bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Entrepreneurship and Art to Improve Creative Problem Solving in Fisheries Education
Authors: Jacobson Susan K , Seavey Jennifer , Goodman Janis , Nichols Owen C , Williams Lindsey C , Márquez-García Marcela , Barbosa Olga
Published: August 2019

We adapted instructional activities from entrepreneurship and art training to improve student skills in creative problem solving in fisheries and natural resource fields. The teaching module included: (1) individual exercises that apply specific thinking strategies to improve originality, flexibility, and fluency for creative thinking; (2) group exercises using an entrepreneurial business framework for collaborative, creative problem solving that focuses on effective brainstorming and decision making; and (3) art inquiry experiences centered on creating emojis to help students explore and communicate their experiences in the field. These techniques were introduced and practiced during an undergraduate sustainable fisheries field course to creatively address topics ranging from reducing bycatch in fishing gear to sustainable fisheries management, and repeated in a graduate-level short course for students in natural resources. Evaluation of student learning showed significant improvement in pre- and post-originality scores, class performance, and positive student and faculty feedback.
A novel RBMX‐TFE3 gene fusion in a highly aggressive pediatric renal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor
Authors: Argani Pedram , Zhang Lei , Sung Yun‐Shao , White Marissa J. , Miller Karin , Hopkins Mark , Small Donald , Pratilas Christine A. , Swanson David , Dickson Brendan , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: August 2019

We report an Xp11 translocation perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) with a novel RBMX‐TFE3 gene fusion, resulting from a paracentric X chromosome inversion, inv(X)(p11;q26). The neoplasm occurred in an otherwise healthy 12‐year‐old boy who presented with a large left renal mass with extension into the inferior vena cava. The patient was found to have multiple pulmonary metastases at diagnosis and died of disease 3 months later. The morphology (epithelioid clear cells with alveolar and nested architecture) and immunophenotype (TFE3 and HMB45 strongly positive; actin, desmin, and PAX8 negative) was typical of an Xp11 translocation PEComa; however, TFE3 rearrangement was initially not detected by routine TFE3 break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Further RNA sequencing revealed a novel RBMX‐TFE3 gene fusion, which was subsequently confirmed by fusion assay FISH, using custom design RBMX and TFE3 come‐together probes. This report describes a novel TFE3 gene fusion partner, RBMX, in a pediatric renal PEComa patient associated with a fulminant clinical course. As documented in other intrachromosomal Xp11.2 inversions, such as fusions with NONO, RBM10, or GRIPAP1 genes, the TFE3 break‐apart might be below the FISH resolution, resulting in a false negative result.
Continuity of the Western Qinling and Qaidam‐Qilian blocks: Evidence from Precambrian and Permian–Triassic strata around the Gonghe Basin area, NW China
Authors: Li Dapeng , Chen Yuelong , Zhou Jian , Kang Huan , Hou Kejun
Published: August 2019

Tectonic affinity between the Qaidam‐Qilian Block and the Western Qinling Block is an outstanding issue that has not been fully understood. Detrital zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope data for the Precambrian and Permian–Triassic strata around the Gonghe Basin area in both the Western Qinling and Qaidam‐Qilian blocks were studied. Detrital zircons from Precambrian strata range in age from Archean to Late Neoproterozoic, with age peaks at ~2.7–2.5, ~1.8–1.6, and ~0.95–0.75 Ga. Except for Precambrian age groups, Early Palaeozoic (550–500 Ma and ~450 Ma) and Late Palaeozoic–Triassic (~250 Ma) age peaks were also detected in the Triassic strata. The juvenile accreted crustal materials were detected at 1.85–1.5 Ga and over ~2.5 Ga based on zircon Hf isotope studies. Different Precambrian and Triassic strata in both the Western Qinling Block and the Qaidam‐Qilian Block show parallel age distribution patterns and Hf isotopes. A Qaidam‐Qilian source contributed to the majority of detritus in Precambrian strata. Besides sources from the Qaidam‐Qilian Block, Late Permian intrusions around the Gonghe Basin area also provided inputs for the Triassic strata. Detrital zircon studies show a strong connection of the Qaidam‐Qilian Block and the majority of detritus in the Gonghe Basin area of the Western Qinling Block. Tectonomagmatic and provenances comparison of the Western Qinling and Qaidam‐Qilian blocks are supportive of their tectonic continuity at least in three stages, that is, in the Precambrian, Middle Palaeozoic, and Permian to Early Triassic.
Effects of jaw exercise intervention timing on outcomes following oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery: Pilot study
Authors: Sandler Mykayla L. , Lazarus Cathy L. , Ru Meng , Sharif Kayvon F. , Yue Lauren E. , Griffin Martha J. , Likhterov Ilya , Chai Raymond L. , Buchbinder Daniel , Urken Mark L. , Ganz Cindy
Published: August 2019

Background

Common in head and neck cancer patients, trismus can make speech and swallowing difficult and can compromise quality of life (QOL). Jaw range of motion exercise therapy may prevent or treat trismus in surgical patients. While the importance of these exercises is well‐documented, there is little literature regarding the optimal timing of exercise initiation.

