bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon–Silica Composites to Produce Highly Robust Thin‐Film Electrochemical Microdevices
Authors: Niu Pengfei , Asturias‐Arribas Laura , Jordà Xavier , Goñi Alejandro R. , Roig Anna , Gich Martí , Fernández‐Sánchez César
Published: October 2017

Carbonaceous materials are extensively applied to the development of electrochemical devices for electroanalysis, energy conversion, and storage or electrocatalysis because of their rather unique features that include high chemical stability, low cost, and wide potential window. Furthermore, they are processed into thick or thin‐film structures onto different substrates for producing electrode devices whose widespread use, however, is hampered by the film composition and the poor mechanical stability. Here the application of carbon/silica composites is shown to produce miniaturized thin‐film electrodes, which stand out for their robustness and can thus be used repeatedly for electrochemical analysis. Resorcinol‐formaldehyde/(3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane sol–gel films on silicon substrates are subjected to several processes that combine lithography, etching, and pyrolysis steps to yield carbon/silica thin‐film electrodes, at wafer scale. The presence of silica in the electrode material promotes strong interfacial adhesion to the substrate, dramatically increasing the number of measurements a single electrode can withstand without loss of performance. The thorough electroanalytical characterization by cyclic voltammetry in solutions containing representative redox species reveals an electrode performance comparable to that of glassy carbon for outer‐sphere redox processes. In addition, the modification of the electrode surface with metal nanoparticles allows for the sensitive detection of heavy metal ion pollutants.
An Efficient Metal‐Free Method for the Denitrosation of Aryl N‐Nitrosamines at Room Temperature
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Korde Rishi , Gupta Surabhi , Sureshbabu Popuri , Sabiah Shahulhameed , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: October 2017

A simple and practical method for the denitrosation of aryl N‐nitrosamines to secondary amines is reported under metal‐free conditions using iodine and triethylsilane. Several reduction‐susceptible functional groups such as alkene, alkyne, nitrile, nitro, aldehyde, ketone and ester were found to be very stable during the denitrosation, which is remarkable. Broad substrate scope, room temperature reactions and excellent yields are the additional features of the current methodology.

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Catalytic Use of Low‐Valent Cationic Gallium(I) Complexes as π‐Acids
Authors: Li Zhilong , Thiery Guillaume , Lichtenthaler Martin R. , Guillot Régis , Krossing Ingo , Gandon Vincent , Bour Christophe
Published: October 2017

Transformations of alkene and alkyne substrates relevant to π‐Lewis acid catalysis have been performed using low‐valent Ga(I) species for the first time. [Ga(I)(PhF)2]+[Al(ORF)4]− and gallium dichloride (i. e. [Ga(I)]+[GaCl4]−) proved to be efficient catalysts for cycloisomerizations, Friedel‐Crafts reactions, transfer hydrogenations, and reductive hydroarylations. Their activity is compared to more common Ga(III) complexes. This study shows that even the readily available and yet overlooked gallium dichloride salt can be a more active π‐Lewis acid catalyst than gallium trichloride or other Ga(III) species.

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Highly efficient Pd‐PEPPSI‐IPr catalyst for N‐(4‐pyridazinyl)‐bridged bicyclic sulfonamides via Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Sura Mallikarjuna Reddy , Bijivemula N. Reddy , Pogula Sreekanth Reddy , Motakatla Venkata Krishna Reddy , Madhvesh Pathak , Peddiahgari Vasu Govardhana Reddy
Published: October 2017

A protocol for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of novel 2‐(6‐chloropyridazin‐3‐yl)‐5‐(aryl/heteroarylsulfonyl)‐2,5‐diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes and heteroarylboronic acids to afford variety of coupled products was realized. Pd‐PEPPSI‐IPr catalyst was found to be a powerful and reusable catalyst under relatively mild reaction conditions.
OAMDP, a novel podophyllotoxin derivative, induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and autophagy in hepatoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Yu , Li Lixia , Zhao Yuexin , Li Zhongyu , Wu Chao , Chen Lin , Hu Kun
Published: October 2017

4β‐(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐amino‐5‐methyl)‐4‐deoxypodophyllotoxin (OAMDP), a novel podophyllotoxin derivative, has demonstrated potent anti‐tumor activity with significant cytotoxic effect. Here, we report the anti‐proliferative effect of OAMDP, for which OAMDP could suppress the proliferation of HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell line) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. After treating with OAMDP, cell apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining assay. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cells. OAMDP increased apoptotic cell population with induction of Bax, cytochrome c (cyt‐c), caspase‐9, caspase‐3, PARP1 and the reduction of Bcl‐2 and p‐Akt protein expressions. The MAPK family, JNK, ERK, p38, p‐JNK, p‐ERK, p‐p38, were also regulated by OAMDP in HepG2 cells. Moreover, cell cycle analysis showed that OAMDP induced S or G2/M phase arrest through modulation of cycle regulatory proteins. In addition, MDC staining and LC3 protein expression indicated that autophagy was induced by OAMDP in HepG2 cells. To sum up, our results suggested that OAMDP, with the ability to induce autophagy, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, has potential to become a novel anti‐tumor agent.
Src promotes EGF‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and migration in gastric cancer cells by upregulating ZEB1 and ZEB2 through AKT
Authors: Zhao Lei , Li Xin , Song Na , Li Aodi , Hou Kezuo , Qu Xiujuan , Che Xiaofang , Liu Yunpeng
Published: October 2017

