trotz seiner zunehmenden Wichtigkeit nur verhalten angenommen wird.
Feasibility of carbon‐ion radiotherapy for oral non‐squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Ikawa Hiroaki , Koto Masashi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Tonogi Morio , Takagi Ryo , Nomura Takeshi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Kamada Tadashi
Published: January 2019

Background

This study evaluated carbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) for oral non‐squamous cell carcinomas (non‐SCC).

Methods

We retrospectively obtained data from 74 patients who underwent C‐ion RT for oral malignancies between April 1997 and March 2016. The C‐ion RT was administered in 16 fractions at a total dose of 57.6 or 64.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness).

Results

Forty‐three patients had salivary gland carcinomas, 29 patients had mucosal melanoma, and 2 patients had other types of pathologies. The tumors were classified as T1‐T3 (24 cases), T4a (21 cases), or T4b (29 cases). The median follow‐up was 49 months. The 5‐year rates were 78.8% for local control, 36.2% for progression‐free survival, and 58.3% for overall survival. Although 10 patients developed grade 3 osteoradionecrosis after C‐ion RT, all patients maintained their mastication and deglutition functions after sequestrectomy and prosthesis placement.

Conclusion

C‐ion RT was effective for oral non‐SCC and had acceptable toxicities.
Membrane metallo‐endopeptidase mediates cellular senescence induced by oncogenic PIK3CAH1047R accompanied with pro‐tumorigenic secretome
Authors: Liu Xue‐Ling , Liu Jia‐Li , Xu Yi‐Chao , Zhang Xi , Wang Yu‐Xiang , Qing Li‐Hua , Guo Wei , Ding Jian , Meng Ling‐Hua
Published: January 2019

The hotspot mutation H1047R in the oncogenic PIK3CA gene is frequently detected in breast cancer and enhances the enzymatic activity of PI3K to activate AKT/mTOR signaling cascade. Aberrant elevated PI3K activation has been reported to promote the tumorigenesis of breast cancer, but the mechanisms underlying are still needed to be elucidated. Here, we found that continuously activating PIK3CAH1047R conferred human mammary epithelial MCF‐10A cells to cellular senescence upon serum‐starvation. Similarly, breast cancer T47D and HCC1954 cells harboring H1047R mutation were senescent when cells were deprived of serum. PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis but not p53 or RB might be required for the induction of senescence. Notably, membrane metallo‐endopeptidase (MME) was identified as a downstream effector of PI3K to mediate the induction of senescence, which might be associated with its glycosylation. Senescent cells elicited a distinct secretome dependent on PI3K and MME. Specifically, IL‐6 promoted the proliferation of normal cells and CCL2 induced the M2‐like polarization of macrophages, which might create an immunosuppressive microenvironment during the initiation and/or development of breast cancer. This study shed new light on the tumorigenesis induced by hyper‐activated PI3K and might provide new clues for the prevention and therapy of breast cancer.
Epigenetic Manipulation Induces the Production of Coumarin‐Type Secondary Metabolite from Arthrobotrys foliicola
Authors: Li Chi‐Ying , Lo I‐Wen , Hsueh Yen‐Ping , Chung Yu‐Ming , Wang Shih‐Wei , Korinek Michal , Tsai Yi‐Hong , Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Hwang Tsong‐Long , Wang Clay C. C. , Chang Fang‐Rong , Wu Yang‐Chang
Published: January 2019

Pursuing epigenetic manipulation approach in fungi led to the isolation of an unusual coumarin metabolite from fungi. An addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberohydroxamic acid (SBHA), to the culture medium of Arthrobotrys foliicola induced production of the coumarin‐type secondary metabolite represented by a single intensive peak in the HPLC profile of the ethyl acetate extract. The compound which was identified as 4‐ethyl‐7‐hydroxy‐8‐methyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (1) was isolated from nature for the first time. Moreover, the investigation on the remaining part of the HPLC profile led to the separation of 6‐ethyl‐2,4‐dihydroxy‐3‐methylbenzaldehyde (2) and ten 2,5‐diketopiperazine compounds (3–12). The structures of isolates were deduced by their mass and NMR spectroscopic data. The coumarin‐type secondary metabolite (1) with peculiar smell induced by epigenetic stimulation is found for the first time in the Arthrobotrys species and the family Orbiliaceae. We evaluated 1 for the cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐allergic and nematocidal activities, however, it was found inactive.
A systematic review of reported outcomes and outcome measures in randomized controlled trials on apical prolapse surgery
Authors: de Mattos Lourenço Thais Regina , Pergialiotis Vasilis , Durnea Constantin , Elfituri Abdullatif , Haddad Jorge Milhem , Betschart Cornelia , Falconi Gabriele , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research, and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women's Health
Published: January 2019

Background

Evidence on efficacy and safety of pelvic organ prolapse interventions is variable, and methodological flaws preclude meaningful synthesis of primary research data.