Methods

A prospective pilot study investigated the effects of early vs late jaw exercise intervention on postoperative jaw opening and QOL measures, which were examined descriptively.

Results

Timing of exercise intervention was not found to significantly impact the measured outcomes. However, provisional, descriptive findings showed that jaw opening was significantly associated with multiple QOL measures, with greater jaw opening associated with improved QOL. For certain QOL measures, this positive association was stronger at earlier time points than at later time points.

Conclusions

The exploratory findings of this pilot study support further research into possible benefits of early jaw exercise intervention.
Development of a Plasma Screening Panel for Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using Metabolomics
Authors: Khusial Richard D. , Cioffi Catherine E. , Caltharp Shelley A. , Krasinskas Alyssa M. , Alazraki Adina , Knight‐Scott Jack , Cleeton Rebecca , Castillo‐Leon Eduardo , Jones Dean P. , Pierpont Bridget , Caprio Sonia , Santoro Nicola , Akil Ayman , Vos Miriam B.
Published: August 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children, but diagnosis is challenging due to limited availability of noninvasive biomarkers. Machine learning applied to high‐resolution metabolomics and clinical phenotype data offers a novel framework for developing a NAFLD screening panel in youth. Here, untargeted metabolomics by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed on plasma samples from a combined cross‐sectional sample of children and adolescents ages 2‐25 years old with NAFLD (n = 222) and without NAFLD (n = 337), confirmed by liver biopsy or magnetic resonance imaging. Anthropometrics, blood lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose and insulin metabolism were also assessed. A machine learning approach was applied to the metabolomics and clinical phenotype data sets, which were split into training and test sets, and included dimension reduction, feature selection, and classification model development. The selected metabolite features were the amino acids serine, leucine/isoleucine, and tryptophan; three putatively annotated compounds (dihydrothymine and two phospholipids); and two unknowns. The selected clinical phenotype variables were waist circumference, whole‐body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) based on the oral glucose tolerance test, and blood triglycerides. The highest performing classification model was random forest, which had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94, sensitivity of 73%, and specificity of 97% for detecting NAFLD cases. A second classification model was developed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance substituted for the WBISI. Similarly, the highest performing classification model was random forest, which had an AUROC of 0.92, sensitivity of 73%, and specificity of 94%. Conclusion: The identified screening panel consisting of both metabolomics and clinical features has promising potential for screening for NAFLD in youth. Further development of this panel and independent validation testing in other cohorts are warranted.
An assessment of program evaluation methods and quality in Australian prevention agencies
Authors: Schwarzman Joanna , Nau Tracy , Bauman Adrian , Gabbe Belinda J. , Rissel Chris , Shilton Trevor , Smith Ben J.
Published: August 2019

Issue addressed

This study aimed to examine evaluation methods and quality in Australian health promotion agencies and the factors associated with this. The evidence base for prevention strategies is limited, with the evidence generated through program evaluation by health promotion and disease prevention agencies lacking rigour. Despite the need to improve the quality of evaluation, there is limited evidence of what influences evaluation quality in the prevention field.

Methods

Data were collected using the Evaluation Practice Analysis Survey and an audit and appraisal of evaluation reports. Descriptive analysis was used to examine evaluation characteristics and multivariable regression was used to explore the association between evaluation and organisational attributes and evaluation quality.

Results

In total, 392 evaluation reports were reviewed from 78 government and non‐government agencies. Process evaluation was conducted most frequently, followed by impact evaluation. Overall evaluation quality was low (median 24.5%). In multivariable regression analysis, only two factors were associated with evaluation quality: health promotion budget (ratio of geometric means 1.53 [95% CI 1.02‐2.29]); and, conducting statewide or national prevention programs (1.38 [95% CI 1.05‐1.82]).

Conclusions

The findings show that the potential to improve evaluation quality is greatest in smaller organisations that deliver health promotion at a local or regional scale.

So what?

By improving the rigour of existing evaluation, there is opportunity to build the evidence base for prevention strategies, which highlights the importance of embedding the enablers of program learning and evidence generation within health promotion and prevention organisations.
Analysis of heat conduction inside the nip of a machine calender for the same and different roll temperatures
Authors: Kanth Neel , Ray A. K.
Published: August 2019

Calendering is a mechanical leveling and segmenting process at the final stage in many industries, like paper, printing, leather, and textile, where a thin sheet of material passes through the nips formed by two or more rolls in contact. The material composition of rolls varies for different types of calenders. Depending on the quality of products required for the end usage, the rolls can be hard or soft. Furthermore, they may be heated to a certain degree of temperature, using different heat transfer processes, such as induction, hot water passage, or heated oil passage. In this paper, the effect of roll temperature and time of contact (dwell time) on the temperature of newsprint paper in the thickness direction has been discussed using a single hard nip calender (machine calender), when the paper web is inside the calender nip formed by two rolls having the same and different temperature levels. The case of temperature gradient calendering has also been discussed.
Impact of Electric Vehicles on Indirect Carbon Emissions and the Role of Engine Posttreatment Emission Control Strategies
Authors: Kurien Caneon , Srivastava Ajay Kumar
Published: August 2019

