bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-Economic Study on Implementation of Inventory Control Requirements for a Nuclear-Powered Closed-Cycle Gas Turbine Power Plant
Authors: Osigwe Emmanuel O. , Gad-Briggs Arnold , Obhuo Mafel , Pilidis Pericles
Published: October 2020

The use of an inventory control system offers a unique benefit of stable cycle thermal efficiency during part-load operation. This article focuses on the influence of initial inventory tank pressure on the control level using pressure differential as a driving force of the inventory control system. The study also considered the effects of using multiple tanks to increase the overall size of the inventory control tank and the use of insulation to reduce the impact of temperature variation between the compressor discharge temperature and the inventory tank temperature. The second part of this analysis is a cost comparison between the use of multiple tanks and the use of a transfer compressor to achieve high cycle efficiency at continuous part-load operation. The discussions in this paper accentuate the optimum benefit for utilizing an inventory control system for a single-shaft intercooled-recuperated closed-cycle gas turbine plant.
Nonlinear ultrasound simulation in an axisymmetric coordinate system using a k-space pseudospectral method
Authors: Treeby Bradley E. , Wise Elliott S. , Kuklis Filip , Jaros Jiri , Cox B. T.
Published: October 2020

A full-wave model for nonlinear ultrasound propagation through a heterogeneous and absorbing medium in an axisymmetric coordinate system is developed. The model equations are solved using a nonstandard or k-space pseudospectral time domain method. Spatial gradients in the axial direction are calculated using the Fourier collocation spectral method, and spatial gradients in the radial direction are calculated using discrete trigonometric transforms. Time integration is performed using a k-space corrected finite difference scheme. This scheme is exact for plane waves propagating linearly in the axial direction in a homogeneous and lossless medium and significantly reduces numerical dispersion in the more general case. The implementation of the model is described, and performance benchmarks are given for a range of grid sizes. The model is validated by comparison with several analytical solutions. This includes one-dimensional absorption and nonlinearity, the pressure field generated by plane-piston and bowl transducers, and the scattering of a plane wave by a sphere. The general utility of the model is then demonstrated by simulating nonlinear transcranial ultrasound using a simplified head model.
Phase speed in water-saturated sand and glass beads at MHz frequencies
Authors: Hare Jenna , Hay Alex E.
Published: October 2020

Measurements of the phase velocity of compressional sound waves in water-saturated granular materials are reported for the 1.0–2.0 MHz frequency range. The sound speed estimates are based on travel times through granular layer thicknesses ranging from 8 to 17 mm. Three types of granular media were used: 336 μm median diameter glass beads and two natural sands with median diameters of 219 and 406 μm. These grain sizes and frequency range correspond to 0.5<ka<1.2, where k is the wavenumber and a the grain radius. To remove trapped air, the samples were boiled under pressure before transfer to the measurement tank. The results are compared to previously reported experimental results and to the Schwartz and Plona [J. Appl. Phys. 55(11), 3971–3977 (1984)] multiple scattering prediction, confirming negative dispersion for ka > 0.5. Scaling the data by a factor depending on porosity and grain density reduces the spread among the available phase speed estimates by nearly a factor of 2, from 12.5% to 6.9%.
A Fourier transform formulation for radiation from an unbaffled cylinder
Authors: Williams Earl G.
Published: October 2020

A formulation based on the Fourier transform and generalized functions, and implemented with a fast Fourier transform, is developed to solve a classic acoustics problem: radiation from an unbaffled cylinder with flat endcaps. The endcaps as well as the cylindrical surface have a specified modal vibration pattern, and the problem is solved using the sum of two independent formulations based on the Fourier transform: (1) a vibrating cylinder with rigid endcaps and (2) a rigid cylindrical tube with vibrating diaphragms at its ends. The resulting nearfield solution correctly models the diffraction effects generated at the sharp ends of the cylinder. Calculation of the farfield radiated pressure follows directly from the nearfield solutions with a slight modification to the standard formulas. Results from the formulations are validated with a boundary element simulation and show excellent agreement with errors of less than 1%.
RING1B recruits EWSR1-FLI1 and cooperates in the remodeling of chromatin necessary for Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Sánchez-Molina Sara , Figuerola-Bou Elisabet , Blanco Enrique , Sánchez-Jiménez María , Táboas Pablo , Gómez Soledad , Ballaré Cecilia , García-Domínguez Daniel J. , Prada Estela , Hontecillas-Prieto Lourdes , M. Carcaboso Ángel , Tirado Óscar M. , Hernández-Muñoz Inmaculada , de Álava Enrique , Lavarino Cinzia , Di Croce Luciano , Mora Jaume
Published: October 2020

RING1B is necessary for the expression of key EWSR1-FLI1 targets by promoting oncogene recruitment to enhancers.
KPC-53, a KPC-3 Variant of Clinical Origin Associated with Reduced Susceptibility to Ceftazidime-Avibactam
Authors: Di Pilato Vincenzo , Aiezza Noemi , Viaggi Valentina , Antonelli Alberto , Principe Luigi , Giani Tommaso , Luzzaro Francesco , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: October 2020

