bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The analysis of CO2 emissions and reduction potential in china's production and supply of electric and heat power industry: A case study based on the LMDI method
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Liguo , Wang Xuyang , Quan Congxin , Zhang Shu , Yu Haiyong
Published: March 2019

The Production and Supply of Electric and Heat Power Industry is an important energy supply sector in China. In this article, we apply the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition method to analyze the carbon emissions of China's electricity and thermal supply industry from 2003 to 2012. Under different scenarios, this study also forecasts the carbon emissions and calculates reduction potential of The Production and Supply of Electric and Heat Power Industry. The results show the economic output effect and energy intensity effect promote the sector's CO2 emissions growth, however the energy structure effect decrease the sector's carbon emissions. At the end of 2030, the accumulated emission reduction will be 4160.84 Mt in moderate reduction scenario and 11,593.27 Mt in strong reduction scenario. If all the indexes maintain the current change rate, the industry will reach carbon emissions peak at the time of 2030, What is more, the time for emissions peak will be 2025 and 2020 in moderate reduction scenario and strong reduction scenario. Finally, the article proposes to improve energy efficiency and promote the development of clean energy to reduce the carbon emissions of the Production and Supply of Electric and Heat Power Industry. Draw more stringent environmental standards and incentives to promote energy‐saving existing technology, the application can also combine with the means of financial subsidies to encourage the companies to reduce the energy intensity of the sector or strengthen the impact of energy intensity effect on the change of carbon emissions, promote the industry early peak. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Determination of working resistance based on movement type of the first subordinate key stratum in a fully mechanized face with large mining height
Authors: Li Bo , Liang Yunpei , Zou Quanle
Published: March 2019

The increase in extraction height will increase the mining‐induced overlying strata failure height. In this scenario, the strata pressure behavior is strong in a fully mechanized face with large mining height (FMFLMH), which frequently causes coal wall falls, roof falls, and hydraulic support failure accidents (e.g., support closure and hydraulic column damage). The key to solving these issues is to determine support's working resistance of the FMFLMH. In this paper, comprehensive theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field observation were applied to determine the support's working resistance in the FMFLMH based on movement type of the first subordinate key stratum (SKS 1). First, six kinds of movement types of SKS 1 in the FMFLMH are found and defined by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, which are the direct caving movement type of cantilever structure (direct caving), the double‐sided rotation movement type of cantilever structure (double‐side rotation), the quadratic rotation movement type of cantilever structure (quadratic rotation), the alternative movement type of cantilever structure hinged structure (alternate hinged), the voussoir beam structure movement type (voussoir), and the short voussoir beam structure movement type (short voussoir), respectively. Besides, based on this, the support load calculation model of each movement type was established, and a formula for the support working resistance of each movement type was obtained. Finally, the correctness of the formulae for the support working resistance under six types of movement of SKS 1 were verified using measurement data from four FMFLMHs in China. These research results have important guiding significance for reasonable selection of support and ensuring safe mining of the FMFLMH.
From Grain to Floodplain: Evaluating heterogeneity of floodplain hydrostatigraphy using sedimentology, geophysics, and remote sensing
Authors: Malenda H.F. , Sutfin N.A. , Guryan G. , Stauffer S. , Rowland J.C. , Williams K.H. , Singha K.
Published: March 2019

Stratigraphy is a fundamental component of floodplain heterogeneity and hydraulic conductivity and connectivity of alluvial aquifers, which affect hydrologic processes such as groundwater flow and hyporheic exchange. Watershed‐scale hydrological models commonly simplify the sedimentology and stratigraphy of floodplains, neglecting natural floodplain heterogeneity and anisotropy. This study, conducted in the upper reach of the East River in the East River Basin, Colorado, USA, combines point‐, meander‐, and floodplain‐scale data to determine key features of alluvial aquifers important for estimating hydrologic processes. We compare stratigraphy of two meanders with disparate geometries to explore floodplain heterogeneity and connectivity controls on flow and transport. Meander shape, orientation, and internal stratigraphy affected residence time estimates of laterally exchanged hyporheic water. Although the two meanders share a sediment source, vegetation, and climate, their divergent river migration histories resulted in contrasting meander hydrofacies. In turn, the extent and orientation of these elements controlled the effective hydraulic conductivity and, ultimately, estimates of groundwater transport and hyporheic residence times. Additionally, the meanders’ orientation relative to the valley gradient impacted the hydraulic gradient across the meanders—a key control of groundwater velocity. Lastly, we combine our field data with remotely sensed data and introduce a potential approach to estimate key hydrostratigraphic packages across floodplains. Prospective applications include contaminant transport studies, hyporheic models, and watershed models. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating bioenergy and food production on degraded landscapes in Indonesia for improved socioeconomic and environmental outcomes
Authors: Rahman Syed Ajijur , Baral Himlal , Sharma Roshan , Samsudin Yusuf B. , Meyer Maximilian , Lo Michaela , Artati Yustina , Simamora Trifosa Iin , Andini Sarah , Leksono Budi , Roshetko James M. , Lee Soo Min , Sunderland Terry
Published: March 2019