Objective

To evaluate variations in reported outcomes and outcome measures in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on apical prolapse surgical interventions.

Search strategy

We searched Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus for English‐language articles published from inception to September 30, 2017, using the terms “management”, “repair”, “operation”, and “pelvic organ prolapse”.

Selection criteria

RCTs on apical prolapse surgical treatment.

Data collection and analysis

Outcomes and outcome measures were identified and categorized into domains. Studies were evaluated for quality of outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies.

Main results

Forty‐three RCTs were included. Seventy‐six outcomes and 66 outcome measures were identified. Bladder and ureteric injury were the most commonly reported intraoperative complications (19/31 studies; 61%). Quality of life was assessed by 19 different instruments and questionnaires. Fourteen (45%) of 31 studies used recurrence of prolapse as a postoperative anatomical outcome.

Conclusions

Substantial variation in reported outcomes and outcome measures was confirmed, precluding comparisons across trials and synthesis of the results. Development of a core outcome set will enable high‐quality meta‐analyses to be performed in the future.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42017062456.
Grade point average is an inappropriate measure of a residency candidate's knowledge and skills
Authors: Soric Mate M. , Robinson Jennifer D. , Ulbrich Timothy R.
Published: January 2019

Accreditation standards set forth by the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists note that postgraduate year one programs should have a formal process in place to screen candidates based upon predetermined criteria to ensure applicants have the appropriate qualifications to complete residency training. This standard encourages programs to have a set of consistent criteria and an objective approach to evaluate each applicant. As a result, many programs rely heavily on accessible metrics, such as grade point average (GPA), to quickly compare candidates. The GPA has many flaws that, if utilized by residency programs, could result in screening out highly qualified candidates early in the application review process who possess the skills that residency program directors covet, such as work ethic, passion, adaptability, leadership, research experience, communication skills, professionalism, cultural competency, and personality fit. To identify qualified candidates for postgraduate residency training, the application review process must be reexamined to promote a more holistic approach, going beyond the student's ability in the classroom. Further discussion is needed regarding the pros and cons of utilization of standardized and consistent assessments of residency applicants' knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes to complete a holistic review of candidates as discussed in this article. Further research is needed to identify the factors defining a successful resident and tools to predict those factors.
Catalytic deoxygenation of methyl laurate as a model compound to hydrocarbons on hybrid catalysts composed of Ni–Zn alloy and HY zeolite
Authors: Pan Zhengyi , Wang Rijie , Chen Jixiang
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The deoxygenation of renewable vegetable oils in a hydrogen atmosphere is feasible for yielding diesel‐like hydrocarbons. In this work, hybrid catalysts composed of Ni–Zn alloy and HY zeolite were designed to achieve a highly efficient deoxygenation.

RESULTS

NiZn‐LDH‐HY, NiZn‐O‐HY and NiZn/HY hybrid catalysts composed of Ni‐rich Ni–Zn alloy and HY zeolite were prepared by various methods. NiZn/HY prepared by a deposition–precipitation method gave higher Ni dispersion than NiZn‐LDH‐HY and NiZn‐O‐HY obtained by mortar milling. In the deoxygenation of methyl laurate as a model compound at 330 °C and 3.0 MPa, the hybrid catalysts led to higher reaction rates (ca 9.0 × 10−5 mol g−1Ni s−1) than NiZnAl not combined with HY (2.5 × 10−5 mol g−1Ni s−1). Particularly, NiZn/HY gave higher total selectivity to C11 and C12 hydrocarbons (80.2%) than NiZn‐O‐HY and NiZn‐LDH‐HY (47.4 and 41.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides an approach for preparing highly efficient catalysts for deoxygenation of esters to hydrocarbons by combining Ni–Zn alloy and HY zeolite. We deem that the closer proximity between metallic Ni and acid sites facilitates the deoxygenation via a synergetic effect between the two kinds of sites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbial degradation of four dispersed crude oils by Rhodococcus sp. evaluated using carbon stable isotope analysis
Authors: Pi Yongrui , Chen Bing , Bao Mutai , Zhang Baiyu
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The high frequency and wide distribution of oil spills pose serious threats to the marine environmental ecosystem and human health. Microbial degradation is considered to be the most applicable means to process oil spills. Carbon isotope fractionation was employed as a crucial tool for evaluating the biodegradation of four crude oils by Rhodococcus sp. with Corexit 9500A as oil dispersant.