This study reports on the characterization of a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolate showing high-level resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam associated with the production of KPC-53, a KPC-3 variant exhibiting a Leu167Glu168 duplication in the Ω-loop and a loss of carbapenemase activity. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed the presence of two copies of
bla
KPC-53
, located on a pKpQIL-like plasmid and on a plasmid prophage of the
Siphoviridae
family, respectively.
Potential Contributions of Anaerobes in Cystic Fibrosis Airways
Authors: Thornton Christina S. , Surette Michael G.
Published: October 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, lethal genetic disease among the Caucasian population. The leading cause of mortality is recurrent acute exacerbations resulting in chronic airway inflammation and subsequent downward progression of pulmonary function. Traditionally, these periods of clinical deterioration have been associated with several principal pathogens. However, a growing body of literature has demonstrated a polymicrobial lower respiratory community compromised of facultative and obligate anaerobes.
Public perceptions on pathology: a fundamental change is required
Authors: Fischer Gabor , Anderson Leslie , Ranson Marc , Sellen David , McArthur Eric
Published: October 2020

Pathology has been mostly invisible for the public. The missing recognition affects the pathologists’ reputation, and efforts with recruitment and advocacy. Our survey with 387 respondents confirms that the public knowledge on the role of the pathologists has not improved despite campaigns and advocacy efforts. Pathology was identified as a medical specialty by 79.1% of the respondents. Only 34.8% assumed that it takes more than 8 years of post-high school training to become a pathologist. Most commonly, another medical specialist was identified as the ultimate diagnostician on Pap tests (gynaecologist), breast biopsies or malignant surgical excisions (oncologist), gastrointestinal biopsies (gastroenterologist) or prostate biopsies (urologist). The experience gained by undergoing these procedures had minimal impact on understanding the pathologists’ role, since they were identified as ultimate diagnosis makers by the minority of these patients (13.8%–36.4%). The integration of pathologist–interactions into patient care may be a potential solution with benefits beyond improved perceptions.
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Immunotherapy module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory
Authors: Mendoza Tito , Sheshadri Ajay , Altan Mehmet , Hess Kenneth , George Goldy , Stephen Bettzy , Castillo Lilibeth , Rodriguez Enedelia , Gong Jing , Peterson Christine , Rodon Ahnert Jordi , Fu Siqing , Piha-Paul Sarina A , Pant Shubham , Dumbrava Ecaterina , Yap Timonthy A , Janku Filip , Tsimberidou Apostolia M , Subbiah Vivek , Karp Daniel D , Zarifa Abdulrazzak , McQuinn Lacey M , Cleeland Charles , Hong David S , Naing Aung
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers, but little is known about their symptomatic toxicity. Assessing these symptoms is best accomplished by asking the patients themselves. However, such reports are subjective and may face challenges as bonafide scientific data. Demonstrating the validity of symptom assessment tools, mainly through the reduction of measurement errors, has the potential to improve patient care if these tools are widely adopted. To that end, we present herein the psychometric properties of the Immunotherapy for Early-Phase Trials module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT) in patients receiving various immunotherapies in early phase trials at a major cancer center.

Methods

One hundred forty-five patients completed the inventory at baseline, with 85 of them also doing so after 9 weeks of treatment. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 57.0±12.9 years. Also, 56% of the patients were women, 79% identified as white, and 49% had at least some college education.

Results

The internal consistency reliability of the MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT was excellent, as the Cronbach’s alphas for all of its subscales were at least 0.88 (range 0.88–0.95). Known-group validity based on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status groupings was excellent at 9 weeks after the start of an immunotherapy trial for the MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT severity (effect size, 0.96) and interference (effect size, 0.82) subscales. We found substantial changes in the symptom items difficulty remembering (effect size, −0.85), fever and/or chills (effect size, −0.63), disturbed sleep (effect size, −0.52), diarrhea (effect size, −0.42), and swelling of hands, legs, or feet (effect size, −0.39).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT is a valid, reliable, and sensitive tool for measuring symptomatic toxicity.
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(LA-MRSA) colonisation and infection among livestock workers and veterinarians: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Chen , Wu Felicia
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is an increasing public health concern worldwide. The objective of this study was to calculate a summary odds ratio (OR) of livestock-associated MRSA colonisation and infection in humans, and to determine specific risk factors in livestock production contributing to MRSA colonisation.

Methods

We screened PubMed and Embase for studies published from 2005 to 2019 inclusive, reporting livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA colonisation and infection among livestock workers/veterinarians, their families, and community members not regularly exposed to livestock. The primary outcome of interest was the OR of LA-MRSA colonisation comparing exposed and control groups. Quality was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to calculate a pooled OR. The heterogeneity in the meta-analysis was assessed using theI²method, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.