Growing bioenergy crops on degraded and underutilized land is a promising solution to meet the requirement for energy security, food security, and land restoration. This paper assesses the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of agroforestry systems based on nyamplung (tamanu) (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) in the Wonogiri district of Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through field observations and focus group discussions involving 20 farmers who intercrop nyamplung with maize, rice, and peanuts and utilize the species in honey production. Calculating each crop's net present value (NPV) demonstrates that when grown as monocultures, staple crops rice and peanuts lead to negative profitability, while maize generates only a marginal profit; yet honey production utilizing nyamplung produces a NPV nearly 300 times greater than maize. However, when utilizing nyamplung, honey is also the commodity most sensitive to decreases in production, followed by nyamplung–peanut and nyamplung–rice combinations. While decreases in production have little effect on the NPVs of rice, peanuts, and maize, these annual crops can only be cultivated for a maximum of 6 years within the nyamplung's 35‐year cycle, due to canopy closure after this time. Nyamplung‐based agroforestry systems can provide economic, social, and environmental gains on different scales. However, when considering the high profit potential of nyamplung combined with honey production, further research is needed to improve and develop bee husbandry practices so this becomes a viable option for local farmers.
Why do EMD‐based methods improve prediction? A multiscale complexity perspective
Authors: Dong Jichang , Dai Wei , Tang Ling , Yu Lean
Published: March 2019

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD)‐based ensemble methods have become increasingly popular in the research field of forecasting, substantially enhancing prediction accuracy. The key factor in this type of method is the multiscale decomposition that immensely mitigates modeling complexity. Accordingly, this study probes this factor and makes further innovations from a new perspective of multiscale complexity. In particular, this study quantitatively investigates the relationship between the decomposition performance and prediction accuracy, thereby developing (1) a novel multiscale complexity measurement (for evaluating multiscale decomposition), (2) a novel optimized EMD (OEMD) (considering multiscale complexity), and (3) a novel OEMD‐based forecasting methodology (using the proposed OEMD in multiscale analysis). With crude oil and natural gas prices as samples, the empirical study statistically indicates that the forecasting capability of EMD‐based methods is highly reliant on the decomposition performance; accordingly, the proposed OEMD‐based methods considering multiscale complexity significantly outperform the benchmarks based on typical EMDs in prediction accuracy.
Constructing and evaluating core inflation measures from component‐level inflation data
Authors: Gamber Edward N. , Smith Julie K.
Published: March 2019

This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of 10 measures of core inflation and evaluates which measure produces the best forecast of headline inflation out‐of‐sample. We use the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index as our measure of inflation. We use two sets of components (17 and 50) of the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index to construct these core inflation measures and evaluate these measures at the three time horizons (6, 12 and 24 months) most relevant for monetary policy decisions. The best measure of core inflation for both sets of components and over all time horizons uses weights based on the first principal component of the disaggregated (component‐level) prices. Interestingly, the results vary by the number of components used; when more components are used the weights based on the persistence of each component is statistically equivalent to the weights generated by the first principal component. However, those forecasts using the persistence of 50 components are statistically worse than those generated using the first principal component of 17 components. The statistical superiority of the principal component method is due to the fact that it extracts (in the first principal component) the common source of variation in the component level prices that accurately describes trend inflation over the next 6–24 months.
Biomarkers of Macrophage Activation and Immune Danger Signals Predict Clinical Outcomes in Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Saha Banishree , Tornai David , Kodys Karen , Adejumo Adeyinka , Lowe Patrick , McClain Craig , Mitchell Mack , McCullough Arthur , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Kroll‐Desrosiers Aimee , Barton Bruce , Radaeva Svetlana , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: March 2019

Although mortality due to acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) correlates with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, biomarkers are critically needed to manage this disease. Increases in inflammatory markers and macrophage activation are associated with acute AH and could be potential biomarkers of clinical events and/or mortality. We enrolled 89 clinically diagnosed AH patients in four US academic medical centers. Plasma from AH patients had a significant increase in gut microbial translocation indicators (endotoxin, bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA) and host response indicators (soluble cluster of differentiation 14 [sCD14] and lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP]) compared to controls. Patient MELD score and Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis score (GAHS) correlated with endotoxin levels. AH patients also had a significant increase in high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), a sterile danger signal molecule, and osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional phosphoprotein involved in neutrophil activation, compared to controls. Increased levels of OPN positively correlated with increasing MELD score, GAHS, and LBP levels. Consistent with these results, AH patients had significantly increased circulating levels of macrophage activation (sCD163 and sCD206) markers compared to healthy controls, and sCD163 and sCD206 significantly and positively correlated with OPN, HMGB1, and LBP levels as well as with MELD score and GAHS. These findings indicate a connection between microbial translocation, immune cell activation, and AH severity. Plasma sCD14, OPN, sCD163, and sCD206 levels were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors. In multivariate regression models, we identified sCD14, sCD163, and OPN as independent predictors of 90‐day mortality, infection, and organ failure development, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that sCD14, LBP, OPN, sCD163, and sCD206 are biomarkers to indicate severity and predict clinical outcomes in AH.
Chronic activation of the relaxin‐3 receptor on GABA neurons in rat ventral hippocampus promotes anxiety and social avoidance
Authors: Rytova Valeria , Ganella Despina E. , Hawkes David , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Ma Sherie , Gundlach Andrew L.
Published: March 2019

