bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study for marker‐based VMAT plan optimization toward tumor tracking
Authors: Omotayo Azeez A. , Venkataraman Sankar , Venugopal Niranjan , McCurdy Boyd
Published: June 2020

This work investigates the incorporation of fiducial marker‐based visibility parameters into the optimization of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans. We propose that via this incorporation, one may produce treatment plans that aid real‐time tumor tracking approaches employing exit imaging of the therapeutic beam (e.g., via EPID), in addition to satisfying purely dosimetric requirements. We investigated the feasibility of this approach for a thorax and prostate site using optimization software (MonArc). For a thorax phantom and a lung patient, three fiducial markers were inserted around the tumor and VMAT plans were created with two partial arcs and prescription dose of 48 Gy (4 fractions). For a prostate patient with three markers in the prostate organ, a VMAT plan was created with two partial arcs and prescription dose 72.8 Gy (28 fractions). We modified MonArc to include marker‐based visibility constraints (“hard”and “soft”). A hard constraint (HC) imposes full visibility for all markers, while a soft constraint (SC) penalizes visibility for specific markers in the beams‐eye‐view. Dose distributions from constrained plans (HC and SC) were compared to the reference nonconstrained (NC) plan using metrics including conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gradient measure (GM), and dose to 95% of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs). The NC plan produced the best target conformity and the least doses to the OARs for the entire dataset, followed by the SC and HC plans. Using SC plans provided acceptable dosimetric tolerances for both the target and OARs. However, OAR doses may be increased or decreased based on the constrained marker location and number of trackable markers. In conclusion, we demonstrate that visibility constraints can be incorporated into the optimization together with dosimetric objectives to produce treatment plans satisfying both objectives. This approach should ensure greater clinical success when applying real‐time tracking algorithms, using VMAT delivery.
The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multipass Friction Stir‐Welded Al/Cu Lap Joints and Interface Transfer during Butt Joining of Thick Plates
Authors: Wei Yanni , Sun Fu , Li Hui , Peng Xiao , Zou Juntao
Published: June 2020

Multipass friction stir welding (FSW) is used to obtain an Al/Cu overlap joint. The microstructure and bonding strength of the Al/Cu joints are analyzed. An overlap joint without defect inside the cross section is obtained when the stir pin interval is 3 mm and the plunge depth is 0.2 mm. The welding of the next pass eliminates the “hook” left on the back side of the upper pass, achieving complete welding over a wide area. The stirring pin peels off the Cu surface layer and moves them into Al matrix. Turbulent interactive structures and exfoliated particle interactive structures are formed. Two obvious intermetallic compound layers are formed on the interface and are identified as the Al2Cu and Al4Cu9 phases. The tensile shear strength of the overlap joints with a stir pin interval of 3 mm reaches an average of 95 MPa, which is approximately equal to that of the 1060Al base metal. Moreover, the copper plate coated with the aluminum layer and the aluminum plate are butt joined by conventional FSW to produce an interface transfer. The thick plate (10 mm) butt joint is welded by transferring the original soft–hard (Al/Cu) interface to the soft–soft (Al/Al) interface.
Gold‐Catalyzed Aminoaromatizations of 1,2‐Bis(alkynyl)benzenes with Anthranils to Yield 1‐Amino‐2‐napthaldehyde Products
Authors: Pandit Yashwant Bhaskar , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: June 2020

Gold‐catalyzed aminoaromatizations of 1,n‐diynes with anthranils afforded 1‐amino‐2‐napthaldehyde derivatives efficiently. In this reaction sequence, anthranils preferably attack at gold‐coordinated prop‐3‐yn‐1‐ols to generate α‐imino gold carbenes that enable subsequent cyclizations with the other alkynes. Chemical functionalizations of the resulting 1‐amino‐2‐napthaldehydes are presented to manifest the synthetic utility of these reactions.

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Permanganate oxidizable carbon for soil health: Does drying temperature matter?
Authors: Gasch Caley , Mathews Shiny , Deschene Alec , Butcher Kirsten , DeSutter Thomas
Published: June 2020

Soil health assessments evaluate and monitor the effects of conservation management on soil properties. A popular measurement, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), is routinely included in these assessments. The standard POXC protocol calls for air‐dried soil samples, but commercial laboratories typically dry samples in a forced‐air oven before routine analysis. In order to evaluate if heat would change POXC measurements, we treated soil (52 silty clay loam and 51 sandy loam samples) with oven drying at 45 and 65 °C and compared their POXC values with those from air‐dried samples. We also examined relationships between POXC values and soil organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity across drying treatments. Drying soil did not substantially change POXC values for either soil texture and did not change the relationships between POXC and other measured soil properties. This work suggests that commercial laboratories could perform POXC analysis on soil samples dried using heat.
Facile Preparation of WO3−x Dots with Remarkably Low Toxicity and Uncompromised Activity as Co‐reactants for Clinical Diagnosis by Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Pan Deng , Fang Zhengzou , Yang Erli , Ning Zhenqiang , Zhou Qing , Chen Kaiyang , Zheng Yongjun , Zhang Yuanjian , Shen Yanfei
Published: June 2020