Results

A total of 3490 studies were identified by the search, with 37 studies including 53 matched exposed-control groups and 14 038 participants eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled OR for LA-MRSA among livestock workers and veterinarians is 9.80 (95% CI 6.89 to 13.95; p=0.000;I2=73.4), with no significant publication bias (Egger’s p=0.66). The OR for swine workers was highest at 15.41 (95% CI 9.24 to 25.69), followed by cattle workers (11.62, 95% CI 4.60 to 29.36), veterinarians (7.63, 95% CI 3.10 to 18.74), horse workers (7.45, 95% CI 2.39 to 23.25), livestock workers (5.86, 95% CI 1.14 to 30.16), poultry workers (5.70, 95% CI 1.70 19.11), and industrial slaughterhouse workers (4.69, 95% CI 1.10 to 20.0).

Conclusions

Livestock workers, particularly swine farmers, are at significantly higher risk for LA-MRSA colonisation and subsequent infection. These results support the need for preventive practices to reduce LA-MRSA risk among those who handle and treat livestock.

Trial registration number

CRD42019120403.
Occupational pesticide use and self-reported olfactory impairment in US farmers
Authors: Shrestha Srishti , Umbach David M , Beane Freeman Laura E , Koutros Stella , Alavanja Michael C R , Blair Aaron , Chen Honglei , Sandler Dale P
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Pesticide exposure may impair human olfaction, but empirical evidence is limited. We examined associations between occupational use of 50 specific pesticides and olfactory impairment, both self-reported, among 20 409 participants in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort of pesticide applicators (mostly farmers, 97% male).

Methods

We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between pesticide use at enrolment (1993–1997) and olfactory impairment reported two decades later (2013–2016), adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

About 10% of participants reported olfactory impairment. The overall cumulative days of any pesticide use at enrolment were associated with a higher odds of reporting olfactory impairment (OR (highest vs lowest quartile): 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.34), p-trend = 0.003). In the analyses of 50 specific pesticides, ever-use of 20 pesticides showed modest associations with olfactory impairment, with ORs ranging from 1.11 to 1.33. Of these, higher lifetime days of use of 12 pesticides were associated with higher odds of olfactory impairment compared with never use (p-trend ≤ 0.05), including two organochlorine insecticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and lindane), two organophosphate insecticides (diazinon and malathion), permethrin, the fungicide captan and six herbicides (glyphosate, petroleum distillates, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and metribuzin), although many of these did not exhibit clear, monotonic exposure-response patterns.

Conclusion

Overall, we found relatively broad associations between pesticides and olfactory impairment, involving many individual pesticides and covering several chemical classes, suggesting that pesticides could affect olfaction through multiple pathways. Future epidemiological studies with objective measurement of olfaction are required to confirm these findings.
Argon-ion beam induced mutants of the ectomycorrhizal agaricomycete Tricholoma matsutake defective in β-1,4-endoglucanase activity promote the seedling growth of Pinus densiflora in vitro
Authors: Murata Hitoshi , Nakano Shota , Yamanaka Takashi , Shimokawa Tomoko , Abe Tomoko , Ichida Hiroyuki , Hayashi Yoriko , Tahara Ko
Published: October 2020

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal agaricomycete that produces the prized matsutake mushroom in conifer forests. Here, we isolated mutants generated by the argon-ion beam irradiation of T. matsutake NBRC 33136, designated as Ar 5002 and Ar 5012, which are defective in β-1,4-endoglucanase activity, that promoted the above- and below-ground growth of the symbiotic partner Pinus densiflora in vitro, compared with the control. Pine seedlings associated with Ar 5002, compared with NBRC 33136, had significantly higher above-ground dry mass and significantly greater plant growth, while those associated with Ar 5012 had significantly higher above- and below-ground dry mass. There were no significant differences between the numbers of mycorrhizal root-tips synthesized by the wild-type and mutants, indicating that β-1,4-endoglucanase did not influence the mycorrhization of T. matsutake. In seedlings inoculated with Ar 5002- and Ar 5012, the Hartig nets resembled those of seedlings inoculated with NBRC 33136. The data suggest that T. matsutake lacking β-1,4-endoglucanase activity confer beneficial effects on the growth of P. densiflora. Further studies are necessary to determine whether the symbiotic relationship could be strengthened by such a mutated fungal trait.
Feeding interactions between Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) postsmolts and other planktivorous fish in the Northeast Atlantic
Authors: Utne Kjell Rong , Thomas Katie , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Fall Johanna , Maoiléidigh Niall Ó. , Broms Cecilie Thorsen , Melle Webjørn
Published: October 2020

In recent decades, there has been a decline in the marine growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) over large parts of the distribution range. One hypothesis for this reduced growth is increased interspecific competition with other planktivorous pelagic fish in the ocean. Here, interactions between salmon postsmolts and other pelagic fish (mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and herring (Clupea harengus)) in the Northeast Atlantic were investigated. There was a low diet overlap between postsmolts and the two other planktivorous pelagic species. Both mackerel and herring were feeding predominantly on copepods and other small zooplankton, while salmon were feeding mostly on fish larvae. All three species feed on euphausiids and amphipods. Furthermore, postsmolts geographically overlapped with mackerel but had a low geographic overlap with herring. There was no correlation between the abundance or survival of salmon from key index rivers and the abundance of pelagic fish. This study did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that observed temporal changes in marine growth and survival of salmon can be explained by feeding interactions with pelagic fish.
The intervention oftert-butylhydroquinone protects ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in type II diabetic rats: the role of Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Rahman Ziaur , Dwivedi Durgesh Kumar , Jena G.B.
Published: October 2020

