bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation is associated with lean body mass in postmenopausal women
Authors: Worm Marie S. , Bager Cecilie L. , Blair Joseph P. M. , Secher Niels H. , Riis Bente J. , Christiansen Claus , Nielsen Henning B.
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the association between body composition and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in postmenopausal women. In a retrospective analysis we assessed data from 5704 postmenopausal women (age 70.7 ± 6.5 yrs.) who in 1999–2001 participated in The Prospective Epidemiological Risk Factor study with body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Outcomes were obtained from Danish Health Registries and body composition association to risk of AF was evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox Hazard regression. 850 women developed AF after baseline. High lean body mass was associated with increased risk of AF in multivariable analyses, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), height or weight (adjusted for: BMI, hazard ratio (HR) 1.49, 95% Confidence Interval (1.22–1.80); height, HR 1.27 (1.03–1.56); weight, 1.33 (1.06–1.65)). Height and weight were associated with increased risk of AF in multivariable analyses adjusting for body composition measures. When adjusting for total lean mass, only height remained statistically significant (HR 1.34 (1.09–1.64)). In a cohort of elderly Caucasian women, high lean body mass, height and weight were associated with increased risk of AF and the variables remained significant after adjusting for age and other known risk factors of AF.
Binding of myeloperoxidase to the extracellular matrix of smooth muscle cells and subsequent matrix modification
Authors: Cai Huan , Chuang Christine Y. , Hawkins Clare L. , Davies Michael J.
Published: January 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues is susceptible to modification by inflammation-associated oxidants. Considerable data support a role for hypochlorous acid (HOCl), generated by the leukocyte-derived heme-protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) in these changes. HOCl can modify isolated ECM proteins and cell-derived matrix, with this resulting in decreased cell adhesion, modulated proliferation and gene expression, and phenotypic changes. Whether this arises from free HOCl, or via site-specific reactions is unresolved. Here we examine the mechanisms of MPO-mediated changes to human coronary smooth muscle cell ECM. MPO is shown to co-localize with matrix fibronectin as detected by confocal microscopy, and bound active MPO can initiate ECM modification, as detected by decreased antibody recognition of fibronectin, versican and type IV collagen, and formation of protein carbonyls and HOCl-mediated damage. These changes are recapitulated by a glucose/glucose oxidase/MPO system where low continuous fluxes of H2O2are generated. HOCl-induced modifications enhance MPO binding to ECM proteins as detected by ELISA and MPO activity measurements. These data demonstrate that MPO-generated HOCl induces ECM modification by interacting with ECM proteins in a site-specific manner, and generates alterations that increase MPO adhesion. This is proposed to give rise to an increasing cycle of alterations that contribute to tissue damage.
Dopamine-induced calcium signaling in olfactory bulb astrocytes
Authors: Fischer Timo , Scheffler Paula , Lohr Christian
Published: January 2020

It is well established that astrocytes respond to the major neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA with cytosolic calcium rises, whereas less is known about the effect of dopamine on astroglial cells. In the present study, we used confocal calcium imaging in mouse brain slices of the olfactory bulb, a brain region with a large population of dopaminergic neurons, to investigate calcium signaling evoked by dopamine in astrocytes. Our results show that application of dopamine leads to a dose-dependent cytosolic calcium rise in astrocytes (EC50 = 76 µM) which is independent of neuronal activity and mainly mediated by PLC/IP3-dependent internal calcium release. Antagonists of both D1- and D2-class dopamine receptors partly reduce the dopaminergic calcium response, indicating that both receptor classes contribute to dopamine-induced calcium transients in olfactory bulb astrocytes.
Reclamation of hexavalent chromium using catalytic activity of highly recyclable biogenic Pd(0) nanoparticles
Authors: Tripathi R. M. , Chung Sang J.
Published: January 2020

Hexavalent chromium is extremely toxic and increasingly prevalent owing to industrialisation, thereby posing serious human health and environmental risks. Therefore, new approaches for detoxifying high concentrations of Cr (VI) using an ultralow amount of catalyst with high recyclability are increasingly being considered. The catalytic conversion of Cr (VI) into Cr (III) was previously reported; however, it required a large amount of catalyst to reduce a low concentration of Cr (VI); further, pH adjustment and catalyst separation had to be performed, causing issues with large-scale remediation. In this study, an unprecedented eco-friendly and cost-effective method was developed for the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) with a significantly narrow size distribution of 3–25 nm. PdNPs demonstrated the presence of elemental Pd with the zero oxidation state when analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PdNPs could detoxify a high concentration of Cr (VI), without the need to adjust the pH or purify the nanoparticles for reusability. The reusability of the PdNPs for the catalytic conversion of Cr (VI) into Cr (III) was >90% for subsequent cycles without the further addition of formic acid. Thus, the study provides new insights into the catalytic reclamation of Cr (VI) for industrial wastewater treatment.
Tunable Electronic, Optical, and Thermal Properties of two- dimensional Germanene via an external electric field
Authors: Chegel Raad , Behzad Somayeh
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present a tight-binding model based on DFT calculations for investigation the electronic and optical properties of monolayer Germanene. The thermal properties are investigated using Green function method. The required tight binding parameters including the onsite energies and third nearest neighbors hopping and overlap integrals are obtained based on our DFT calculations. Germanene is a semiconductor with zero band gap and linear band dispersion around the K point. The band gap opening occurs in the presence of bias voltage. The band gap is increased linearly with increase of the bias voltage strength. The tight binding results for position of the two first peaks in the optical Infrared region is same with the DFT results. By applying and increasing bias voltage, the dielectric function shows the blue shift by reduction the peak intensity in the energy range E < 1 eV. The thermal conductivity and heat capacity increase with increasing the temperature due to the increasing of thermal energy of charge carriers and excitation them to the conduction bands. The thermal properties of Germanene in the absence of bias U = 0 is larger than that U ≠ 0 and they decrease by further bias strength increasing, due to the increasing band gap with bias.
Precise safety pharmacology studies of lapatinib for onco-cardiology assessed using in vivo canine models
Authors: Ando Kentaro , Wada Takeshi , Cao Xin
Published: January 2020