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in modern society and better treatments are required. Key brain areas and signaling systems underlying anxiety include prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, and monoaminergic and peptidergic systems, respectively. Hindbrain GABAergic projection neurons that express the peptide, relaxin‐3, broadly innervate the forebrain, particularly the septum and hippocampus, and relaxin‐3 acts via a Gi/o‐protein‐coupled receptor known as the relaxin‐family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3). Thus, relaxin‐3/RXFP3 signaling is implicated in modulation of arousal, motivation, mood, memory, and anxiety. Ventral hippocampus (vHip) is central to affective and cognitive processing and displays a high density of relaxin‐3‐positive nerve fibers and RXFP3 binding sites, but the identity of target neurons and associated effects on behavior are unknown. Therefore, in adult, male rats, we assessed the neurochemical nature of hippocampal RXFP3 mRNA‐expressing neurons and anxiety‐like and social behavior following chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip by viral vector expression of an RXFP3‐selective agonist peptide, R3/I5. RXFP3 mRNA detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization was topographically distributed across the hippocampus in somatostatin‐ and parvalbumin‐mRNA expressing GABA neurons. Chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip increased anxiety‐like behavior in the light–dark box and elevated‐plus maze, but not the large open‐field test, and reduced social interaction with a conspecific stranger. Our data reveal disruptive effects of persistent RXFP3 signaling on hippocampal GABA networks important in anxiety; and identify a potential therapeutic target for anxiety disorders that warrants further investigation in relevant preclinical models.
Numerical validation of natural convection heat transfer with horizontal rectangular fin array using straight knurling patterns on fins—correlation for Nusselt number
Authors: Chikurde Rahul C. , Kothavale Basavraj S. , Sane Narayan. K.
Published: March 2019

Natural convection heat transfer from horizontal rectangular fin array with various knurling patterns has been studied experimentally by the present authors to investigate the effect of knurl‐produced surface roughness of fin on the heat transfer rate. The parameters like knurling height from base, knurling depth, fin spacing, and supply wattage were considered for parametric study. In the present paper, numerical method (CFD) is used to simulate natural convection phenomena with knurled fins and results are validated with the experimental data available from literature. The numerical results show similar trends compared with experimental data and one can use this method to study various fin configurations for knurling patterns. The flow patterns from experiments and numerical method are compared for different supply wattages and fin spacing to back up the conclusion. It is also observed that the variation in nondimensional roughness depth and spacing (D
kn/H and S/H) have more effect on Nusselt number than roughness height parameter (H
kn/H). Further, the method is extended to study numerically large number of fin configurations with knurling patterns to gather sufficient data for Nusselt number with respect to fin geometric parameters as above and establish correlation for heat transfer coefficient for such type of fins.
Design considerations and their effects on the operation and maintenance cost in solar‐powered desalination plants
Authors: Kabeel A. E. , El‐Said Emad M. S. , Dafea Salah A.
Published: March 2019

The most critical aspects of any desalination plant are maintenance and operation costs. For solar water desalination, cost reduction and production of superior water quality are still crucial factors that attract researchers. Faults in the design of desalination systems can lead to many maintenance and operational problems in these systems and may lead to increasing water costs and/or decreasing quality of water. This paper offers an analytical study of design considerations and its effects on the operation and maintenance of solar‐powered desalination plants such as plant capacity, location, technology, demands, product water specifications, lifetime, availability, reliability, and input resources. This paper also provides an overview of the factors and components of desalination costs compared with other water supply alternatives and traditional desalination methods; discusses challenges and perceptions; and highlights recent developments in the solar water desalination technology that affect the total cost of water delivery and relationships with operation and maintenance.
A prospective study of tea drinking temperature and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Islami Farhad , Poustchi Hossein , Pourshams Akram , Khoshnia Masoud , Gharavi Abdolsamad , Kamangar Farin , Dawsey Sanford M. , Abnet Christian C. , Brennan Paul , Sheikh Mahdi , Sotoudeh Masoud , Nikmanesh Arash , Merat Shahin , Etemadi Arash , Nasseri Moghaddam Siavosh , Pharoah Paul D. , Ponder Bruce A. , Day Nicholas E. , Jemal Ahmedin , Boffetta Paolo , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: March 2019