Ethanol consumption increases the prevalence of gastric ulcer (GU) in rats with type II diabetes (T2D). Induction of GU by absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg or 3.94 g/kg) in the animal model resembles human ulcer characteristics. The aim was to investigate the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the treatment of GU in diabetic condition. The rats were exposed to absolute ethanol 1 h before sacrifice and T2D was induced by combined exposure of high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin. Pretreatment of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) (25 and 50 mg/kg), metformin (500 mg/kg), and omeprazole (20 mg/kg) were given once daily for last three consecutive weeks. In ethanol-exposed diabetic rats, pretreatment with tBHQ, omeprazole, and metformin reduced gastric mucosal lesion, ulcer index, histological alterations, malondialdehyde level, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the intervention of tBHQ, omeprazole, and metformin improved the integrity of the stomach mucosa, glutathione, gastric pH, collagen, and goblet cells. tBHQ treatment improved ethanol-induced alterations of Nrf2, catalase, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), NF-κB, and endothelin-1 expressions in diabetic rats. In diabetic conditions, the incidence of GU is increased due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, depleted levels of cellular antioxidants, and altered gastric parameters. The tBHQ intervention could be a rational strategy to protect these changes.
The effect of habitat selection on offspring performance in the giant water bug Belostoma bifoveolatum
Authors: Jara Fabián G.
Published: October 2020

The selection of breeding habitat is crucial for many ectotherms inhabiting aquatic environments. Giant water bugs offer an excellent model for analysis of how temperature affects breeding habitat selection and reproductive success. This work focuses on whether wetland temperature influences habitat selection and offspring success in the giant water bug Belostoma bifoveolatum Spinola, 1852. To determine breeding habitat characteristics of B. bifoveolatum, 21 wetlands lying on the environmental gradients of canopy cover and altitude were sampled in spring; water temperature was monitored and the presence or absence of adult belostomatids, incubating males, and nymphs were recorded. Several environmental variables were measured in sites where males incubated eggs and were compared with those from control sites. Field experiments were also conducted to evaluate the effect of site choice on hatching success. Belostoma bifoveolatum was found up to 1545 m above sea level, but reproduction was observed only in the warmest temporary wetlands, with low forest cover, from 300 to 1000 m above sea level. Incubating males were found in the shallowest and warmest sites within the wetlands where egg incubation time was shortest and hatching success highest. The selection of breeding habitat and incubation site, along with parental care, constitute important adaptations in B. bifoveolatum and could explain its success in this cold region.
On the transverse size of hadrons at asymptotically high energies
Authors: Nekrasov M. L.
Published: October 2020

We show that Gribov diffusion of the partons in the impact parameter plane, which leads to the square-root-of-logarithmic growth of the transverse size of the hadrons, can occur only simultaneously with a similar diffusion in the transverse-momentum space. At the same time, a restriction of the partons in the transverse momenta entails an increase in their propagation in the impact parameter plane. Ultimately this leads to a logarithmic growth of the transverse size of hadrons at asymptotically high energies.
Parity equilibration in nuclear level densities of 159–166Dy
Authors: Razavi R. , Nouri O. , Rahmatinejad A. , Mohammadi S.
Published: October 2020

Excitation-energy dependent parity ratios in the level densities of [Formula: see text] isotopes are calculated within a microscopic approach. Introducing a parity equilibration parameter, energy dependence of the transition from where a single parity dominates to a parity equilibrated state is compared among [Formula: see text] isotopes and its relation to the pairing effect is investigated. A correlation between the pair-breaking and the equilibration of parity distributions is observed for the considered isotopes.
Benefits of Publicity
Authors: Gurun Umit G.
Published: October 2020

We investigate whether corporate board members with media expertise influence firms’ media coverage and media slant. We find that firms with a media professional on the board of directors receive more media coverage, and articles written about them include fewer negative words compared with articles on control firms. These findings highlight the importance of the composition of the board of directors as a determinant of information disclosure mechanism.
Frames at the Interface of Language and Cognition
Authors: Löbner Sebastian
Published: October 2020

This article reviews the work on frames in the last decade by a Düsseldorf research group. The research is based on Barsalou's notion of frames and the hypothesis that the frame is the general format of categorization in human cognition. The Düsseldorf frame group developed formal definitions and interpretations of Barsalou frames and applied the theory in linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. This review focuses on applications of the theory in semantics. The Düsseldorf approach grounds the analysis of composition in deep decomposition of lexical meanings with frames. The basic mechanism of composition is unification, which has deep repercussions on semantic theory and practice: Composition produces structured meanings and is not necessarily deterministic. The interaction of semantic and world knowledge can be modeled in an overall frame model across levels of linguistic analysis. The review concludes with a brief report on the development of hyperframes for dynamic verbs and for cascades, a model for multilevel categorization of action.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and the Understanding of Behavior
Authors: Pitcher David , Parkin Beth , Walsh Vincent
Published: October 2020