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays important roles in the migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the role of Src in epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced EMT and migration in gastric cancer cells remains to be clarified. In the current study, the effect of Src on EGF‐stimulated EMT and migration was explored in gastric cancer cells. EGF induced EMT in gastric cancer cells and increased their migratory ability, which was accompanied by the phosphorylation of Src. PP2, the Src inhibitor, markedly suppressed EGF‐mediated EMT and migration in gastric cancer cells. Additionally, EGF‐stimulated upregulation of zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was significantly repressed by PP2. Further analysis showed that EGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) was almost completely abolished by PP2, whereas that of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was only mildly suppressed. Moreover, LY294002, the AKT inhibitor, significantly inhibited EGF‐induced upregulation of ZEB1 and ZEB2 as well as EMT and migration stimulated by EGF in gastric cancer cells. However, neither ERK inhibitor nor STAT3 inhibitor repressed EGF‐induced EMT‐related changes. Taken together, these results suggest that Src promotes EGF‐stimulated EMT and migration by upregulation of ZEB1 and ZEB2 through AKT signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells.
Characteristics of alleged homicide offenders with and without schizophrenia in Sichuan, China
Authors: Chen Xiacan , Zhang Xueli , Wong Stephen C.P. , Yang Min , Kong Di , Hu Junmei
Published: October 2017

Background

Little is known about the characteristics of people with and without schizophrenia who have been charged with homicide in China.

Aims and research question

Our research question was what differences are there between alleged homicide offenders with and without psychosis?

Method

All archival records of alleged homicide cases referred for assessment to the West China Forensic Central Medical Service during 1998–2006 were retrieved. The centre serves a large catchment area in the mainly rural province of Sichuan. A random 20% of cases with schizophrenia and all cases without psychosis were selected for comparison. Demographic, criminological and mental health data were extracted from the records, and violence was rated by using the Violence Risk Scale (Chinese version).

Results

The two groups differed significantly in age, education, occupation, marital status and relationships to victim. The estimated risk of reoffending was higher in the schizophrenia group than the non‐psychotic group, even after controlling for demographic differences. Despite many individuals reporting long histories of mental illness, about 40% of those with schizophrenia had never had any psychiatric treatment and less than 4% were in treatment at the time of the alleged homicide.

Conclusions

The tendency for homicidal people with schizophrenia to be older, less educated and more socially isolated than their non‐psychotic peers is similar to experience in Western countries, but the apparently higher risk scale scores of the Chinese schizophrenia group and their greater tendency to attack strangers are different. The lack of reported previous engagement with mental health services by a clearly ill and risky group of people is a likely explanation. Similar rural problems compared with better served urban areas have been reported in the Chuvash Republic. The case for better rural mental health services seems strong. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary Tests for Electrohydraulic Fragmentation of CFRP for Carbon Fiber Recycling
Authors: Orzol Carsten H. M. , Ohlmeyer Martin , Krampitz Thomas , Jäckel H.‐Georg , Zöllner Mareen , Lieberwirth Holger
Published: October 2017

Die Voruntersuchungen zeigen, dass die elektrohydraulischen Zerkleinerung von carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) zur Freilegung von C‐Fasern generell möglich ist. Wie andere Verfahren zum C‐Faser‐Recycling auch, hat die aufgezeigte Methode Vor‐ und Nachteile. Unter der Betrachtung der Versuchsreihen für das Verbundmaterial CFRP und seiner Einzelkomponenten Epoxidharz bzw. C‐Fasern, bei konstanten Prozessbedingungen während gleicher Schockwellenbehandlung von 1 bis 500 Impulsen à 600 J Ladeenergie, lassen sich erste Erkenntnisse für das elektrohydraulische CFRP‐Recycling gewinnen.
A Concept for the Circular Carbon Economy Sector Coupling of the Energy, Waste, and Chemical Industry
Authors: Meyer Bernd , Keller Florian , Wolfersdorf Christian , Lee Roh Pin
Published: October 2017

