bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyfluthrin and Deltamethrin Induce Changes in the Fat Body Composition of Tenebrio molitor Larvae, Males and Females
Authors: Wojciechowska Marta , Stepnowski Piotr , Gołębiowski Marek
Published: March 2019

The purpose of present study was to analyze the chemical composition of the fat body of insects (Tenebrio molitor) and its eventual variation after the application of insecticides. Using the GC/MS technique, the fat body composition of larvae, males and females was analyzed. The insects were stressed with selected insecticides containing cyfluthrin (Cyflok 50EW) and deltamethrin (K‐othrine) recommended for this species of insect by insecticides producers and farmers. The effect of these two chemicals on the chemical compounds patterns from fat body of insects was compared. Possible differences in the fat body composition between developmental stages and the sex of insects were also compared. Possible identified compounds included amino acids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, sterols, glycerol and urea. Our results show that the composition of lipids was different depending on the stage of development, the insecticide used and the elapsed time since its application.
Phenotypic spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome and their relationship to the circadian biomarkers, melatonin and cortisol
Authors: Lim Audrey J. R. , Indran Inthrani R. , Kramer Michael S. , Yong Eu‐Leong
Published: March 2019

Objective

Firstly, to investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) shows a continuum of severity with increasing number of phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and secondly, to explore relationships of these phenotypes to the circadian biomarkers, cortisol and melatonin.

Background

Studies characterizing the spectrum of PCOS subphenotypes give little emphasis to the distinction among women who manifest zero, one or two of the three phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria. The relationship of circadian biomarkers to PCOS phenotypes is unclear.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of 321 participants from 2011 to 2016 conducted at the National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore.

Participants

Participants included women who attended a health screen for NUH staff, volunteers from the university community, and women referred for possible PCOS from gynaecological clinics at NUH and KK Women's and Children's Hospital (Singapore).

Methods

All participants underwent a physical examination, ovarian ultrasound scan and follicular‐phase blood testing, and completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire.

Results

A significant positive linear trend in all clinical and biochemical characteristics of PCOS with increasing number of phenotypic features comprising the Rotterdam criteria. We observed a similar trend in serum cortisol and melatonin, two biomarkers of the circadian rhythm.

Conclusion

PCOS may not be an “all‐or‐none” condition, but rather a continuous spectrum. The positive relationship between number of PCOS criteria with melatonin and cortisol merits further investigation on the role of circadian biorhythms in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
A 79‐year‐old woman with atrial fibrillation and new onset of heart failure
Authors: Schneider Birke , Nazarenus Dirk , Stöllberger Claudia
Published: March 2019

As an alternative to oral anticoagulation, percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an increasingly performed procedure to prevent arterial embolism in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation. Besides procedure‐related complications, residual leaks, device‐related thrombus formation, and dislocation of the LAA occluder have been observed during follow‐up. Heart failure as a consequence of interventional LAA closure has not been reported so far. This case report describes a 79‐year‐old lady with permanent non‐valvular atrial fibrillation presenting with New York Heart Association Class IV heart failure. Symptoms had started immediately after attempted LAA closure 11 months before. Transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated two devices in the LAA, a large peri‐device leak, a mobile LAA thrombus, a right atrial appendage thrombus, and shunting via a patent foramen ovale. Under a maximally tolerated dose of heart failure medication and edoxaban, the patient remains without bleeding or embolism in New York Heart Association Class II. Because of its unique anatomical and endocrine properties, the LAA plays an important role in situations of pressure and volume overload. Interventional LAA closure interacts unfavourably with left atrial compliance and reservoir function. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptide secretion is known to be significantly reduced after LAA closure. Both mechanisms may result in the development of heart failure. Attempted LAA closure—instead of being the solution—may create new serious problems. Development of heart failure should be assessed, and a systematic search for late leaks after LAA closure should be performed in trials investigating safety and efficacy of this intervention.
Establishing microbial co‐cultures for 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid biosynthesis on glycerol
Authors: Zhou Yiyao , Li Zhenghong , Wang Xiaonan , Zhang Haoran
Published: March 2019

Converting renewable feedstocks to aromatic compounds using engineered microbes offers a robust approach for sustainable, environment‐friendly, and cost‐effective production of these value‐added products without the reliance on petroleum. In this study, rationally designed E. coli–E. coli co‐culture systems were established for converting glycerol to 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3HB). Specifically, the 3HB pathway was modularized and accommodated by two metabolically engineered E. coli strains. The co‐culture biosynthesis was optimized by using different cultivation temperatures, varying the inoculum ratio between the co‐culture strains, recruitment of a key pathway intermediate transporter, strengthening the critical pathway enzyme expression, and adjusting the timing for inducing pathway gene expression. Compared with the E. coli mono‐culture, the optimized co‐culture showed 5.3‐fold improvement for 3HB biosynthesis. This study demonstrated the applicability of modular co‐culture engineering for addressing the challenges of aromatic compound biosynthesis.
A five‐microRNA model (pCaP) for predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness using cell‐free urine
Authors: Fredsøe Jacob , Rasmussen Anne K.I. , Mouritzen Peter , Borre Michael , Ørntoft Torben , Sørensen Karina D.
Published: March 2019