Previous studies have reported an association between hot tea drinking and risk of esophageal cancer, but no study has examined this association using prospectively and objectively measured tea drinking temperature. We examined the association of tea drinking temperature, measured both objectively and subjectively at study baseline, with future risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a prospective study. We measured tea drinking temperature using validated methods and collected data on several other tea drinking habits and potential confounders of interest at baseline in the Golestan Cohort Study, a population‐based prospective study of 50,045 individuals aged 40–75 years, established in 2004–2008 in northeastern Iran. Study participants were followed‐up for a median duration of 10.1 years (505,865 person‐years). During 2004–2017, 317 new cases of ESCC were identified. The objectively measured tea temperature (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.81; for ≥60°C vs. <60°C), reported preference for very hot tea drinking (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.27–4.56; for “very hot” vs. “cold/lukewarm”), and reported shorter time from pouring tea to drinking (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.01–2.26; for <2 vs. ≥6 min) were all associated with ESCC risk. In analysis of the combined effects of measured temperature and amount, compared to those who drank less than 700 ml of tea/day at <60°C, drinking 700 mL/day or more at a higher‐temperature (≥60°C) was consistently associated with an about 90% increase in ESCC risk. Our results substantially strengthen the existing evidence supporting an association between hot beverage drinking and ESCC.
Synthetic data framework to estimate the minimum detectable concentration of contrast agents for multispectral optoacoustic imaging of small animals
Authors: Yang Hong , Olefir Ivan , Tzoumas Stratis , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: March 2019

The concentrations of contrast agents for optoacoustic imaging of small animals must usually be optimized through extensive pilot experiments on a case‐by‐case basis. The present work describes a streamlined approach for determining the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of a contrast agent given experimental conditions and imaging system parameters. The developed Synthetic Data Framework (SDF) allows estimation of MDCs of various contrast agents under different tissue conditions without extensive animal experiments. The SDF combines simulated optoacoustic signals from exogenously administered contrast agents with in vivo experimental signals from background tissue to generate realistic synthetic multispectral optoacoustic images. In this paper, the SDF is validated with in vivo measurements and demonstrates close agreement between SDF synthetic data and experimental data in terms of both image intensity and MDCs. Use of the SDF to estimate MDCs for fluorescent dyes and nanoparticles at different tissue depths and for imaging lesions of different sizes is illustrated.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering‐active photonic crystal fiber probe: Towards next generation liquid biopsy sensor with ultra high sensitivity
Authors: Dinish U. S , Beffara Flavien , Humbert Georges , Auguste Jean‐Louis , Olivo Malini
Published: March 2019

The tremendous enhancement factors that surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) possesses coupled with the flexibility of photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) pave the way to a new generation of ultrasensitive biosensors. Thanks to the unique structure of PCFs, which allows direct incorporation of an analyte into the axially aligned air channels, interaction between the analyte and excitation light could be increased many folds leading to flexible, reliable and sensitive probes that can be used in preclinical or clinical biosensing. SERS‐active PCF probes provide unique opportunity to develop an opto‐fluidic liquid biopsy needle sensor that enables one‐step integrated sample collection and testing for disease diagnosis. Specificity being a key parameter to biosensors, the PCF inside the biopsy needle could be functionalized with targeting moieties to detect specific biomarkers. In this review article, we present some of the most promising recent biosensors based on PCFs including hollow‐core PCFs, suspended‐core PCFs and side‐channel PCFs. We provide a wide range of applications of such platform using Raman spectroscopy, label free SERS or labeled SERS detection and analyze some of the main challenges to be addressed for translating it to a clinically viable next generation sensitive biopsy needle sensing probe.
Assessing the acute effects of prenatal synthetic cannabinoid exposure on murine fetal brain vasculature using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Raghunathan Raksha , Liu Chih‐Hao , Kouka Amur , Singh Manmohan , Miranda Rajesh C. , Larin Kirill V.
Published: March 2019

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances during pregnancy. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) are a group of heterogeneous compounds that are 40‐ to 600‐fold more potent than Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, the major psychoactive component of marijuana. With SCBs being legally available for purchase and the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies, the possibility of prenatal exposure to SCBs is high. However, the effects of prenatal SCB exposure on embryonic brain development are not well understood. In this study, we use complex correlation mapping optical coherence angiography to evaluate changes in murine fetal brain vasculature in utero, minutes after maternal exposure to an SCB, CP‐55940. Results showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in fetal brain vessel diameter, length fraction and area density when compared to the sham group. This preliminary study shows that acute prenatal exposure to an SCB resulted in significant fetal brain vasoconstriction during the peak period for brain development.
Corneal relaxation time estimation as a function of tear oxygen tension in human cornea during contact lens wear
Authors: Del Castillo Luis Felipe , Ramírez‐Calderón Juanibeth G. , Del Castillo Roxana M. , Aguilella‐Arzo Marcel , Compañ Vicente
Published: March 2019