Ein Konzept zur CO2‐emissionsfreien Schließung des Kohlenstoffkreislaufes durch Kopplung von CO2‐emissionsamer Kohlechemie, Abfallwirtschaft und Energiewirtschaft mithilfe der Co‐Vergasung von Kohle und Abfall unter Einbindung von regenerativ erzeugtem Wasserstoff wird vorgestellt. Ziel ist die Erreichung der CO2‐Emissionsfreiheit durch Einkopplung Erneuerbarer Energie. Am Beispiel der Olefinproduktion in Deutschland wird der dafür erforderliche Bedarf ermittelt. Im Vergleich zeichnet sich die Vergasungsroute durch einen um etwa Faktor zwei geringeren Energiebedarf aus.
Expression of the DNA repair gene MLH1 correlates with survival in patients who have resected pancreatic cancer and have received adjuvant chemoradiation: NRG Oncology RTOG Study 9704
Authors: Lawrence Yaacov R. , Moughan Jennifer , Magliocco Anthony M. , Klimowicz Alexander C. , Regine William F. , Mowat Rex B. , DiPetrillo Thomas A. , Small William , Simko Jeffry P. , Golan Talia , Winter Kathryn A. , Guha Chandan , Crane Christopher H. , Dicker Adam P.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with pancreatic cancer who undergo curative resection experience rapid disease recurrence. In previous small studies, high expression of the mismatch‐repair protein mutL protein homolog 1 (MLH1) in pancreatic cancers was associated with better outcomes. The objective of this study was to validate the association between MLH1 expression and survival in patients who underwent resection of pancreatic cancer and received adjuvant chemoradiation.

METHODS

Samples were obtained from the NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9704 prospective, randomized trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00003216), which compared 2 adjuvant protocols in patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent resection. Tissue microarrays were prepared from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, resected tumor tissues. MLH1 expression was quantified using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and automated quantitative analysis, and expression was dichotomized above and below the median value.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical staining was successfully performed on 117 patients for MLH1 (60 and 57 patients from the 2 arms). The characteristics of the participants who had tissue samples available were similar to those of the trial population as a whole. At the time of analysis, 84% of participants had died, with a median survival of 17 months. Elevated MLH1 expression levels in tumor nuclei were significantly correlated with longer disease‐free and overall survival in each arm individually and in both arms combined. Two‐year overall survival was 16% in patients who had low MLH1 expression levels and 53% in those who had high MLH1 expression levels (P < .0001 for both arms combined). This association remained true on a multivariate analysis that allowed for lymph node status (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.27‐0.63; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current sample, MLH1 expression was correlated with long‐term survival. Further studies should assess whether MLH1 expression predicts which patients with localized pancreatic cancer may benefit most from aggressive, multimodality treatment. Cancer 2018;124:491‐8. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 testing of lung cancer cytology specimens obtained with bronchoscopy
Authors: Stoy Sean P. , Rosen Lauren , Mueller Jeffrey , Murgu Septimiu
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression testing is recommended by guidelines for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary objective of the current study was to determine the success rate of PD‐L1 testing from cytology cell block samples obtained by bronchoscopic needle aspiration. The secondary objective was the assessment of the difference in specimen adequacy acquired via needles of different gauges.

METHODS

Patients with NSCLC who underwent bronchoscopic needle aspirations for which PD‐L1 testing was requested between November 1, 2016, and February 6, 2017, were included in the current analysis. Patients underwent needle aspiration from intrathoracic adenopathy or a pulmonary lesion. Rapid on‐site cytology evaluation was performed in all cases. PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry was performed using the Abcam anti‐PD‐L1 antibody 28.8 clone on cell block specimen.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients had PD‐L1 testing requested on needle cytology samples obtained via bronchoscopy at the time of initial diagnosis (81.8%) and for progression of disease (18.2%). Twenty patients (90.9%) underwent successful PD‐L1 testing. Sample acquisition was via endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration in 72.7% of patients, endobronchial needle aspiration in 18.2% of patients, and peripheral nodule needle aspiration in 9.1% of patients. There was no statistical difference in PD‐L1 test success rates between sample methods (P = .99) or needle sizes (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopically obtained cytology needle–based samples are adequate for PD‐L1 testing in patients with NSCLC. There was no difference noted between different needle sizes with regard to adequacy for PD‐L1 testing. These findings are relevant for clinicians caring for patients with lung cancer because a vast majority of patients with advanced NSCLC are diagnosed by bronchoscopic needle‐based techniques using a variety of commercially available needles. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:122‐8. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
The utility of adaptive eLearning in cervical cytopathology education
Authors: Samulski T. Danielle , Taylor Laura A. , La Teresa , Mehr Chelsea R. , McGrath Cindy M. , Wu Roseann I.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Adaptive eLearning allows students to experience a self‐paced, individualized curriculum based on prior knowledge and learning ability.