Improved biomarkers for prostate cancer (PC) risk stratification are urgently needed. Here, we aimed to develop a novel multimarker model for prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after curatively intended radical prostatectomy (RP), based on minimally invasive sampling of blood and urine. We initially measured the levels of 45 selected miRNAs by RT‐qPCR in exosome enriched cell‐free urine samples collected prior to RP from 215 PC patients (Cohort 1, training). We trained a novel logistic regression model (pCaP), comprising five urine miRNAs (miR‐151a‐5p, miR‐204‐5p, miR‐222‐3p, miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐331‐3p) and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), which significantly predicted time to BCR in Cohort 1 (univariate Cox regression analysis: HR = 3.12, p < 0.001). Next, using the same exact numeric cutoff for dichotomization as trained in Cohort 1, we tested and successfully validated the prognostic potential of pCaP in two additional cohorts, including 199 (Cohort 2, HR = 2.24, p = 0.002) and 205 (Cohort 3, HR = 2.15, p = 0.004) RP patients, respectively. pCaP remained a significant predictor of BCR, also after adjustment for pathological T‐stage, surgical margin status and Gleason grade group (p < 0.05 in multivariate Cox regression analysis: HR = 2.72, 1.94 and 1.83 for Cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Additionally, pCaP scores correlated positively with the established clinical risk stratification nomogram CAPRA in all three PC cohorts (Pearson's rho: 0.45, 0.39 and 0.44). Together, our results suggest that the minimally invasive pCaP model could potentially be used in the future to improve PC risk stratification and to guide more personalized treatment decisions. Further clinical validation studies are warranted.
Unsupervised learning‐based clustering approach for smart identification of pathologies and segmentation of tissues in brain magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Vigneshwaran S. , Govindaraj Vishnuvarthanan , Murugan Pallikonda R. , Zhang Yudong , Arun Prasath Thiyagarajan
Published: March 2019

Human‐made/developed algorithms provide automatic identification and segmentation of the tissues, lesions and tumor regions available in brain magnetic resonance scan images, which invocates predicaments such as high computational cost and low accuracy rate. Such hassles are reconciled with the utilization of an unsupervised approach in combination with clustering techniques. Initially, static features are chosen from the input image, which is fed to the self‐organizing map (SOM), where the algorithm employs the dimensionality reduction of input images. Consecutively, the reduced SOM prototype of data is clustered by the modified fuzzy K‐means (MFKM) algorithm. The MFKM algorithm can be modified in terms of membership variables because it operates with spatial information and converges quickly, and this would be of greater benefit to radiologists as they reduce the wrong predictions and voluminous time that normally occur owing to human involvement. The proposed algorithm provides 98.77% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity, which are better than any other traditional algorithms mentioned in this article.
Effect of prescriber peer comparison reports on fluoroquinolone use across a 16‐facility community hospital system
Authors: Allen John M. , Dunn Ryan , Bush Jeffrey
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) continuously strive to optimize antibiotic use, while minimizing antibiotic‐associated adverse events. Among potential targets for antibiotic use reduction, fluoroquinolones (FQs) are an attractive drug class for ASPs due to their wide spectrum of activity, known adverse event profile, and availability of less toxic therapeutic options. The use of peer comparison on antibiotic use by ASPs has been described but is limited primarily to the outpatient setting.

Objectives

To assess the impact of peer comparison using prescriber‐specific reports on FQ use and hospital‐acquired Clostridioides difficile rates across a 16‐facility community hospital system.

Methods

In January 2017, we began providing quarterly facility‐specific peer comparison reports to high‐volume antibiotic prescribers in three different medical specialties across our health‐system: Internal Medicine/Hospitalists/Family Medicine, Intensivists/Pulmonologists, and infectious diseases (ID). We completed a quasi‐experimental study designed to assess aggregated hospital data, evaluating FQ days of therapy/1000 patient days (DOT/1000 PD) in the intervention period (January‐December 2017), and compared with the baseline period (January‐December 2016). Additional outcomes that were evaluated include total antibiotic consumption (DOT/1000 PD), total percentage of antibiotics attributable to FQs, and cases of hospital‐acquired C. difficile/10000 PD (HA‐CD).

Results

Compared with the baseline period, FQ use decreased by 29% (baseline—83.9 DOT/1000 PD; intervention—58.5 DOT/1000 PD; P < 0.001). The overall percentage of antibiotics that were attributable to FQs also decreased in the intervention period (baseline—15.4%; intervention—11.3%; P < 0.001). During the intervention period, there were no significant increases in other key antibiotic classes, including antipseudomonal beta‐lactams and third‐generation cephalosporins. The rate of HA‐CD decreased by 20% in the intervention period compared with baseline.