The exceptional nature of WO3−x dots has inspired widespread interest, but it is still a significant challenge to synthesize high‐quality WO3−x dots without using unstable reactants, expensive equipment, and complex synthetic processes. Herein, the synthesis of ligand‐free WO3−x dots is reported that are highly dispersible and rich in oxygen vacancies by a simple but straightforward exfoliation of bulk WS2 and a mild follow‐up chemical conversion. Surprisingly, the WO3−x dots emerged as co‐reactants for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)32+ with a comparable ECL efficiency to the well‐known Ru(bpy)32+/tripropylamine (TPrA) system. Moreover, compared to TPrA, whose toxicity remains a critical issue of concern, the WO3−x dots were ca. 300‐fold less toxic. The potency of WO3−x dots was further explored in the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with the most competitive limit of detection so far.
Selective Monofunctionalization Enabled by Reaction‐History‐Dependent Communication in Catalytic Rotaxanes
Authors: Rajappan Sinu C. , McCarthy Dillon R. , Campbell Joseph P. , Ferrell Jonathon B. , Sharafi Mona , Ambrozaite Ona , Li Jianing , Schneebeli Severin T.
Published: June 2020

Selective monofunctionalization of substrates with distant, yet equally reactive functional groups is difficult to achieve, as it requires the second functional group to selectively modulate its reactivity once the first functional group has reacted. We now show that mechanically interlocked catalytic rings can effectively regulate the reactivity of stoppering groups in rotaxanes over a distance of about 2 nm. Our mechanism of communication is enabled by a unique interlocked design, which effectively removes the catalytic rings from the substrates by fast dethreading as soon as the first reaction has taken place. Our method not only led to a rare example of selective monofunctionalization, but also to a “molecular if function”. Overall, the study presents a way to get distant functional groups to communicate with each other in a reaction‐history‐dependent manner by creating linkers that can ultimately perform logical operations at the molecular level.
Promoting the dispersibility of silica and interfacial strength of rubber/silica composites prepared by latex compounding
Authors: Sun Ying , Cheng Zhimin , Zhang Ling , Jiang Haibo , Li Chunzhong
Published: June 2020

The dispersibility of precipitated silica and its interfacial interaction with rubber matrix can affect the performances of tires which is a difficult problem to be solved. A well‐dispersed silica dispersion was obtained through ball milling and modification process followed by heat treatment to enhance the properties of NR composites prepared by latex compounding. Benefiting from the modifier Si‐747, the well‐dispersed silica/NR composite (Silica‐MSH‐C) shows excellent tensile strength of 30.8 ± 0.5 MPa, which is 17.6 ± 3.8% higher than latex compounding pure silica/NR composite (Silica‐C) and 21.7 ± 4.3% higher than traditional mechanical blending pure silica/NR composite (T‐Silica‐C). The tan delta values indicate that Silica‐MSH‐C has better dynamic properties and also has stronger interface strength according to swelling tests, heat capacity curves and Mooney‐Rivlin equation. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation further shows the binding energy between NR and Si‐747 modified SiO2is 58.88 Kcal/mol larger than the value of NR and pure silica.
Low‐Density Neutrophils in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tay Sen Hee , Celhar Teja , Fairhurst Anna‐Marie
Published: June 2020

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display increased numbers of immature neutrophils in the blood, but the exact role of these immature neutrophils is unclear. Neutrophils that sediment within the peripheral blood mononuclear cell fraction after density centrifugation of blood are generally defined as low‐density neutrophils (LDNs). Far beyond antimicrobial functions, LDNs are emerging as decision‐shapers during innate and adaptive immune responses. Traditionally, neutrophils have been viewed as a homogeneous population. However, the various LDN populations identified in SLE to date are heterogeneously composed of mixed populations of activated mature neutrophils and immature neutrophils at various stages of differentiation. Controversy also surrounds the role of LDNs in SLE in terms of whether they are proinflammatory or polymorphonuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. It is clear that LDNs in SLE can secrete increased levels of type I interferon (IFN) and that they contribute to the cycle of inflammation and tissue damage. They readily form neutrophil extracellular traps, exposing modified autoantigens and oxidized mitochondrial DNA, which contribute to autoantibody production and type I IFN signaling, respectively. Importantly, the ability of LDNs in SLE to perform canonical neutrophil functions is polarized, based on mature CD10+ and immature CD10− neutrophils. Although this field is still relatively new, multiomic approaches have advanced our understanding of the diverse origins, phenotype, and function of LDNs in SLE. This review updates the literature on the origin and nature of LDNs, their distinctive features, and their biologic roles in the immunopathogenesis and end‐organ damage in SLE.
Variation in training requirements within general surgery: comparison of 23 countries
Authors: Whewell H , Brown C , Gokani V J , Harries R L , Aguilera M L , Ahrend H , Al Qallaf A , Ansell J , Beamish A , Borraez-Segura B , Di Candido F , Chan D , Govender T , Grass F , Gupta A K , Dae Han Y , Jensen K K , Kusters M , Wing Lam K , Machila M , Marquardt C , Moore I , Ovaere S , Park H , Premaratne C , Sarantitis I , Sethi H , Singh R , Yonkus J
Published: June 2020

Background

Many differences exist in postgraduate surgical training programmes worldwide. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the training requirements in general surgery across 23 different countries.