Cancer chemotherapies have improved prognosis in cancer patients, resulting in a large and rapidly increasing number of cancer survivors. “Onco-cardiology” or “cardio-oncology” is a new discipline for addressing the unanticipated cardiac side effects of newly developed cancer drugs. Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor suppressing the epidermal growth factor receptor and ErbB2, has been used in advanced or metastatic breast cancer treatment. Reportedly, lapatinib has induced cardiovascular adverse events including QT-interval prolongation and heart failure. However, they have not been predicted by preclinical studies. Hence, a new method to assess the tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced adverse effects needs to be established. Here, we intravenously administered lapatinib to halothane-anaesthetised dogs, evaluating cardiohemodynamic, electrophysiological, and echocardiographic profiles for pharmacological safety assessments. We intravenously administered lapatinib to chronic atrioventricular block beagle dogs to assess its proarrhythmic potential. The therapeutic concentration of lapatinib significantly increased total peripheral vascular resistance, QT, QTc, monophasic action potential (MAP)90(sinus), MAP90(CL400), effective refractory period, and plasma concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), suggesting that lapatinib prolonged the ventricular repolarization without inducing lethal ventricular arrhythmia. Careful monitoring of plasma cTnI concentration and an electrocardiogram could be supportive biomarkers, predicting the onset of lapatinib-induced cardiovascular adverse events.
Influence of temperature change in donor corneas on postoperative endothelium cell density following endothelial transplantation
Authors: Kakisu Koji , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Shimazaki Jun
Published: January 2020

To examine the influence on postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) caused by preoperative temperature change from 4 °C to room temperature in donor corneas for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This retrospective, case-controlled comparison of 100 eyes that underwent DSAEK using imported donor corneas transferred from an overseas eye bank (SightLife, Seattle, WA, USA). Fifty donor corneas experienced temperature reversal for ECD measurement (TR group), and postoperative outcomes were compared with 50 disease-matched cases that did not experience temperature changes before DSAEK (NTR group). The main outcome measure was endothelial cell loss and reduction rate of ECD at 1, 3, and 6 months following DSAEK. ECD at 3 months following DSAEK was significantly less in the TR group (1458 ± 494/mm2) than in the NTR group (1696 ± 374/mm2; P = 0.014), though ECD at 6 months was not significantly less in the TR group. The reduction rate of ECD at 3 months was greater in the TR group (42.3% ± 17.2%) than in the NTR group (35.7% ± 14.2%; P = 0.044), though reduction rate of ECD at 6 months was not significantly less in the TR group. We found that preoperative temperature change in donor corneas may adversely affect ECD following DSAEK.
Sensing mechanism of a ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent chemosensor for cysteine hydropersulfide: Intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Gao Aihua , Zhang Hongxing
Published: January 2020

Previous studies have shown that the cysteine hydropersulfide (Cys-SSH) as the sulfur donor is crucial to sulfur-containing cofactors synthesis. Recently, a selective and sensitive near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor Cy-DiSe has been designed and synthesized to detect Cys-SSH spontaneously. Herein, by means of the density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approaches, the sensing mechanism has been thoroughly explored. According to our calculations, the experimental data have been reproduced. The results indicate the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) is the reason for changes in fluorescence wavelengths. Compared with the chemosensor Cy-DiSe, the larger energy gap of Cy induced by ICT mechanism leads to the blue-shift of the absorption and emission spectra, which guarantees that Cy-DiSe can become a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor to detect Cys-SSH.
Quantum read-out for cold atomic quantum simulators
Authors: Gluza M. , Schweigler T. , Rauer B. , Krumnow C. , Schmiedmayer J. , Eisert J.
Published: January 2020

Quantum simulators allow to explore static and dynamical properties of otherwise intractable quantum many-body systems. In many instances, however, the read-out limits such quantum simulations. In this work, we introduce an innovative experimental read-out exploiting coherent non-interacting dynamics. Specifically, we present a tomographic recovery method allowing to indirectly measure the second moments of the relative density fluctuations between two one-dimensional superfluids, which until now eluded direct measurements. Applying methods from signal processing, we show that we can reconstruct the relative density fluctuations from non-equilibrium data of the relative phase fluctuations. We employ the method to investigate equilibrium states, the dynamics of phonon occupation numbers and even to predict recurrences. The method opens a new window for quantum simulations with one-dimensional superfluids, enabling a deeper analysis of their equilibration and thermalization dynamics.
Electroenzymatic glutamate sensing at near the theoretical performance limit
Authors: Huang I-wen , Clay Mackenzie , Wang Siqi , Guo Yuwan , Nie Jingjing , Monbouquette Harold G.
Published: January 2020

