bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Fe3C−Mo2C−Carbon Hybrid Electrocatalysts Promoted through a Strong Charge‐Transfer Effect
Authors: Yu Deshuang , Ye Min , Han Silin , Ma Yanchen , Hu Feng , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie
Published: July 2020

Highly efficient, stable, and low‐cost catalysts for electrochemical water splitting play a critical role in promoting energy efficiency in the renewable hydrogen power‐related industries. In this study, nonprecious metal carbides composed of Fe3C and Mo2C supported by carbon nanoplates are prepared and utilized as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. Spatially confined annealing of the polydopamine‐coated metal precursors affords a structure containing porous cubes isolated by carbon nanoplates encapsulated with Fe3C and Mo2C nanoparticles. The hybrid electrocatalyst with a hierarchical structure, large surface area, and abundant exposed active sites benefits from efficient mass transport and more importantly the strong charge‐transfer effect between the iron and molybdenum moieties. Under strong alkaline conditions, the optimized Fe3C−Mo2C hybrid (with a Fe/Mo ratio of 1 : 2) requires a low overpotential of 274 and 301 mV for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, accompanied with decent hydrogen evolution activity, thereby demonstrating efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic activity towards overall water splitting.
A 0.3‐V, 2.4‐nW, and 100‐Hz fourth‐order LPF for ECG signal processing
Authors: Rao G. Hanumantha , P. Sreenivasulu , S. Rekha , Bhat M. S.
Published: July 2020

An ultra‐low voltage, low power bulk‐driven voltage follower (VF) is proposed in this paper. Further, it is exploited to design a fourth‐order low‐pass filter (LPF) for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing. The filter is designed in UMC 180‐nm CMOS technology and operates with an ultra‐low supply voltage of 0.3 V. It consumes an extremely low power of 2.4 nW for a cutoff frequency of 100 Hz. Results of post‐layout simulation show that the proposed filter provides a dynamic range (DR) of 51.6 dB even from a 0.3‐V supply voltage. The filter achieves a Figure‐of‐merit (FoM) of 4.7 × 10−15, which is better than many designs listed in the literature.
Effect of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on complement activation
Authors: Hoffmann‐Petersen Ingeborg T. , Holt Charlotte B. , Jensen Lisbeth , Hage Camilla , Mellbin Linda G. , Thiel Steffen , Hansen Troels K. , Østergaard Jakob A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Adverse activation of the complement cascade in the innate immune system appears to be involved in development of vascular complications in diabetes. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) is a cell surface serine protease expressed in a variety of tissues. DPP‐4 inhibitors are widely used in treatment of type 2 diabetes and appear to yield beneficial pleiotropic effects beyond their glucose‐lowering action, for example, renoprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties, but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesised that DPP‐4 inhibitors block adverse complement activation by inhibiting complement‐activating serine proteases.

Materials and methods

We analysed the effects of 7 different DPP‐4 inhibitors on the lectin and classical pathway of the complement system in vitro by quantifying complement factor C4b deposition onto mannan or IgG coated surfaces, respectively. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of mannan‐binding lectin (MBL), soluble membrane attack complex (sMAC), and C4b deposition were quantified in 71 patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome and glucose disturbances, randomly assigned to sitagliptin 100 mg (n= 34) or placebo (n= 37) for 12 weeks.

Results

All the 7 DPP‐4 inhibitors tested in the study directly inhibited functional activity of the lectin pathway in a dose‐dependent manner with varying potency in vitro. In vivo, MBL, sMAC, and C4b declined significantly during follow‐up in both groups without significant effect of sitagliptin.

Conclusions

We demonstrated an inhibitory effect of DPP‐4 inhibitors on the lectin pathway in vitro. The clinical relevance of this effect of DPP‐4 inhibitors remains to be fully elucidated.
Carbon isotope ratio of endogenous urinary steroids of the Cuban population of athletes studied for doping purposes
Authors: Montes de Oca Porto Rodny , Fernández_Hormiga Miguel Angel , Correa_Vidal Margarita Teresa , Martínez_Brito Dayamin
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work was to validate the gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry method in Havana Antidoping Laboratory and verify its implementation with a study of the Cuban population.

The method was precise and accurate inside the linear working range; the limit of quantification and the uncertainty were compliant with TD2019IRMS. The study of the Cuban population showed no differences in δ13C values between females and males. Only three values of Δδ13C showed significant differences between sexes (PD‐T, OHA‐T, and 11‐keto‐Et‐T). The values of δ13C between −17.8‰ and −21.2‰ (upper and lower limits based on normal distribution) were consistent with other populations where C4 plant derivatives prevail in the diet.
Development of consensus‐based guidelines for outpatient dietetic treatment of eating disorders: A Delphi study
Authors: McMaster Caitlin M. , Wade Tracey , Franklin Janet , Hart Susan
Published: July 2020

Objective

To generate consensus‐based guidelines for outpatient dietetic treatment of patients with an eating disorder (ED) using Delphi methodology.