The purpose is to estimate the oxygen diffusion coefficient and the relaxation time of the cornea with respect to the oxygen tension at the cornea–tears interface. Both findings are discussed. From the experimental data provided by Bonanno et al., the oxygen tension measurements in vivo for human cornea–tears–contact lens (CL), the relaxation time of the cornea, and their oxygen diffusion coefficient were obtained by numerical calculation using the Monod‐kinetic model. Our results, considering the relaxation time of the cornea, observe a different behavior. At the time less than 8 s, the oxygen diffusivity process is upper‐diffusive, and for the relaxation time greater than 8 s, the oxygen diffusivity process is lower‐diffusive. Both cases depend on the partial pressure of oxygen at the entrance of the cornea. The oxygen tension distribution in the cornea–tears interface is separated into two different zones: one for conventional hydrogels, which is located between 6 and 75 mmHg, with a relaxation time included between 8 and 19 s, and the other zone for silicone hydrogel CLs, which is located at high oxygen tension, between 95 and 140 mmHg, with a relaxation time in the interval of 1.5–8 s. It is found that in each zone, the diffusion coefficient varies linearly with the oxygen concentration, presenting a discontinuity in the transition of 8 s. This could be interpreted as an aerobic‐to‐anaerobic transition. We attribute this behavior to the coupling formalism between oxygen diffusion and biochemical reactions to produce adenosine triphosphate. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:14–21, 2020.
Association of Fc gamma‐receptor genes polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis and Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Saremi Leila , Esmaeilzadeh Emran , Ghorashi Tahereh , Sohrabi Maryam , Ekhlasmand Kermani Mehdi , Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi
Published: March 2019

This study was conducted on 87 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 50 patients with peri‐implantitis and 90 periodontally healthy individuals referring to the Department of Periodontics for evaluating the association between Fc gamma‐receptor genes polymorphisms with CP and peri‐implantitis. After obtaining consent, venous blood samples (5cc) were obtained from patients and DNA was extracted using Miller's salting‐out method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐PCR methods were used to assess the polymorphisms of FcγRs IIa,
IIIa, and
IIIb genes. Analyzing showed a significant association between specific genotypes with increasing CP and peri‐implantitis risks in codominant and dominant models. For
FcγR IIIa, analyzing revealed a significant association between specific genotypes with increasing CP and peri‐implantitis risks in codominant, dominant, and recessive models. For
FcγR IIIb, we also detected a significant association between specific genotypes with increasing CP and peri‐implantitis risks in codominant, dominant, and recessive models (
P < 0.05). According to the results of this study, the
FCGRIIa (rs1801274),
FCGRIIIa (rs396991), and
FCGRIIIb (rs1050501) polymorphisms were significantly associated with CP and peri‐implantitis and may have a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Elevated expression of ICAM‐1 in synovium is associated with early inflammatory response for cartilage degeneration in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gui Tao , Lin Yong‐Kai , Huan Song‐Wei , Li Yu‐Hang , Wang Bao‐Hua , Yang Jie , Gu Rong‐He , Liu Qing , Li Zhen‐Yan , Li Sai‐Mei , Chen Yuan‐Feng , Zhang Huan‐Tian , Zha Zhen‐Gang
Published: March 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly being recognized as an independent risk factor for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Extensive studies have focused on the contribution of obesity (excessive mechanical stress), comorbidity frequently found in T2DM, to cartilage destruction during OA development. However, a little is known about how diabetes‐related inflammation may affect the local cartilage in a diabetic objective. In the present study, we were able to establish a T2DM rat model using a combination of a low dose of streptozotocin with high‐fat and high‐sugar diet. Although the cartilage integrity was comparable between the control and T2DM groups, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases‐13 (MMP‐13) was significantly upregulated in T2DM, indicating the initiation of an early cascade of cartilage degeneration. In parallel, an obvious alteration of subchondral bone remodeling (inhibition of bone formation) was observed, as evidenced by the reduction of osterix‐expressing positive cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in the serum and synovium of T2DM rats was elevated, accompanied by an increase of synovitis score. We also noticed that the number of F4/80‐positive macrophage cells was significantly increased in the T2DM group. Mechanistically, the expression of ICAM‐1 in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes can be triggered by glucose and interleukin‐1β, which are the two important factors within the joint of T2DM. Given that MMP‐13 expression was significantly upregulated in the T2DM cartilage, and that ICAM‐1‐mediated filtration of macrophage was associated with synovitis, we propose that ICAM‐1 is essential for triggering a vicious cycle of inflammation within the joint, which together subsequently drivers the cartilage degradation.
FKBP12: A partner of Snx10 required for vesicular trafficking in osteoclasts
Authors: Battaglino Ricardo A. , Jha Prakash , Sultana Farhath , Liu Weimin , Morse Leslie R.
Published: March 2019