Optimized sensors will enable more accurate monitoring of glutamate signaling in vivo.
A paper-based biosensor for visual detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from whole blood
Authors: White Dawn , Keramane Mehdi , Capretta Alfredo , Brennan John D.
Published: January 2020

Paper-based, colorimetric, visual detection of G6PD from whole blood without need for equipment.
Signal-off electrochemiluminescence immunosensors based on the quenching effect between curcumin-conjugated Au nanoparticles encapsulated in ZIF-8 and CdS-decorated TiO2 nanobelts for insulin detection
Authors: Du Yu , Li Xiaojian , Ren Xiang , Wang Huan , Wu Dan , Ma Hongmin , Fan Dawei , Wei Qin
Published: January 2020

Curcumin-conjugated Au nanoparticles wrapped in zeolitic Zn2+-imidazolate cross-linked framework nanoparticles quenched the ECL of CdS-decorated TiO2 nanobelts.
Colorimetric detection of Hg(ii) based on the gold amalgam-triggered reductase mimetic activity in aqueous solution by employing AuNP@MOF nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Wang Hao , Guo Lan , Chen Guang , Kong Rongmei , Qu Fengli , Xia Lian
Published: January 2020

AuNPs@MOF was constructed by immobilization of Au NPs uniformly on the cavity of MOF, which can prevent Au NPs aggregation then achieve higher enzymatic activities for detection of Hg2+ on the base of Hg2+ triggered Au catalysis of MB reduction.
A novel signal self-enhancement photoelectrochemical immunosensor without addition of a sacrificial agent in solution based on Ag2S/CuS/α-Fe2O3 n–p–n heterostructure films
Authors: Chen Min , Wang Cun , Meng Hui , Mo Fangjing , Fu Yingzi
Published: January 2020

A novel signal self-enhancement photoelectrochemical immuno-sensor has been developed based on the curing of sacrificial agent SO32− coated-Au NPs sensitizing Ag2S/CuS/α-Fe2O3 n–p–n hetero-structure films for the first time.
Fsp3-rich and diverse fragments inspired by natural products as a collection to enhance fragment-based drug discovery
Authors: Hanby Abigail R. , Troelsen Nikolaj S. , Osberger Thomas J. , Kidd Sarah L. , Mortensen Kim T. , Spring David R.
Published: January 2020

Herein, we describe the natural product inspired synthesis of 38 complex small molecules based upon 20 unique frameworks suitable for fragment-based screening.
The contributions of distinct Pd surface sites in palladium–ceria catalysts to low-temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Tang Ke , Zeng Dan , Lin Feng , Yang Yanzhao , Wu Lishun
Published: January 2020

The low-temperature CO oxidation properties of Pd/CeO2 catalysts can be correlated with the distribution of PdOx/Pd–O–Ce species.
Stable Ln-MOFs as multi-responsive photoluminescence sensors for the sensitive sensing of Fe3+, Cr2O72−, and nitrofuran
Authors: Duan Lijuan , Zhang Chengcheng , Cen Peipei , Jin Xiaoyong , Liang Chen , Yang Jinhui , Liu Xiangyu
Published: January 2020

Stable Ln(iii)-MOFs with a versatile 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid ligand can be used as a multifunctional sensing platform for Fe3+, Cr2O72−, and nitrofuran detection.
The nanoscopic principles of capacitive ion sensing interfaces
Authors: Bueno Paulo R. , Hein Robert , Santos Adriano , Davis Jason J.
Published: January 2020

Herein we discuss the operational principles of molecular interfaces that specifically recruit ions from an electrolyte solution and report this in a reagentless capacitive manner.
Self-assembly of pendant functional groups grafted PEDOT as paracetamol detection material
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Jamal Ruxangul , Zhang Ruanye , Yu Zongna , Yan Yinqiang , Liu Yingcheng , Ge Yi , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: January 2020

This paper reports systematic studies on the self-assembly behavior of pendant functional group grafted PEDOTs as paracetamol detection materials.
High throughput sequencing of in vitro selections of mRNA-displayed peptides: data analysis and applications
Authors: Blanco Celia , Verbanic Samuel , Seelig Burckhard , Chen Irene A.
Published: January 2020

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of mRNA display selection of functional peptides.
Optimizing nitroxide biradicals for cross-effect MAS-DNP: the role of g-tensors’ distance
Authors: Mentink-Vigier Frédéric
Published: January 2020

Nitroxide biradicals are common polarizing agents used to enhance the sensitivity of solid-state NMR experiments via Magic Angle Spinning Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (MAS-DNP).
Exploring doped or vacancy-modified graphene-based electrodes for applications in asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: da Silva Débora A. C. , Paulista Neto Antenor J. , Pascon Aline M. , Fileti Eudes E. , Fonseca Leonardo R. C. , Zanin Hudson G.
Published: January 2020