RESULTS

Following biodegradation, carbon isotope fractionation of n‐alkanes in four dispersed crude oil samples was measured by gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry. A relationship between the carbon isotope ratios and residual concentrations of n‐alkanes was established based upon the Rayleigh equation, with a correlation coefficient, R2, ranging from 0.67 to 0.83. The carbon isotope enrichment factors for n‐alkanes of the four crude oil samples tended to be 0.04–0.25‰ in the residuals. The biodegradation level of n‐alkanes calculated from the Rayleigh equation agreed with the biodegradation results analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of microbial degradation was positively correlated to the carbon isotope fractionation in n‐alkanes. Compound‐specific stable isotope analysis is capable of quantifying the biodegradation level of crude oil or oil spills. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Cortisol does not increase risk of mortality to predation in juvenile bluegill sunfish: A manipulative experimental field study
Authors: Lawrence Michael J. , Zolderdo Aaron J. , Godin Jean‐Guy J. , Mandelman John W. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: January 2019

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐interrenal (HPI) or stress axis in teleost fishes produces their primary glucocorticoid, cortisol. Although generally an adaptive response, prolonged HPI axis stimulation can impair organismal performance. Previous work has shown that stressed teleosts have higher mortality to predation than unstressed conspecifics, suggesting a role for HPI axis in modulating predator–prey interactions. Our current study investigated whether elevated cortisol levels altered the predation rate of a wild teleost fish, the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Wild juvenile bluegill were given intraperitoneal implants of cocoa butter (i.e., sham), or cocoa butter containing cortisol or cortisol and the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486. After 24 hr, fish were tethered along the bottom of the lake and their survival under natural predation was recorded following 24 hr. A subset of fish was used to validate the efficacy of cortisol implants in this setting. No treatment effect on survival was observed, suggesting that elevated cortisol has minimal involvement in mediating predator–prey interactions in this context. However, experimental fish may have demonstrated resiliency to physiological perturbations owing to the relatively acute duration of our experimental series, and negative effects might be manifested over a more chronic period.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Properties of New 1,3,4‐Thiadiazoles Derived from Azo Dyes
Authors: Gür Mahmut
Published: January 2019

Some new 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles derived from azo dyes were synthesized. Two different synthesis methods were used for these compounds: Esters pertaining to the azo dyes were converted into 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles, or benzothiazole ester derivatives were converted to 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles followed by the synthesis of azo dye derivatives. The desired products were successfully obtained using the latter method. The molecular structures of these compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods such as FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity was studied for the synthesized compounds. Compound 3e exhibited antimicrobial activity against three different microorganisms. Compounds 3a, 3b, and 3d had activity against two different microorganisms, while compound 3c showed activity against only one microorganism.
The HIV care continuum among resident and non‐resident populations found in venues in East Africa cross‐border areas
Authors: Edwards Jessie K , Arimi Peter , Ssengooba Freddie , Mulholland Grace , Markiewicz Milissa , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Orikiiriza Judy T , Virkud Arti , Weir Sharon
Published: January 2019

Introduction

HIV care and treatment in cross‐border areas in East Africa face challenges perhaps not seen to the same extent in other geographic areas, particularly for mobile and migrant populations. Here, we estimate the proportion of people with HIV found in these cross‐border areas in each stage of the HIV care and treatment cascade, including the proportion who knows their status, the proportion on treatment and the proportion virally suppressed.

Methods

Participants (n = 11,410) working or socializing in public places in selected East Africa cross border areas were recruited between June 2016 and February 2017 using the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts method and administered a behavioural survey and rapid HIV test. This approach was designed to recruit a stratified random sample of people found in public spaces or venues in each cross border area. For participants testing positive for HIV, viral load was measured from dried blood spots. The proportion in each step of the cascade was estimated using inverse probability weights to account for the sampling design and informative HIV test refusals. Estimates are reported separately for residents of the cross border areas and non‐residents found in those areas.

Results

Overall, 43% of participants with HIV found in cross‐border areas knew their status, 87% of those participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 80% of participants on ART were virally suppressed. About 20% of people with HIV found in cross border areas were sampled outside their subdistrict or subcounty of residence. While both resident and non‐resident individuals who knew their status were likely to be on ART (85% and 96% respectively), people on ART recruited outside their area of residence were less likely to be suppressed (64% suppressed; 95% CI: 43, 81) compared to residents (84% suppressed; 95% CI: 75, 93).

Conclusions

People living in or travelling through cross‐border areas may face barriers in learning their HIV status. Moreover, while non‐residents were more likely to be on treatment than residents, they were less likely to be suppressed, suggesting gaps in continuity of care for people in East Africa travelling outside their area of residence despite timely initiation of treatment.