Method

A modified Delphi method was used to develop consensus‐based guidelines in several categories: referral to a dietitian; essential components of outpatient dietetic treatment; strategies to promote collaboration between dietitians and other healthcare professionals; and skills dietitians should possess if treating patients with an ED. Participants (n = 162) were coded into three panels: ED specialists (n = 79), non‐ED specialists (n = 28), and consumers and carers with lived experience of an ED (n = 55). A total of 122 statements were rated across three rounds.

Results

Eighty‐one statements reached consensus level (66.4%). A high proportion of endorsed statements were consistent with current guidelines for ED treatment, though some statements for which evidence exists were not endorsed as essential components of dietetic treatment. Compared to consumers and carers, ED specialists were less likely to endorse assessment or involvement by a dietitian as a standard component of treatment, and a number of discrepancies between ED specialists and consumers and carers were observed regarding essential components of dietetic treatment.

Discussion

This study provides consensus‐based guidelines in the current absence of clinical practice guidelines for dietetic treatment of EDs. It also highlights the importance of further research into: (a) the effectiveness of different components of dietetic intervention in this population and (b) how dietetic assessment and intervention is best incorporated into outpatient treatment.
Determination of Integrity, Stability and Density of the DNA Layers Immobilised at Glassy Carbon and Gold Electrodes Using Ferrocyanide
Authors: Banasiak Anna , Colleran John
Published: July 2020

The technique chosen to immobilise DNA onto electrodes can determine the density and stability of the resultant immobilised layer. DNA‐modified electrodes were prepared using four common DNA immobilisation methods and characterised using ferrocyanide. The negatively charged DNA strands should repel ferrocyanide anions. The DNA layers created using adsorption at glassy carbon electrodes were unstable, while those created through chemisorption of thiol‐modified DNA onto gold electrodes were repeatable and stable, and returned, on average, 94 % repulsion of the probe. The presented results show how the immobilisation protocol, and DNA type, affects the stability, repeatability, and integrity of resultant DNA layers.
Cyclic Voltammetric Study of 2‐Hydroxybenzophenone (HBP) Derivatives and the Correspondent Change in the Orbital Energy Levels in Different Solvents
Authors: Adeniyi Adebayo A. , Ngake Tankiso L. , Conradie Jeanet
Published: July 2020

The experimental UV and CV of five substituted 2‐hydroxybenzophenones in solvents acetonitrile, n‐dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide are presented. Results obtained were used to determine their experimental highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the results were compared to their theoretical model. The derivatives with an electron withdrawing group (EWG) have more favourable reduction potential, electron affinity, lower dipole moment, lower LUMO and HOMO energy levels and longer absorption λmax compared to those containing an electron donating group. Acetonitrile enhances the reduction potential especially for those of derivatives with EWG, leading to higher reduction potential compared to solvents DMF and DMSO.
Diethylammonium Iodide Assisted Grain Growth with Sub‐Grain Cluster to Passivate Grain Boundary for CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiao Lan , Wang Zhengchun , Wu Tong , Qin Pingli , Yu Xueli , Xiong Lun , Ma Liang , Li Haixia , Chen Xiangbai
Published: July 2020

A template‐agent can affect defect formation as well as influence interface properties, due to the rapid growth of perovskite film from the solution. Herein, diethylammonium iodide (DAI) is used as an effective template‐agent to control the perovskite crystallization during preparation. It is found that a very small amount of DAI in chlorobenzene (CB) can slow down the perovskite growth of the CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) film with more large grain size and compacted crystal‐grains resulting in the lesser grain boundaries (GBs) in favor of carrier transport in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Moreover, some redundant PbI2 can be digested to form DA2PbI4. One part of DA2PbI4 can form the sub‐grains with the composition of (DA2PbI4)0.2(PbI2)0.8 to passivate the GB defects, and other part can cover the surface to passivate the surface defects in large MAPbI3 grains. Using an optimized DAI concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1 in CB solution, the corrsponding MAPbI3 PSC achieves an increased power conversion efficiency of 20.31% with suppressed current–voltage hysteresis. This DAI passivation strategy provides a simple approach to effectively assist the grain‐growth for improved device performance.
Elevated Magnesium Concentrations Altered Freshwater Assemblage Structures in a Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Mooney Thomas J. , McCullough Cherie D. , Jansen Andrew , Chandler Lisa , Douglas Michael , Harford Andrew J. , van Dam Rick , Humphrey Chris
Published: July 2020