Electricity generation in developing countries is dependent on fossil fuel–based thermal power plants, and the introduction of electric vehicles will only shift the threat of emissions from the operation stage to the energy generation stage. India is one of the developing countries in South Asia where fossil fuel–based power plants make major contributions to electricity generation. In this paper, a detailed review of the challenges faced by electric vehicles is discussed, and an analysis was conducted on the equivalent C emissions from electric vehicles by considering 3 scenarios in India: 1) current electricity generation, 2) power generation considering the installed capacity, and 3) Vision 2022. Based on these 3 scenarios, the main objectives of this work are to understand the potential of electric vehicles to reduce the overall C emissions after considering the indirect C emissions from electricity generation and to highlight the importance of emission control techniques. Experimental investigations of the conversion efficiency of diesel oxidation catalysis (DOC) systems have been conducted for comparative studies. The results of the analysis showed that the indirect C emissions from electric vehicles are higher than the C emissions from internal combustion engines for scenarios 1 and 2. In scenario 3, the C emissions from electric and fossil fuel–powered vehicles are found to be in the same range. The DOC system had an average conversion efficiency of 56% for hydrocarbons and 59% for particle number emissions. The posttreatment emission control systems in internal combustion engines will be the best possible solution, compared to electric vehicles, for reducing overall vehicular emissions until renewable energy sources have a major share in electricity generation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:234–244. © 2019 SETAC
Characteristics, management and outcomes of very preterm triplets in 19 European regions
Authors: Dudenhausen Joachim W. , Misselwitz Björn , Piedvache Aurelie , Maier Rolf F. , Weber Tom , Zeitlin Jennifer , Schmidt Stephan ,   the EPICE Research Group
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe obstetrical care and in‐hospital outcomes in very preterm triplet pregnancies in a European multiregional cohort.

Methods

Data from a prospective population‐based study of very preterm births between 22 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks of gestation in 19 regions from 11 European countries participating in the EPICE project in 2011/2012 were used to describe triplet pregnancies and compare them with twins and singletons.

Results

Triplets constituted 1.1% of very preterm pregnancies (97/8851) and 3.3% of very preterm live births (258/7900); these percentages varied from 0% to 2.6% and 0% to 6% respectively across the regions. In‐hospital mortality after live birth was 12.4% and did not differ significantly from singletons or twins or by birth order. However, 28.9% of mothers with a triplet pregnancy experienced at least one neonatal death. Ninety percent of live‐born triplets were delivered by cesarean. Vaginal delivery was associated with an Apgar score of less than 7, but not with in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The prevalence of very preterm triplets varies across European regions. Most triplets were born by cesarean and those born vaginally had lower Apgar scores. Overall, in‐hospital mortality after live birth was similar to singletons and twins.
MFG‐E8 regulates inflammation and apoptosis in tendon healing, and promotes tendon repair: A histological and biochemical evaluation
Authors: Shi Zhengzhou , Zhang Youbo , Wang Qi , Jiang Dapeng
Published: August 2019

Several studies have identified potential roles for MFG‐E8 in promoting tissue repair. However, the effects of MFG‐E8 on tendon repair have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we explored the role of MFG‐E8 on tendon repair using a rat model of patellar tendon injury. The patellar tendons of Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24/group) received window defects and, after modeling, three groups were randomly assigned: (a) recombinant MFG‐E8 (rMFG‐E8) group, implantation with MFG‐E8 and fibrin glue (400 ng in 10 μl); (b) fibrin group, implantation with fibrin only; and (c) control group, without any treatment. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analyses were performed at 2 and 4 weeks after healing. Administration of rMFG‐E8 in injury sites significantly improved tendon healing histologically at 4 weeks after injury. In addition, numbers of M1 macrophages and M1‐stimulator genes, including IFNG, Il‐1B, and Il‐6, were reduced in the repair sites at 2 weeks by rMFG‐E8 administration. In parallel, rMFG‐E8 significantly increased the number of M2 macrophages and expression of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and IL‐4 at 2 weeks after injury. Treatment with rMFG‐E8 markedly decreased tendon cell apoptosis. Moreover, rMFG‐E8 significantly enhanced the expression of genes related to tendon matrix formation at 2 weeks after injury, including Col1a1and tenascin‐C. We conclude that MFG‐E8 could regulate inflammatory responses and apoptotic cell accumulation in tendon repair, and promote the healing process of injured tendon tissue. Thus, exogenous application of MFG‐E8 might have therapeutic potential for repair of tendon injuries.
One‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical silver nanoparticles suitable for materials with antibacterial properties
Authors: Nyamu Samuel N. , Ombaka Lucy , Masika Eric , Ng'ang'a Margaret
Published: August 2019