Conclusion

In a large community hospital system, the use of peer comparison reports based on prescriber specialty reduced FQ use, and may potentially reduce adverse events associated with FQ use.
3D printing collagen/chitosan scaffold ameliorated axon regeneration and neurological recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Sun Yan , Yang Cheng , Zhu Xu , Wang Jing‐Jing , Liu Xiao‐Yin , Yang Xi‐Ping , An Xing‐Wei , Liang Jun , Dong Hua‐Jiang , Jiang Wei , Chen Chong , Wang Zhen‐Guo , Sun Hong‐Tao , Tu Yue , Zhang Sai , Chen Feng , Li Xiao‐Hong
Published: March 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disaster that can cause severe motor, sensory, and functional disorders. Implanting biomaterials have been regarded as hopeful strategies to restore neurological function. However, no optimized scaffold has been available. In this study, a novel 3D printing technology was used to fabricate the scaffold with designed structure. The composite biomaterials of collagen and chitosan were also adopted to balance both compatibility and strength. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to a T8 complete‐transection SCI model. Scaffolds of C/C (collagen/chitosan scaffold with freeze‐drying technology) or 3D‐C/C (collagen/chitosan scaffold with 3D printing technology) were implanted into the lesion. Compared with SCI or C/C group, 3D‐C/C implants significantly promoted locomotor function with the elevation in Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score and angle of inclined plane. Decreased latency and increased amplitude were observed both in motor‐evoked potential and somatosensory‐evoked potential in 3D‐C/C group compared with SCI or C/C group, which further demonstrated the improvement of neurological recovery. Fiber tracking of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed the most fibers traversing the lesion in 3D‐C/C group. Meanwhile, we observed that the correlations between the locomotor (BBB score or angle of inclined plane) and the DTI parameters (fractional anisotropy values) were positive. Although C/C implants markedly enhanced biotin dextran amine (BDA)‐positive neural profiles compared with SCI group, rats implanted with 3D‐C/C scaffold displayed the largest degree of BDA profiles regeneration. Collectively, our 3D‐C/C scaffolds demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on rat complete‐transected spinal cord model, which provides a promising and innovative therapeutic approach for SCI. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1898–1908, 2019.
Akermanite reinforced PHBV scaffolds manufactured using selective laser sintering
Authors: Diermann Sven H. , Lu Mingyuan , Dargusch Matthew , Grøndahl Lisbeth , Huang Han
Published: March 2019

Scaffold assisted tissue engineering presents a promising approach to repair diseased and fractured bone. For successful bone repair, scaffolds need to be made of biomaterials that degrade with time and promote osteogenesis. Compared to the commonly used ß‐tricalcium phosphate scaffolds, Akermanite (AKM) scaffolds were found to degrade faster and promote more osteogenesis. The objective of this study is to synthesize AKM micro and nanoparticle reinforced poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate; PHBV) composite scaffolds using selective laser sintering (SLS). The synthesized composite scaffolds had an interconnected porous microstructure (61–64% relative porosity), large specific surface areas (31.1–64.2 mm−1) and pore sizes ranging from 303 to 366 and 279 to 357 μm in the normal and lateral direction, respectively, which are suitable for bone tissue repair. The observed hydrophilic nature of the scaffolds and the swift water uptake was due to the introduction of numerous carboxylic acid groups on the scaffold surface after SLS, circumventing the need for postprocessing. For the composite scaffolds, large amounts of AKM particles were exposed on the skeleton surface, which is a requirement for cell attachment. In addition, the particles embedded inside the skeleton helped to significantly reinforce the scaffold structure. The compressive strength and modulus of the composite scaffolds were up to 7.4 and 103 MPa, respectively, which are 149 and 197% of that of the pure PHBV scaffolds. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2596–2610, 2019.
Salt‐induced phase separation of CHAPS and potential application for hydrophobic molecule extraction
Authors: Lian Ai A , Tan Soo C , Nagamine Toshihiro , Liew Mervyn WO
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

3‐[(3‐Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate (CHAPS) is a zwitterionic detergent commonly utilized in protein biochemistry‐based applications. This study demonstrates for the first time the successful phase separation of CHAPS via salt addition. Elucidation of consolute solution temperature behavior and determination of binodal curve and tie‐line length (TLL) enabled the subsequent development of CHAPS‐based phase separation systems. The systems were then evaluated using a low‐molecular‐weight dye, Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB), and integral membrane protein, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19.

RESULTS

The anionic identity of salts was found to be critical, with sulfate and phosphate salts being successful in inducing phase separation of CHAPS at 4 °C. CHAPS and (NH4)2SO4 mixtures were later found to have an upper consolute solution temperature (UCST). Binodal data were collected and fitted to an equation to allow determination of the minimum amount of CHAPS and (NH4)2SO4 required for the formation of phase separation systems. In CHAPS/(NH4)2SO4 systems, CBB was found to partition extensively to the micelle‐rich phase (MRP) with an extraction yield of 83 ± 0.32%, while CYP 2C19 was successfully recovered with an extraction yield of 46 ± 7.58%.

CONCLUSION

Phase separation of CHAPS achieved at low temperature via sulfate salt addition can be exploited for the extraction of hydrophobic molecules. The outcomes of this study propound the scope for application of CHAPS as a component of phase separation systems. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced treatment of composite industrial wastewater using anaerobic‐anoxic‐oxic membrane bioreactor: performance, membrane fouling and microbial community
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Gucheng , Li Yongmei
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

A laboratory‐scale anaerobic‐anoxic‐oxic membrane bioreactor (AAO‐MBR) system was used to remove organic compounds and nitrogen in the composite industrial wastewater collected from an industrial park.