Magnesium (Mg) is a mining-related contaminant in the Alligators Rivers Region of tropical northern Australia. A mesocosm experiment was used to assess Mg toxicity to aquatic freshwater assemblages. Twenty-five 2700-L tubs were arranged, stratified randomly, on the bed of Magela Creek, a seasonally flowing, sandy stream channel in the Alligator Rivers Region of northern Australia. The experiment comprised 5 replicates of 4 nominal Mg treatments, 2.5, 7.5, 23, and 68 mg L−1, and a control. Phytoplankton biomass, and diatom, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate assemblages present in the treatment tubs were sampled before and after Mg addition. A significant negative relationship between phytoplankton biomass and Mg was observed 4 wk after Mg addition as measured by chlorophyll a concentrations (r2 = 0.97, p = 0.01). This result was supported by reductions in some major phytoplankton groups in response to increasing Mg concentrations, in the same experiment and from independent field studies. There was a significant negative relationship between zooplankton assemblage similarity (to control) and Mg concentrations (r2 = 0.96, p = 0.002). Seven weeks after Mg addition, macroinvertebrate assemblages were dominated by 3 microcrustacean groups (Ostracoda, Cladocera, and Copepoda), each reaching maximum abundance at intermediate Mg concentrations (i.e., unimodal responses). The responses of phytoplankton and zooplankton were used to derive assemblage effect concentrations (Mg concentrations resulting in x% of the assemblage change [ECx]). Magnesium concentrations resulting in assemblage EC01 values were <3 mg L−1. Together with candidate guideline values from other laboratory- and field-based lines of evidence, the mesocosm EC01 values were incorporated into a weight-of-evidence framework for a robust regulatory approach to environmental protection. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1973–1987. © 2020 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Caption: Aerial photo of mesocosms in the Magela Creek channel (left). Schematic of the colonization of mesocosms and magnesium effect on aquatic assemblages (right)
Alternating Current Heating Model of Rods Located in Siemens Reactor▴
Authors: Yu C. , Zhou Y. M. , Du P. , Zhao L. , Zhao D. , Wang P. J. , Tian L. , Xie G. , Hou Y. Q.
Published: July 2020

The energy of a Siemens reduction furnace is provided by the current heating of silicon rods. Further, owing to the temperature gradient in the silicon rod, its center temperature is considerably higher than its surface temperature. The skin effect of alternating current (AC) reduces the temperature gradient within the silicon rod. Therefore, this study essentially establishes an AC heating model of 24 pairs of rod Siemens reactor based on electromagnetic theory. The calculation results are consistent with the industrial production data, indicating that the model is accurate. The results demonstrate that when the AC frequency exceeds 50 kHz, the current density at the center of the silicon rod becomes very small, tending to zero. As the frequency continues to increase, the area where the current density is close to zero expands; further, when the AC frequency exceeds 50 kHz, there exists a constant temperature zone near the central region of the silicon rod, and as the frequency of the AC increases, the range of the constant temperature zone gradually expands outward from the center of the silicon rod. The temperature difference inside the silicon rod increases with the reactor wall emissivity.
Our Energy Future: How Utilities Will Adapt to Changing Expectations
Authors: de Ramos Kevin Monte
Published: July 2020

As industry leaders, we can all appreciate the transformation our industry is undergoing. Following the loosening of COVID‐19 restrictions, utilities have an opportunity to build upon the goodwill developed as frontline responders ensuring continued availability of energy during these challenging times, to reclaim their role as a community leader. Ceasing customer shutoffs for low‐ and moderate‐income customers and bill forbearance for customers unable to pay their bills has created goodwill that can support the continued push toward electrification of buildings and transportation and decarbonization. Still, the industry faces challenges as regulators push for reliability standards to be met while requiring utilities to do more with less, driving even greater cost‐efficiencies. Having served as a market modernization specialist over the past six months at Climate Action Services, I have advised on both technical references and generic functional architectures to meet the challenges of an industry in transition.
Editor's Corner
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: July 2020

Dear Readers.
Hydrogen: Hype or a Glide Path to Decarbonizing Natural Gas—Part 2
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: July 2020

As discussed in Part 1 of this series, hydrogen (H2) is being debated across the globe as a means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically in efforts to decarbonize the existing energy and transportation sectors. In these discussions, stakeholders use multiple terms such as hydrogen‐enriched natural gas power (HENG), power‐to‐gas (P2G), green H2, and renewable H2. All of these terms generally mean producing H2 with excess renewable power using electrolyzers, which appears to be the preferred policy option. For the purposes of this article, green H2will be used and to distinguish it from blue H2, which can use natural gas as a feedstock with steam methane reforming.
Microglial CX3CR1 production increases in Alzheimer's disease and is regulated by noradrenaline
Authors: González‐Prieto Marta , Gutiérrez Irene L. , García‐Bueno Borja , Caso Javier R. , Leza Juan C. , Ortega‐Hernández Adriana , Gómez‐Garre Dulcenombre , Madrigal José L. M.
Published: July 2020

The loss of noradrenergic neurons and subsequent reduction of brain noradrenaline (NA) levels are associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This seems to be due mainly to the ability of NA to reduce the activation of microglial cells. We previously observed that NA induces the production of the chemokine Fractalkine/CX3CL1 in neurons. The activation of microglial CX3CR1, sole receptor for CX3CL1, reduces the activation of microglia, which is known to largely contribute to the neuronal damage characteristic of AD. Therefore, alterations of CX3CR1 production in microglia could translate into the enhancement or inhibition of CX3CL1 anti‐inflammatory effects. In order to determine if microglial CX3CR1 production is altered in AD and if NA can control it, CX3CR1 expression and synthesis were analyzed in 5xFAD mice and human AD brain samples. In addition, the effects of NA and its reuptake inhibitor reboxetine were analyzed in microglial cultures and mice respectively. Our results indicate that in AD CX3CR1 production is increased in the brain cortex and that reboxetine administration further increases it and enhances microglial reactivity toward amyloid beta plaques. However, direct administration of NA to primary rat microglia or human HMC3 cells inhibits CX3CR1 production, suggesting that microglia responses to NA may be altered in the absence of CX3CL1‐producing neurons or other nonmicroglial external factors.
Effect of biological treatments on psychotic symptoms in lewy body disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ford Andrew , Almeida Osvaldo P.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (collectively termed Lewy body disease) are common neurodegenerative conditions of later life and are frequently associated with distressing psychotic symptoms. The best approach to manage these symptoms is yet to be established and current treatments carry the risk of serious adverse effects.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of biological treatments for psychotic symptoms in Lewy body disease.