In the last years, there has been an alarming increase in antibiotic resistance by pathogenic microbes, which has become a major public health concern. There is a great interest in developing new antimicrobial for reducing the impact. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial agents are currently being studied to be used to fight these pathogenic microbes. The aim of the present study was to synthesize AgNPs of different sizes through the use of microwave and determine their antimicrobial activities. Synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical nanoparticles through one‐pot microwave synthesis was achieved, and their antimicrobial properties were determined. Different sizes of AgNPs between 5–10, 15–35, and 50–80 nm were made by varying the concentration of silver nitrate and using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. l‐glutathione was used to stabilize the AgNPs to prevent them from aggregation in the colloidal solution. The synthesized AgNPs showed ultraviolet absorption at around 400 nm with high concentration of AgNO3 having sharp peaks. The formed particles were crystalline in nature with uniform spherical shape. The formed AgNPs were of crystalline size of 9.94, 18.45, 34.96, 52.40, and 58.50 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed conjugation of glutathione as a capping agent to AgNPs as the result of the formed spectra showing the absence of ─SH stretch. The high temperature generated by microwave helped to synthesize nanoparticles within a short time and by varying the concentration of AgNO3 helped obtain the desired particle size. Glutathione conjugated well with AgNPs as a result of interaction of negative thiol resulting to colloidal stabilization and reduced aggregation. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was found to be size dependent with the smaller size of 9.94 nm being more efficient than 18.45, 34.96, 52.40, and 58.50 nm against the tested strains Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella spp. (ATCC 700623), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Of the four stains, E. coli was found to be the least affected by all three different particle sizes of the synthesized AgNPs.
Climatic trends and regional climate models intercomparison over the CORDEX‐CAM (Central America, Caribbean, and Mexico) domain
Authors: Cavazos Tereza , Luna‐Niño Rosa , Cerezo‐Mota Ruth , Fuentes‐Franco Ramón , Méndez Matías , Pineda Martínez Luis Felipe , Valenzuela Ernesto
Published: August 2019

An intercomparison of three regional climate models (RCMs) (PRECIS‐HadRM3P, RCA4, and RegCM4) was performed over the Coordinated Regional Dynamical Experiment (CORDEX)—Central America, Caribbean, and Mexico (CAM) domain to determine their ability to reproduce observed temperature and precipitation trends during 1980–2010. Particular emphasis was given to the North American monsoon (NAM) and the mid‐summer drought (MSD) regions. The three RCMs show negative (positive) temperature (precipitation) biases over the mountains, where observations have more problems due to poor data coverage. Observations from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) and ERA‐Interim show a generalized warming over the domain. The most significant warming trend (≥0.34°C/decade) is observed in the NAM, which is moderately captured by the three RCMs, but with less intensity; each decade from 1970 to 2016 has become warmer than the previous ones, especially during the summer (mean and extremes); this warming appears partially related to the positive Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (+AMO). CRU, GPCP, and CHIRPS show significant decreases of precipitation (less than −15%/decade) in parts of the southwest United States and northwestern Mexico, including the NAM, and a positive trend (5–10%/decade) in June–September in eastern Mexico, the MSD region, and northern South America, but longer trends (1950–2017) are not statistically significant. RCMs are able to moderately simulate some of the recent trends, especially in winter. In spite of their mean biases, the RCMs are able to adequately simulate inter‐annual and seasonal variations. Wet (warm) periods in regions affected by the MSD are significantly correlated with the +AMO and La Niña events (+AMO and El Niño). Summer precipitation trends from GPCP show opposite signs to those of CRU and CHIRPS over the Mexican coasts of the southern Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and Cuba, possibly due to data limitations and differences in grid resolutions.
Major and trace element abundances in volcanic glass shards in visible tephras in SG93 and SG06 drillcore samples from Lake Suigetsu, central Japan, obtained using femtosecond LA–ICP–MS
Authors: Maruyama Seiji , Takemura Keiji , Hirata Takafumi , Yamashita Tohru , Danhara Tohru
Published: August 2019

The major and trace element concentrations of volcanic glass shards from visible tephra layers in the SG93 and SG06 cores from Lake Suigetsu, central Japan, were determined by femtosecond laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The glass‐shard analyses, together with the petrographic properties of the tephra samples, allow the Suigetsu tephra layers to be broadly classified into tephras derived from calderas on Kyushu Island, and from Daisen and Sambe volcanoes in the Chugoku district of southwest Japan. The layers correlated with tephras from Kuju caldera and Daisen volcano, and with the younger Sambe tephras, have adakitic elemental features. A Suigetsu tephra sample correlated with the Sambe−Kisuki tephra based on petrographic properties has an elemental pattern similar to that of the Toya tephra from Hokkaido Island, northeast Japan. This match implies that tephras from northeast Japan, as well as Kyushu–Chugoku tephras, are possible correlatives of the Suigetsu tephra layers. Both petrographic properties and major–trace element data of volcanic glass shards are essential for robust tephra correlations, and hierarchical cluster analysis proved additionally useful in statistically evaluating relationships among the tephras.
Cognitive implications of experiencing religious tourism: An integrated approach of means–end chain and social network theories
Authors: Lin Chin‐Feng , Fu Chen‐Su
Published: August 2019