RESULTS

The recommended conditions for both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal were as follows: hydraulic retention time of 73.6 h, sludge retention time of 35 days and mixed liquor return ratio of 300%. Under this condition, COD and total nitrogen removal efficiencies were 89.4% and 77.7%, respectively. After treatment, most organic compounds were removed, but there were still a few refractory organic compounds in the final effluent, such as 2‐hydroxydesmethylimipramine, 1‐dichloromethyl‐3‐methyl‐benzene and N‐phenyl‐2,3‐dichloromaleimide. Compared to carbohydrates, proteins in the extracellular polymetric substances accumulated more easily on the membrane surface, resulting in the membrane fouling. Ternary analysis at the family level indicated that the bacteria Desulfuromonadaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Spirochaetaceae were dominant in the anaerobic sludge, and played an important role in hydrolysis and fermentation. The abundance distributions of Nitromonadaceae, Caldilineaceae and Xanthomonadales were above 50% in the anoxic sludge, and these bacteria played an important role in denitrification.

CONCLUSION

The results can provide valuable information for optimizing the operation of the AAO‐MBR system for the treatment of composite industrial wastewater. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of patellofemoral cartilage deformation and contact area changes in response to static loading via high‐resolution MRI with prospective motion correction
Authors: Lange Thomas , Taghizadeh Elham , Knowles Benjamin R. , Südkamp Norbert P. , Zaitsev Maxim , Meine Hans , Izadpanah Kaywan
Published: March 2019

Background

Higher‐resolution MRI of the patellofemoral cartilage under loading is hampered by subject motion since knee flexion is required during the scan.

Purpose

To demonstrate robust quantification of cartilage compression and contact area changes in response to in situ loading by means of MRI with prospective motion correction and regularized image postprocessing.

Study Type

Cohort study.

Subjects

Fifteen healthy male subjects.

Field Strength

3 T.

Sequence

Spoiled 3D gradient‐echo sequence augmented with prospective motion correction based on optical tracking. Measurements were performed with three different loads (0/200/400 N).

Assessment

Bone and cartilage segmentation was performed manually and regularized with a deep‐learning approach. Average patellar and femoral cartilage thickness and contact area were calculated for the three loading situations. Reproducibility was assessed via repeated measurements in one subject.

Statistical Tests

Comparison of the three loading situations was performed by Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results

Regularization using a deep convolutional neural network reduced the variance of the quantified relative load‐induced changes of cartilage thickness and contact area compared to purely manual segmentation (average reduction of standard deviation by ∼50%) and repeated measurements performed on the same subject demonstrated high reproducibility of the method. For the three loading situations (0/200/400 N), the patellofemoral cartilage contact area as well as the mean patellar and femoral cartilage thickness were significantly different from each other (P < 0.05). While the patellofemoral cartilage contact area increased under loading (by 14.5/19.0% for loads of 200/400 N), patellar and femoral cartilage thickness exhibited a load‐dependent thickness decrease (patella: –4.4/–7.4%, femur: –3.4/–7.1% for loads of 200/400 N).

Data Conclusion

MRI with prospective motion correction enables quantitative evaluation of patellofemoral cartilage deformation and contact area changes in response to in situ loading. Regularizing the manual segmentations using a neural network enables robust quantification of the load‐induced changes.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1561–1570.
IMPROD biparametric MRI in men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (IMPROD Trial): Sensitivity for prostate cancer detection in correlation with whole‐mount prostatectomy sections and implications for focal therapy
Authors: Merisaari Harri , Jambor Ivan , Ettala Otto , Boström Peter J. , Montoya Perez Ileana , Verho Janne , Kiviniemi Aida , Syvänen Kari , Kähkönen Esa , Eklund Lauri , Pahikkala Tapio , Vainio Paula , Saunavaara Jani , Aronen Hannu J. , Taimen Pekka
Published: March 2019

Background

Prostate MRI is increasingly being used in men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa). However, development and validation of methods for focal therapy planning are still lagging.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy on lesion, region‐of‐interest (ROI), and voxel level of IMPROD biparametric prostate MRI (bpMRI) for PCa detection in men with a clinical suspicion of PCa who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy.

Study Type

Prospective single‐institution clinical trial (NCT01864135).

Population

Sixty‐four men who underwent radical prostatectomy after IMPROD bpMRI performed in prebiopsy settings.

Field Strength/Sequence

IMPROD bpMRI consisted of T2‐weighted imaging (T2w) and three separate diffusion‐weighted imaging acquisitions with an average acquisition time of 15 minutes.

Assessment

The diagnostic accuracy of prospectively reported manual cancer delineations and regions increased with 3D dilation were evaluated on the voxel level (volume of 1.17 mm3, 1 mm3, 125 mm3) as well as the 36 ROI level. Only PCa lesions with a diameter ≥ 5 mm or any Gleason Grade 4 were analyzed. All data and protocols are freely available at: http://petiv.utu.fi/improd

Statistical Tests

Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy.