METHODS

The authors investigated the effectiveness of adaptive online modules in teaching cervical cytopathology. eLearning modules were created that covered basic concepts in cervical cytopathology, including artifacts and infections, squamous lesions (SL), and glandular lesions (GL). The modules used student responses to individualize the educational curriculum and provide real‐time feedback. Pathology trainees and faculty from the authors' institution were randomized into 2 groups (SL or GL), and identical pre‐tests and post‐tests were used to compare the efficacy of eLearning modules versus traditional study methods (textbooks and slide sets). User experience was assessed with a Likert scale and free‐text responses.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 17 participants completed the SL module, and 19 of 19 completed the GL module. Participants in both groups had improved post‐test scores for content in the adaptive eLearning module. Users indicated that the module was effective in presenting content and concepts (Likert scale [from 1 to 5], 4.3 of 5.0), was an efficient and convenient way to review the material (Likert scale, 4.4 of 5.0), and was more engaging than lectures and texts (Likert scale, 4.6 of 5.0). Users favored the immediate feedback and interactivity of the module. Limitations included the inability to review prior content and slow upload time for images. Learners demonstrated improvement in their knowledge after the use of adaptive eLearning modules compared with traditional methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the modules were viewed positively by participants. Adaptive eLearning modules can provide an engaging and effective adjunct to traditional teaching methods in cervical cytopathology. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:129‐35. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Pharmacogenomic Discovery to Function and Mechanism: Breast Cancer as a Case Study
Authors: Wang Liewei , Ingle James , Weinshilboum Richard
Published: October 2017

Biomedical research is undergoing rapid change, with the development of a series of analytical omics techniques that are capable of generating Biomedical Big Data. These developments provide an unprecedented opportunity to gain novel insight into disease pathophysiology and mechanisms of drug action and response—but they also present significant challenges. Pharmacogenomics is a discipline within Clinical Pharmacology that has been at the forefront in defining, taking advantage of, and dealing with the opportunities and challenges of this aspect of the Post‐Genome Project world. This overview will describe the evolution of germline pharmacogenomic research strategies as we have moved from an era of candidate genes to agnostic genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) coupled with the functional and mechanistic pursuit of GWAS signals. Germline pharmacogenomic studies of breast cancer endocrine therapy will be used to illustrate research strategies that are being applied broadly to omics studies of drug response phenotypes.
Sustainable Development and Competitive Advantages – Utilizing Matching to Overcome Sample Selection Bias
Authors: Teng Mei‐Jane , Wu Shih‐Ying
Published: October 2017

This study investigates whether a firm can enhance its competitive advantages in intangible assets and financial performance by voluntarily obtaining the certification of environmental management system ISO 14001. Previous studies find mixed evidence for the effect of ISO 14001 certification on firm performance partly owing to sample selection bias. To overcome this bias, we utilize propensity score matching to find non‐certified firms that are comparable to certified firms. The evidence from our matching method suggests that ISO 14001 certified firms have higher values of intangible assets than non‐certified firms. Our study thus suggests that stakeholder engagement in firms' environmental management can be beneficial not only to the public, but also to shareholders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Structure–Activity and Stability Relationships for Cobalt Polypyridyl‐Based Hydrogen‐Evolving Catalysts in Water
Authors: Schnidrig Stephan , Bachmann Cyril , Müller Peter , Weder Nicola , Spingler Bernhard , Joliat‐Wick Evelyne , Mosberger Mathias , Windisch Johannes , Alberto Roger , Probst Benjamin
Published: October 2017

A series of eight new and three known cobalt polypyridyl‐based hydrogen‐evolving catalysts (HECs) with distinct electronic and structural differences are benchmarked in photocatalytic runs in water. Methylene‐bridged bis‐bipyridyl is the preferred scaffold, both in terms of stability and rate. For a cobalt complex of the tetradentate methanol‐bridged bispyridyl–bipyridyl complex [CoIIBr(tpy)]Br, a detailed mechanistic picture is obtained by combining electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and photocatalysis. In the acidic branch, a proton‐coupled electron transfer, assigned to formation of CoIII−H, is found upon reduction of CoII, in line with a pKa(CoIII−H) of approximately 7.25. Subsequent reduction (−0.94 V vs. NHE) and protonation close the catalytic cycle. Methoxy substitution on the bipyridyl scaffold results in the expected cathodic shift of the reduction, but fails to change the pKa(CoIII−H). An analysis of the outcome of the benchmarking in view of this postulated mechanism is given along with an outlook for design criteria for new generations of catalysts.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors attenuates the decline of skeletal muscle mass in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bouchi Ryotaro , Fukuda Tatsuya , Takeuchi Takato , Nakano Yujiro , Murakami Masanori , Minami Isao , Izumiyama Hajime , Hashimoto Koshi , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: October 2017

Background

Activation of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 has been reported to be associated with impairment of insulin signalling in skeletal muscle, presumably leading to loss of muscle function. This study was aimed to investigate whether the use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) could attenuate the progressive loss of muscle mass in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total 105 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 62 ± 12 years; 39% female) were studied in this retrospective observational study. To reduce the bias due to confounding variables, propensity‐score matching analysis was performed. Change in skeletal muscle index measured by the whole body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at 1‐year follow‐up was evaluated. One‐year changes in visceral and subcutaneous fat area and liver attenuation index were also determined by abdominal computed tomography.

Results

Overall, 37 of 105 (35.2%) patients were treated with DPP4i. The estimated change in skeletal muscle index in patients with DPP4i was significantly higher than that in patients without (0.05 ± 0.06 vs −0.10 ± 0.04 kg, P = .046). In a propensity‐matched population (N = 48), the same finding was observed (0.04 ± 0.03 in DPP4i versus −0.12 ± 0.03 kg in non‐DPP4i, P = .033). There were no significant differences in changes of visceral and subcutaneous fat area and liver attenuation index between patients with DPP4i and those without.