Methods

A collaborator affiliated with each country collected data from the country's official training body website, where possible. The information collected included: management, teaching, academic and operative competencies, mandatory courses, years of postgraduate training (inclusive of intern years), working-hours regulations, selection process into training and formal examination.

Results

Countries included were Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Zambia. Frameworks for defining the outcomes of surgical training have been defined nationally in some countries, with some similarities to those in the UK and Ireland. However, some training programmes remain heterogeneous with regional variation, including those in many European countries. Some countries outline minimum operative case requirement (range 60–1600), mandatory courses, or operative, academic or management competencies. The length of postgraduate training ranges from 4 to 10 years. The maximum hours worked per week ranges from 38 to 88 h, but with no limit in some countries.

Conclusion

Countries have specific and often differing requirements of their medical profession. Equivalence in training is granted on political agreements, not healthcare need or competencies acquired during training.
Sex‐dependent alterations of dopamine receptor and glucose transporter density in rat hypothalamus under long‐term clozapine and haloperidol medication
Authors: Bouvier Marie‐Luise , Fehsel Karin , Schmitt Andrea , Meisenzahl‐Lechner Eva , Gaebel Wolfgang , von Wilmsdorff Martina
Published: June 2020

Objective

Sex‐dependent disturbances of peripheral glucose metabolism are known complications of antipsychotic drug treatment. The influence of long‐term clozapine and haloperidol medication on hypothalamus, maintaining aspects of internal body homeostasis, has not yet been completely clarified.

Methods

After puberty, male and female Sprague Dawley rats were fed orally with ground pellets containing haloperidol (1 mg/kgBW/day) or clozapine (20 mg/kgBW/day) for 12 weeks. The hypothalamic protein expression of dopamine receptors D2R and D4R, melanocortin receptor MC4R, and glucose transporters Glut1 and Glut3 was examined. Glucose, glycogen, lactate, and pyruvate levels were determined, also malondialdehyde equivalents as markers of oxidative stress.

Results

D2R expression was increased in the male haloperidol and clozapine group but decreased in females medicated with clozapine. D4R expression was upregulated under clozapine medication. While females showed increased Glut1, Glut3 was elevated in both male and female clozapine‐medicated animals. We found no changes of hypothalamic malondialdehyde, glycogen, and MC4R. Hypothalamic lactate was elevated in the female clozapine group.

Conclusion

Clozapine sex‐dependently affects the expression of D2R, Glut1, and Glut3. The upregulation of the glucose transporters indicates glucose deprivation in the endothelial cells and consequently in astrocytes and neurons. Increased hypothalamic lactate in females under clozapine points to enhanced glycolysis with a higher glucose demand to produce the required energy. Haloperidol did not change the expression of the glucose transporters and upregulated D2R only in males.
Electrocatalytic NADH Sensing using Electrodes Modified with 2‐[2‐(4‐Nitrophenoxy)ethoxy]ethylthio‐Substituted Porphyrazine/Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids
Authors: Rębiś Tomasz , Falkowski Michał , Milczarek Grzegorz , Goslinski Tomasz
Published: June 2020

The electrochemical properties of a modified electrode covered with 2‐[2‐(4‐nitrophenoxy)ethoxy]ethylthio‐substituted porphyrazine/single‐walled carbon nanotube hybrids were investigated. The electrochemical study revealed that the electrode mechanism is more complex in acidic conditions in comparison to neutral buffer. According to our study, the nitro groups constituting the part of porphyrazine substituents can be electrochemically reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine moieties; surprisingly, however, the latter can be additionally transformed to o‐aminophenol/o‐iminoquinone groups, but only in acidic conditions. The electrode covered with hybrid material was used in the electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH. According to these results, it seems that after the electrochemical activation of the electrode material, 2‐[2‐(4‐nitrophenoxy)ethoxy]ethylthio‐substituted porphyrazine reveals strong electrocatalytic behavior towards NADH oxidation, owing to the appearance of reversible surface‐anchored o‐aminophenol/o‐iminoquinone intermediate redox couples. In the amperometric determination, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of NADH were calculated and found to be LOD=0.16 and LOQ=0.48 μM. Moreover, the relative standard deviation of the response was 3.32 %, indicating excellent reproducibility. Thus, the novel electrode based on 2‐[2‐(4‐nitrophenoxy)ethoxy]ethylthio‐substituted porphyrazine and single‐walled carbon nanotubes present an interesting opportunity in the fields of electroanalytical and biosensing applications, and can be considered for amperometric NADH determination.
Vanadium‐Substituted Tungstosulfate Polyoxometalates as Peroxidase Mimetics and Their Potential Application in Biosensing
Authors: Saeed Ayad , Umer Muhammad , Yamasaki Naoki , Azuma Shinya , Ueda Tadaharu , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: June 2020

This article reports on the peroxidase‐like catalytic activity of polyoxometalates (POMs) and their potential use as natural peroxidases for developing a simple and efficient colorimetric glucose sensor. Two Keggin‐type vanadium‐substituted tungstosulfates, [SVW11O40]3− (SVW11) and [SV2W10O40]4− (SV2W10), were tested for their potential as natural enzyme mimetics and exhibited strong peroxidase‐like catalytic activity. The catalysis reaction was found to be in accordance with Michaelis‐Menten and Lineweaver‐Burk kinetics models. Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) and maximum velocity (Vmax) parameters were calculated to be 0.0759 mM and 0.329×10−8 Ms−1 for SVW11, and 0.0543 mM and 2.67×10−8 Ms−1 for SV2W10, respectively, indicating a high catalytic activity and a strong affinity of POMs towards 3,3,5,5‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). In the case of H2O2, these values were found to be 57.1 mM and 0.325×10−8 mMs−1 for SVW11, and 47.7 mM and 2.72×10−8 mMs−1 for SV2W10. The peroxidase‐like catalytic activity of these POMs was used to develop colorimetric glucose sensors as a proof‐of‐concept model for the POM‐based naked‐eye detection of biomolecules. The limit of detcetion (LOD) of glucose for SVW11 and SV2W10 was 1.14 μM and 1.24 μM, respectively. Our findings propose broad‐ranging potential applications of these novel POMs in biosensing and bioanalytical chemistry.
Precise Macroscopic Supramolecular Assemblies: Strategies and Applications
Authors: Cheng Mengjiao , Shi Feng
Published: June 2020

Macroscopic supramolecular assembly (MSA) is a new concept in supramolecular science with a focus on interfacial assembly of macroscopic building blocks, which has largely extended the applicable materials of supramolecular assembly and provided new solutions to fabricating tissue scaffolds, soft devices, etc. The precision of the assembled structures is of great interest; unlike molecular assemblies, MSA precision is highly dependent on the matching degree of assembled surfaces because of the large interactive area and group number, which result in remarkably increased kinetic possibilities and metastable assemblies. This Concept introduces the principle, history, and development of MSA, elaborates the low‐precision challenge in MSA, summarizes the strategies for precise MSA based on the different thermodynamic stability of precise/imprecise structures and control over assembly kinetics, and finally demonstrates the applications of precise MSA structures in advanced manufacture such as tissue scaffolds.
Ferroelectric Metal–Organic Framework as a Host Material for Sulfur to Alleviate the Shuttle Effect of Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhu Fulong , Tao Yanli , Bao Hongfei , Wu Xuesong , Qin Chao , Wang Xinlong , Su Zhongmin
Published: June 2020

Ferroelectricity has an excellent reversible polarization conversion behavior under an external electric field. Herein, we propose an interesting strategy to alleviate the shuttle effect of lithium–sulfur battery by utilizing ferroelectric metal–organic framework (FMOF) as a host material for the first time. Compared to other MOF with same structure but without ferroelectricity and commercial carbon black, the cathode based on FMOF exhibits a low capacity decay and high cycling stability. These results demonstrate that the polarization switching behaviors of FMOF under the discharge voltage of lithium–sulfur battery can effectively trap polysulfides by polar–polar interactions, decrease polysulfides shuttle and improve the electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur battery.
Multicenter phase 2 trial of nintedanib in advanced nonpancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Iyer Renuka V. , Konda Bhavana , Fountzilas Christos , Mukherjee Sarbajit , Owen Dwight , Attwood Kristopher , Wang Chong , Maguire Orla , Minderman Hans , Suffren Sheryl‐Ann , Hicks Karen , Wilton John , Bies Robert , Casucci Danielle , Reidy‐Lagunes Diane , Shah Manisha
Published: June 2020

Background

Antiangiogenic‐targeting agents have low response rates in patients with nonpancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Nintedanib is an oral antiangiogenic agent that has inhibitory effects on the fibroblast growth factor receptor, which is highly expressed in NETs. The authors hypothesized that nintedanib would be active in patients with nonpancreatic NETs.

Methods

Patients with advanced, grade 1 or 2, nonpancreatic NETs who were receiving a stable dose of somatostatin analogue were enrolled. Nintedanib was administered at a dose of 200 mg twice daily in 28‐day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) at 16 weeks.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were enrolled, and 30 were evaluable for the primary outcome. Most had radiographic disease progression within 12 months before enrollment. The 16‐week PFS rate was 83%, and the median PFS and overall survival were 11.0 months and 32.7 months, respectively. Nintedanib was well tolerated and delayed deterioration in quality of life. The baseline serotonin level had a strong, positive correlation with activated but exhausted T cells.

Conclusions

Nintedanib is active in nonpancreatic NETs. The immunosuppressive effect of serotonin should be targeted in future clinical trials.
A new method with hybrid direction for linear programming
Authors: Djeloud Khalil , Bentobache Mohand , Bibi Mohand Ouamer
Published: June 2020

In this work, we propose a new algorithm for solving linear programs. This algorithm starts by an initial support feasible solution, then it moves from one feasible point to a better one following a new hybrid direction. The constructed direction gives a better local improvement of the objective function than the direction of the adaptive method with hybrid direction (AMHD) algorithm proposed in Bibi MO, Bentobache M. A hybrid direction algorithm for solving linear programs. International Journal of Computer Mathematics, 2015; 92(2):200‐216. In order to stop the algorithm, a suboptimality criterion is used and the long step rule is developed for changing the current support. The proposed algorithm is implemented with C++, then a numerical study is conducted on randomly generated test problems and some instances of an optimal control problem. The obtained numerical results show that our algorithm is competitive with AMHD and the primal simplex algorithm of GNU linear programming kit (GLPK).
Imaging of Monoamine Neurotransmitters with Fluorescent Nanoscale Sensors
Authors: Dinarvand Meshkat , Elizarova Sofia , Daniel James , Kruss Sebastian
Published: June 2020

Cells use biomolecules to convey information. For instance, neurons communicate by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters, including several monoamines. The information transmitted by neurons is, in part, coded in the type and amount of neurotransmitter released, the spatial distribution of release sites, the frequency of release events, and the diffusion range of the neurotransmitter. Therefore, quantitative information about neurotransmitters at the (sub)cellular level with high spatiotemporal resolution is needed to understand how complex cellular networks function. So far, various analytical methods have been developed and used to detect neurotransmitter secretion from cells. However, each method has limitations with respect to chemical, temporal and spatial resolution. In this review, we focus on emerging methods for optical detection of neurotransmitter release and discuss fluorescent sensors/probes for monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. We focus on the latest advances in near infrared fluorescent carbon nanotube‐based sensors and engineered fluorescent proteins for monoamine imaging, which provide high spatial and temporal resolution suitable for examining the release of monoamines from cells in cellular networks.
Applied use of alternate stable state modeling in restoration ecology
Authors: Zweig Christa L. , Newman Sue , Saunders Colin J.
Published: June 2020

The concept of alternate stable states is important in ecological theory and models, but the application and implementation of these models have the potential to make significant future advances in the field of patterned landscapes. The bistable ridge and slough landscape is a central feature of Everglades restoration and provides an important opportunity to test stable state theory with multistate transition models. We used these models to estimate environmental parameters associated with state changes (water depths, edaphic factors, etc.) and develop a quantitative method to measure resilience and stability. The multistate model indicates that long‐term, local hydrology (15‐yr mean maximums and 15‐yr mean amplitude) and edaphic factors control the local scale shifts between ridge and slough states. We show that multistate models can provide hydrologic envelopes for managers, produce a tool to help assess future water management scenarios, and address issues of sustainability, resilience, and restoration for any bistable system.
Diabetes mellitus exacerbates post‐myocardial infarction heart failure by reducing sarcolipin promoter methylation
Authors: Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Yong , Qiu Chuan , Zhu Haitao , Pan Shuo , Jia Hao , Kang Hongyan , Guan Gongchang , Hui Rutai , Zhu Ling , Wang Junkui
Published: June 2020

Aims

Sarcolipin (SLN) is a key regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium‐ATPase (SERCA)2a, which handles intracellular calcium re‐uptake. This study was aimed to investigate the involvement of SLN in post‐myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF) in diabetes.

Methods and results

Diabetes/MI rat models were established. Altered SLN expression in diabetic hearts was screened out by microarray. A myocardiotropic viral vector was used to deliver siRNA to silence SLN. DNA methylation was evaluated by bisulfite sequencing. Cardiac functions were evaluated by invasive haemodynamic examinations. The SERCA2a activity, cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), calcium spark, and myocyte contraction were detected. Correlation between HF and diabetes was analysed in a cohort consisted of 101 ST‐segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients between 2017 and 2019 [53.54 ± 4.64 years old; 61.4% male gender; HbA1c% 6.15 ± 2.00; and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) 40.64 ± 3.20%]. SLN expression was evaluated in left ventricular tissue sample from six STEMI patients complicated with diabetes and six STEMI patients without diabetes. Expressions of DNA methyltransferase 1a and DNA methyltransferase 3 were reduced in diabetic hearts, leading to down‐regulation of SLN promoter methylation, resulting in increased SLN expression in rats. Impaired heart systolic functions were found in experimental diabetic MI rats, which were attenuated by SLN silencing. SERCA2a activity reduction and [Ca2+]i elevation were attenuated by SLN silencing in diabetic animal hearts and high‐glucose incubated primary myocytes. SLN silencing suppressed calcium sparks and improved contraction and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium re‐uptake in high‐glucose incubated primary myocytes. Expression of SLN was up‐regulated in LV sampled from STEMI patients complicated with diabetes compared with non‐diabetic ones (P < 0.05). LVEF% was reduced in STEMI patients complicated with diabetes compared with non‐diabetic ones (P < 0.01). HbA1c% and LVEF% was related (r = −0.218, P = 0.028). Increased HbA1c% was correlated with reduced LVEF% after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, cigarette smoking, creatinine, UA, low density lipoprotein, K+, Na+, and troponin I (adjusted odds ration = 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.90, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Diabetes increases the vulnerability of STEMI patients to post‐MI HF by down‐regulating SLN promoter methylation, which further regulates SERCA2a activity via increasing cardiac SLN expression.
Application of Chiral Sulfinamides into Formation and Reduction of Sulfinylketimines to Obtain Valuable α‐Chiral Primary Amines
Authors: Achuenu Chukuka , Carret Sébastien , Poisson Jean‐François , Berthiol Florian
Published: June 2020

Chiral sulfinamides are very valuable, commercially available, and easy to handle chiral auxiliaries. One of the most interesting transformations that can be performed with a chiral sulfinamide is its condensation onto a ketone to form a chiral sulfinylketimine, followed by a reduction to obtain an α‐chiral primary amine. We review here all the methodologies developed around this condensation/reduction transformation. In the second part, we survey applications of these newly developed methodologies for the synthesis of valuable biologically active compounds, including multikilogram scale synthesis.
Recent advances of green pretreatment techniques for quality control of natural products
Authors: Du Kun‐ze , Sun A‐li , Yan Chaozhuo , Liang Chunxiao , Qi Lina , Wang Chenhong , Yang Rui , Cui Yan , Shang Ye , Li Jin , Chang Yan‐xu
Published: June 2020

A few advancing technologies for natural product analysis have been widely proposed, which focus on decreasing energy consumption and developing an environmentally sustainable manner. These green sample pretreatment and analysis methods following the green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) criteria have the advantage of improving the strategy of chemical analyses, promoting sustainable development to analytical laboratories, and reducing the negative effects of analysis experiments on the environment. A few minimized extraction methodologies have been proposed for replacing the traditional methods in the quality evaluation of natural products, mainly including solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid phase microextraction (LPME). These procedures not only have no need for large numbers of samples and toxic reagent, but also spend a small amount of extraction and analytical time. This overview aims to list out the main green strategies on the application of quality evaluation and control for natural products in the past 3 years.
A new perspective to the conventional solar pond technology to increase the thermal efficiency
Authors: Sogukpinar Haci
Published: June 2020

In this study, a new perspective was introduced to conventional solar pond technology to spread its commercial application. In order to make it more useful with preserving energy efficiency, the brine layers were replaced with the normal freshwater by using a separated transparent partition. Structurally modified three different solar ponds were proposed and numerical investigations were conducted by using discrete ordinate method (DOM). For this, four types of solar ponds were modeled, the first one is the conventional salt‐gradient solar pond and three others are modified versions which are named as “Pure Water Solar Pond.” For all models, a comprehensive finite element method was developed to investigate the daily performance of solar ponds by using commercial software COMSOL. Salt‐gradient solar pond consists of seven layers where one layer is the heat storage zone, five layers are nonconvective zone, and one is the upper convective zone. However, in the modified models, solar ponds consist of two glass layers and one to three pure water zones depending on the model types. The numerical method includes a novel approach to calculate all the zone where absorption, emission, scattering, transmission, convection, and radiation are taken into account. Numerical results for all models were compared with an experiment to correlate the numerical accuracy of the DOM with anisotropic scattering phase function. Results indicate there is a good correlation between these four model approach and the experiment.
Primary Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Streambed Sediment in Great Lakes Tributaries Using Multiple Lines of Evidence
Authors: Baldwin Austin K. , Corsi Steven R. , Oliver Samantha K. , Lenaker Peter L. , Nott Michelle A. , Mills Marc A. , Norris Gary A. , Paatero Pentti
Published: June 2020

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most widespread and potentially toxic contaminants in Great Lakes (USA/Canada) tributaries. The sources of PAHs are numerous and diverse, and identifying the primary source(s) can be difficult. The present study used multiple lines of evidence to determine the likely sources of PAHs to surficial streambed sediments at 71 locations across 26 Great Lakes Basin watersheds. Profile correlations, principal component analysis, positive matrix factorization source-receptor modeling, and mass fractions analysis were used to identify potential PAH sources, and land-use analysis was used to relate streambed sediment PAH concentrations to different land uses. Based on the common conclusion of these analyses, coal-tar–sealed pavement was the most likely source of PAHs to the majority of the locations sampled. The potential PAH-related toxicity of streambed sediments to aquatic organisms was assessed by comparison of concentrations with sediment quality guidelines. The sum concentration of 16 US Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutant PAHs was 7.4–196 000 µg/kg, and the median was 2600 µg/kg. The threshold effect concentration was exceeded at 62% of sampling locations, and the probable effect concentration or the equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmark was exceeded at 41% of sampling locations. These results have important implications for watershed managers tasked with protecting and remediating aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1392–1408. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Comparison of US Environmental Protection Agency 16 priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound (ΣPAH16) concentrations in select sediments around the world. Bar = mean; whisker = maximum.
Multiple Linear Regression Modeling Predicts the Effects of Surface Water Chemistry on Acute Vanadium Toxicity to Model Freshwater Organisms
Authors: Gillio Meina Esteban , Niyogi Som , Liber Karsten
Published: June 2020