Results

In total, 99 PCa lesions were identified. Forty (40%, 40/99) had a Gleason score (GS) of >3 + 4. Twenty‐eight PCa lesions (28%, 28/99) were missed by IMPROD bpMRI, three (7.5%, 3/40) with GS >3 + 4. 3D dilation of manual cancer delineations in all directions by ~10–12 mm (corresponding to the Hausdorff distance) was needed to achieve sensitivity approaching 100% on a voxel level.

Data Conclusion

IMPROD bpMRI had a high sensitivity on lesion level for PCa with GS >3 + 4. Increasing 3D lesion delineations by ~10–12 mm (corresponding to the Hausdorff distance) was needed to achieve high sensitivity on the voxel level. Such information may help in planning ablation therapies.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1641–1650.
Who pays you to be green? How customers' environmental practices affect the sales benefits of suppliers' environmental practices
Authors: Chen Chien‐Ming , Ho Hillbun
Published: March 2019

This article examines whether a supplier's sales from a customer depends on the supplier's engagement in pro‐environmental practices (PEPs), and how this relationship is moderated by the customer's PEP level. This article synthesizes findings from several streams of literature including corporate environmental management, supply chain management, and contingency theory. We hypothesize that (1) a supplier gets greater sales benefits from its PEPs when the (corporate) customer's PEP level is higher, and (2) a supplier gets higher sales from a customer when the supplier's PEP level aligns with the customer's PEP level. To test the hypotheses, we use data from public U.S. manufacturing firms and their key customers between 2006 and 2016. The results show that the effect of a manufacturer's PEPs on sales is significantly higher when the customer's PEP level is higher. The results also show that a manufacturer's sales from a particular customer are higher when the manufacturer's PEP level does not exceed the customers' PEP level. This study provides empirical evidence that an investment in PEPs does not always enhance sales—the sales effect of PEPs may vary according to the customer's PEP level. To our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale study that examines the effect of environmental practices on sales.
Palliation of malignant ascites
Authors: Hodge Caitlin , Badgwell Brian D.
Published: March 2019

Malignant ascites (MA) carries a poor prognosis. It can have a significant impact on quality of life (QOL), with increasing abdominal distention, pain, and dyspnea. Diuretics typically do not work well for MA. Paracentesis is effective in providing temporary symptom relief but requires frequent repeat procedures. Options for durable symptom management include indwelling catheters, peritoneal ports, peritoneovenous shunts, intraperitoneal (i.p.) catumaxomab, and hyperthermic i.p. chemotherapy. These interventions do not necessarily improve overall survival but may improve QOL.
NMR shutter‐speed elucidates apparent population inversion of 1H2O signals due to active transmembrane water cycling
Authors: Li Xin , Mangia Silvia , Lee Jing‐Huei , Bai Ruiliang , Springer Charles S.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The desire to quantitatively discriminate the extra‐ and intracellular tissue 1H2O MR signals has gone hand‐in‐hand with the continual, historic increase in MRI instrument magnetic field strength [B0]. However, recent studies have indicated extremely valuable, novel metabolic information can be readily accessible at ultra–low B0. The two signals can be distinguished, and the homeostatic activity of the cell membrane sodium/potassium pump (Na+,K+,ATPase) detected. The mechanism allowing 1H2O MRI to do this is the newly discovered active transmembrane water cycling (AWC) phenomenon, which we found using paramagnetic extracellular contrast agents at clinical B0 values. AWC is important because Na+,K+,ATPase can be considered biology’s most vital enzyme, and its in vivo steady‐state activity has not before been measurable, let alone amenable to mapping with high spatial resolution. Recent reports indicate AWC correlates with neuronal firing rate, with malignant tumor metastatic potential, and inversely with cellular reducing equivalent fraction. We wish to systematize the ways AWC can be precisely measured.

Methods

We present a theoretical longitudinal relaxation analysis of considerable scope: it spans the low‐ and high–field situations.

Results

We show the NMR shutter‐speed organizing principle is pivotal in understanding how trans–membrane steady–state water exchange kinetics are manifest throughout the range. Our findings illuminate an aspect, apparent population inversion, which is crucial in understanding ultra‐low field results.

Conclusions

Without an appreciation of apparent population inversion, significant misinterpretations of future data are likely. These could have unfortunate diagnostic consequences.
Induction of periodic nanostructures in polythiophene films through block copolymer templating
Authors: Azuma Koei , Komamura Takahiro , Chandra Alvin , Kato Fuminobu , Nabae Yuta , Hayakawa Teruaki
Published: March 2019

A new class of periodically nanostructured polythiophene materials with high regularity and numerous morphologies is prepared through the cooperative self‐assembly of polythiophene derivatives with a templating block copolymer (BCP) and poly(1,4‐isoprene)‐block‐poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA). The selection of the hydrophilic and aprotic triethylene glycol (TEG) group as side chains on polythiophene and the use of hydrophilic and protic PMA are crucial to producing well‐ordered nanostructures in polythiophene films, as it enables selective coassembly within the hydrophilic domain through hydrogen bonding. The composite films are shown to have formed hexagonally packed cylinders with 28 nm periodicities based on small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of hydrogen bonding is revealed by a shift in the carbonyl peak of PMA in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the composite film relative to the neat film. This suggests that the TEG‐functionalized polythiophene selectively incorporates into PMA. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1105–1112
Phase transitions of the rapid‐compression‐induced mesomorphic isotactic polypropylene under high‐pressure annealing
Authors: Fu Xiaobo , Jia Wenxia , Li Xiaoting , Wang Yaming , Wang Zhen , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Shao Chunguang
Published: March 2019