Conclusions

Our data suggest the potential of DPP4i to prevent the progressive loss of muscle mass with ageing in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Model application niche analysis: assessing the transferability and generalizability of ecological models
Authors: Moon Jessica B. , Dewitt Theodore H. , Errend Melissa N. , Bruins Randall J. F. , Kentula Mary E. , Chamberlain Sarah J. , Fennessy M. Siobhan , Naithani Kusum J.
Published: October 2017

The use of models by ecologists and environmental managers, to inform environmental management and decision‐making, has grown exponentially in the past 50 yr. Due to logistical, economical, and theoretical benefits, model users frequently transfer preexisting models to new sites where data are scarce. Modelers have made significant progress in understanding how to improve model generalizability during model development. However, models are always imperfect representations of systems and are constrained by the contextual frameworks used during their development. Thus, model users need better ways to evaluate the possibility of unintentional misapplication when transferring models to new sites. We propose a method of describing a model's application niche for use during the model selection process. Using this method, model users synthesize information from databases, past studies, and/or past model transfers to create model performance curves and heat maps. We demonstrated this method using an empirical model developed to predict the ecological condition of plant communities in riverine wetlands of the Appalachian Highland physiographic region, USA. We assessed this model's transferability and generalizability across (1) riverine wetlands in the contiguous United States, (2) wetland types in the Appalachian Highland physiographic region, and (3) wetland types in the contiguous United States. With this methodology and a discussion of its critical steps, we set the stage for further inquiries into the development of consistent and transparent practices for model selection when transferring a model.
Effective Installation Strategies of Fault Current Interrupting Arcing Horns Considering Operational Coordination with Responses of Line Protection Relays
Authors: OHTAKA TOSHIYA , KAMEDA HIDEYUKI
Published: October 2017

The Fault Current Interrupting Arcing Horns (FCIAH) is a new type of arcing horns, which operates to break fault current within one cycle of alternating current and contributes to reducing the instantaneous power interruption due to the opening of a circuit breaker. However, reportedly the transmission line is often tripped by the line protection relay in some power utilities, even though the FCIAH successfully could break fault current. In this paper, we have investigated primary factors in the unwanted operation of the line protection relays at the current interruption by the FCIAH, and have proposed effective installation strategies of the FCIAH considering the operational coordination with the responses of the line protection relays.
Pressure Rises Due to Arc under Insulating Oil in Closed Vessel—Pressure Fluctuation of Depth Direction in Oil
Authors: TADOKORO TOMO , KOTARI MASASHI , OHTAKA TOSHIYA , IWATA MIKIMASA , AMAKAWA TADASHI
Published: October 2017

When a fault arc occurs in oil‐filled electric equipment, it generates a flammable gas and a dynamic pressure rise. In this study, the pressure rises due to the arc are measured in a closed vessel containing air and oil for different arc depths. The pressure rises in air and oil with different depth are measured under experimental conditions involving an arc current 6.6 kA, an arc duration of 100 ms. Experimental results show that the frequency of pressure fluctuation varies with the depth of the arc. Our approximate calculation of the pressure fluctuation with consideration of the oil flux is consistent with the experimental results.
Mapping Complexity in Environmental Governance: A comparative analysis of 37 priority issues in German water management
Authors: Kirschke Sabrina , Borchardt Dietrich , Newig Jens
Published: October 2017

Environmental governance regularly has to cope with complex problems. However, ‘complexity’ has mostly been used as a heuristic concept and hardly made operable for empirical research. Drawing on psychological research on complex problem solving, we propose a structured operationalization of complexity in the five dimensions of (1) goals, (2) variables, (3) dynamics, (4) interconnectedness and (5) information uncertainty. Based on 65 semi‐standardized expert interviews and 158 assessments of complexity degrees, we analyse and map 37 water‐related problems in Germany with regard to their complexity. We find that these problems tend to exhibit medium degrees of complexity, based on 30 types of argument for complexity. Our analysis also reveals varying degrees of complexity and delineates the various natural, technical and social sources of complexity. Our approach and the results may facilitate more systematic discussion of governance strategies for complex problem solving across environmental policy fields and scales. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Challenges of Rasthryia Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) in West Bengal, India: An exploratory study
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Satarupa , Sen Kasturi
Published: October 2017

This study reviews the economic viability of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), India's landmark health insurance program for below poverty line (BPL) populations in West Bengal state of India. It addresses the issue through in‐depth analysis of literature, national and state level data, and a number of key stakeholder interviews. The study argues that the market failure conditions of this insurance model will continue to perpetuate losses for not only the state, but also for insurance companies, unless they adjust on a continuous basis for profit by raising the premium rate. This will further deplete state budgets for health care affecting the viability of the scheme in the long run.
Workforce analytics: A case study of scholar–practitioner collaboration
Authors: Simón Cristina , Ferreiro Eva
Published: October 2017