This study examines religious tourism using data derived from mixed methods research and analyzed through social network and means–end chain techniques. An initial qualitative survey with 26 informants established the questionnaire items used in a subsequent survey with 148 respondents for cognitive map construction. The cognitive maps derived from opinion leaders, gatekeepers, and other members in a social network can be used to identify important attribute–consequence–value linkages of the Buddha Memorial Center. Such linkages reflect the respondents' innermost thinking and their desired psychological states to inspire people to join religious tourism.
Graphene Oxide Waveguide and Micro‐Ring Resonator Polarizers
Authors: Wu Jiayang , Yang Yunyi , Qu Yang , Xu Xingyuan , Liang Yao , Chu Sai Tak , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Jia Baohua , Moss David J.
Published: August 2019

Integrated waveguide polarizers and polarization‐selective micro‐ring resonators (MRRs) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) films are experimentally demonstrated. CMOS‐compatible doped silica waveguides and MRRs with both uniformly coated and patterned GO films are fabricated based on a large‐area, transfer‐free, layer‐by‐layer GO coating method that yields precise control of the film thickness. Photolithography and lift‐off processes are used to achieve photolithographic patterning of GO films with precise control of the placement and coating length. Detailed measurements are performed to characterize the performance of the devices versus GO film thickness and coating length as a function of polarization, wavelength and power. A high polarization dependent loss of ≈53.8 dB is achieved for the waveguide coated with 2‐mm‐long patterned GO films. It is found that intrinsic film material loss anisotropy dominates the performance for less than 20 layers whereas polarization‐dependent mode overlap dominates for thicker layers. For the MRRs, the GO coating length is reduced to 50 µm, yielding a ≈8.3 dB polarization extinction ratio between transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) resonances. These results offer interesting physical insights and trends of the layered GO films and demonstrate the effectiveness of introducing GO films into photonic‐integrated devices to realize high‐performance polarization selective components.
Extensive Thrombectomy as a Legitimate Strategy in Living Donor Liver Transplantation With Advanced Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Tsutsui Yuriko , Harada Noboru , Itoh Shinji , Yoshiya Shohei , Imai Daisuke , Uchiyama Hideaki , Mori Masaki
Published: August 2019

Management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT), especially advanced PVT involving the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is challenging. There were 514 adults who underwent LDLT between 2005 and 2018 included in this retrospective study, and PVT was observed in 67 (13.0%) patients. The LDLT recipients with PVT were characterized by increased portal pressure at laparotomy (26.1 ± 6.0 versus 24.3 ± 5.9 mm Hg; P = 0.03) and at closure (16.8 ± 3.9 versus 15.6 ± 3.6 mm Hg; P = 0.02), increased operative blood loss (14.6 ± 29.7 versus 5.7 ± 6.3 L; P < 0.01), and decreased 1‐year graft survival (83.5% versus 92.8%; P = 0.04). Among the 18 patients with atrophic or vanished portal vein on pre‐LDLT computed tomography, significant portal atrophy was actually observed only in 1 (5.6%) patient during LDLT surgery. For advanced PVT (n = 7) involving SMV in era 1, we performed nonanatomical inflow reconstruction using interposition grafts, resulting in significant inflow problems in 4 (57.1%) patients. Thus, for the patients with advanced PVT (n = 4) in era 2, we abandoned nonanatomical reconstruction and applied extensive thrombectomy under ultrasound guidance with secure shunt ligation, resulting in no inflow problems and no graft loss. In conclusion, even for advanced PVT involving SMV, extensive thrombectomy under sonogram guidance followed by anatomical inflow reconstruction and shunt ligation is a legitimate strategy in adult LDLT with PVT.
Corrosion inhibition of layered double hydroxide coating for Mg alloy in acidic corrosive environments
Authors: Xie Zhi‐Hui , Wu Liang
Published: August 2019

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) shows promising prospects in the application of intelligent coatings to prevent metals from corrosion, while it is not available under acidic conditions. This investigation aims to improve the corrosion resistance of LDH coating in an acidic environment. The surface morphology, structure, and composition of the LDH coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The corresponding corrosion inhibition was evaluated by electrochemical methods, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel curves. The significant increase in coating resistance and charge transfer resistance and the obvious decrease in corrosion current density demonstrate the remarkable improvement of the MgAl–LDH coating in corrosion inhibition. The optical pictures and SEM images show that the coating is corroded severely when sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) is not added, while it is protected competently without any signs of corrosion after polarization in HCl solutions containing SDBS, which enables the application of a MgAl–LDH coating under an HCl‐corrosive medium.
New imidazole‐based dimers as potential inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in acidic media: Electrochemical and DFT evaluation
Authors: Abdulazeez Ismail , Al‐Hamouz Othman C. , Khaled Mazen , Al‐Saadi Abdulaziz A.
Published: August 2019