The development of the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the study of psychological functions has entered a new phase of sophistication. This is largely due to an increasing physiological knowledge of its effects and to its being used in combination with other experimental techniques. This review presents the current state of our understanding of the mechanisms of TMS in the context of designing and interpreting psychological experiments. We discuss the major conceptual advances in behavioral studies using TMS. There are meaningful physiological and technical achievements to review, as well as a wealth of new perceptual and cognitive experiments. In doing so we summarize the different uses and challenges of TMS in mental chronometry, perception, awareness, learning, and memory.
Simultaneous Enhancement of Energy and Power Density of Reduced Graphene Oxide by the Effect of Dispersed Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in the Electrolyte
Authors: Bharathidasan P. , Subramaniam Thiruvenkatam , Chandini D. , Sivakkumar S. R. , Rajan K. S. , S. Devaraj
Published: October 2020

Few-layered reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is prepared from graphite by chemical exfoliation method. In half cell, RGO electrode delivers a specific capacitance value of 41 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. An attempt is made to improve the capacitance properties of RGO by widening the operating voltage window and improving the charge storage capability through the use of metal oxide nanoparticles as electrolyte additives. The specific capacitance of RGO increases to 62 mF cm−2 and 87 mF cm−2 when ZnO and SiOx nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the electrolyte, respectively, at 0.5 mA cm−2. For a power density of 1.5 mW cm−2, the symmetric supercapacitor assembled using ZnO and SiOx nanofluid electrolyte delivers an energy density of 2.6 μWh cm−2 and 3.03 μWh cm−2, respectively, which is 2.7 and 3.1 times the value of energy density obtained for symmetric supercapacitor assembled using KOH electrolyte. The nanofluid electrolytes show high stability even after 60 d and the electrochemical performance of RGO is reproducible in the aged nanofluid electrolytes. The RGO electrode shows stable cycling for the tested number of 10000 cycles in all the electrolytes.
Tuning the Reactivity of Electrolyte Solvents on Lithium Metal by Vinylene Carbonate
Authors: Weber Felix M. , Kohlhaas Ina , Figgemeier Egbert
Published: October 2020

Organic solvents undergo degradation reactions when in contact with lithium metal. These reactions form a layer of decomposition products that partly prevents further electrolyte decomposition—passivation. Still, the chemical processes in this system are complex and have not yet been fully understood though it is of high relevance for lithium metal batteries. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) in feedback mode as well as GC-MS are used for analyzing the interface as well as soluble decomposition products. SECM data show that the native interface thickness on metallic lithium from ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) electrolyte solutions is reduced by approx. 98% by adding 5 wt% vinylene carbonate (VC) to the solution. The addition of VC changed significantly the dynamics of the growth of the deposition layer. GC-MS studies of the EC:EMC electrolyte solution proof an ongoing reaction of the metallic lithium with the electrolyte even after several days. In comparison, the addition of VC appears to stabilize the interface and no decomposition products could be identified. It is concluded that the addition of VC to the electrolyte solution from EC:EMC prevents the trans-esterification of EMC by surface passivation and not by scavenging alkoxides as claimed in literature.
Editors’ Choice—Mechanistic Elucidation of Anion Intercalation into Graphite from Binary-Mixed Highly Concentrated Electrolytes via Complementary 19F MAS NMR and XRD Studies
Authors: Haneke Lukas , Frerichs Joop Enno , Heckmann Andreas , Lerner Michael M. , Akbay Taner , Ishihara Tatsumi , Hansen Michael Ryan , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: October 2020

Dual-graphite batteries have emerged as promising candidate for sustainable energy storage due to their potentially low costs and absence of toxic materials. However, the mechanism of anion intercalation and the structures of the resulting graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) are still not well understood. Here, we systematically evaluate the anion intercalation characteristics into graphite for three highly concentrated electrolytes containing LiPF6, LiTFSI and their equimolar binary mixture. The binary mixture exhibits a significantly enhanced capacity retention and improved intercalation kinetics compared to the single-salt electrolytes in graphite ∣∣ Li metal cells. In situ X-ray diffraction studies prove the formation of stage 1-GICs and a homogeneous distribution of anions within graphite. From ex situ solid-state 19F magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, GICs can be identified at various states-of-charge (SOCs). The 19F chemical shifts of intercalated anions indicate no significant charge transfer between anion and graphite. The observed narrow 19F linewidths of the GIC-signals are most likely caused by a high translational and/or rotational mobility of the intercalates. Furthermore, the 19F MAS NMR studies allow the identification of the molar ratios for PF6
− and TFSI− anions intercalated into graphite, suggesting a preferred intercalation of PF6
− anions, especially at lower SOCs.
Oxidative stress by Ca2+ overload is critical for phosphate-induced vascular calcification
Authors: Nguyen Nhung Thi , Nguyen Tuyet Thi , Da Ly Dat , Xia Jing-Bo , Qi Xu-Feng , Lee In-Kyu , Cha Seung-Kuy , Park Kyu-Sang
Published: October 2020