Drawing on a case study of a large multinational fashion company, we describe the process of development of a Workforce analytics initiative within the corporate HR department resulting from the collaboration of practitioners and researchers. The article elaborates on three main points: (a) how social science research methods and the competences of management researchers may act as the basis for a rigorous Workforce analytics infrastructure and support the development of such practice along time, (b) some of the key levers and limitations for the creation of a Workforce analytics initiative within a company, and (c) how this emerging practice illustrates a symbiotic relationship between academics and practitioners. After presenting the case, we close with a set of lessons learned both for practitioners and scholars in the field.
Protein/polysaccharide‐based scaffolds mimicking native extracellular matrix for cardiac tissue engineering applications
Authors: Rosellini Elisabetta , Zhang Yu Shrike , Migliori Bianca , Barbani Niccoletta , Lazzeri Luigi , Shin Su Ryon , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Cascone Maria Grazia
Published: October 2017

Tissue engineering has emerged as a viable approach to treat disease or repair damage in tissues and organs. One of the key elements for the success of tissue engineering is the use of a scaffold serving as artificial extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM hosts the cells and improves their survival, proliferation, and differentiation, enabling the formation of new tissue. Here, we propose the development of a class of protein/polysaccharide‐based porous scaffolds for use as ECM substitutes in cardiac tissue engineering. Scaffolds based on blends of a protein component, collagen or gelatin, with a polysaccharide component, alginate, were produced by freeze‐drying and subsequent ionic and chemical crosslinking. Their morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties were determined and compared with those of natural porcine myocardium. We demonstrated that our scaffolds possessed highly porous and interconnected structures, and the chemical homogeneity of the natural ECM was well reproduced in both types of scaffolds. Furthermore, the alginate/gelatin (AG) scaffolds better mimicked the native tissue in terms of interactions between components and protein secondary structure, and in terms of swelling behavior. The AG scaffolds also showed superior mechanical properties for the desired application and supported better adhesion, growth, and differentiation of myoblasts under static conditions. The AG scaffolds were subsequently used for culturing neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, where high viability of the resulting cardiac constructs was observed under dynamic flow culture in a microfluidic bioreactor. We therefore propose our protein/polysaccharide scaffolds as a viable ECM substitute for applications in cardiac tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 769–781, 2018.
Effect of functionalized PHEMA micro‐ and nano‐particles on the viscoelastic properties of fibrin–agarose biomaterials
Authors: Scionti Giuseppe , Rodriguez‐Arco Laura , Lopez‐Lopez Modesto T. , Medina‐Castillo Antonio L. , Garzón Ingrid , Alaminos Miguel , Toledano Manuel , Osorio Raquel
Published: October 2017

Two types of PHEMA‐based particles, exhibiting either carboxyl or tertiary ammine functional groups, were incorporated to fibrin–agarose (FA) hydrogels, and the effect of the addition of these synthetic particles on the viscoelastic and microstructural properties of the biomaterials was evaluated. Experimental results indicated that the incorporation of both types of polymeric particles to FA scaffolds was able to improve the biomechanical properties of the biomaterials under steady state and oscillatory shear stresses, resulting in scaffolds characterized by higher values of the storage, loss, and shear moduli. In addition, the microstructural evaluation of the scaffolds showed that the nanoparticles exhibiting carboxyl functional groups were homogeneously distributed across the fibrous network of the hydrogels. The addition of both types of artificial polymeric particles was able to enhance the viscoelastic properties of the FA hydrogels, allowing the biomaterials to reach levels of mechanical consistency under shear stresses in the same range of some human native soft tissues, which could allow these biomaterials to be used as scaffolds for new tissue engineering applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 738–745, 2018.
Magnetic stimulus responsive vancomycin drug delivery system based on chitosan microbeads embedded with magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Mohapatra Ankita , Harris Michael A. , LeVine David , Ghimire Madhav , Jennings Jessica A. , Morshed Bashir I. , Haggard Warren O. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Mishra Sanjay R. , Fujiwara Tomoko
Published: October 2017

Local antibiotic delivery can overcome some of the shortcomings of systemic therapy, such as low local concentrations and delivery to avascular sites. A localized drug delivery system (DDS), ideally, could also use external stimuli to modulate the normal drug release profile from the DDS to provide efficacious drug administration and flexibility to healthcare providers. To achieve this objective, chitosan microbeads embedded with magnetic nanoparticles were loaded with the antibiotic vancomycin and stimulated by a high frequency alternating magnetic field. Three such stimulation sessions separated by 1.5 h were applied to each test sample. The chromatographic analysis of the supernatant from these stimulated samples showed more than approximately 200% higher release of vancomycin from the DDS after the stimulation periods compared to nonstimulated samples. A 16‐day long term elution study was also conducted where the DDS was allowed to elute drug through normal diffusion over a period of 11 days and stimulated on day 12 and day 15, when vancomycin level had dropped below therapeutic levels. Magnetic stimulation boosted elution of test groups above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), as compared to control groups (with no stimulation) which remained below MIC. The drug release from test groups in the intervals where no stimulation was given showed similar elution behavior to control groups. These results indicate promising possibilities of controlled drug release using magnetic excitation from a biopolymer‐based DDS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2169–2176, 2018.
Critical‐sized full‐thickness skin defect regeneration using ovine small intestinal submucosa with or without mesenchymal stem cells in rat model
Authors: Rashtbar Morteza , Hadjati Jamshid , Ai Jafar , Shirian Sadegh , Jahanzad Issa , Azami Mahmoud , Asadpuor Shiva , Sadroddiny Esmaeil
Published: October 2017