The mesomorphic isotactic polypropylene was prepared by rapid compression instead of the common method of temperature quenching, and their phase transition under high pressure was investigated in depth by combining wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. It was found that annealing under pressure can promote the further arrangement of chain segments of the mesophase toward the crossed state in the orthorhombic γ‐phase, and the long period of the mesophase slightly decreased from 8.2 to 7.2 nm. The kinetics of this meso‐γ transition strongly depends on pressure. As annealing pressure increased, the mobility of molecular segments was reduced, and then the onset and finishing time of phase transition were both delayed significantly. A critical annealing pressure was found between 1.6 and 1.75 GPa, which determines whether the phase transition occurs or not. When pressure reaches 1.75 GPa, mesophase did not transform at all within 120 min. Based on the results, a reasonable mechanism was proposed to show the crystallization process of mesophase under high‐pressure annealing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 651–661
The detrimental effects of ambivalence over emotional expression on well‐being among Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients: Mediating role of perceived social support
Authors: Ji Li‐li , Tsai William , Sun Xiang‐lian , Lu Qian , Wang Hui‐dong , Wang Li‐juan , Lu Guo‐hua
Published: March 2019

Objective

Recent research has documented the harmful effects of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) on psychological well‐being, but few studies to date have examined AEE among Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients, an ethnic group that prioritizes emotion restraint to preserve social harmony. The present study examined the relationship between AEE and well‐being (viz, anxious and depressive symptoms and quality of life) and evaluated perceived social support as a potential mediator of this relationship in a sample of Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐seven Chinese breast cancer patients recruited from Weifang, China, completed a self‐reported questionnaire containing the Ambivalence over Emotional Expression Questionnaire (AEQ), the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS‐SSS), the Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast (FACT‐B).

Results

Overall, Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients endorsed high levels of AEE. A series of mediation analyses revealed perceived social support served as a partial mediator of the relationship between AEE and well‐being. Specifically, AEE was associated with lower perceived social support (βs = −.13, P < .001), which in turn, was associated with greater anxious symptoms (β = .23, P < .001), depressive symptoms (β = .20, P < .001) and lower quality of life (β = −.30, P < .001).

Conclusions

The harmful relationship between AEE and well‐being is partially explained by reduced social support. Psychosocial interventions that facilitate emotional disclosure without harming social harmony may be culturally effective for mainland Chinese breast cancer patients.
Investigation of the explosion‐related parameters and their influence on the severity of an explosion involving aluminum dust
Authors: Balantič Janez , Skobir Balantič Danijela A. , Novosel Barbara
Published: March 2019

Aluminum dust is a serious explosion hazard in the process industry. Therefore, any risk assessment requires knowledge of the data relating to the explosion hazard of the dust. We report on some experimental results that explain the influence of the particle size and the distribution, the specific surface area and the combustible components of various aluminum dusts on their sensitivity and the severity of an aluminum‐dust explosion. Three samples of aluminum powder with different particle sizes were analyzed. The results reveal an extremely high maximum pressure rise for one of the samples, which can be assigned to a hybrid explosion caused by the presence of combustible additives in the dust. The results were compared with available literature data for similar dusts, which show that one of the analyzed powders has to be given a higher classification due to its larger Kst value, which also means a greater risk of explosion. The presence of a combustible additives in the dust reduces the sensitivity of the aluminum powder, but simultaneously substantially increases the severity of a dust explosion. It can be concluded that two of three investigated cases show a significant difference compared to the literature data, but for different reasons. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog: e12047 2019
Overexpression of the genes of glycerol catabolism and glycerol facilitator improves glycerol conversion to ethanol in the methylotrophic thermotolerant yeast Ogataea polymorpha
Authors: Semkiv Marta , Kata Iwona , Ternavska Orysya , Sibirny Wladimir , Dmytruk Kostyantyn , Sibirny Andriy
Published: March 2019

Production of fuel ethanol is one of the possible ways to utilize crude glycerol, substantial amounts of which are produced by biodiesel industry. Earlier, we have described construction of the recombinant strains of methylotrophic thermotolerant yeast Ogataea polymorpha with simultaneous overexpression of the genes PDC1 and ADH1, which produced increased amounts of ethanol from glycerol. In this work, we have further improved these strains by overexpression of genes involved either in oxidative (through dihydroxyacetone) or phosphorylative (through glycerol‐3‐phosphate) pathway of glycerol catabolism, as well as heterologous gene coding for glycerol transporter FPS1 from Komagataella phaffii (formerly, Pichia pastoris). Obtained recombinant strains produced up to 10.7 g/L of ethanol (with ethanol productivity 30 mg/g of biomass/hr and yield 132 mg/g of consumed glycerol) from pure glycerol and up to 3.55 g/L of ethanol (with ethanol productivity 11.6 mg/g of biomass/hr and yield 72.3 mg/g of consumed glycerol) from crude glycerol as a carbon source, which is approximately 15 times more relative to that of the O. polymorpha wild‐type strain and 2.2 more relative to the earlier constructed strain.
Superspin chains and supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Nekrasov Nikita
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We discuss the possible extensions of Bethe/gauge correspondence to quantum integrable systems based on the super-Lie algebras of A type. Along the way we propose the analogues of Nakajima quiver varieties whose cohomology and K-theory should carry the representations of the corresponding Yangian and the quantum affine algebras, respectively. We end up with comments on the