Osteoclasts employ highly specialized intracellular trafficking controls for bone resorption and organelle homeostasis. The sorting nexin Snx10 is a (Phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate) PI3P‐binding protein, which localizes to osteoclast early endosomes. Osteoclasts from humans and mice lacking functional Snx10 are severely dysfunctional. They show marked impairments in endocytosis, extracellular acidification, ruffled border formation, and bone resorption, suggesting that Snx10 regulates membrane trafficking. To better understand how SNx10 regulates vesicular formation and trafficking in osteoclasts, we set out on a search for Snx10 partners. We performed a yeast two‐hybrid screening and identified FKBP12. FKBP12 is expressed in receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand–stimulated RAW264.7 monocytes, coimmunoprecipitates with Snx10, and colocalizes with Snx10 in osteoclasts. We also found that FKBP12, Snx10, and early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) are present in the same subcellular fractions obtained by centrifugation in sucrose gradients, which confirms localization of FKBP12 to early endosomes. Taken together, these results indicate that Snx10 and FKBP12 are partners and suggest that Snx10 and FKBP12 are involved in the regulation of endosome/lysosome homeostasis via the synthesis. These findings may suggest novel therapeutic approaches to control bone loss by targeting essential steps in osteoclast membrane trafficking.
Cognitive heuristics in borderline personality disorder across treatment: A longitudinal non‐parametric analysis
Authors: Kramer Ueli , Golam Mehdi
Published: March 2019

Objective

The development of a constructive therapeutic alliance may represent an important feature of interpersonal adaptation in clients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The present study explores cognitive heuristics as dynamic features of change in relationship with the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of BPD.

Method

In total, N = 60 clients with BPD, are included in the present study. In the context of brief therapy, the therapeutic alliance (WAI) is assessed from the client and the therapist perspectives after each therapy session; cognitive heuristics are assessed three times (CERS). The data analyses are on the basis of non‐parametric clusters (kml3d) linked with the therapeutic alliance.

Results

The results showed that clusters of cognitive heuristics trajectories are linked with the client's therapeutic alliance (t(55) = 2.30,
p = .03), but they remained unrelated with the evolution of the therapist's alliance.

Conclusions

These results are discussed with regard to the interpersonal adaptiveness of cognitive heuristics in the context of BPD undergoing treatment.
Role of SCFAs in gut microbiome and glycolysis for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Gang , Yu Yang , Wang Yu‐Zhu , Wang Jun‐Jie , Guan Rui , Sun Yan , Shi Feng , Gao Jing , Fu Xing‐Li
Published: March 2019

Increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with altered intestinal microbiota as well as short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) reduction of output The energy source of colon cells relies mainly on three SCFAs, namely butyrate (BT), propionate, and acetate, while CRC transformed cells rely mainly on aerobic glycolysis to provide energy. This review summarizes recent research results for dysregulated glucose metabolism of SCFAs, which could be initiated by gut microbiome of CRC. Moreover, the relationship between SCFA transporters and glycolysis, which may correlate with the initiation and progression of CRC, are also discussed. Additionally, this review explores the linkage of BT to transport of SCFAs expressions between normal and cancerous colonocyte cell growth for tumorigenesis inhibition in CRC. Furthermore, the link between gut microbiota and SCFAs in the metabolism of CRC, in addition, the proteins and genes related to SCFAs‐mediated signaling pathways, coupled with their correlation with the initiation and progression of CRC are also discussed. Therefore, targeting the SCFA transporters to regulate lactate generation and export of BT, as well as applying SCFAs or gut microbiota and natural compounds for chemoprevention may be clinically useful for CRCs treatment. Future research should focus on the combination these therapeutic agents with metabolic inhibitors to effectively target the tumor SCFAs and regulate the bacterial ecology for activation of potent anticancer effect, which may provide more effective application prospect for CRC therapy.
Characterization of uropathogenic E. coli O25b‐B2‐ST131, O15:K52:H1, and CGA: Neutrophils apoptosis, serum bactericidal assay, biofilm formation, and virulence typing
Authors: Mostafavi Seyyed Khalil Shokouhi , Najar‐Peerayeh Shahin , Mobarez Ashraf Mohabbati , Parizi Mehdi Kardoust
Published: March 2019

Pathogenic and drug‐resistant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O25b‐B2‐ST131, O15:H1‐D‐ST393, and CGA (clonal group A) clonal groups have spread worldwide. This study aimed at determining
E. coli epidemic clonal groups, their virulence factors, biofilm formation, neutrophils apoptosis, and antimicrobial resistance pattern of uropathogenic
E. coli. A total of 95 CTX‐M‐1‐producing
E. coli clinical isolates were enrolled.
E. coli O25b‐B2‐ST131, CGA, and O15:K52:H1 were identified by serotyping and phylogrouping and allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction‐based assay. Antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation, hemolysis, and human serum bactericidal assay were performed. Neutrophil apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry. Nine
E. coli clonal groups including six O25b‐B2‐ST131 strains, two CGA, and one O15:K52:H1‐D‐ST393 strains were detected. One O25b‐B2‐ST131 isolate was a strong biofilm‐producer. Three ST131 isolates had type I fimbriae. Furthermore, all the CGA and O15:K52:H1 and three of ST131 isolates harbored the P fimbriae. The virulence genes
ompT,
fimH, and
traT were detected among all the clonal groups. The apoptosis was induced by O25b‐B2‐ST131, CGA, and O15:K52:H1
E. coli. There was no significant difference regarding apoptosis induction among clonal groups. Furthermore, the presence of the
cdt,
usp, and
vat genes was significantly associated with the apoptosis of neutrophils by O25b‐B2‐ST131, CGA, and O15:K52:H1‐D‐ST393 clonal groups.
VEGF inhibition alters neurotrophin signalling pathways and induces caspase‐3 activation and autophagy in rabbit retina
Authors: Segatto Marco , Fico Elena , Gharbiya Magda , Rosso Pamela , Carito Valentina , Tirassa Paola , Plateroti Rocco , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: March 2019