The novel findings of this study are type III sodium-phosphate cotransporters PiT-1 and -2-dependent depolarization by high Pi, leading to Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cytosolic Ca2+ increase and subsequent oxidative stress are indispensable for osteogenic differentiation and calcification. In addition, plasmalemmal abundance of PiT-1/2 relies on Ca2+ overload and oxidative stress, establishing a positive feedback loop. Identification of mechanistic components of a vicious cycle could provide novel therapeutic strategies against vascular calcification in hyperphosphatemic patients.
Ticagrelor: a cardiometabolic drug targeting erythrocyte-mediated purinergic signaling?
Authors: Wernly Bernhard , Erlinge David , Pernow John , Zhou Zhichao
Published: October 2020

Cardiometabolic diseases lead to vascular complications, which cause increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. The underlying mechanisms are multifactorial and complex but may involve altered purinergic signaling that significantly contributes to cardiovascular dysfunction. Ticagrelor is a successful purinergic drug directly targeting ADP-mediated P2Y12R signaling for platelet aggregation and is widely used in patients with acute coronary syndrome. In addition, ticagrelor can target red blood cells (RBCs) to release ATP and inhibit adenosine uptake by RBCs, which subsequently activate purinergic signaling. This involvement in purinergic signaling may allow ticagrelor to mediate pleiotropic effects and contribute to the beneficial cardiovascular outcomes observed in clinical studies. Recent studies have established a novel function of RBCs, which is that RBCs act as disease mediators for the development of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D). RBC-released ATP is defective in T2D, which has implications for the induction of vascular dysfunction by dysregulating purinergic signaling. Ticagrelor might target RBCs and restore the bioavailability of ATP and adenosine, thereby attenuating cardiovascular complications. The present perspective discusses the pleiotropic effect of ticagrelor, with a focus on the possibility of ticagrelor for the treatment of cardiometabolic complications by targeting RBCs and initiating purinergic activation. A better understanding of the proposed cardiometabolic effects could support novel clinical indications for ticagrelor application.
Extraction and Hypolipidemic Activity of Low Molecular Weight Polysaccharides Isolated from Rosa Laevigata Fruits
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Hu Yihong , Jin Chenzhong , Wu Weiguo
Published: October 2020

Three novel low molecular weight polysaccharides (RLP‐1a, RLP‐2a, and RLP‐3a) with 9004, 8761, and 7571 Da were first obtained by purifying the crude polysaccharides from the fruits of a traditional Chinese medicinal herb Rosae Laevigatae. The conditions for polysaccharides from the R. Laevigatae fruit (RLP) extraction were optimized by the response surface methodology, and the optimal conditions were as follows: extraction temperature, 93°C; extraction time, 2.8 h; water to raw material ratio, 22; extraction frequency, 3. Structural characterization showed that RLP‐1a consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, glucose, and galactose with the ratio of 3.14 : 8.21 : 1 : 1.37 : 4.90, whereas RLP‐2a was composed of rhamnose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with the ratio of 1.70 : 1 : 93.59 : 2.73, and RLP‐3a was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with the ratio of 6.04 : 26.51 : 2.05 : 1 : 3.17 : 31.77. The NMR analyses revealed that RLP‐1a, RLP‐2a, and RLP‐3a contained 6, 4, and 6 types of glycosidic linkages, respectively. RLP‐1a and RLP‐3a exhibited distinct antioxidant abilities on the superoxide anions, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and hydroxyl radicals in vitro. RLPs could decrease the serum lipid levels, elevate the serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, enhance the antioxidant enzymes levels, and upregulate of FADS2, ACOX3, and SCD‐1 which involved in the lipid metabolic processes and oxidative stress in the high‐fat diet‐induced rats. These results suggested that RLPs ameliorated the high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced lipid metabolism disturbance in the rat liver through the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Low molecular weight polysaccharides of RLP could be served as a novel potential functional food for improving hyperlipidemia and liver oxidative stress responses.
[Retracted] HO‐1/PINK1 Regulated Mitochondrial Fusion/Fission to Inhibit Pyroptosis and Attenuate Septic Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Li Hai-Bo , Zhang Xi-Zhe , Sun Yi , Zhou Qi , Song Jian-Nan , Hu Zhan-Fei , Li Yun , Wu Jian-Nan , Guo Ying , Zhang Yuan , Shi Jia , Yu Jian-Bo
Published: October 2020