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 planar super-Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions.
Exploring the abelian 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 vector-tensor supermultiplet and its off-shell central charge structure
Authors: Gates S. James , Stiffler Kory
Published: March 2019

Abstract

An abelian 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector supermultiplet allows for a duality transformation to be applied to one of its spin-0 states. The resulting theory can be described as an abelian 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector-tensor supermultiplet. It is seen to decompose into a direct sum of an off-shell 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 vector supermultiplet and an off-shell 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 tensor supermultiplet. The commutator algebra of the other two supersymmetries are still found to be on-shell. However, the central charge structure in the resulting 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector-tensor supermultiplet is considerably simpler that that of the parent abelian 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector supermultiplet. This appears to be due to the replacement of the usual SO(4) symmetry associated with the abelian 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector supermultiplet being replaced by a GL(2,

$$ \mathbb{R} $$

ℝ

)⊗GL(2,

$$ \mathbb{R} $$

ℝ

) symmetry in the 4D,

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 vector-tensor supermultiplet. The Mathematica code detailing the calculations is available open-source at the HEPTHools
Data Repository on GitHub.
AdS maps and diagrams of bi-local holography
Authors: de Mello Koch Robert , Jevicki Antal , Suzuki Kenta , Yoon Junggi
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We present in detail the basic ingredients contained in bi-local holography, representing a constructive scheme for reconstructing AdS bulk theories in Vectorial/AdS duality. Explicit Mapping to bulk AdS and higher spin fields is seen to be given by a double Fourier transform. All order interactions are explicitly specified through the collective action. This generates bulk Feynman (Witten) diagrams (at tree and loop level). We give details of the four-point case evaluation. It is noted that the bi-local construction goes beyond the assumptions in various discussions of non-locality.
dS vacua and the swampland
Authors: Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , McDonough Evan , Scalisi Marco
Published: March 2019

Abstract

In this note we revisit some of the recent 10d and 4d arguments suggesting that the uplifting of supersymmetric AdS vacua leads to a flattening of the potential, preventing the formation of dS vacua. We explain why the corresponding 10d approach is inconclusive and requires considerable modifications. We also show that while the flattening effects may occur for some extreme values of the parameters, they do not prevent the formation of dS vacua within the range of validity of the 4d KKLT models. The KL version of the KKLT scenario based on a racetrack superpotential requires parametrically small uplifting, which is not affected by flattening. We show that this scenario is compatible with the weak gravity conjecture for a broad choice of parameters of the KL model. Thus, the results of our analysis do not support the recent swampland conjecture.
Composite Higgs and leptoquarks from a simple group
Authors: Da Rold Leandro , Lamagna Federico
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We propose a composite grand unified theory to study the anomalies in the semileptonic B decays. We show a simple group containing the custodial and Standard Model gauge symmetries, that can deliver a set of composite pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons: the Higgs, a colorless SU(2)
L
-fourplet and three leptoquarks: a triplet and two doublets. We give a description in terms of an effective theory of resonances. By assuming anarchic partial compositeness of the Standard Model fermions, we find representations for the composite fermions that allow to obtain the Higgs Yukawa couplings, as well as leptoquark interactions explaining the deviations in

$$ {R}_{K^{\left(*\right)}}^{\mu e} $$

R

K

*

μ
e

. We calculate the one-loop potential, we show that it can trigger electroweak symmetry breaking and we find a region of the parameter space that can reproduce the Standard Model spectrum. The model predicts leptoquark masses of order 0.4–1.3 TeV, corrections to some electroweak observables, with

$$ Z{b}_L{\overline{b}}_L $$

Z

b
L

b
¯

L

saturating the current bounds, and a very reach phenomenology at LHC. We also study the possibility of explaining

$$ {R}_{D^{\left(*\right)}}^{\tau \ell } $$

R

D

*

τ
ℓ

.
Counting associatives in compact G2 orbifolds
Authors: Acharya Bobby Samir , Braun Andreas P. , Svanes Eirik Eik , Valandro Roberto
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We describe a class of compactG2orbifolds constructed from non-symplectic involutions of K3 surfaces. Within this class, we identify a model for which there are infinitely many associative submanifolds contributing to the effective superpotential ofM-theory compactifications. Under a chain of dualities, these can be mapped toF-theory on a Calabi-Yau fourfold, and we find that they are dual to an example studied by Donagi, Grassi and Witten. Finally, we give two different descriptions of our main example and the associative submanifolds as a twisted connected sum.
Extracellular Vesicles From Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Erectile Dysfunction in a Diabetic Rat Model by Delivering Proangiogenic MicroRNA
Authors: Ouyang Bin , Xie Yun , Zhang Chi , Deng Cuncan , Lv Linyan , Yao Jiahui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Guihua , Deng Junhong , Deng Chunhua
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Stem cell therapies represent a promising new frontier for the treatment of refractory diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED). The use of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a novel strategy for cell-free stem cell therapy. We have reported that urine-derived stem cells (USCs) can improve DED; however, the therapeutic effects of EVs secreted by USCs (USC-EVs) remain unknown.