This study sought to evaluate the prospective role exerted by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the modulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling pathways in the rabbit retina. To reach this aim, the anti‐VEGF agents aflibercept and ranibizumab were used as a pharmacological approach to evaluate the putative consequences elicited by VEGF inhibition on neurotrophin signalling. VEGF inhibition determined a marked imbalance in proneurotrophin expression, a significant reduction in TrkA and TrkB phosphorylation states and a decrease in the pan‐neurotrophin receptor p75. Importantly, VEGF blockade also caused a strong increase in cleaved caspase‐3, beclin‐1 and lipidated LC3. The effects were more pronounced in the aflibercept group when compared with ranibizumab‐treated rabbits, particularly 1 week after injection. This study demonstrates that VEGF exerts pivotal physiological roles in regulating NGF and BDNF pathways in the retina, as its inhibition by anti‐VEGF agents deeply impacts neurotrophin homeostasis. These events are accompanied by a sustained induction of apoptotic and autophagic markers, suggesting that anti‐VEGF‐dependent impairments in neurotrophin signalling could be responsible for the activation of retinal cell death pathways.
Phosphoglycerate kinase deficiency: A nationwide multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Nadjar Yann , Béhin Anthony , Biancalana Valérie , Piraud Monique , Malfatti Edoardo , Laforêt Pascal
Published: March 2019

Phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) deficiency is a rare X‐linked metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the PGK1 gene. Patients usually develop various combinations of nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia (NSHA), myopathy, and central nervous system disorders. In this national multicenter observational retrospective study, we recorded all known French patients with PGK deficiency, and 3 unrelated patients were identified. Case 1 was a 32‐year‐old patient with severe chronic axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy resembling Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease, mental retardation, microcephaly, ophthalmoplegia, pes cavus, and the new c.323G > A PGK1 hemizygous mutation. Case 2 was a 71‐year‐old patient with recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, and a c.943G > A PGK1 hemizygous mutation. Case 3 was a 48‐year‐old patient with NSHA, retinitis pigmentosa, mental retardation, seizures, stroke, parkinsonism, and a c.491A > T PGK1 hemizygous mutation. This study confirms that PGK deficiency is an extremely rare disorder with a wide phenotypic spectrum, and demonstrates for the first time that PGK deficiency may affect the peripheral nervous system and present as a CMT‐like disorder.
Theranostic CAR T cell targeting: A brief review
Authors: Arndt Claudia , Bachmann Michael , Bergmann Ralf , Berndt Nicole , Feldmann Anja , Koristka Stefanie
Published: March 2019

More than hundred years ago, Paul Ehrlich postulated that our immune system should be able to recognize tumor cells. Just recently, the development of check point inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) underlines the true power of our immune system. T cells genetically modified with CARs can lead to complete remission of malignant hematologic diseases. However, they can also cause life‐threatening side effects. In case of cytokine release syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, or deadly side effects on the central nervous system, an emergency shut down of CAR T cells is needed. Targeting of tumor‐associated antigens that are also expressed on vital tissues require a possibility to repeatedly switch the activity of CAR T cells on and off on demand and to follow the treatment by imaging. Theranostic, modular CARs such as the UniCAR system may help to overcome these problems.
The abdomen of a free‐living female of Strepsiptera and the evolution of the birth organs
Authors: Tröger Daniel , Beutel Rolf G. , Pohl Hans
Published: March 2019

Mengenillidae is a small, basal family of Strepsiptera, mainly characterized by free‐living females in contrast to the endoparasitic females of Stylopidia. Here, we describe external and internal structures of the female abdomen of Eoxenos laboulbenei (Mengenillidae). The external morphology was examined and documented using microphotography. Internal structures were reconstructed three‐dimensionally using a μCT‐data set. The morphologically simplified abdomen comprises 10 segments. The integument is weakly sclerotized and flexible. Spiracles are present dorsolaterally on segments I–VII. Segment VII bears the posteroventral birth opening and the small abdominal segment X carries the anus at its apex. Numerous eggs float freely in the hemolymph. The musculature of segments I–IV is composed of ventral and dorsal longitudinal muscle bundles, strongly developed paramedial dorsoventral muscles and a complex meshwork of small pleural muscles, with minimal differences between the segments. Segments V–X contain more than 50 individual muscles, even though the musculature as a whole is weakly developed. Even though it is not involved in processing food, the digestive tract is well‐developed. Its postabdominal section comprises a part of the midgut and the short hindgut. The midgut fills a large part of the postabdominal lumen. The lumina of the midgut and hindgut are not connected. Five or six nodular Malpighian tubules open into the digestive tract at the border region between the midgut and hindgut. The birth organ below the midgut releases the primary larvae after hatching via the birth opening at segment VII. It is likely derived from primary female genital ducts. The presence of six additional birth organs of segments I–VI are de novo formations and a groundplan apomorphy of Stylopidia, the large strepsipteran subgroup with endoparasitic females. The loss of the primary birth organ of segment VII is an apomorphy of Stylopiformia (Stylopidia excl. Corioxenidae).
Raman spectra of natural manganese oxides
Authors: Bernardini Simone , Bellatreccia Fabio , Casanova Municchia Annalaura , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Sodo Armida
Published: March 2019