Results

The summary effect estimate did not show a statistically significant benefit of biological treatments for psychotic symptoms in Lewy body disease (SMD −0.48, 95%CI −1.01 to 0.04). This was irrespective of the choice of intervention (SMD −0.53, 95%CI −1.20 to 0.14 for antipsychotic trials) or disease status (SMD −0.59, 95%CI −1.24 to 0.05 for trials of Parkinson disease). There was a significant effect for biological treatments compared with placebo in trials that lasted at least 6 weeks (SMD −0.25, 95%CI −0.43 to −0.08) and those with sample sizes greater than 100 participants (SMD of −0.28 95%CI −0.45 to −0.11).

Conclusions

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, treatment of psychotic symptoms by biological means did not improve symptoms compared with placebo. Small sample sizes, modest treatment durations, and other methodological differences across the trials do make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Longer, adequately powered trials utilizing established and novel treatments are needed to provide more definitive evidence to guide clinicians in the best choice of agent to treat these distressing and often persistent symptoms.
Actions of viscous dissipation and Ohmic heating on bidirectional flow of a magneto‐Prandtl nanofluid with prescribed heat and mass fluxes
Authors: Javed Tariq , Faisal Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: July 2020

The present contribution determines the impacts of viscous dissipation and Ohmic heating with magnetic coating on Prandtl nanofluid flow driven by an unsteady bidirectionally moveable surface. Random motion of nanoparticles and thermophoretic diffusion are elaborated through a two‐phase nanofluid model. The novelty of the investigation is fortified by prescribed heat flux and prescribed mass flux mechanisms. The appropriate combination of variables leads to a system of strong nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The formulated nonlinear system is then tackled by an efficient numerical scheme, namely, the Keller–Box method. Nanoliquid‐temperature and mass‐concentration distributions are conferred through various plots with the impacts of miscellaneous‐arising parameters. The rates of heat and mass transferences are also discussed through tables. The thermal states of the nanomaterial and mass concentration are reduced for incremental amounts of the unsteady factor, ratio parameter, elastic parameter, and Prandtl fluid parameter. Moreover, escalating amounts of the Brownian parameter, Eckert number, magnetic factor, and thermophoresis parameter enhances the temperature of the nanoliquid. An error analysis is also presented to predict the efficiency of the method used for the computational work.
Modeling and computational fluid dynamic analysis on a non‐AC bus coach system
Authors: Shravanabelagola Jinachandra Niranjana , Sadashivappa Kubsad Shivalingappa , Sarpabhushana Manjunath , Siddaramaiah Shivakumar , Rajashekaraiah Thejaraju
Published: July 2020

The main objective of this paper is to reduce the drag force and enhance the uniform airflow inside an existing non‐air‐conditioning bus coach system. The redesigning of an existing bus carried out by considering the forces that reduce the moment of the bus. Modeling and meshing was carried out using solid works and Hypermesh software, respectively. Finally, the problem is simulated using Ansys fluent software and analysis is carried out for different bus models. The noteworthy findings state that the air resistance of the vehicle is found to be 812.74 N and coefficient of drag is 0.67 are less as compared to existing bus model.
Estimating the direct effect of human papillomavirus vaccination on the lifetime risk of screen‐detected cervical precancer
Authors: Inturrisi Federica , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit I. , Veldhuijzen Nienke J. , Bogaards Johannes A. , Ronco Guglielmo , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Berkhof Johannes
Published: July 2020

Birth cohorts vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) are now entering cervical cancer screening. Assessment of (pre)cancer (CIN3+) risk is needed to assess the residual screening need in vaccinated women. We estimated the lifetime (screen‐detected) CIN3+ risk under five‐yearly primary HPV screening between age 30 and 60, using HPV genotyping and histology data of 21,287 women participating in a screening trial with two HPV‐based screening rounds, 5 years apart. The maximum follow‐up after an HPV‐positive test was 9 years. We re‐estimated the CIN3+ risk after projecting direct vaccine efficacy for the bivalent and the nonavalent HPV vaccines, assuming life‐long protection. The lifetime CIN3+ risk was 4.1% (95% confidence interval 3.5‐4.9) and declined by 53.5% and 70.5% after bivalent vaccination without and with cross‐protection, respectively, translating into a residual lifetime CIN3+ risk of 1.9% (1.4‐2.4) and 1.2% (0.9‐1.5). The CIN3+ risk declined by 88.5% after nonavalent vaccination, translating into a residual lifetime CIN3+ risk of 0.5% (0.2‐0.7). The latter risk increased to 1.6% when vaccine protection only lasted until the first screening round at age 30. Among HPV‐positive women with abnormal adjunct cytology, the nine‐year CIN3+ risk was 16.9% (8.7‐32.4) after nonavalent vaccination. In conclusion, HPV vaccination will lead to a strong decline in the lifetime CIN3+ risk and the remaining absolute CIN3+ risk will be very low. Primary HPV testing combined with adjunct cytology at five‐year intervals still seems feasible even after nonavalent vaccination, although unlikely to be cost‐effective. Our results support a de‐intensification of screening programs in settings with high vaccination coverage.
Incorporating asset price stability in the European Central Bank's inflation targeting framework
Authors: Shah Imran H. , Sosvilla‐Rivero Simón
Published: July 2020