Multiple linear regression (MLR) modeling has been successfully used to predict how water chemistry variables influence the toxicity of cationic metals to aquatic organisms, but no MLR model exists for vanadium (V). Recent research has indicated that an increase in pH (from 6 to 9), or high concentrations of sodium (473 mg Na+/L), increase V toxicity to Daphnia pulex. In contrast, increases in alkalinity (>100 mg as CaCO3) and sulfate (>100 mg SO42–/L) reduce V toxicity. How these variables influence V toxicity to Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) was still unknown. Our results show that increasing pH from 6.2 to 8.9 tended to decrease the 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) for V toxicity to O. mykiss by 9.6 mg V/L. An alkalinity increase from 71 to 330 mg/L as CaCO3 tended to increase the 96-h LC50 by 3.3 mg V/L, whereas when SO42− rose from 150 to 250 mg/L, the LC50 significantly increased by 0.3 mg V/L followed by a significant decrease of 1 mg V/L when SO42− was >250 mg/L. Sodium (between 100 and 336 mg/L) showed no effect on V toxicity to O. mykiss. The toxicity patterns for O. mykiss were similar to those observed for D. pulex, except for that of SO42−, potentially indicating different mechanisms of V uptake or regulation in the 2 species. The LC50s and associated water chemistry were combined to develop an MLR model for O. mykiss and D. pulex. Alkalinity and pH modified V toxicity to both species, whereas SO42− influenced V toxicity to D. pulex. Overall, MLR models should be considered for creating new local benchmarks or water quality guidelines for V. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1737–1745. © 2020 SETAC
ECBCM: A prestige‐based edge computing blockchain security consensus model
Authors: Xuan Shichang , Chen Zhiyu , Chung Ilyong , Tan Haowen , Man Dapeng , Du Xiaojiang , Yang Wu , Guizani Mohsen
Published: June 2020

The explosive growth of data in the network has brought huge burdens and challenges to traditional centralized cloud computing data processing. To solve this problem, edge computing technology came into being. Because the edge is closer to the user, processing part of the data at the edge can also bring a faster response to the user and improve their experience. However, the existing edge computing platforms have problems such as data storage security and multiparty data mutual trust. Blockchain technology has become an important means to solve the above data storage and sharing problems due to its excellent characteristics. The core of blockchain technology is consensus, and its speed and security will directly affect the efficiency and stability of the blockchain system. Therefore, this study uses the consensus mechanism as an entry point to reduce the resource consumption of the edge computing blockchain system and improve its security. In order to reduce the resource consumption of traditional consensus algorithms, improve their adaptability in the edge computing environment, and solve the security problem caused by the concentration of node rights, a prestige‐based edge computing blockchain security consensus model (ECBCM) is proposed. ECBCM is a general model based on prestige rewards and penalties. It also introduces a node replacement mechanism to ensure the fault tolerance of the consensus process. According to the results of multiple sets of performance comparison experiments and security verification experiments after embedding the existing consensus algorithm, the validity of the consensus model is confirmed.
Humanized mouse model: Hematopoietic stemcell transplantation and tracking using short tandem repeat technology
Authors: Walcher Lia , Hilger Nadja , Wege Anja K. , Lange Franziska , Tretbar U. Sandy , Blaudszun André‐René , Fricke Stephan
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Models of mice carrying a human immune system, so‐called humanized mice, are used increasingly as preclinical models to bridge the gap between model organisms and human beings. Challenges of the humanized mouse model include finding suitable sources for human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and reaching sufficient engraftment of these cells in immunocompromised mice.

Methods

In this study, we compared the use of CD34+ HSC from cord blood (CB) vs HSC from adult mobilized peripheral blood. Furthermore, we developed a simple and highly specific test for donor identification in humanized mice by applying the detection method of short tandem repeats (STR).

Results

It was found that, in vitro, CB‐derived and adult HSC show comparable purity, viability, and differentiation potential in colony‐forming unit assays. However, in vivo, CB‐derived HSC engrafted to a significantly higher extent in NOD.Cg‐PrkdcscidIL2rγtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice than adult HSC. Increasing the cell dose of adult HSC or using fresh cells without cryopreservation did not improve the engraftment rate. Interestingly, when using adult HSC, the percentage of human cells in the bone marrow was significantly higher than that in the peripheral blood. Using the STR‐based test, we were able to identify and distinguish human cells from different donors in humanized mice and in a humanized allogeneic transplantation model.

Conclusion

From these findings, we conclude that adult mobilized HSC are less suitable for generating a humanized immune system in mice than CB‐derived cells.
Thromboembolic events after high‐intensity training during cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for testicular cancer: Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Thorsen Lene , Haugnes Hege S. , Fosså Sophie D. , Brydøy Marianne , Tandstad Torgrim , Wisløff Torbjørn , Gjerset Gunhild M. , Edvardsen Elisabeth , Larsen Karl‐Otto , Sandset Per Morten , Henriksson Carola E. , Raastad Truls , Negaard Helene F. S.
Published: June 2020

The randomized “Testicular cancer and Aerobic and Strength Training trial” (TAST‐trial) aimed to evaluate the effect of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness during cisplatin‐based chemotherapy (CBCT) for testicular cancer (TC). Here, we report on an unexpected high number of thromboembolic (TE) events among patients randomized to the intervention arm, and on a review of the literature on TE events in TC patients undergoing CBCT. Patients aged 18 to 60 years with a diagnosis of metastatic germ cell TC, planned for 3 to 4 CBCT cycles, were randomized to a 9 to 12 weeks exercise intervention, or to a single lifestyle counseling session. The exercise intervention included two weekly HIIT sessions, each with 2 to 4 intervals of 2 to 4 minutes at 85% to 95% of peak heart rate. The study was prematurely discontinued after inclusion of 19 of the planned 94 patients, with nine patients randomized to the intervention arm and 10 to the control arm. Three patients in the intervention arm developed TE complications; two with pulmonary embolism and one with myocardial infarction. All three patients had clinical stage IIA TC. No TE complications were observed among patients in the control arm. Our observations indicate that high‐intensity aerobic training during CBCT might increase the risk of TE events in TC patients, leading to premature closure of the TAST‐trial.
A Proposed Novel Hybrid Intelligent Model Based on ANFIS Integrated with Firefly Algorithm for Forecasting Discharge Coefficient of Side Weirs on Converging Canals*
Authors: Heydari Majeid , Shabanlou Saeid
Published: June 2020

Side weirs are widely used to measure and control flows passing through main canals. In this study, a hybrid model is developed to approximate the discharge coefficient of side weirs located on converging canals for the first time, meaning that the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) network is optimized by means of the firefly algorithm. After that, six ANFIS and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system‐firefly algorithm (ANFIS‐FA) models are introduced using input parameters. In addition, in this study, Monte Carlo simulation is employed to study the modelling accuracy. Furthermore, the k‐fold cross‐validation approach is implemented to validate the modelling results. Analysing the modelled results demonstrates that the hybrid models are more accurate than the ANFIS ones. The superior model simulates the discharge coefficient values with reasonable accuracy. For example, the values of the determination coefficient (R2), the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) for the superior model are calculated as 0.993, 0.011 and 0.015, respectively. Also, about 98% of the superior model results have errors less than 12%. According to the uncertainty analysis results, the superior model has an overestimated performance. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the flow Froude number at the side weir downstream is the most effective input parameter. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuftelin‐derived peptide facilitates remineralization of initial enamel caries in vitro
Authors: Ding Longjiang , Han Sili , Peng Xiu , Wang Kun , Zheng Sainan , Li Haoran , Niu Yumei , Li Wei , Zhang Linglin
Published: June 2020

With the gradual discovery of functional domains in natural proteins, several biologically inspired peptides have been designed for use as biomaterials for hard tissue regeneration and repair. In this study, we designed a tuftelin‐derived peptide (TDP) and tested its effects on hydroxyapatite crystallization and remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions in vitro. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, we found that TDP contained 36.1% β‐sheets and β‐turns, which could be influenced by calcium ions. We verified the ability of TDP to crystallize hydroxyapatite using transmission electron microscopy and its ability to bind to the enamel surface and hydroxyapatite using confocal laser scanning microscopy and Langmuir adsorption isotherms (K = 881.56, N = 1.41 × 10−5). Artificial enamel lesions were generated on human enamel blocks and subjected to a 12‐day pH cycling model and were treated with 25 μM TDP, 1 g/L sodium fluoride (NaF), or deionized water. We analyzed the results of remineralization by surface microhardness testing, polarized light microscopy, and transverse microradiography. The TDP group showed significantly higher surface microhardness recovery (49.21 ± 1.66%), shallower lesions (34.89 ± 4.05 μm), and less mineral loss (871.33 ± 81.49 vol%·μm) after pH cycling than the deionized water group (p < .05). There were no significant differences between the TDP and NaF groups. Our experiment indicated that TDP could regulate hydroxyapatite crystallization and promote remineralization of enamel caries in vitro.
Profiles of ethnic‐racial socialization from family, school, neighborhood, and the Internet: Relations to adolescent outcomes
Authors: Byrd Christy M. , Ahn Lydia HaRim
Published: June 2020

Given that ecological models of development highlight the interacting influences of multiple environments, further research is needed that explores ethnic‐racial socialization from multiple contexts. The current study explores how families, schools, neighborhoods, and the Internet jointly impact academic outcomes, critical consciousness, and psychological well‐being in adolescents, both through socialization messages and experiences with racial discrimination. The research questions were: (a) What profiles of multiple contexts of socialization exist? and (b) How are the different profiles associated with academic outcomes, critical consciousness, and psychological well‐being? The sample consisted of 1,084 U.S. adolescents aged 13–17 (M = 14.99,SD = 1.37; 49% girls) from four ethnic‐racial groups: 25.6% Asian American, 26.3% Black/African American, 25.3% Latinx, and 22.9% White. The participants completed online surveys of socialization and discrimination from four contexts and three types of outcomes: academic outcomes, critical consciousness, and well‐being. A latent profile analysis revealed three profiles: Average, High Discrimination, and Positive School. The Positive School class had the most positive academic outcomes and well‐being. The High Discrimination class reported the highest critical consciousness. Their academic outcomes and well‐being were similar to the Average group. The findings support complexity in perceptions of socialization from different contexts and the associations of socialization with youth outcomes.