We report here density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics atomistic simulations to determine the total capacitance of graphene-modified supercapacitors.
Multifunctionality and cytotoxicity of a layered coordination polymer
Authors: Silva Patrícia , Mendes Ricardo F. , Fernandes Carlos , Gomes Ana C. , Ananias Duarte , Remião Fernando , Borges Fernanda , Valente Anabela A. , Almeida Paz Filipe A.
Published: January 2020

This work reports the synthesis and multifunctionality of 2D layered coordination polymers formulated as [Ln2(H3nmp)2]·xH2O (1, where Ln = Sm3+, Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+ and Y3+) (x = 1 to 4).
A highly efficient uranium grabber derived from acrylic fiber for extracting uranium from seawater
Authors: Pan Horng-Bin , Wai Chien M. , Kuo Li-Jung , Gill Gary A. , Wang Joanna S. , Joshi Ruma , Janke Christopher J.
Published: January 2020

An amidoxime and carboxylate containing chelating adsorbent derived from acrylic fiber shows a fast adsorption rate and high uranium and low vanadium adsorption capacities in real seawater tests.
Computational inertial microfluidics: a review
Authors: Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Mashhadian Ali , Ehsani Abbas , Saha Suvash Chandra , Krüger Timm , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid
Published: January 2020

Schematic illustration of various kinds of geometries used for inertial microfluidics.
Antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide quantum dots: impacts of chemical reduction
Authors: Rojas-Andrade Mauricio D. , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Mistler William P. , Armas Juan , Lu Jia En , Roseman Graham , Hollingsworth William R. , Nichols Forrest , Millhauser Glenn L. , Ayzner Alexander , Saltikov Chad , Chen Shaowei
Published: January 2020

The design and engineering of graphene-based nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications is attracting extensive interest. Here, we highlight the differential toxicity and phototoxicity of graphene oxide quantum dots after NaBH4reduction.
Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a 99mTc labelled deoxyglucose complex {[99mTc]DTPA-bis(DG)} as a potential SPECT based probe for tumor imaging
Authors: Singh Shivani , Singh Sweta , Sharma Rakesh K. , Kaul Ankur , Mathur Rashi , Tomar Sarika , Varshney Raunak , Mishra Anil K.
Published: January 2020

[99mTc]DTPA-bis(DG): a potent tumor imaging probe.
Photophysical and electrochemical properties of newly synthesized thioxathone–viologen binary derivatives and their photo-/electrochromic displays in ionic liquids and polymer gels
Authors: Ma Dong-Mei , Wang Jing , Guo Hao , Qian Dong-Jin
Published: January 2020

Photo- and electrochromic devices based on thioxathone–viologen derivatives were constructed in ionic liquid and gels, which displayed a good transmittance and reversible colour change behaviour under visible light radiation or a bias of −2.4 V.
Ultra-low loading of Ni in catalysts supported on mesoporous SiO2 and their performance in hydrodeoxygenation of palmitic acid
Authors: Valencia Diego , Zenteno Citlalli , Morales-Gil Perla , Díaz-García Leonardo , Gómora-Herrera Diana , Palacios-González Eduardo , Aburto Jorge
Published: January 2020

Ni catalysts supported on KIT-5 are attractive heterogeneous catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of biomass feedstocks.
Li3PO4 modification on a primary particle surface for high performance Li-rich layered oxide Li1.18Mn0.52Co0.15Ni0.15O2via a synchronous route
Authors: Liu Xianghuan , Wang Zhenyao , Zhuang Weidong , Ban Liqing , Gao Min , Li Wenjin , Yin Yanping , Wang Zhong , Lu Shigang
Published: January 2020

A Li-rich layered oxide, Li1.18Mn0.52Co0.15Ni0.15O2, with Li3PO4 modification on the surface of a primary particle, was synthesized by a facile synchronous method.
Recent advances in white light-emitting diodes of carbon quantum dots
Authors: He Ping , Shi Yuxin , Meng Ting , Yuan Ting , Li Yunchao , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Yang , Fan Louzhen , Yang Shihe
Published: January 2020

In this mini review, we update the latest research in the design of high-performance WLEDs with different correlated color temperatures by tuning the red component using red emissive CQDs and single-component white emissive CQDs.
A supramolecular polymeric photoinitiator with enhanced dispersion in photo-curing systems
Authors: Li Tiantian , Su Zhilong , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: January 2020

A simple and general approach to make the commercial photoinitiator water-soluble and polymeric was developedviasupramolecular interactions, which is believed to find wide potential applications in the photo-curing technology.
A class of Pt(iv) triple-prodrugs targeting nucleic acids, thymidylate synthases and histone deacetylases
Authors: Ding Xiao-Jing , Zhang Ran , Liu Rui-Ping , Song Xue-Qing , Qiao Xin , Xie Cheng-Zhi , Zhao Xiu-He , Xu Jing-Yuan
Published: January 2020

A Pt(iv)-triple-prodrug, comprising VPA, 5-FU, regulated TS, HDAC, and γH2AX, showing higher efficiency and lower toxicity than cisplatin.
A zinc-responsive fluorophore based on 5′-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridylthiazole
Authors: Watanabe Yuichiro , Sungnoi Wanna , Sartorio Andrew O. , Zeller Matthias , Wei Alexander
Published: January 2020

p-Hydroxylphenylpyridylthiazole (HPPT) produces charge transfer induced fluorescence strongly influenced by metal ions. The Zn–HPPT-complex exhibits a Stokes emission of 137 nm (67 nm shift relative to neutral HPPT) with a quantum yield of 92%.
Enhanced charge transport and thermoelectric performance of P(NDI2OD-T2) by epitaxial crystallization on highly oriented polyethylene substrates
Authors: Wang Junjie , Liu Yuchao , Li Huihui , Yan Shouke , Sun Xiaoli , Tu Dandan , Guo Xin , Ren Zhongjie
Published: January 2020

Large-area anisotropic P(NDI2OD-T2) films are produced by epitaxial crystallization on a highly oriented polyethylene substrate, which display anisotropic mobility, conductivity and thermoelectric performance after doping N-DMBI.
Immunochromatographic assay for melamine based on luminescent quantum dot beads as signaling probes
Authors: Chen Quan , Qie Meifang , Peng Xusheng , Chen Yan , Wang Yulin
Published: January 2020

An immunochromatographic assay using quantum dot beads as a label was established for melamine detection in milk with fast and effective pretreatment.
Drop ejection from vibrating damped, dampened wings
Authors: Alam MD Erfanul , Kauffman Jeffrey L. , Dickerson Andrew K.
Published: January 2020

The task of moisture removal from small surfaces such as microflyer wings can be challenging due to location and scale. In this study, we explore highly-coupled fluid–solid mechanics using singular drops resting on millimetric, forced cantilevers.
Realizing both n- and p-types of high thermoelectric performance in Fe1−xNixTiSb half-Heusler compounds
Authors: Li Nanhai , Zhu Huaxing , He Wenlu , Zhang Bing , Cui Wenjun , Hu Zhi-Yi , Sang Xiahan , Lu Xu , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2020

The random distribution of Fe/Ni atoms in Fe1−xNixTiSb, which leads to low lattice thermal conductivity and thus high quality factors.
A reagent for heteroatom borylation, including iron mediated reductive deoxygenation of nitrate yielding a dinitrosyl complex
Authors: Beagan Daniel M. , Carta Veronica , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: January 2020

Borylated heterocycles are shown to be potent reductants towards organic substrates, as well as capable of nitrate deoxygenation.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MTHFR, TCN2, RNF213 with susceptibility to hypertension and blood pressure
Authors: Liu Shan , Liu Mengwei , Li Qian , Liu Xiuping , Wang Yue , Mambiya Michael , Zhang Kaili , Yang Luping , Zhang Qian , Shang Mengke , Zeng Fanxin , Nie Fangfang , Liu Wanyang
Published: January 2020

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR), transcobalaminII (TCN2) and ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) are related to homocysteine (Hcy) level and are of great significance for hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the associations of MTHFR (rs1801133, rs1801131, rs9651118), TCN2 (rs117353193) and RNF213 (rs9916351) with hypertension and blood pressure (BP). A total of 953 patients with hypertension and 1103 controls were enrolled. Genotyping was performed by Taqman. Logistic regression analysis indicated that A allele of TCN2 rs117353193 under the dominant model had a significantly protective effect (P=0.045) after adjustment, which showed that AA+GA genotype has a lower risk than GG. Additionally, the average diastolic BP (DBP) (P=0.044) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P=0.035) levels were significantly different between genotypes of RNF213 rs9916351. Further pairwise comparison showed that the average systolic BP (SBP) level of the TT genotype carriers were significantly higher than in CC (P=0.024), and the average DBP and MAP levels of the TT genotype carriers were higher than in CT (P=0.044, P=0.012, respectively) and CC (P=0.048, P=0.010, respectively). In the recessive model, the average SBP (P=0.043), DBP (P=0.018) and MAP (P=0.017) levels with the TT genotype carriers were significantly higher than in CT+CC. Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that RNF213 rs9916351 in the recessive model had significant effects on SBP (P=0.025), DBP (P=0.017) and MAP (P=0.010) as a risk factor. However, no associations were observed between MTHFR and hypertension. TCN2 rs117353193 might serve as a protective factor in hypertension, and RNF213 rs9916351 might be a risk factor that is linked to increase BP level in Northeast Chinese population.
Therapeutic targeting of protein S-acylation for the treatment of disease
Authors: Fraser Niall J. , Howie Jacqueline , Wypijewski Krzysztof J. , Fuller William
Published: January 2020

The post-translational modification protein S-acylation (commonly known as palmitoylation) plays a critical role in regulating a wide range of biological processes including cell growth, cardiac contractility, synaptic plasticity, endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, membrane transport and biased-receptor signalling. As a consequence, zDHHC-protein acyl transferases (zDHHC-PATs), enzymes that catalyse the addition of fatty acid groups to specific cysteine residues on target proteins, and acyl proteins thioesterases, proteins that hydrolyse thioester linkages, are important pharmaceutical targets. At present, no therapeutic drugs have been developed that act by changing the palmitoylation status of specific target proteins. Here, we consider the role that palmitoylation plays in the development of diseases such as cancer and detail possible strategies for selectively manipulating the palmitoylation status of specific target proteins, a necessary first step towards developing clinically useful molecules for the treatment of disease.
Photo-induced protein oxidation: mechanisms, consequences and medical applications
Authors: Fuentes-Lemus Eduardo , López-Alarcón Camilo
Published: January 2020