We propose a new flexible inflation targeting index, the economic stability index (ESI), that could enable the European Central Bank (ECB) to implement more effective monetary policy for the euro area (EA). This index incorporates separately weighed house prices and stock prices. Furthermore, by weighting the housing sector in both normal and bubble events, it enhances the forecasting ability and accuracy of this new index. We demonstrate the resilience of this index using a range of robustness checks with multiple empirical methods. Our index that is equipped with these forward‐looking variables enhances the ability to sense potential economic risks, whilst improving price stability and minimizing the output gap variance. This broader index may assist the ECB in addressing the challenges of the long‐term decline of neutral interest rates in many EA economies and the weakening of the inflation/unemployment relationship under the Philips curve. The complexity of the ECB relationship with different fiscal authorities prevents any changes without significant structural variance. The ECB, however, can use a stabilization tool with enhanced foreseeability such as this ESI to improve stability without making significant structural changes.
A fuzzy logic‐based meningioma tumor detection in magnetic resonance brain images using CANFIS and U‐Net CNN classification
Authors: Ragupathy Balakumaresan , Karunakaran Manivannan
Published: July 2020

This article develops a methodology for meningioma brain tumor detection process using fuzzy logic based enhancement and co‐active adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system and U‐Net convolutional neural network classification methods. The proposed meningioma tumor detection process consists of the following stages as, enhancement, feature extraction, and classifications. The enhancement of the source brain image is done using fuzzy logic and then dual tree‐complex wavelet transform is applied to this enhanced image at different levels of scale. The features are computed from the decomposed sub band images and these features are further classified using CANFIS classification method which identifies the meningioma brain image from nonmeningioma brain image. The performance of the proposed meningioma brain tumor detection and segmentation system is analyzed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, segmentation accuracy, and Dice coefficient index with detection rate.
Time‐related metabolomics study in the rat plasma after global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion: Effect of ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Baranovicova Eva , Kalenska Dagmar , Tomascova Anna , Holubcikova Simona , Lehotsky Jan
Published: July 2020

Cardiac arrest is one of the major causes of death and disability. The aim of the study was to identify dynamic time‐dependent metabolomic changes reflected in rat plasma induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion with the focus on the protective effect of ischemic preconditionig. Global cerebral ischemia in rats was induced by the four‐vessel occlusion. Blood plasma was collected in three reperfusion times: an early post‐acute 3 hr, then 24 hr, as an incipient time for delayed neuronal death induction and 72 hr as prolonged reperfusion period. The metabolomic measurements were conducted via untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Plasma of ischemized rats manifested dynamic metabolomic changes over the reperfusion time, such as increased levels of ketone bodies, decreased levels of pyruvate, alanine, and citrate. All three branched chain amino acids showed common pattern during reperfusion time: a decrease in 3 hr compared to sham, then a highest level in 24 hr and decrease in 72 hr reperfusion time, similar to their corresponding ketoacids. The protective effect of ischemic preconditioning was demonstrated by a faster tendency of plasma metabolites to normalize. Results also proved the remarkable metabolomic differences between the control (naïve) and sham‐operated anesthetized animals, what warrants for critical evaluation of surgery/anaesthesy in the algorithm of metabolomic animal studies.
Does Foreign Aid Improve Gender Performance in Recipient Countries?
Authors: Bali Swain Ranjula , Garikipati Supriya , Wallentin Fan Yang
Published: July 2020

An explicit goal of foreign aid is to promote female empowerment and gender equality in developing countries. We investigate if foreign aid achieves this intended goal by examining its impact on gender performance of recipient countries at the country level. Employing structural equation models, our results suggest that aid alone, even when targeted to directly improve gender outcomes, is unlikely to shift systemic inequalities. Aid will need to bolster civil society efforts that challenge institutional structures and norms in order to impact gender outcomes at country level. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Identification of suberosin metabolites in human liver microsomes by high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution quadrupole–orbitrap mass spectrometer
Authors: Paudel Sanjita , Kim Younah , Choi Su Min , Kim Ju‐Hyun , Bae Jong‐Sup , Lee Taeho , Lee Sangkyu
Published: July 2020