Decellularized extracellular matrices (ECM) based materials are routinely used for a variety of clinical applications. Hereof, in vivo application of decellularized ovine small intestinal submucosal (DOSIS) layer as, a scaffold is yet to be investigated. In this study, the effectiveness of the DOSIS scaffold, with or without rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs), in full‐thickness wound healing of critical‐sized defect was experimentally studied in a rat model. The experimental groups included; group I (control), group II (DOSIS), and group III (BM‐MSCs‐seeded DOSIS). Wound healing of all groups was examined and compared clinically and histopathologically on days 7, 14, and 21 postoperation. Our results represented BM‐MSCs‐seeded DOSIS accelerated wound contraction and healing compared to both the DOSIS alone and control groups. Epithelization was close to completion 21 days postoperation in DOSIS alone. In OSIS with BM‐MSCs group, epithelization was faster and had fully taken place at the subsequent time points. DOSIS layer, as cell‐free form with low substantially DNA content, accelerated healing of rat skin wound defects that was created at critical‐size and full‐thickness. In conclusion, decellularized OSIS alone and in combination with BM‐MSCs has the potential to be used as a wound graft material in skin regenerative medicine. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2177–2190, 2018.
Short‐term hypoxia upregulated Mas receptor expression to repress the AT1R signaling pathway and attenuate Ang II‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Chang Ruey‐Lin , Chang Chih‐Fen , Ju Da‐Tong , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Chang Tung‐Ti , Lin Jing‐Wei , Li Jia‐Chun , Cheng Shiu‐Min , Day Cecilia‐Hsuan , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: October 2017

Hypertension‐stimulated cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis play critical roles in the progression of heart failure. Our previous study suggested that hypertensive angiotensin II (Ang II) enhanced insulin‐like growth factor receptor II (IGF‐IIR) expression and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which are involved JNK activation, sirtuin1 (SIRT1) degradation, and heat‐shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) acetylation. Moreover, previous studies have implied that short‐term hypoxia (STH) might exert cardioprotective effects. However, the effects of STH on Ang II‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remain unknown. In this study, we found that STH reduced myocardial apoptosis caused by Ang II via upregulation of the Mas receptor (MasR) to inhibit the AT1R signaling pathway. STH activates MasR to counteract the Ang II pro‐apoptotic signaling cascade by inhibiting IGF‐IIR expression via downregulation of JNK activation and reduction of SIRT1 degradation. Hence, HSF could remain deacetylated, and repress IGF‐IIR expression. These effects decrease the activation of downstream pro‐apoptotic and hypertrophic cascades and protect cardiomyocytes from Ang II‐induced injury. In addition, we also found that silencing MasR expression enhanced Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and the apoptosis signaling pathway. These findings suggest a critical role for MasR in cardiomyocyte survival. Altogether, our findings indicate that STH protects cardiomyocytes from Ang II‐stimulated apoptosis. The protective effects of STH are associated with the upregulation of MasR to inhibit AT1R signaling. STH could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac diseases in hypertensive patients.
RUNX‐mediated growth arrest and senescence are attenuated by diverse mechanisms in cells expressing RUNX1 fusion oncoproteins
Authors: Anderson Gail , Mackay Nancy , Gilroy Kathryn , Hay Jodie , Borland Gillian , McDonald Alma , Bell Margaret , Hassanudin Siti Ayuni , Cameron Ewan , Neil James C. , Kilbey Anna
Published: October 2017

RUNX gene over‐expression inhibits growth of primary cells but transforms cells with tumor suppressor defects, consistent with reported associations with tumor progression. In contrast, chromosomal translocations involving RUNX1 are detectable in utero, suggesting an initiating role in leukemias. How do cells expressing RUNX1 fusion oncoproteins evade RUNX‐mediated growth suppression? Previous studies showed that the TEL‐RUNX1 fusion from t(12;21) B‐ALLs is unable to induce senescence‐like growth arrest (SLGA) in primary fibroblasts while potent activity is displayed by the RUNX1‐ETO fusion found in t(8;21) AMLs. We now show that SLGA potential is suppressed in TEL‐RUNX1 but reactivated by deletion of the TEL HLH domain or mutation of a key residue (K99R). Attenuation of SLGA activity is also a feature of RUNX1‐ETO9a, a minor product of t(8;21) translocations with increased leukemogenicity. Finally, while RUNX1‐ETO induces SLGA it also drives a potent senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and promotes the immortalization of rare cells that escape SLGA. Moreover, the RUNX1‐ETO SASP is not strictly linked to growth arrest as it is largely suppressed by RUNX1 and partially activated by RUNX1‐ETO9a. These findings underline the heterogeneous nature of premature senescence and the multiple mechanisms by which this failsafe process is subverted in cells expressing RUNX1 oncoproteins.
Structural insights into natural compounds as inhibitors of Fasciola gigantica thioredoxin glutathione reductase
Authors: Shukla Rohit , Shukla Harish , Kalita Parismita , Tripathi Timir
Published: October 2017

Fascioliasis is caused by the helminth parasites of genus Fasciola. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is an important enzyme in parasitic helminths and plays an indispensable role in its redox biology. In the present study, we conducted a structure‐based virtual screening of natural compounds against the Fasciola gigantica TGR (FgTGR). The compounds were docked against FgTGR in four sequential docking modes. The screened ligands were further assessed for Lipinski and ADMET prediction so as to evaluate drug proficiency and likeness property. After refinement, three potential inhibitors were identified that were subjected to 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation and free energy binding analyses to evaluate the dynamics of protein‐ligand interaction and the stability of the complexes. Key residues involved in the interaction of the selected ligands were also determined. The results suggested that three top hits had a negative binding energy greater than GSSG (−91.479 KJ · mol−1), having −152.657, −141.219, and −92.931 kJ · mol−1 for compounds with IDs ZINC85878789, ZINC85879991, and ZINC36369921, respectively. Further analysis showed that the compound ZINC85878789 and ZINC85879991 displayed substantial pharmacological and structural properties to be a drug candidate. Thus, the present study might prove useful for the future design of new derivatives with higher potency and specificity.
Enzymatic fructose removal from D‐psicose bioproduction model solution and the system modeling and simulation
Authors: Li Can , Zhang Chengjia , Lin Jianqun , Gao Ling , Lin Huibin , Lin Jianqiang
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The rare sugar D‐psicose has important physiological functions, and has been used as an ingredient in foods and dietary supplements. It can be mass produced from D‐fructose in industry. However, separation of D‐psicose from D‐fructose is difficult.

RESULTS

In this research, a reaction purification system consisting of two continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) containing immobilized glucose isomerase (GI) and glucose oxidase (GOD), respectively, for D‐fructose removal was constructed. Using this system D‐fructose was transformed into gluconic acid and separated from D‐psicose easily using anion exchange resin. Modeling and simulation was carried out for this system and the model was verified by experiments and used in process predictions.

CONCLUSION

D‐Psicose can be efficiently purified using the proposed reaction purification system. The final purity of the D‐psicose is 91.2%, which meets the need for crystallization to obtain highly purified product. The mathematical model developed for this system can simulate and predict the process well, which is useful in process analysis, prediction, and optimization to save time and costs compared with laboratory experiments. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability of stored salinity samples
Authors: Berx Barbara E. M. , Lee David , Geldart Matthew , Gallego Alejandro
Published: October 2017

Oceanographers measure water sample salinity in a laboratory environment to calibrate conductivity sensors or as a sole measure of in situ salinity. Established practice compares instrument performance against IAPSO Standard Seawater standards. Secondary standards can be used to reduce costs associated with assessing performance. However, results from our studies show the use of a secondary standard can also track the potential impact of prolonged sample storage. Initial results from secondary standard samples, used to trace instrument drift, showed erratic salinities. Two storage experiments were conducted to determine the potential cause of these results, and establish stability of stored salinity samples. The cause was identified as the plastic insert used to seal the glass bottles that originated from a faulty batch. We recommend that, where salinity samples are stored for subsequent analysis (longer than 1 month in our storage conditions), a secondary standard is used to track instrument drift and sample storage as a matter of course.
Chronic pain has a strong impact on quality of life in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Morís Germán , Wood Libby , FernáNdez‐Torrón Roberto , González Coraspe José Andrés , Turner Chris , Hilton‐Jones David , Norwood Fiona , Willis Tracey , Parton Matt , Rogers Mark , Hammans Simon , Roberts Mark , Househam Elizabeth , Williams Maggie , Lochmüller Hanns , Evangelista Teresinha
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Earlier small case series and clinical observations reported on chronic pain playing an important role in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and impact of pain on quality of life (QoL) in patients with FSHD.

Methods

We analyzed patient reported outcome measures collected through the U.K. FSHD Patient Registry.

Results

Of 398 patients, 88.6% reported pain at the time of study. The most frequent locations were shoulders and lower back. A total of 203 participants reported chronic pain, 30.4% of them as severe. The overall disease impact on QoL was significantly higher in patients with early onset and long disease duration. Chronic pain had a negative impact on all Individualised Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire domains and overall disease score.

Discussion

Our study shows that pain in FSHD type 1 (FSHD1) is frequent and strongly impacts on QoL, similar to other chronic, painful disorders. Management of pain should be considered when treating FSHD1 patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 380–387, 2018