Background. Endotoxin‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI), a disease characterized by marked oxidative stress and inflammation disease, is a major cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Mitochondrial fission and pyroptosis often occur in AKI. However, the underlying biological pathways involved in endotoxin AKI remain poorly understood, especially those related to mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium disregulation and pyroptosis. Previous studies suggest that heme oxygenase‐ (HO‐) 1 confers cytoprotection against AKI during endotoxic shock, and PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) takes part in mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, in this study, we examine the roles of HO‐1/PINK1 in maintaining the dynamic process of mitochondrial fusion/fission to inhibit pyroptosis and mitigate acute kidney injury in rats exposed to endotoxin. Methods. An endotoxin‐associated AKI model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used in our study. Wild‐type (WT) rats and PINK1 knockout (PINK1KO) rats, respectively, were divided into four groups: the control, LPS, Znpp+LPS, and Hemin+LPS groups. Rats were sacrificed 6 h after intraperitoneal injecting LPS to assess renal function, oxidative stress, and inflammation by plasma. Mitochondrial dynamics, morphology, and pyroptosis were evaluated by histological examinations. Results. In the rats with LPS‐induced endotoxemia, the expression of HO‐1 and PINK1 were upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels. These rats also exhibited inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fission, pyroptosis, and decreased renal function. After upregulating HO‐1 in normal rats, pyroptosis was inhibited; mitochondrial fission and inflammatory response to oxidative stress were decreased; and the renal function was improved. The effects were reversed by adding Znpp (a type of HO‐1 inhibitor). Finally, after PINK1 knockout, there is no statistical difference in the LPS‐treated group and Hemin or Znpp pretreated group. Conclusions. HO‐1 inhibits inflammation response and oxidative stress and regulates mitochondria fusion/fission to inhibit pyroptosis, which can alleviate endotoxin‐induced AKI by PINK1.
Radiological Staging of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy: Comparison of T1 Mapping with Conventional MRI
Authors: Chen Lu , Chen Wen , Chen Huan-Huan , Wu Qian , Xu Xiao-Quan , Hu Hao , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: October 2020

Background. Accurate staging of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is crucial for clinical decision. Full cognition of pathologic changes and staging TAO using conventional T2-weighted imaging is still limited. Purpose. To investigate the feasibility of using T1 mapping to evaluate changes of extraocular muscles (EOMs) in TAO patients, as well as to compare T1 mapping and conventional T2-weighted imaging in staging TAO. Materials and Methods. Forty TAO patients were retrospectively enrolled. “Hot spot” and “cold spot” T1 relaxation times (T1RTHS and T1RTCS) of EOMs, as well as conventionally applied highest signal intensity ratio (SIR) of EOMs, were measured and compared between active and inactive groups. Results. T1RTCS and SIR were significantly higher in active TAOs than in the inactive ones (

P
<
0.
001

), while T1RTHS was not (

P
=
0.
093

). Meanwhile, T1RTCS and SIR were positively correlated with clinical activity score (r = 0.489, 0.540;

P
<
0.
001

). TIRTCS and SIR showed no significant area under curve for staging TAO (0.830 vs. 0.852;

P
=
0.
748

). T1RTCS ≥ 1000 alone showed optimal staging specificity (90.0%), while integration of T1RTCS ≥ 1000 and SIR ≥ 2.9 demonstrated optimal staging efficiency and sensitivity (area under curve, 0.900; sensitivity, 86.0%). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the T1-mapping technique holds the potency to be utilized in TAO. The derived T1RTCS of EOMs, which may be associated with fat infiltration, could be a useful biomarker to stage the disease, serving added efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity to single usage of conventional SIR.
Altered Bioavailability of Nitric Oxide and L‐Arginine Is a Key Determinant of Endothelial Dysfunction in Preeclampsia
Authors: Tashie Worlanyo , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Ephraim Richard K. D. , Asare Listowell , Adu-Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Seidu Laila
Published: October 2020

Background. Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. Evidence indicates that endothelial dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study assessed the level of the components of the arginine‐nitric oxide pathway to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. Methods. This case‐control study was conducted among pregnant women who visited Comboni Hospital from January 2017 to May 2018. A total of 180 pregnant women comprising 88 preeclamptic women (PE) and 92 healthy normotensive pregnant women (NP) were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric data were obtained using validated questionnaires. Blood pressure and anthropometrics were measured, and blood samples were collected for the estimation of nitric oxide (NO∙), L‐arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and 3‐nitrotyrosine using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results. The mean NO∙ (p = 0.010) and L‐arginine/ADMA ratio (p < 0.0001) was significantly lower in PE compared to NP while mean L‐arginine (p = 0.034), ADMA (p < 0.0001), and 3‐nitrotyrosine (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in PE than NP. ADMA showed a significant positive association with systolic blood pressure (β = 0.454, p = 0.036) in severe PE. Women with PE had significant intrauterine growth restriction (p < 0.0001) and low birth weight infants (p < 0.0001) when compared to NP. Conclusion. Preeclampsia is associated with reduced NO∙ bioavailability, L‐arginine/ADMA ratio, and elevated levels of ADMA and 3‐nitrotyrosine. Measurements of the levels of these parameters can help in the early prediction of endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Exogenous therapeutic supplementation with L‐arginine during pregnancy to increase the L‐arginine/ADMA ratio should be considered to improve endothelial function in preeclampsia and pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia.
Rapamycin‐Induced Autophagy Promotes the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Synovium‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Temporomandibular Joint in Response to IL‐1β
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Luo Haiyun , Wang Ruolan , Kang Yiyuan , Liao Wenting , Sun Yangpeng , Chen Guodong , Shao Longquan
Published: October 2020