We report the synthesis and corrosion inhibition performance of two imidazole‐based materials, 1,1′‐(4‐methyl‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(3‐(3‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propyl)urea) (PIP) and 1,1′‐(hexane‐1,6‐diyl)bis(3‐(3‐(1
H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propyl)urea) (HIP) dimers, in 1.0 M HCl. Electrochemical assessments indicated that the synthesized dimers facilitated the formation of a protective layer at the metal‐electrolyte interface and, as a result, blocked the active corrosion sites. At a concentration of 100 ppm, PIP behaved as a potential mixed‐type anticorrosive material with an overall efficiency of 99%. Density functional theory calculations showed that the aromaticity existing in the PIP backbone plays a major role in facilitating the corrosion‐inhibition role.
Recent trends of capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry in proteomics research
Authors: Gomes Fabio P. , Yates John R.
Published: August 2019

Progress in proteomics research has led to a demand for powerful analytical tools with high separation efficiency and sensitivity for confident identification and quantification of proteins, posttranslational modifications, and protein complexes expressed in cells and tissues. This demand has significantly increased interest in capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) in the past few years. This review provides highlights of recent advances in CE‐MS for proteomics research, including a short introduction to top‐down mass spectrometry and native mass spectrometry (native MS), as well as a detailed overview of CE methods. Both the potential and limitations of these methods for the analysis of proteins and peptides in synthetic and biological samples and the challenges of CE methods are discussed, along with perspectives about the future direction of CE‐MS. @ 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 00:1–16, 2019.
Exact traveling wave solutions for resonance nonlinear Schrödinger equation with intermodal dispersions and the Kerr law nonlinearity
Authors: M. Srivastava Hari , Günerhan Hatira , Ghanbari Behzad
Published: August 2019

The main aim of this article is to present some new exact solutions of the resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation. These solutions are derived by using the generated exponential rational function method (GERFM). The kink‐type, bright, dark, and singular soliton solutions are reported, and several numerical simulations are also included. The calculations are carried out by Maple software. All of the solutions that are derived in this paper are believed to be new and have presumably not been reported in earlier publications.
Maternal Eicosapentaenoic Acid Feeding Decreases Placental Lipid Deposition and Improves the Homeostasis of Oxidative Stress Through a Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) Independent Manner
Authors: Peng Jie , Xiong Jia , Cui Chenbin , Huang Ningning , Zhang Hong , Wu XiaoYu , Yang Yang , Zhou Yuanfei , Wei Hongkui , Peng Jian
Published: August 2019

Scope

Maternal obesity has been associated with increased placental lipotoxicity and impaired mitochondrial function. Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) is an important regulator of both lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. The present study aims to determine whether supplementation of the maternal diet with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can decrease placental lipid deposition and improve antioxidant ability, in a SIRT1‐dependent manner.

Methods and results

Pregnant SIRT1+/− mice (mated with male SIRT1+/−) are fed a high‐fat diet consisting of 60% of the kcal from fat, or an equienergy EPA diet for 18.5 d. Supplementation with EPA significantly changes maternal plasma, placental and fetal fatty acid composition, and decreases placental and fetal lipid content. In addition, placental antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation products are increased, placental uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and PPARγ coactivator‐1 α (PGC1α) expression are activated, and mitochondrial swelling decreases. While SIRT1 deficiency has little effect on placental fatty acid composition and lipid content, decreased fetal lipid deposition is observed, placental PGC1α expression decreases, mitochondrial swelling increases, and placental total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activity increases. Both EPA and SIRT1 have no effect on BODIPY‐FL‐C16 uptake. Interestingly, there is no significant interaction between diet and genotype.

Conclusion

Maternal EPA feeding decreases placental lipid deposition and improves placental oxidative stress homeostasis independent of SIRT1.
In Utero One‐Carbon Metabolism Interplay and Metabolic Syndrome in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction
Authors: Mabasa Lawrence , Samodien Ebrahim , Sangweni Nonhlakanipho F. , Pheiffer Carmen , Louw Johan , Johnson Rabia
Published: August 2019

The maternal obesogenic environment plays a role in programing the susceptibility of the fetus to postnatal non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). NAFLD is a multisystem disease that is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation due in part to dysregulated energy metabolism network through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. DNA methylation affects fetal programing and disease risk via regulation of gene transcription; it is affected by methyl donor nutrients such as vitamin B12, methionine, folic acid, vitamin B6, and choline. Although several studies have documented the role of several maternal methyl donor nutrients on obesity‐induced NAFLD in offspring, currently, data are lacking on its impact on CVD risk as an endpoint. The aim of this paper is to use current knowledge to construct a postulation for the potential role of a comprehensive gestational methyl donor nutrients supplementary approach on the susceptibility of offspring to developing metabolic‐syndrome‐related cardiovascular complications.
Measuring three‐dimensional tibiofemoral kinematics using dual‐slice real‐time magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Chung , Zhang Shuo , Hsu Chao‐Yu , Frahm Jens , Lu Tung‐Wu , Shih Ting‐Fang
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and evaluate a slice‐to‐volume registration (SVR) method integrating an advanced dual‐slice real‐time magnetic resonance image (MRI) and three‐dimensional (3D) MRI volume of the tibiofemoral joint for determining their 3D kinematics.

Methods

The real‐time and 3D MRI of the knee were collected from 12 healthy adults at 5 static flexion positions and during dynamic flexion/extension movement. The 3D positions and orientations of the femur and tibia were obtained by registering their volumetric models constructed from the 3D MRI to dual‐slice real‐time MRI using an optimization process. The proposed method was quantitatively evaluated for its performance in terms of the robustness and measurement accuracy, and compared to those of a single‐slice SVR method. Its repeatability in measuring knee kinematics during flexion/extension movement was also determined.

Results

In comparison to the single‐slice SVR method, the dual‐slice method was significantly superior, giving a successful registration rate > 95%, a bias less than 0.5 mm in translations and 0.6° in rotations and a precision <0.7 mm in translations and 0.9° in rotations for determining the 3D tibiofemoral poses. For repeatability of the dual‐slice SVR in measuring tibiofemoral kinematics during dynamic flexion/extension, the means of the time‐averaged standard deviations were <0.9° for joint angles and 0.5 mm for joint translations.

Conclusion

A dual‐slice SVR method in conjunction with real‐time MRI has been developed and evaluated for its performance in measuring 3D kinematics of the tibiofemoral joint in 12 young adults in terms of the accuracy, robustness, and repeatability. The proposed MRI‐based 3D measurement method provides a noninvasive and ionizing radiation‐free approach for 3D kinematic measurement of the tibiofemoral joint, which will be helpful for future academic and clinical applications.
Effect of Salinity on Survival, Growth, Body Composition, Oxygen Consumption, and Ammonia Excretion of Juvenile Spotted Scat
Authors: Xu Jiabo , Shui Chun , Shi Yonghai , Yuan Xincheng , Liu Yongshi , Xie Yongde
Published: August 2019

The effects of five salinities (5, 10, 20, 30, and 35‰) on the survival, growth, body composition, oxygen consumption, and ammonia excretion of juvenile Spotted Scat Scatophagus argus (initial body size 3.3–3.4 cm body length and 2.0–2.3 g; final body size: 5.5–5.6 cm body length and 9.2–9.8 g) were studied. Salinity did not affect survival (>94%) or oxygen consumption rate (OCR) significantly, but it did affect growth, ammonia excretion rate (AER), and body composition. The growth rate was related to the combined effect of food intake (3.1–3.2%/d) and feed conversion efficiency (56.8–60.2%). The highest slope of the body length/weight with rearing time regression equation at 5‰ salinity was 0.0333/0.1137, which indicated that the growth rate of the fish at 5‰ salinity was higher than that of those at the other salinities for 70 d at 24.4 ± 0.4°C. The ammonia excretion rate decreased significantly with the increase of salinity. Low O:N ratios (5.6–19.2) occurred at salinities ranging from 5‰ to 35‰, indicating a protein-dominated catabolism. Salinity affected crude protein content significantly, and high salinity was beneficial to protein deposition. The results indicated that juvenile Spotted Scat could adapt to a wide range of salinity, from 5‰ to 35‰. However, it is recommended that juveniles be cultured at low salinity (5‰).
An efficient algorithm for bounded spectral matching with affine constraint
Authors: Dou Yan , Gu Ming , Chandrasekaran Shivkumar
Published: August 2019

Graph matching problem appears frequently in the applications of computer vision and machine learning. In this work, based on the spectral matching with affine constraint (SMAC) formulation, we present a new formulation, named bounded SMAC (BSMAC), for the graph matching problem by adding an upper‐bound constraint on the solution norm. We demonstrate the existence of a unique solution with BSMAC, whereas SMAC needs not to have any meaningful solution in general. We develop an effective numerical method to solve the BSMAC formulation as an optimization problem. Numerical experiments are presented to verify feasibility and to show the performance of the proposed numerical method.
Assessment of pulmonary outcomes, exercise capacity, and longitudinal changes in lung function in pediatric survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Stone Anne , Friedman Danielle Novetsky , Kushner Brian H. , Wolden Suzanne , Modak Shakeel , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Costello Jessica , Wu Xian , Cheung Nai‐Kong , Sklar Charles A.
Published: August 2019

Background/objectives

Survivors of high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) are exposed to multimodality therapies early in life and confront late therapy‐related toxicities. This study assessed respiratory symptoms, exercise capacity, and longitudinal changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) among survivors.

Design/methods

Survivors of high‐risk NB followed in the long‐term follow‐up clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were enrolled. Symptom and physical activity questionnaires were completed. Medical records were reviewed for treatments and comorbidities. Participants completed spirometry, plethysmography, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, 6‐minute walk tests (6MWTs), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Questionnaires and PFTs were repeated at least one year after enrollment.

Results

Sixty‐two survivors participated (median age at study: 10.92 years; median age at diagnosis: 2.75 years; median time since completion of therapy: 5.29 years). Thirty‐two percent had chronic respiratory symptoms. Seventy‐seven percent had PFT abnormalities, mostly mild to moderate severity. Thirty‐three completed 6MWTs (median, 634.3 meters); eight completed cardiopulmonary exercise tests (mean VO2 max: 63% predicted); 23 completed a second PFT revealing declines over a median 2.97 years (mean percent predicted forced vital capacity: 79.9 to 70.0; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 81.6 to 69.9). Risks for abnormalities included thoracic surgery, chest radiation therapy (RT), thoracic surgery plus chest RT, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Conclusions

In this cohort of survivors of high‐risk NB, PFT abnormalities were common but mostly mild or moderate. Maximal exercise capacity may be affected by respiratory limitations and declines in lung function may occur over time. Continued pulmonary surveillance of this at‐risk population is warranted.
Proteomics Reveals Cell‐Surface Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Expression Impacts Most Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Ahn Seong Beom , Mohamedali Abidali , Pascovici Dana , Adhikari Subash , Sharma Samridhi , Nice Edouard C. , Baker Mark S.
Published: August 2019

While metastasis is the primary cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, the molecular mechanisms underpinning it remains elusive. Metastasis is propagated through driver oncogene/suppressor gene mutations, accompanied by passenger mutations and underlying genomic instability. To understand cancer biology, a unifying framework called the “hallmarks of cancer” (HoCs) has been developed, which organizes cell biological alterations under ten key hallmarks. Underlying these HoCs, genome instability generates mutational diversity that is amplified by inflammation. Recognizing how critical cancer cell‐surface proteins influence, these HoCs have been proposed to accelerate precision medicine therapeutic development. A moderate decrease (43%↓) in HCT116 cell surface urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression mitigates against many HoCs driven by these cell's KRAS and PIK3CA mutational signature. Comprehensive proteomics (whole cell lysis with two membrane protein enrichments) coupled with ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) demonstrates that uPAR negates essential pathways across the HoC spectrum, particularly those associated with metastasis, resisting cell death, and sustaining proliferation, and parallels Cancer Hallmarks Analytics Tool analysis. Decreasing uPAR predominantly alters metastasis‐related and uPAR‐interactome protein expression (e.g., EGFR, caveolin, vitronectin, integrin β4). Collectively, it is demonstrated that uPAR is a lynchpin protein capable of regulating several HoC pathways in a classical CRC mutational background.
Changes in Knee Vastii Muscle Activity in Women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome During the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Samani Mahbobeh , Kordi Yoosefinejad Amin , Campos Mario H. , de Lira Claudio A. B. , Motealleh Alireza
Published: August 2019

Background

Changes in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle are known to affect muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity, but no studies have investigated the effect of hormonal changes on the EMG activity of muscles around the knee in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Objective

To evaluate the EMG activity of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during toe rise and heel rock tasks in different phases of the menstrual cycle in women with PFPS.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

Rehabilitation Research Center at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Participants

Ten women with PFPS between 18 and 40 years of age.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The VL/VMO amplitude ratio and differences between onset (onset VL−onset VMO) of vastii muscle activity were measured in the affected limb during rise and rock tasks in the follicular and ovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle. The signals were analyzed with MATLAB software.

Results

During both tasks, there were no significant changes in onset differences in vastii muscles between the ovulatory and follicular phases. However, the amplitude ratio (VL/VMO) was significantly lower in the ovulatory phase compared to the follicular phase (P = .035 for rise tasks and .010 for rock tasks).

Conclusion

The menstrual cycle may affect some EMG parameters. These factors can be taken into account when planning sports and rehabilitation training programs.
Risk mitigation of biodiesel production through the replacement of methanol by ethanol in the production process
Authors: Martins Fernanda T. M. , Mitre João F. , de S. Ferreira Geraldo
Published: August 2019

Although biodiesel is considered a safe substance for the environment, its production can be dangerous because it involves flammable and toxic substances, such as methanol. In addition to the risks associated with fire and explosions, methanol also implies a risk to the health of workers who are constantly inhaling this product, even in low concentrations. Despite all the associated risks, most Brazilian industries produce biodiesel from methanol. Aiming to find an alternative to make the production process of biodiesel safer, several research studies were carried out in which the advantages and disadvantages of methanol substitution for ethanol were raised. From there, it was found that the biggest advantage is actually making the production process safer. However, it has been found that this proposal is still not feasible because the production of biodiesel by an ethyl route raises the cost of production considerably. In view of the foregoing, it was concluded that the alternative presented is only feasible through measures that compensate for the increase in costs, such as fiscal incentives.