Irradiation from the sun has played a crucial role in the origin and evolution of life on the earth. Due to the presence of ozone in the stratosphere most of the hazardous irradiation is absorbed, nonetheless UVB, UVA, and visible light reach the earth’s surface. The high abundance of proteins in most living organisms, and the presence of chromophores in the side chains of certain amino acids, explain why these macromolecules are principal targets when biological systems are illuminated. Light absorption triggers the formation of excited species that can initiate photo-modification of proteins. The major pathways involve modifications derived from direct irradiation and photo-sensitized reactions. In this review we explored the basic concepts behind these photochemical pathways, with special emphasis on the photosensitized mechanisms (type 1 and type 2) leading to protein oxidation, and how this affects protein structure and functions. Finally, a description of the photochemical reactions involved in some human diseases, and medical applications of protein oxidation are presented.
The challenge of detecting modifications on proteins
Authors: Smith Lauren Elizabeth , Rogowska-Wrzesinska Adelina
Published: January 2020

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are integral to the regulation of protein function, characterising their role in this process is vital to understanding how cells work in both healthy and diseased states. Mass spectrometry (MS) facilitates the mass determination and sequencing of peptides, and thereby also the detection of site-specific PTMs. However, numerous challenges in this field continue to persist. The diverse chemical properties, low abundance, labile nature and instability of many PTMs, in combination with the more practical issues of compatibility with MS and bioinformatics challenges, contribute to the arduous nature of their analysis. In this review, we present an overview of the established MS-based approaches for analysing PTMs and the common complications associated with their investigation, including examples of specific challenges focusing on phosphorylation, lysine acetylation and redox modifications.
Estimating DLMP confidence intervals in distribution networks with AC power flow model and uncertain renewable generation
Authors: Wei Wei , Shen Ziqi , Wu Lei , Li Fangxing , Ding Tao
Published: January 2020

This study proposes a systematic approach for estimating intervals of distribution locational marginal price (DLMP) and corresponding confidence levels without requiring an exact probability distribution of renewable generation. The DLMP is evaluated based on a variant of the alternating current (AC) power flow model, namely, the branch flow model, in which network losses, bus voltage, and reactive power are taken into account. Based on the exactness of convex relaxation of optimal power flow, the authors developed a linear AC power flow model by applying second‐order cone relaxation and global polyhedral approximation. Given a set of renewable power volatility, interval prediction of the DLMP is formulated as a bilevel linear program, which is solved via a mixed‐integer linear program (MILP). Considering variances and unimodality of renewable power forecast error, a conservative estimation of the confidence level is expressed by a generalised Gauss inequality, which comes down to semidefinite programming. The proposed method is a natural extension of existing interval and probabilistic forecast methods, leveraging the proposed linear AC power flow model and inexact probability distributions of renewable power output, and could be promising in future distribution power markets. Case studies corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Expected performances of the Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS)
Authors: Futyan D. , Fortier A. , Beck M. , Ehrenreich D. , Bekkelien A. , Benz W. , Billot N. , Bourrier V. , Broeg C. , Collier Cameron A. , Deline A. , Kuntzer T. , Lendl M. , Queloz D. , Rohlfs R. , Simon A. E. , Wildi F.
Published: January 2020

Context. The CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) is a mission dedicated to the search for exoplanetary transits through high precision photometry of bright stars already known to host planets. The telescope will provide the unique capability of determining accurate radii for planets whose masses have already been measured from ground-based spectroscopic surveys. This will allow a first-order characterisation of the planets’ internal structure through the determination of the bulk density, providing direct insight into their composition. By identifying transiting exoplanets with high potential for in-depth characterisation, CHEOPS will also provide prime targets for future instruments suited to the spectroscopic characterisation of exoplanetary atmospheres.

Aims. The CHEOPS simulator has been developed to perform detailed simulations of the data which is to be received from the CHEOPS satellite. It generates accurately simulated images that can be used to explore design options and to test the on-ground data processing, in particular, the pipeline producing the photometric time series. It is, thus, a critical tool for estimating the photometric performance expected in flight and to guide photometric analysis. It can be used to prepare observations, consolidate the noise budget, and asses the performance of CHEOPS in realistic astrophysical fields that are difficult to reproduce in the laboratory.

Methods. The simulator has been implemented as a highly configurable tool called CHEOPSim, with a web-based user interface. Images generated by CHEOPSim take account of many detailed effects, including variations of the incident signal flux and backgrounds, and detailed modelling of the satellite orbit, pointing jitter and telescope optics, as well as the CCD response, noise and readout.

Results. The simulator results presented in this paper have been used in the context of validating the data reduction processing chain, in which image time series generated by CHEOPSim were used to generate light curves for simulated planetary transits across real and simulated targets. Independent analysts were successfully able to detect the planets and measure their radii to an accuracy within the science requirements of the mission: for an Earth-sized planet with an orbital period of 50 days orbiting a Sun-like target with magnitude V = 6, the median measured value of the planet to star radius ratio, Rp/Rs, was 0.00923 ± 0.00054(stat) ± 0.00019(syst), compared to a true input value of 0.00916. For a Neptune-sized planet with an orbital period of 13 days orbiting a target with spectral type K5V and magnitude V = 12, the median measured value of Rp/Rs was 0.05038 ± 0.00061(stat) ± 0.00031(syst), compared to a true input value of 0.05.
Effect of the [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratio on selective chromium corrosion and tellurium intergranular cracking of Hastelloy N alloy in the fuel LiF-BeF2-UF4 salt
Authors: Surenkov Aleksandr , Ignatiev Victor , Presnyakov Mikhail , Wang Jianqiang , Li Zhijun , Yang Xinmei , Dai Zhimin
Published: January 2020

Effect of the [U(IV)/U(III)] ratio of fuel salt on selective chromium corrosion and tellurium intergranular cracking (IGC) of Hastelloy N alloy in the LiF-BeF2-UF4 salt mixture was investigated. The chromium corrosion of Hastelloy N alloy is caused by the oxidation of chromium on the alloy surface by reaction with UF4. The tellurium IGC of Hastelloy N alloy is caused by the diffusion of tellurium along the grain boundaries with the formation of unstable tellurides with based metals and alloying additives. Results indicate that the selective chromium corrosion and the tellurium IGC of the Hastelloy N alloy in fuel salt can be controlled by the [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratio. The tellurium IGC of Hastelloy N alloy exposed in fuel LiF-BeF2-UF4 salt can be avoided. For temperatures up to 760 °C the selective chromium corrosion can be minimized to the acceptable level when the [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratio of fuel salt is bellow 30–40.
Convergence rates of high dimensional Smolyak quadrature
Authors: Zech Jakob , Schwab Christoph
Published: January 2020

We analyse convergence rates of Smolyak integration for parametric maps u: U → X taking values in a Banach space X, defined on the parameter domain U = [−1,1]N. For parametric maps which are sparse, as quantified by summability of their Taylor polynomial chaos coefficients, dimension-independent convergence rates superior to N-term approximation rates under the same sparsity are achievable. We propose a concrete Smolyak algorithm to a priori identify integrand-adapted sets of active multiindices (and thereby unisolvent sparse grids of quadrature points) via upper bounds for the integrands’ Taylor gpc coefficients. For so-called “(b,ε)-holomorphic” integrands u with b∈lp(∕) for some p ∈ (0, 1), we prove the dimension-independent convergence rate 2/p − 1 in terms of the number of quadrature points. The proposed Smolyak algorithm is proved to yield (essentially) the same rate in terms of the total computational cost for both nested and non-nested univariate quadrature points. Numerical experiments and a mathematical sparsity analysis accounting for cancellations in quadratures and in the combination formula demonstrate that the asymptotic rate 2/p − 1 is realized computationally for a moderate number of quadrature points under certain circumstances. By a refined analysis of model integrand classes we show that a generally large preasymptotic range otherwise precludes reaching the asymptotic rate 2/p − 1 for practically relevant numbers of quadrature points.
Lowering the level of occupational exposure to noise in areas neighbouring compressor halls
Authors: Simion Sorin , Simion Alexandru , Kovacs Izabella , Lautaru Vlad
Published: January 2020

A general problem in the vicinity of industrial compressors is the noise generated in the working environment by their operation. A large number of workers suffer from hearing problems caused by exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. Thus, legal provisions regulating occupational noise exposure aim to reduce the risk of hearing loss by reducing noise level, the most effective measures being those applied directly to the noise source combined with the use of hearing protection. Quantification of noise exposure level and mitigation of occupational hazards generated by it at each workplace is required in order to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. The current paper analyses how noise generated by industrial compressors influences worker’s activity. Prevention of noise exposure must be based on noise level measurements. In this sense, the purpose of the paper is to analyse noise measurements performed at a compressor hall and to compare the values obtained with limit values set by in force legislation, in order to apply the best technical organizational methods for lowering noise exposure and increasing acoustic comfort in order to improve working conditions of those working in the compressor hall.
Threshold alarm tests of electrical devices for the detection of combustible gases in domestic premises
Authors: Darie Marius , Grecea Dănuţ-Nicolae , Colda Cosmin-Ioan
Published: January 2020

The paper describes a measuring system for testing of the combustible gases detectors used in domestic premises. The general requirements are presented for the electrical equipment used in gas detection. A theoretic analytical model is proposed for measuring the test gas concentration and assessing the influence of air humidity. The requirements considered for designing the measuring system are presented for the experimental setup. The presented assembly structure was tested and the results were presented. Consequently, the measurement uncertainty was determined. It was found that the use of a high precision oxygen analyzer is reliable in the process of calibration testing. It was also found that the variation of relative humidity during the measurement influences the gas concentration measured.
Wireless device for the detection of explosions and activation of a shock wave absorber
Authors: Khomeriki David , Chikhradze Nikoloz , Mataradze Edgar , Chikhradze Mikheil , Tavlalashvili Karlo , Marjanishvili Shalva
Published: January 2020