Aim

To determine the therapeutic effects of USC-EVs on DED in a rat model.

Methods

USC-EVs were isolated from conditioned medium by ultracentrifugation. DED was induced in male Sprague–Dawley rats via an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Sixteen DED rats were divided into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and USC-EV groups. Eight normal rats served as the normal control group. PBS or USC-EVs were transplanted into the corpora cavernosa in the corresponding groups.

Main Outcome Measure

Intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), expression of endothelial markers (CD31), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS, and neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were assessed in each group. Masson’s trichrome staining was used to determine the collagen deposition and ratio of smooth muscle cells to collagen. The microRNA (miRNA) cargo of USC-EVs was characterized by high-throughput RNA sequencing.

Results

Recovery of erectile function was observed in the USC-EV group, as represented by improved ICP and ICP/MAP ratio. CD31, eNOS, phospho-eNOS, and nNOS expression in the penis was significantly improved in the USC-EV group. In addition, the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen was significantly increased in the USC-EV group. RNA sequencing revealed that USC-EVs were enriched for distinct classes of miRNA (miR-21-5p, let-7 family, miR-10 family, miR-30 family, and miR-148a-3p) that promote angiogenesis.

Conclusion

USC-EV transplantation can ameliorate DED in rats. Its mechanism may involve the delivery of proangiogenic miRNA.
Impacts of Sulfate Geoengineering on Rice Yield in China: Results From a Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Zhan Pei , Zhu Wenquan , Zhang Tianyi , Cui Xuefeng , Li Nan
Published: March 2019

Sulfate geoengineering could mitigate global warming via injecting SO2 into the stratosphere. However, its impacts on regional climate might lead to adverse consequences for local agriculture. In this study, we simulated the impacts of sulfate geoengineering on rice yield in China both with sufficient irrigation (irrigated) and without irrigation (rainfed). We used Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project G4 climates from six climate models to force the ORYZA version 3 crop model to simulate rice yields under sulfate geoengineering scenario. G4 prescribes a sulfate injection to offset the radiative forcing in the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario. Results indicated that during the last 15 years of G4 sulfate geoengineering (i.e., 2055–2069), the implementation of sulfate geoengineering increases rice yields in most areas in China comparing with that without the implementation of sulfate geoengineering (i.e., RCP4.5), with a yield increase of 5.3 ± 5.7% for irrigated yield and 4.8 ± 7.3% for rainfed yield. After the termination of sulfate geoengineering, the irrigated rice yield in G4 is still significantly higher than that in RCP4.5, but such increase is not significant for rainfed yield. Temperature is always the dominant factor that drives the rice yield change no matter under irrigated or rainfed conditions, but the effect from solar radiation cannot be ignored in southern China.
Diverse Mycorrhizal Associations Enhance Terrestrial C Storage in a Global Model
Authors: Sulman Benjamin N. , Shevliakova Elena , Brzostek Edward R. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Malyshev Sergey , Menge Duncan N.L. , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2019

Accurate projections of the terrestrial carbon (C) sink are critical to understanding the future global C cycle and setting CO2 emission reduction goals. Current earth system models (ESMs) and dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) with coupled carbon‐nitrogen cycles project that future terrestrial C sequestration will be limited by nitrogen (N) availability, but the magnitude of N limitation remains a critical uncertainty. Plants use multiple symbiotic nutrient acquisition strategies to mitigate N limitation, but current DGVMs omit these mechanisms. Fully coupling N‐acquiring plant‐microbe symbioses to soil organic matter (SOM) cycling within a DGVM for the first time, we show that increases in N acquisition via SOM decomposition and atmospheric N2 fixation could support long‐term enhancement of terrestrial C sequestration at global scales under elevated CO2. The model reproduced elevated CO2 responses from two experiments (Duke and Oak Ridge) representing contrasting N acquisition strategies. N release from enhanced SOM decomposition supported vegetation growth at Duke, while inorganic N depletion limited growth at Oak Ridge. Global simulations reproduced spatial patterns of N‐acquiring symbioses from a novel niche‐based map of mycorrhizal fungi. Under a 100‐ppm increase in CO2 concentrations, shifts in N acquisition pathways facilitated 200 Pg C of terrestrial C sequestration over 100 years compared to 50 Pg C for a scenario with static N acquisition pathways. Our results suggest that N acquisition strategies are important determinants of terrestrial C sequestration potential under elevated CO2 and that nitrogen‐enabled DGVMs that omit symbiotic N acquisition may underestimate future terrestrial C uptake.