Suberosin is a natural prenylated coumarin derivative isolated from Citropsis articulata. It has various pharmacological properties, especially as an anticoagulant, for which it has been used since antiquity. However, its metabolic pathway and metabolites have not yet been studied. Therefore, this study characterizes its metabolic pathway and metabolites in human liver microsomes (HLMs) using high‐resolution quadrupole–orbitrap mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). Eight metabolites (M1–M8) were found, including three monohydroxylated (M1–M3), one hydrated (M4), three dihydroxylated (M5–M7), and one glucuronide conjugate (M8). Furthermore, forms of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) responsible for suberosin metabolism in HLMs were characterized. CYP1A2 was identified as a major enzyme for the production of M1 and M5 metabolites. The M2, M3, and M7 metabolites were predominantly generated by CYP2B6. M8 was the only phase II metabolite, identified as a glucuronide conjugate from either M1 or M2. This glucuronide conjugate may be the only promising metabolite from phase II metabolism. Phase I metabolism, especially hydroxylation, was found to provide a predominant metabolic pathway of suberosin in HLMs. Further studies should be conducted to explore the metabolites, examining their efficacy and their toxicity in an in vivo system.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Associated Comorbidity During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Ireland: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Karatzias Thanos , Shevlin Mark , Murphy Jamie , McBride Orla , Ben‐Ezra Menachem , Bentall Richard P. , Vallières Frédérique , Hyland Philip
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as it relates to individuals’ experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic has yet to be determined. This study was conducted to determine rates of COVID‐19–related PTSD in the Irish general population, the level of comorbidity with depression and anxiety, and the sociodemographic risk factors associated with COVID‐19–related PTSD. A nationally representative sample of adults from the general population of the Republic of Ireland (N = 1,041) completed self‐report measures of all study variables. The rate of COVID‐19–related PTSD was 17.7% (n = 184), 95% CI [15.35%, 19.99%], and there was a high level of comorbidity with generalized anxiety (49.5%) and depression (53.8%). Meeting the diagnostic requirement for COVID‐19–related PTSD was associated with younger age, male sex, living in a city, living with children, moderate and high perceived risk of COVID‐19 infection, and screening positive for anxiety or depression. Posttraumatic stress symptoms related to the COVID‐19 pandemic are common in the general population. Our results show that health professionals responsible for responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic should expect to routinely encounter symptoms and concerns related to posttraumatic stress.
Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Use and LRRK2 Parkinson's Disease Penetrance
Authors: San Luciano Marta , Tanner Caroline M. , Meng Cheryl , Marras Connie , Goldman Samuel M. , Lang Anthony E. , Tolosa Eduardo , Schüle Birgitt , Langston J. William , Brice Alexis , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Goldwurm Stefano , Klein Christine , Brockman Simone , Berg Daniela , Brockmann Kathrin , Ferreira Joachim J. , Tazir Meriem , Mellick George D. , Sue Carolyn M. , Hasegawa Kazuko , Tan Eng King , Bressman Susan , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel ,   the Michael J. Fox Foundation LRRK2 Cohort Consortium
Published: July 2020

Background

The penetrance of leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations is incomplete and may be influenced by environmental and/or other genetic factors. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to reduce inflammation and may lower Parkinson's disease (PD) risk, but their role in LRRK2‐associated PD is unknown.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of regular NSAID use and LRRK2‐associated PD.

Methods

Symptomatic ("LRRK2‐PD") and asymptomatic ("LRRK2‐non‐PD") participants with LRRK2 G2019S, R1441X, or I2020T variants (definitely pathogenic variant carriers) or G2385R or R1628P variants (risk variant carriers) from 2 international cohorts provided information on regular ibuprofen and/or aspirin use (≥2 pills/week for ≥6 months) prior to the index date (diagnosis date for PD, interview date for non‐PD). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between regular NSAID use and PD for any NSAID, separately for ibuprofen and aspirin in all carriers and separately in pathogenic and risk variant groups.

Results

A total of 259 LRRK2‐PD and 318 LRRK2‐non‐PD participants were enrolled. Regular NSAID use was associated with reduced odds of PD in the overall cohort (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21–0.57) and in both pathogenic and risk variant carriers (ORPathogenic, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21–0.67 and ORRiskVariant, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04–0.99). Similar associations were observed for ibuprofen and aspirin separately (ORIbuprofen, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07–0.50 and ORAspirin, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.91).

Conclusions

Regular NSAID use may be associated with reduced penetrance in LRRK2‐associated PD. The LRRK2 protein is involved in inflammatory pathways and appears to be modulated by regular anti‐inflammatory use. Longitudinal observational and interventional studies of NSAID exposure and LRRK2‐PD are needed to confirm this association. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ultrashort echo time quantitative susceptibility mapping (UTE‐QSM) for detection of hemosiderin deposition in hemophilic arthropathy: A feasibility study
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , von Drygalski Annette , Wong Jonathan , Zhou Jenny Y. , Aguero Peter , Lu Xing , Cheng Xin , Ball Scott T. , Ma Yajun , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of ultrashort echo time quantitative susceptibility mapping (UTE‐QSM) for assessment of hemosiderin deposition in the joints of hemophilic patients.

Methods

The UTE‐QSM technique was based on three sets of dual‐echo 3D UTE Cones data acquired with TEs of 0.032/2.8, 0.2/3.6, and 0.4/4.4 ms. The images were processed with iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation to estimate the B0 field map in the presence of fat. Then, the projection onto dipole field (PDF) algorithm was applied to acquire a local field map generated by tissues, followed by application of the morphology‐enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) algorithm to estimate a final susceptibility map. Three healthy volunteers and three hemophilic patients were recruited to evaluate the UTE‐QSM technique’s ability to assess hemosiderin in the knee or ankle joint at 3T. One patient subsequently underwent total knee arthroplasty after the MR scan. The synovial tissues harvested from the knee joint during surgery were processed for histological analysis to confirm iron deposition.

Results

UTE‐QSM successfully yielded tissue susceptibility maps of joints in both volunteers and patients. Multiple regions with high susceptibility over 1 ppm were detected in the affected joints of hemophilic patients, while no localized regions with high susceptibility were detected in asymptomatic healthy volunteers. Histology confirmed the presence of iron in regions where high susceptibility was detected by UTE‐QSM.

Conclusion

The UTE‐QSM technique can detect hemosiderin deposition in the joint, and provides a potential sensitive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of hemophilic arthropathy.
Pyruvate‐lactate exchange and glucose uptake in human prostate cancer cell models. A study in xenografts and suspensions by hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS and [18F]FDG‐PET
Authors: van Heijster Frits H.A. , Heskamp Sandra , Breukels Vincent , Veltien Andor , Franssen Gerben M. , Jansen Kees (C).F.J. , Boerman Otto C. , Schalken Jack A. , Scheenen Tom W.J. , Heerschap Arend
Published: July 2020

Reprogramming of energy metabolism in the development of prostate cancer can be exploited for a better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The goal of this study was to determine whether differences in glucose and pyruvate metabolism of human prostate cancer cells with dissimilar aggressivenesses can be detected using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS and [18F]FDG‐PET imaging, and to evaluate whether these measures correlate. For this purpose, we compared murine xenografts of human prostate cancer LNCaP cells with those of more aggressive PC3 cells. [1‐13C]pyruvate was hyperpolarized by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) and [1‐13C]pyruvate to lactate conversion was followed by 13C MRS. Subsequently [18F]FDG uptake was investigated by static and dynamic PET measurements.

Standard uptake values (SUVs) for [18F]FDG were significantly higher for xenografts of PC3 compared with those of LNCaP. However, we did not observe a difference in the average apparent rate constant kpl of 13C label exchange from pyruvate to lactate between the tumor variants. A significant negative correlation was found between SUVs from [18F]FDG PET measurements and kpl values for the xenografts of both tumor types. The kpl rate constant may be influenced by various factors, and studies with a range of prostate cancer cells in suspension suggest that LDH inhibition by pyruvate may be one of these. Our results indicate that glucose and pyruvate metabolism in the prostate cancer cell models differs from that in other tumor models and that [18F]FDG‐PET can serve as a valuable complementary tool in dDNP studies of aggressive prostate cancer with [1‐13C]pyruvate.
Acute‐stage MRI cerebral oxygen consumption biomarkers predict 24‐hour neurological outcome in a rat cardiac arrest model
Authors: Wei Zhiliang , Wang Qihong , Modi Hiren R. , Cho Sung‐Min , Geocadin Romergryko , Thakor Nitish V. , Lu Hanzhang
Published: July 2020

Brain injury following cardiac arrest (CA) is thought to be caused by a sudden loss of blood flow resulting in disruption in oxygen delivery, neural function and metabolism. However, temporal trajectories of the brain's physiology in the first few hours following CA have not been fully characterized. Furthermore, the extent to which these early measures can predict future neurological outcomes has not been determined. The present study sought to perform dynamic measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) with MRI in the first 3 hours following the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a rat CA model. It was found that CBF, OEF and CMRO2all revealed a time‐dependent increase during the first 3 hours after the ROSC. Furthermore, the temporal trajectories of CBF and CMRO2, but not OEF, were different across rats and related to neurologic outcomes at a later time (24 hours after the ROSC) (P< .001). Rats who manifested better outcomes revealed faster increases in CBF and CMRO2during the acute stage. When investigating physiological parameters measured at a single time point, CBF (ρ = 0.82,P= .004) and CMRO2(ρ = 0.80,P= .006) measured at ~ 3 hours post‐ROSC were positively associated with neurologic outcome scores at 24 hours. These findings shed light on brain physiological changes following CA, and suggest that MRI measures of brain perfusion and metabolism may provide a potential biomarker to guide post‐CA management.
Absolute Quantification of Proteins in the Eye of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Raghuraman Bharath Kumar , Hebbar Sarita , Kumar Mukesh , Moon HongKee , Henry Ian , Knust Elisabeth , Shevchenko Andrej
Published: July 2020

Absolute (molar) quantification of proteins determines their molar ratios in complexes, networks, and metabolic pathways. MS Western workflow is employed to determine molar abundances of proteins potentially critical for morphogenesis and phototransduction (PT) in eyes of Drosophila melanogaster using a single chimeric 264 kDa protein standard that covers, in total, 197 peptides from 43 proteins. The majority of proteins are independently quantified with two to four proteotypic peptides with the coefficient of variation of less than 15%, better than 1000‐fold dynamic range and sub‐femtomole sensitivity. Here, the molar abundance of proteins of the PT machinery and of the rhabdomere, the photosensitive organelle, is determined in eyes of wild‐type flies as well as in crumbs (crb) mutant eyes, which exhibit perturbed rhabdomere morphogenesis.
Plasma‐based synthesis of iron carbide nanoparticles
Authors: Libenská Hana , Hanuš Jan , Košutová Tereza , Dopita Milan , Kylián Ondřej , Cieslar Miroslav , Choukourov Andrei , Biederman Hynek
Published: July 2020

In this study, iron carbide nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the plasma‐based method using a gas aggregation source of NPs. In‐flight plasma treatment of the NPs was performed to improve their temporal stability. The auxiliary radiofrequency plasma used for the in‐flight treatment resulted in trapping of the NPs in the plasma for several 10s of seconds. Scanning electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses showed a decrease in the size of NPs due to the plasma treatment, whereas the X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the structure of the NPs changed from amorphous iron carbide to the crystalline Fe3C (cementite). In situ and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement confirmed better temporal stability of plasma‐treated NPs against oxidation.
Transnational ageing and “care technologies”: Chinese grandparenting migrants in Singapore and Sydney
Authors: Ho Elaine Lynn‐Ee , Chiu Tuen Yi
Published: July 2020

Transnational grandparenting examines the care that grandparents provide across borders, recreating familyhood. This paper investigates how Information Communication Technologies (ICT) mediate ageing in localised and transnational contexts. We focus on grandparenting migrants from the People's Republic of China who moved temporarily to Singapore and Sydney, Australia. We introduce the concept of “care technologies” to explicate two dimensions of governmentality. The first dimension considers how governmentality underpins care relations that extend from the individual and family to wider migration, care, and welfare regimes. The second dimension considers how ICT mediates care relations that are situated in place (i.e., localised) and those that extend across borders (i.e., transnational). These two dimensions of care technologies are intertwined: while ICT is given social meaning through care relations, it is their co‐constitution—seemingly offering possibilities of/for care—that entrench the governmentality effects of regimes that position grandparenting migrants as transient older carers.
Interactions between procyanidin oligomers and the active form of matrix metalloproteinase‐7: A theoretical insight
Authors: Mendoza‐Wilson Ana M. , Balandrán‐Quintana René R.
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the sites and modes of interaction of the most common oligomers of B‐type procyanidins (PCs) with the active form of the matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) and some molecular properties of the PCs by using theoretical methods. These data may provide useful insights into the ability of PCs to act as selective MMP‐7 inhibitors. Some stereoisomers that predominated in the analyzed PCs (PB2, PC1, tetramer) could act as selective inhibitors of MMP‐7 due to their interaction with amino acids of the subsites S2 and/or S1′ in the active site, and with some specific amino acids of MMP‐7 that bind to cholesterol sulfate to promote proteolysis of the cell membrane. Hydrogen bonding was the main interaction of PB2 and PC1 with MMP‐7, while in the tetramer, the van der Waals interactions prevailed. The determination of molecular properties such as chemical reactivity and stability by the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap, revealed that oligomers of PCs acquired very stable poses in their docking with MMP‐7. Polarizability seems to be an important factor for PCs with large molecular volume (PC1, tetramer) to establish contact with amino acids of narrow subsites in the active site (S2, S1′) and amino acids located outside the active site.
Absolute isotope ratios defining isotope scales used in isotope ratio mass spectrometers and optical isotope instruments
Authors: Skrzypek Grzegorz , Dunn Philip J. H.
Published: July 2020

Rationale

The isotope delta is calculated from the isotope ratio of a sample and the absolute isotope ratio of the zero reference point defining each stable isotope international scale (Rstd). Therefore, Rstd requires accurate determination. However, the literature contains a large number of Rstd values, and selection of different Rstd may lead to inconsistency in reporting and recalculating stable isotope results.

Methods

We reviewed Rstd used in the proprietary software provided by the manufacturers of stable isotope instruments commonly employed for analyses of stable HCNOS compositions. We compared the Rstd values and assessed the potential implications of using different Rstd and the normalization versus tank working gas standard for consistency in reporting stable isotope results.

Results

Different Rstd values are used by different manufacturers of stable isotope analytical instruments. For R(2H/1H)VSMOW two different but very similar values are used, 0.00015575 and 0.00015576; for R(13C/12C)VPDB three different values are used, 0.0111802, 0.0112372 and 0.01118028; and for R(15N/14N)Air‐N2 two values, 0.0036782 and 0.0036765, are used. All manufacturers are using the same value for R(18O/16O)VSMOW, 0.00200520, but three different values for R(18O/16O)VPDB, 0.002067200, 0.00208835 and 0.002088349. For R(34S/32S)VCDT four different Rstd are used, 0.0441509, 0.0441626, 0.044162589 and 0.0441520597.

Conclusions

The use of different Rstd values may lead to differences in the isotope delta values obtained if the normalization versus working standard gas is applied. For the range of Rstd used in proprietary software, the potential differences are lowest for oxygen (< 0.002 ‰) and nitrogen (< 0.001 ‰), and highest for carbon (0.107 to 0.112 ‰) and sulfur (0.023 ‰). Evaluation of the existing Rstd values and recommendations for the best estimates are highly desirable to ensure worldwide consistency in stable isotope data reporting.