Existing problems of security is strongly connected to terrorist and accident explosions and fires. Physical protection of critical infrastructure requires the creation of reliable system providing quick and accurate identification of the hazards and subsequent transmission of the alarm signal to the protection device. The paper describes the basic requirements and structure of the wireless device for the detection of explosions. Proposed wireless device consists of transmitter and receiver modules. A transmitter module contains the sensors and a microprocessor equipped with a blast identification software. A receiver module produces an activation signal for the operation of protection devices. The paper presents the test results of the proposed wireless device, carried out in the underground experimental base of the G. Tsulukidze Mining Institute.
The role of chromium during austempering of ductile iron
Authors: Bedolla-Jacuinde Arnoldo , Hernandez-Hernandez Román Angel , Guerra Francisco Vapeani , Mejia Ignacio
Published: January 2020

The present work analyzes the effect of small additions of chromium in the final structure of a commercial Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI). The study is made with emphasis on the effect of this element on the processing window. The results indicate that chromium addition decreases the stability of austenite promoting the martensitic transformation during cooling which increases the hardness and reduces the elongation. Likewise the increase in chromium addition delays the rate of transformation to ausferrite (stage I) and accelerates the stage II reaction promoting the bainite formation narrowing the optimal processing window. However, this effect is markedly reduced when the material is subjected to a long process of homogenization, prior to austempering process. The results of this work are discussed in terms of the degree of chromium segregation during solidification.
Milde Hypertonie: Was sind die Grenzwerte, wen soll man wie behandeln?
Authors: van der Giet Markus
Published: January 2020

For decades, it was not clear how to deal with mild hypertension in patients, especially with low cardiovascular risk. In particular, the findings of the therapy studies, which have rarely examined the uncomplicated mild case of hypertension due to the low expected event rate, certainly suggest that therapy of mild hypertension in a period of 10 years has little effect on the patients. With a longer observation period and also through insights from register analyzes, especially with systematic follow-up, it becomes clear that it makes sense to treat a mild hypertension even at low cardiovascular risk. The Europeans definitely point out the right path in their guidelines. Here, the dilemma exists between the strict evidence base and the expert opinion with extrapolation of data. Patients well below the age of 65 years with mild hypertension and low overall cardiovascular risk should be offered the option to adjust blood pressure even with systolic targets below 130 mmHg. If the patient is older than 65, target blood pressure achievement should not be so ambitious anymore, but also dependent on the tolerance of the patient. Certainly, the practitioner must explain clearly to the younger patient that regular therapy will not necessarily bring him an advantage over the next 10 years, and that the effects may not really materialize until 20 years, and then reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Reliability of the Functional Threshold Power in Competitive Cyclists
Authors: Klitzke Borszcz Fernando , Tramontin Artur Ferreira , Costa Vitor Pereira
Published: January 2020

Functional threshold power (FTP) is defined as the highest power that a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state without fatigue for approximately 1 hour. To improve practicality, a 20-minute time-trial test was proposed, where FTP is represented by 95% of the mean power produced. It is preceded by a specific 45-min warm-up, with periods of low intensity, fast accelerations, and a 5-min time-trial. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the reliability of this protocol, including the reliability of the warm-up, pacing strategy, and FTP determination. For this purpose, 25 trained cyclists performed a familiarization and two other tests separated by seven days. The coefficient of variation (CV [%]), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and change in the mean between test and retest were calculated. The results show that the 20-min time-trial was reliable (CV=2.9%, ICC=0.97), despite a less reliable warm-up (CV=5.5%, ICC=0.84). The changes in the mean between the test and retest were trivial to small for all measurements, and the pacing strategy was consistent across all trials. These results suggest that FTP determination with a 20-min protocol was reliable in trained cyclists.
Gene Regulatory Effect of Pyruvate Kinase M2 is Involved in Renal
Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Le , Tang Lei , Yang Xiaoping , Chen Ruifang , Zhang Zhen , Leng Yiping , Chen Alex F.
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims The inflammation of glomerular endothelial cells
induces and promotes the activation of macrophages and contributes to the
development of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the
gene regulatory effect and potential role of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in
inflammatory response in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods The plasma PKM2 levels of patients with diabetes were evaluated.
Eight-week-old mice were divided into three groups (WT, db/db mice, and db/db mice treated with TEPP-46) and raised for 12 weeks. Blood and
kidney samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Endothelial cells
were stimulated with high glucose with or without TEPP-46. The expression of
intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1
beta (IL-1β), phospho-PKM2, PKM2, phospho-STAT3(signal transducer and activator of transcription), STAT3, nuclear factor
kappa B (NF-kB), and phospho-NF-kB in vivo and in vitro were
determined using Western blot. The activation of macrophages
(CD68+CD86+) in the glomeruli was
assessed via fluorescent double staining. Moreover, immune endothelial adhesion
experiments were performed.

Results The plasma PKM2 levels of patients with type 2 diabetes
increased. P-PKM2 was up-regulated in vivo and in vitro. TEPP-46
decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and ICAM-1 expression in vivo
and in vitro and inhibited the differentiation of macrophages to M1 cells
in db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy. PKM2 regulated the
phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF-kB. Furthermore, high glucose levels induced the
transition from tetramer to dimer and the nuclear translocation of PKM2.

Conclusion The gene regulatory effect of PKM2 is involved in renal
inflammation in type 2 diabetic nephropathy by promoting the phosphorylation of
STAT3 and NF-kB and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Thus,
the down-regulation of phosphorylated PKM2 may have protective effects against
diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting renal inflammation.