Cartilage defects in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) lead to chronic pain and seldom heal. Synovium‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) exhibit superior chondrogenesis and have become promising seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering. However, local inflammatory conditions that affect the repair of articular cartilage by SMSCs present a challenge, and the specific mechanism through which the function remains unclear. Thus, it is important to explore the chondrogenesis of SMSCs under inflammatory conditions of TMD such that they can be used more effectively in clinical treatment. In this study, we obtained SMSCs from TMD patients with severe cartilage injuries. In response to stimulation with IL‐1β, which is well known as one of the most prevalent cytokines in TMD, MMP13 expression increased, while that of SOX9, aggrecan, and collagen II decreased during chondrogenic differentiation. At the same time, IL‐1β upregulated the expression of mTOR and decreased the ratio of LC3‐II/LC3‐I and the formation of autophagosomes. Further study revealed that rapamycin pretreatment promoted the migration of SMSCs and the expression of chondrogenesis‐related markers in the presence of IL‐1β by inducing autophagy. 3‐Benzyl‐5‐((2‐nitrophenoxy)methyl)‐dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐one (3BDO), a new activator of mTOR, inhibited autophagy and increased the expression of p‐GSK3βser9 and β‐catenin, simulating the effect of IL‐1β stimulation. Furthermore, rapamycin reduced the expression of mTOR, whereas the promotion of LC3‐II/LC3‐I was blocked by the GSK3β inhibitor TWS119. Taken together, these results indicate that rapamycin enhances the chondrogenesis of SMSCs by inducing autophagy, and GSK3β may be an important regulator in the process of rapamycin‐induced autophagy. Thus, inducing autophagy may be a useful approach in the chondrogenic differentiation of SMSCs in the inflammatory microenvironment and may represent a novel TMD treatment.
Molecularly Distinct NLRP3 Inducers Mediate Diverse Ratios of Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-18 from Human Monocytes
Authors: Midtbö Kristine , Eklund Daniel , Särndahl Eva , Persson Alexander
Published: October 2020

Inflammasomes cleave and activate interleukin- (IL-) 1β and IL-18 which have both shared and unique biological functions. IL-1β is an important mediator of the acute phase response to infections and tissue damage, whereas IL-18 takes part in activation and tailoring of the adaptive immune response. While IL-1β has served as the prototypic indicator of inflammasome activation, few studies have compared the potential differences in IL-1β and IL-18 production during inflammasome activation. Since these cytokines partake in different immune pathways, the involvement of inflammasome activity in different conditions needs to be described beyond IL-1β production alone. To address a potential heterogeneity in inflammasome functionality, ATP, chitosan, or silica oxide (SiO2) were used to induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in THP-1 cells and the subsequent outcomes were quantified. Despite using doses of the inflammasome inducers yielding similar release of IL-1β, SiO2-stimulated cells showed a lower concentration of released IL-18 compared to ATP and chitosan. Hence, the cells stimulated with SiO2 responded with a distinctly different IL-18 : IL-1β ratio. The difference in the IL-18 : IL-1β ratio for SiO2 was constant over different doses. While all downstream responses were strictly dependent on a functional NLRP3 inflammasome, the differences did not depend on the level of gene expression, caspase-1 activity, or pyroptosis. We suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome response should be considered a dynamic process, which can be described by taking the ratio between IL-1β and IL-18 into account and moving away from an on/off perspective of inflammasome activation.
Hypertryptasemia and Mast Cell-Related Disorders in Severe Osteoporotic Patients
Authors: Carosi Giulia , Guabello Gregorio , Longhi Matteo , Grifoni Federica , Passeri Elena , Corbetta Sabrina
Published: October 2020

Purpose. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by a clonal proliferation of neoplastic mast cells (MCs) in one or more extracutaneous organs including the bone marrow (BM). SM is often associated with osteoporosis (OP) and fractures. Hypertryptasemia usually occurs in SM. We investigated the prevalence of hypertryptasemia in a series of severe osteoporotic patients, the performance of the tryptase test in diagnosing SM in these patients, and their bone features. Methods. The medical records of 232 patients (168 females and 64 males) with a diagnosis of OP (50.4% with fractures) and a serum tryptase assessment were reviewed. BM assessment was performed in a subset of hypertryptasemic patients; clinical, biochemical, and radiographic data were collected. Results. Hypertryptasemia was detected in 33 patients. BM assessment (

n
=
16

) was normal in 8 hypertryptasemic patients, while BM criteria for the diagnosis of SM were met in 3 patients, MC alterations were detected in 4 patients, and one patient presented a polycythemia vera. Serum tryptase levels were higher than 11.4 ng/ml in all patients with BM alterations. The best cut-off of tryptase level related to BM alterations was 17.9 ng/ml, with a sensibility and sensitivity of 75% (

AUC
=
0.797

and

P
=
0.015

by ROC analysis). All osteoporotic patients with hypertryptasemia experienced at least one vertebral fracture associated with a severe reduction of the lumbar bone mineral density. Conclusions. The prevalence of MC-related disorders in severe OP was 3.0%, accounting for the 7.4% of the secondary causes of OP. MC-related disorders may be involved in bone fragility and assessment of serum tryptase is useful to detect MC-related disorders.