Manganese oxides occur typically as cryptocrystalline and fine‐grained mixtures of different Mn‐phases, carbonates, silicates, and Fe oxides/hydroxides; thus their characterization by standard methods, such as X‐ray diffraction, is extremely challenging. These materials have been widely used in various applications over the millennia, for example, in art works as pigments for pottery, mural paintings, stained glass, and recently, as nanostructured materials with very attractive physicochemical properties. Furthermore, they are important geomaterials that could play a key role in environmental applications, by controlling the partitioning of arsenic and heavy metals between rocks, soils, and aqueous systems. Raman spectroscopy, which is a punctual and nondestructive technique, has been widely used to characterize these materials. However, literature data are often conflicting and contradictory, usually not allowing a proper identification of the Mn species. In this work, we characterize the most common natural manganese oxides by combining X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our data show that some manganese oxides have characteristic Raman spectra and can be easily recognized by using Raman spectroscopy alone, whereas integration of Raman data with other techniques is mandatory to characterize minerals that have almost identical Raman spectra. With this respect, Raman spectroscopy is the only technique allowing an easy discrimination between hollandite [Ba(Mn4+6,Mn3+2)O16] and cryptomelane [K(Mn4+7,Mn3+)O16]. The final goal of this work is to provide reference Raman spectra, acquired on previously well‐characterized Mn samples to facilitate the application of Raman spectroscopy in the study of these geomaterials.
Grape seed pomace as a valuable source of antioxidant fibers
Authors: Costa Gislaine NS , Tonon Renata V , Mellinger‐Silva Caroline , Galdeano Melicia C , Iacomini Marcello , Santiago Manuela CPA , Almeida Eveline L , Freitas Suely P
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Grape seed pomace is a valuable by‐product from winery/oil extraction industries and a potential source of bioactive compounds. Hot water extraction is the most widely used technology for polysaccharide recovery from plant and seed sources. To obtain an antioxidant fiber‐rich extract (AFE) from defatted grape seed pomace, seed:water ratio (1:10–1:20) and extraction temperature (70–90 °C) effects on extraction yield, total sugars, total phenolic compounds and condensed tannins were investigated.

RESULTS

The best extraction results were achieved at the highest seed:water ratio and temperature. At these conditions, the extraction yield and total sugar content of the freeze‐dried AFE were 100.1 g kg−1 and 725.3 g kg−1, respectively. The AFE presented high total phenolic content (16.2 g GAE kg−1), condensed tannins (515.1 mg CAT kg−1), soluble (219.1 g kg−1) and insoluble fibers (132.4 g kg−1), besides protein (171.1 g kg−1) and ash (152.6 g kg−1). The antioxidant capacity of the AFE was 382.7, 823.7 and 1439.4 μmol Trolox g−1 for DPPH, ABTS and ORAC methods.

CONCLUSION

The AFE was shown to be not only an interesting source of fiber with antioxidant capacity, which could become a potential foodstuff, but also an ecofriendly and sustainable alternative to use grape seed pomace. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic acids variability and grain quality of organically and conventionally fertilised old wheats under a warm climate
Authors: Fares Clara , Menga Valeria , Codianni Pasquale , Russo Mario , Perrone Domenico , Suriano Serafino , Savino Michele , Rascio Agata
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

We investigated three old wheats (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum durum, Triticum spelta) for effects of organic and conventional cultivation under equivalent nitrogen fertilisation (100 kg ha−1) on antioxidant content and composition, and on quality traits.

RESULTS

Compared to conventional cultivation, organic cultivation had positive effects on test weight, while grain quality traits of protein content, gluten content and sodium dodecyl sulphate microsedimentation volume were 19.2%, 9.3% and 22.7% lower, respectively. Despite lower protein content with organic cultivation, this was still high (147 g kg−1); thus with adequate organic nitrogen fertilisation, the quality traits related to the technological properties of flour were maintained. Total phenolic content (TPC) was significantly higher for organic versus conventional cultivation, although free and bound phenolic acids were not significantly different. With discriminant analysis, only durum wheat differentiated the qualitative and compositional traits according to cultivation system. Separation of organic versus conventional cultivation in durum wheat and emmer was strongly affected by antioxidants (antioxidant capacity, TPC, yellow pigment content), dietary fibre, protein content and test weight.

CONCLUSIONS

With adequate organic nitrogen fertilisation, protein and gluten contents remain high enough for good quality pasta. However, except for TPC, organic cultivation did not affect phenolic acids profile and antioxidant activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry