bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Go big or go home: Risk seeking for experiential choices
Authors: Mittal Sarah , Kapitan Sommer , Silvera David H.
Published: January 2019

In decision making under risk, do consumers evaluate intangible, experiential options in a choice set in the same way they evaluate tangible, material options? Prior research on prospect theory, typically using either monetary or material objects as choice options, demonstrates that consumers are risk averse for choices involving gains, with a fairly robust tendency to favor a more certain outcome even when that outcome is less desirable. The present research focuses on decision making under risk for experiential options (from movies to concert tickets to hotel stays)—identifying choices between experiential options as a realm in which prospect theory's pattern of risk aversion is weakened and sometimes reversed. Across six studies, this research demonstrates that consumers are more risk seeking for experiential choices and thus more likely to prefer more desirable options, even options that are less certain. Further, the stronger personal connection fostered by experiential (vs. material) choice options mediates risk‐seeking preferences. This work demonstrates a moderator for prospect theory and investigates the tendency toward increased risk seeking among experiential options, in this paper termed a “go big or go home” strategy. Conversely, consistent risk aversion is evidenced for choices involving material options (from clothing to accessories and furniture).
B‐factor Guided Proline Substitutions in Chromobacterium violaceum Amine Transaminase: Evaluation of the Proline Rule as a Method for Enzyme Stabilization
Authors: Land Henrik , Campillo‐Brocal Jonatan C. , Svedendahl Humble Maria , Berglund Per
Published: January 2019

Biocatalysis is attracting interest in the chemical industry as a sustainable alternative in large‐scale chemical transformations. However, low operational stability of naturally evolved enzymes is a challenge and major efforts are required to engineer protein stability, usually by directed evolution. The development of methods for protein stabilization based on rational design is of great interest, as it would minimize the efforts needed to generate stable enzymes. Here we present a rational design strategy based on proline substitutions in flexible areas of the protein identified by analyzing B‐factors. Several proline substitutions in the amine transaminase from Chromobacterium violaceum were shown to have a positive impact on stability with increased half‐life at 60 °C by a factor of 2.7 (variant K69P/D218P/K304P/R432P) as well as increased melting temperature by 8.3 °C (variant K167P). Finally, the presented method utilizing B‐factor analysis in combination with the proline rule was deemed successful at increasing the stability of this enzyme.
Selective Formation of 4,4′‐Biphenols by Anodic Dehydrogenative Cross‐ and Homo‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Dahms Benedikt , Kohlpaintner Philipp J. , Wiebe Anton , Breinbauer Rolf , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2019

A simple and selective electrochemical synthesis by dehydrogenative coupling of unprotected 2,6‐ or 2,5‐substituted phenols to the desired 4,4′‐biphenols is reported. Using electricity as the oxidizing reagent avoids pre‐functionalization of the starting materials, since a selective activation of the substrates takes place. Without the necessity for metal‐catalysts or the use of stoichiometric reagents it is an economic and environmentally friendly transformation. The elaborated electrochemical protocol leads to a broad variety of the desired 4,4′‐biphenols in a very simplified manner compared to classical approaches. This is particular the case for the cross‐coupled products.
A systematic approach of predicting color preference on the basis of gray relational grade
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Hung
Published: January 2019

During the color design process, it is critical to create diversified color schemes for various consumer groups. It is also important to allow members in a design team to brainstorm for creative ideas. A theory of inspecting natural color elements was proposed in this study based on the CIE 1976 (L*,a*,b*) (CIE 1976) color space and the fuzzy c‐means clustering method. A calculation model was built to determine people's preference for colors based on a serialized system. To determine which factors affect the prediction of consumers' preference for a series of products, a gray relational color preference system was used in combination with gray relational grade so that a designer can obtain reasonable prediction results. The proposed system recommends not only the optimal colors for a product but also the optimal color scheme for a series of products.
Linkage Abundance and Molecular Weight Characteristics of Technical Lignins by Attenuated Total Reflection‐FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Lancefield Christopher S. , Constant Sandra , de Peinder Peter , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: January 2019

Lignin is an attractive material for the production of renewable chemicals, materials and energy. However, utilization is hampered by its highly complex and variable chemical structure, which requires an extensive suite of analytical instruments to characterize. Here, we demonstrate that straightforward attenuated total reflection (ATR)‐FTIR analysis combined with principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) modelling can provide remarkable insight into the structure of technical lignins, giving quantitative results that are comparable to standard gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC) and 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR methods. First, a calibration set of 54 different technical (fractionated) lignin samples, covering kraft, soda and organosolv processes, were prepared and analyzed using traditional GPC and NMR methods, as well as by readily accessible ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. PLS models correlating the ATR‐FTIR spectra of the broad set of lignins with GPC and NMR measurements were found to have excellent coefficients of determination (R2 Cal.>0.85) for molecular weight (Mn, Mw) and inter‐unit abundances (β‐O‐4, β‐5 and β‐β), with low relative errors (6.2–14 %) as estimated from cross‐validation results. PLS analysis of a second set of 28 samples containing exclusively (fractionated) kraft lignins showed further improved prediction ability, with relative errors of 3.8–13 %, and the resulting model could predict the structural characteristics of an independent validation set of lignins with good accuracy. The results highlight the potential utility of this methodology for streamlining and expediting the often complex and time consuming technical lignin characterization process.
Permutation blocking path integral Monte Carlo simulations of degenerate electrons at finite temperature
Authors: Dornheim Tobias , Groth Simon , Bonitz Michael
Published: January 2019

We analyse the simulation of strongly degenerate electrons at finite temperature using the recently introduced permutation blocking path integral Monte Carlo (PB‐PIMC) method [T. Dornheim et al., New J. Phys. 17, 073017 (2015)]. As a representative example, we consider electrons in a harmonic confinement and carry out simulations for up to P = 2000 so‐called imaginary‐time propagators – an important convergence parameter within the PIMC formalism. This allows us to study the P‐dependence of different observables of the configuration space in the Monte Carlo simulations and of the fermion sign problem. We find a surprisingly persisting effect of the permutation blocking for large P, which is explained by comparing different length scales. Finally, we touch upon the uniform electron gas in the warm dense matter regime.
Detection of ESAs in equine urine and blood by SAR‐PAGE
Authors: Cavalcanti Rafaela Tannuri Campos , Teixeira Pedro Antônio Castelo , Levy Rachel Santos , Pereira Henrique Marcelo Gualberto , Aquino Neto Francisco Radler
Published: January 2019

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used in horses for doping purposes to increase the performance of these animals in endurance sports. Currently, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mass spectrometry methods are used to detect ESA abuse in equines. However, the sarcosyl polyacrylamide gel‐electrophoresis (SAR‐PAGE) technique could also be used, since its application in human doping control is well established and has proven to be more sensitive. In this work, the SAR‐PAGE method was used to detect recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP), continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), and fusion protein of erythropoietin with human immunoglobulin heavy chain Fc region (EPO‐Fc) in horse blood and urine. The purification technique for human blood using MAIIA kits worked well for horse samples. The major challenge was horse urine immunopurification, which proved difficult due to filter clogging, but heating and cooling of the horse urine followed by filtration in 30‐kDa molecular weight cut‐off filters solved this problem. The limits of detection (LODs) of 1.3, 1.6, 6.6, and 13.3 pg/mL for rHuEPO, NESP, CERA, and EPO‐Fc, respectively, obtained in spiked urine and 40, 100, 80, and 400 pg/mL for rHuEPO, NESP, CERA, and EPO‐Fc, respectively, acquired in spiked blood are lower than the LODs reported in the literature using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) methods. In addition, the presence of ESAs was detected up to 9 days after the administration of microdoses of Hemax (rHuEPO), NESP, and CERA in horse blood and urine. SAR‐PAGE may be implemented in the routine analysis of horse doping control laboratories for screening and confirmation of ESA abuse, mainly due to its high sensitivity for both matrices compared to published mass spectrometric methods.
Eating disorders and substance use in adolescents: How substance users differ from nonsubstance users in an outpatient eating disorders treatment clinic
Authors: Kirkpatrick Ryan , Booij Linda , Vance Ashleigh , Marshall Brittany , Kanellos‐Sutton Marina , Marchand Patricia , Khalid‐Khan Sarosh
Published: January 2019

Objective

The relationship between eating disorders (EDs) and substance use (SU) has only been briefly described in literature using mainly adult populations. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of SU among patients of an adolescent ED outpatient treatment program.

Method

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted to determine and subsequently compare medical status, psychosocial factors, treatment course and outcome between patients with and without SU.

Results

Over 60% of patients with SU status (n = 203) reported regularly consuming substances. 33.4% of substance users received a diagnosis involving purging behaviors compared to 5.9% of nonusers. Females composed 96.4% and 81.7% of users and nonusers, respectively. Users reported significantly more self‐harm (57.7% of users vs. 38.6% of nonusers) but did not differ significantly in terms of trauma (abuse or victimization; 48.3% of users vs. 44.9% of nonusers). The percentage of ideal body weight significantly improved throughout treatment and did not differ by SU with a mean increase of 5.29% (SD = 13.6) among nonusers compared to 5.45% (SD = 7.5) of users. While users and nonusers did not differ before and after treatment in ED severity, users were more likely than nonusers to drop‐out of treatment (41.5% of users vs. 25.2% of nonusers).

Discussion

Adolescents with SU benefit from ED outpatient treatment as much as those without SU, however, users are more likely to drop‐out. Therefore, treatment should target these adolescents' emotional dysregulation to improve treatment compliance. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of such an approach.
Winners and losers: How the elevational range of breeding birds on Alps has varied over the past four decades due to climate and habitat changes
Authors: Bani Luciano , Luppi Massimiliano , Rocchia Emanuel , Dondina Olivia , Orioli Valerio
Published: January 2019

Climate warming and habitat transformation are widely recognized as worrying threatening factors. Understanding the individual contribution of these two factors to the change of species distribution could be very important in order to effectively counteract the species range contraction, especially in mountains, where alpine species are strongly limited in finding new areas to be colonized at higher elevations. We proposed a method to disentangle the effects of the two drivers of range change for breeding birds in Italian Alps, in the case of co‐occurring climate warming and shrub and forest encroachment. For each species, from 1982 to 2017, we related the estimated yearly elevational distribution of birds to the correspondent overall average of the daily minimum temperatures during the breeding season and the estimated amount of shrubs and forest cover. Using a hierarchical partitioning approach, we assessed the net contribution (i.e., without the shared effect) of each driver. Both temperature and shrub and forest cover showed a positive trend along the time series and resulted the most likely causes of the significant elevational displacement for 21 of the 29 investigated birds. While shrub and forest cover was found to be an important driver of the expansion of forest bird range toward higher elevations, the effect of temperature on favouring the colonization of previously climatically unsuitable forests at higher elevations was not negligible. Shrub and forest expansion resulted the main driver of the range contraction for edge and open habitat species, which suffered a distribution shrinkage at their lower elevational boundary. In light of climate warming, these results highlighted how the net range loss for edge and open habitat species, caused by shrub and forest encroachment consequent to land abandonment, should be counteracted by implementing proper conservation management strategies and promoting sustainable economic activities in rangeland areas.
A power smoothing control method for a photovoltaic generation system using a water electrolyzer and its filtering characteristics
Authors: Takahashi Akiko , Goto Akihisa , Machida Yuuki , Funabiki Shigeyuki
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a novel power smoothing control method for a photovoltaic generation (PV) system using a water electrolyzer (ELY). This method realizes that the long‐period components of the PV power fluctuation are supplied to the power grid and the short‐period components of the PV power fluctuation are supplied to the ELY. The power supplied to the ELY is converted to hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. The results of the power smoothing control method are evaluated in terms of the power in the load frequency control (LFC) band and the ability of generating hydrogen. Furthermore, filtering characteristics of the proposed method are clarified. As the result, the proposed method has reduced the power in LFC band by 83.7% compared to the PV power without the power smoothing control. The filter characteristics of the proposed method have shown that fluctuating components with periods less than 1000 seconds, in which the step voltage regulator does not perform, can be sufficiently eliminated from the PV power fluctuation components. When applying the proposed method for a PV system rated at 800 kW, the ability of generating hydrogen was about 2.30% of the hydrogen required for one hydrogen station.
Remarkable Enhancement of Proton Conductivity by Introducing Imidazole into MOFs and Forming Composite Membranes
Authors: Lu Jiu‐Nan , Zhou Shu‐Fang , Zhang Sai‐Jun , Zhang Chen‐Xi , Wang Qing‐Lun
Published: January 2019

A novel metal‐organic framework, [Zn2(HCOO)(trz)3]n (1), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The central ZnII ions exhibit two different coordination environments: [ZnN3O] and [ZnN6], in which the coordination N and O atoms are from Htrz and formic acid molecules. To effectively improve the proton conductivity of 1, imidazole molecules are introduced into 1 to obtain 2HIm@1 (named as 2). Moreover, composite membranes of 2‐PVA‐X (X = 5, 10, 15, 20wt.‐%) are prepared. Alternating current (AC) impedance measurements reveal that 1 displays proton conductivity 7.95 × 10–7 S cm–1 at 98 % RH and 323 K, while 2 shows high proton conductivity 1.51 × 10–4 S cm–1 at 98 % RH and 318 K. It is worth noting that the proton conductivity of 2 increases about three orders of magnitude compared with that of 1. Additionally, the measurements of proton conductivity on these membranes show that 2‐PVA‐10 has high proton conductivity 1.23 × 10–4 S cm–1 at 98 % RH and 358 K. The activation energy (Ea) has investigated to deeply understand the proton conductivity mechanism.
Influence of Curing Condition on Properties of Solidified Clay in Landfill Leachate Environment
Authors: Xiao Kai , Ma Jun , Hu Xuetao , Dong Yi , Tian Yu
Published: January 2019

The experiments were performed to investigate the engineering properties and microstructure of cutoff wall in terms of clay‐solidifying agent (CSA; or cement) contents, landfill leachate concentrations and curing time. The solidified clay was produced from leachate contaminated clay and cured in leachate of same concentration. The results indicate that CSA becomes the dominant factor influencing the property of solidified clay when the content of CSA exceeds 20% and CSA decreases the porosity instead of pore‐size distribution of solidified clay. In earlier curing period, hydration of CSA takes effect, and the leachate corrosion plays a dominant role after 28 days because most of the hydration completes. While leachate cannot greatly change the pore‐size distribution of solidified clay in 28 days curing time until leachate concentration exceeded 60% that is defined as critical concentration in this test. When the leachate concentration is relatively high, the aggravated corrosion occurs and a minor concentration increase will induce a drastically intensified damage in solidified clay. In engineering applications, it is crucial to prevent cutoff wall from contacting leachate of high concentration for long periods. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Central nervous system lymphatic unit, immunity, and epilepsy: Is there a link?
Authors: Noé Francesco M. , Marchi Nicola
Published: January 2019

The recent definition of a network of lymphatic vessels in the meninges surrounding the brain and the spinal cord has advanced our knowledge on the functional anatomy of fluid movement within the central nervous system (CNS). Meningeal lymphatic vessels along dural sinuses and main nerves contribute to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, integrating the cerebrovascular and periventricular routes, and forming a circuit that we here define as the CNS‐lymphatic unit. The latter unit is important for parenchymal waste clearance, brain homeostasis, and the regulation of immune or inflammatory processes within the brain. Disruption of fluid drain mechanisms may promote or sustain CNS disease, conceivably applicable to epilepsy where extracellular accumulation of macromolecules and metabolic by‐products occur in the interstitial and perivascular spaces. Herein we address an emerging concept and propose a theoretical framework on: (a) how a defect of brain clearance of macromolecules could favor neuronal hyperexcitability and seizures, and (b) whether meningeal lymphatic vessel dysfunction contributes to the neuroimmune cross‐talk in epileptic pathophysiology. We propose possible molecular interventions targeting meningeal lymphatic dysfunctions, a potential target for immune‐mediated epilepsy.
An automated, machine learning–based detection algorithm for spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) in a mouse model of absence epilepsy
Authors: Pfammatter Jesse A. , Maganti Rama K. , Jones Mathew V.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Manual detection of spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) from electroencephalography (EEG) records is time intensive, costly, and subject to inconsistencies/biases. In addition, manual scoring often omits information on SWD confidence/intensity, which may be important for the investigation of mechanistic‐based research questions. Our objective is to develop an automated method for the detection of SWDs in a mouse model of absence epilepsy that is focused on the characteristics of human scoring of preselected events to establish a confidence‐based, continuous‐valued scoring.

Methods

We develop a support vector machine (SVM)–based algorithm for the automated detection of SWDs in the γ2R43Q mouse model of absence epilepsy. The algorithm first identifies putative SWD events using frequency‐ and amplitude‐based peak detection. Four humans scored a set of 2500 putative events identified by the algorithm. Then, using predictors calculated from the wavelet transform of each event and the labels from human scoring, we trained an SVM to classify (SWD/nonSWD) and assign confidence scores to each event identified from 60, 24‐hour EEG records. We provide a detailed assessment of intra‐ and interrater scoring that demonstrates advantages of automated scoring.

Results

The algorithm scored SWDs along a continuum that is highly correlated with human confidence and that allows us to more effectively characterize ambiguous events. We demonstrate that events along our scoring continuum are temporally and proportionately correlated with abrupt changes in spectral power bands relevant to normal behavioral states including sleep.

Significance

Although there are automated and semi‐automated methods for the detection of SWDs in humans and rats, we contribute to the need for continued development of SWD detection in mice. Our results demonstrate the value of viewing detection of SWDs as a continuous classification problem to better understand “ground truth” in SWD detection (ie, the most reliable features agreed upon by humans that also correlate with objective physiologic measures).
2018–19 Gas‐Price Volatility Shows How Storage and Fuel Switching Help Balance Market
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: January 2019

It has been a very successful but fairly strange year for natural gas (this was written in December 2018).
Gas Industry's Version of Demand Response Cures Its “Duck Curve”
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: January 2019

This column deals with one of those times when hopeful policymakers wish to extend a successful policy in one regulated energy system (electricity in this example) to the other (gas).
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced alteration of mitochondrial morphology induces a metabolic shift in microglia modulating the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Nair Syam , Sobotka Kristina S. , Joshi Pooja , Gressens Pierre , Fleiss Bobbi , Thornton Claire , Mallard Carina , Hagberg Henrik
Published: January 2019

Accumulating evidence suggests that changes in the metabolic signature of microglia underlie their response to inflammation. We sought to increase our knowledge of how pro‐inflammatory stimuli induce metabolic changes. Primary microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐expressed excessive fission leading to more fragmented mitochondria than tubular mitochondria. LPS‐mediated Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation also resulted in metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Blockade of mitochondrial fission by Mdivi‐1, a putative mitochondrial division inhibitor led to the reversal of the metabolic shift. Mdivi‐1 treatment also normalized the changes caused by LPS exposure, namely an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as accumulation of key metabolic intermediate of TCA cycle succinate. Moreover, Mdivi‐1 treatment substantially reduced LPS induced cytokine and chemokine production. Finally, we showed that Mdivi‐1 treatment attenuated expression of genes related to cytotoxic, repair, and immunomodulatory microglia phenotypes in an in vivo neuroinflammation paradigm. Collectively, our data show that the activation of microglia to a classically pro‐inflammatory state is associated with a switch to glycolysis that is mediated by mitochondrial fission, a process which may be a pharmacological target for immunomodulation.
A low‐dimensional model of bedrock weathering and lateral flow coevolution in hillslopes: 2. Controls on weathering and permeability profiles, drainage hydraulics, and solute export pathways
Authors: Harman Ciaran J. , Cosans Cassandra L.
Published: January 2019

The advance of a chemical weathering front into the bedrock of a hillslope is often limited by the rate weathering products that can be carried away, maintaining chemical disequilibrium. If the weathering front is within the saturated zone, groundwater flow downslope may affect the rate of transport and weathering—however, weathering also modifies the rock permeability and the subsurface potential gradient that drives lateral groundwater flow. This feedback may help explain why there tends to be neither “runaway weathering” to great depth nor exposed bedrock covering much of the earth and may provide a mechanism for weathering front advance to keep pace with incision of adjacent streams into bedrock. This is the second of a two‐part paper exploring the coevolution of bedrock weathering and lateral flow in hillslopes using a simple low‐dimensional model based on hydraulic groundwater theory. Here, we show how a simplified kinetic model of 1‐D rock weathering can be extended to consider lateral flow in a 2‐D hillslope. Exact and approximate analytical solutions for the location and thickness of weathering within the hillslope are obtained for a number of cases. A location for the weathering front can be found such that lateral flow is able to export weathering products at the rate required to keep pace with stream incision at steady state. Three pathways of solute export are identified: “diffusing up,” where solutes diffuse up and away from the weathering front into the laterally flowing aquifer; “draining down,” where solutes are advected primarily downward into the unweathered bedrock; and “draining along,” where solutes travel laterally within the weathering zone. For each pathway, a different subsurface topography and overall relief of unweathered bedrock within the hillslope is needed to remove solutes at steady state. The relief each pathway requires depends on the rate of stream incision raised to a different power, such that at a given incision rate, one pathway requires minimal relief and, therefore, likely determines the steady‐state hillslope profile.
A framework for quantifying the impacts of climate change and human activities on hydrological drought in a semiarid basin of Northern China
Authors: Jiang Shanhu , Wang Menghao , Ren Liliang , Xu Chong‐Yu , Yuan Fei , Liu Yi , Lu Yujie , Shen Hongren
Published: January 2019

Climate change and human activities are two major driving forces affecting the hydrologic cycle, which further influence the stationarity of the hydrologic regime. Hydrological drought is a substantial negative deviation from the normal hydrologic conditions affected by these two phenomena. In this study, we propose a framework for quantifying the effects of climate change and human activities on hydrological drought. First, trend analysis and change‐point test are performed to determine variations of hydrological variables. After that, the fixed runoff threshold level method (TLM) and the standardized runoff index (SRI) are used to verify whether the traditional assessment methods for hydrological drought are applicable in a changing environment. Finally, two improved drought assessment methods, the variable TLM and the SRI based on parameter transplantation are employed to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on hydrological drought based on the reconstructed natural runoff series obtained using the variable infiltration capacity hydrologic model. The results of a case study on the typical semiarid Laohahe basin in North China show that the stationarity of the hydrological processes in the basin is destroyed by human activities (an obvious change‐point for runoff series is identified in 1979). The traditional hydrological drought assessment methods can no longer be applied to the period of 1980–2015. In contrast, the proposed separation framework is able to quantify the contributions of climate change and human activities to hydrological drought during the above period. Their ranges of contributions to hydrological drought calculated by the variable TLM method are 20.6–41.2% and 58.8–79.4%, and the results determined by the SRI based on parameter transplantation method are 15.3–45.3% and 54.7–84.7%, respectively. It is concluded that human activities have a dominant effect on hydrological drought in the study region. The novelty of the study is twofold. First, the proposed method is demonstrated to be efficient in quantifying the effects of climate change and human activities on hydrological drought. Second, the findings of this study can be used for hydrological drought assessment and water resource management in water‐stressed regions under nonstationary conditions.
Quantitative estimation of submarine groundwater discharge using airborne thermal infrared data acquired at two different tidal heights
Authors: Kang Ki‐mook , Kim Duk‐jin , Kim Yunjee , Lee Eunhee , Kim Bong‐Gwan , Kim Seung Hee , Ha Kyoochul , Koh Dong‐Chan , Cho Yang‐Ki , Kim Guebuem
Published: January 2019

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) plays an important role in coastal biogeochemical processes and hydrological cycles, particularly off volcanic islands in oligotrophic oceans. However, the spatial and temporal variations of SGD are still poorly understood owing to difficulty in taking rapid SGD measurements over a large scale. In this study, we used four airborne thermal infrared surveys (twice each during high and low tides) to quantify the spatiotemporal variations of SGD over the entire coast of Jeju Island, Korea. On the basis of an analytical model, we found a linear positive correlation between the thermal anomaly and squares of the groundwater discharge velocity and a negative exponential correlation between the anomaly and water depth (including tide height and bathymetry). We then derived a new equation for quantitatively estimating the SGD flow rates from thermal anomalies acquired at two different tide heights. The proposed method was validated with the measured SGD flow rates using a current meter at Gongcheonpo Beach. We believe that the method can be effectively applied for rapid estimation of SGD over coastal areas, where fresh groundwater discharge is significant, using airborne thermal infrared surveys.
Experimental investigation of suspended particles transport in porous medium under variable temperatures
Authors: Cui Xianze , Fan Yong , Wang Hongxing , Huang Shibing
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a study on suspended particle transport in porous medium with the aid of a sand layer transportation–deposition testing system to determine the kinetic characteristics of particles in porous medium under variable temperatures. Quartz sand and quartz powder were chosen as the porous medium and particle in the tests, respectively. Four size compositions and two operational modes, that is, temperature reduction mode (changing from 18°C to 5°C) and temperature increment mode (changing from 18°C to 35°C), were adopted. The turbidity and concentration of quartz powder were measured under various conditions. We observed a high temperature‐independent correlation between them. Breakthrough curves under different conditions were analysed using this testing system. The results showed that changes in temperature affected the particle transport process to some extent, and the degree of influence was closely related to the time moment of the temperature change onset. Moreover, we found a hysteresis phenomenon in the breakthrough curve under both temperature reduction and increment conditions. The results also indicated that the temperature effect was particularly significant for smaller particles. The typical curves to represent particle transport process under variable temperatures were put forward according to the results. To explain the test results, four factors, that is, water viscosity, adsorption effect, double layer force, and particle kinetic energy, were considered and categorized as promotion or constraining factors.
Addition of phosphates and chlorhexidine to resin‐modified MTA materials
Authors: Vitti Rafael Pino , Pacheco Rafael Rocha , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Prati Carlo , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Piva Evandro , Ogliari Fabrício Aulo , Zanchi Cesar Henrique , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho
Published: January 2019

To evaluate the properties of experimental mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) resin‐modified materials for root‐end filling procedures, varying their compositions regarding the addition of hydroxiapatite (HA) or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, with or without chlorhexidine digluconate. White MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) was used as a reference material. Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIr) spectroscopy (n = 5). Flowability (n = 3) and radiopacity (n = 3) were evaluated following ISO 6876:2001 methods. For splitting tensile strength analysis, cylindrical samples (n = 10) were subjected to compressive load using a universal testing machine (Instron Corporation, Norwood, MA). Water sorption and solubility tests were performed according to ISO 4049:2009 methods. Calcium ion release and pH analysis (n = 10) were evaluated using a pH meter (Orion, Watsonville, CA). Cytotoxicity (n = 8) of materials extracts was evaluated as cell viability percentage. Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov for normal distribution and data was subjected to one‐way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Addition of chlorhexidine digluconate reduced DC mean values for experimental materials (<50%). White MTA demonstrated lower flowability (5.3 mm) and higher radiopacity (9.8 mm Al), splitting tensile strength (9.1 MPa), solubility (8.2 μg/mm3), calcium ion release (~26.5 ppm), cytotoxicity (55.2%), and pH mean values (10.8), when compared to experimental materials. All groups demonstrated a decrease in calcium release (<85%) and pH (<13%). Formulation containing HA demonstrated similar pH values after 28 days when compared to white MTA. Evaluated experimental resin‐modified MTA based materials without chlorhexidine digluconate showed satisfactory results for all physico‐chemical properties tested and cytotoxicity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2195–2201, 2019.
Downregulated NOX4 underlies a novel inhibitory role of microRNA‐137 in prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Qi‐Quan , Zheng Bin , Weng Guo‐Bin , Yang Hou‐Meng , Ren Yu , Weng Xi‐Jun , Zhang Shu‐Wei , Zhu Wei‐Zhi
Published: January 2019

Prostate cancer is the second highest caused by cancer‐related death among males. microRNAs (miRs) have been reported to participate in carcinogenesis, yet their roles in prostate cancer are rarely studied or investigated. Therefore, the present study attempted to explore the effect of miR‐137 in prostate cancer via regulating NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). Initially, microarray analysis was performed to obtain prostate cancer‐related differentially expressed genes and miRs that regulated NOX4, followed by detecting the expression of miR‐137 and NOX4 and its target relationship. Moreover, PC‐3 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA (siNOX4) and miR‐137 mimic for exploring the effect of miR‐137 on glycolysis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in prostate cancer by evaluating lactate production, glucose uptake, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, viability rate, and expression of cleaved caspases 3, 8, and 9, cytochrome c, cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), Bax, and Bcl‐2. miR‐137 was vital to prostate cancer progression via regulating NOX4. Besides, miR‐137 expressed poorly while NOX4 expressed highly in prostate cancer. NOX4 was the target gene of miR‐137. Additionally, overexpression of miR‐137 and silencing of NOX4 were observed to decrease NOX4 and Bcl‐2 protein expression, but increase cleaved caspases 3, 8, and 9, cytochrome c, cleaved‐PARP, and Bax protein expression. Furthermore, miR‐137 overexpression and NOX4 silencing contributed to decreased lactate production, glucose uptake, ATP production, and cell proliferation, but increased apoptosis rate. Collectively, the present study showed that miR‐137 repressed glycolysis in prostate cancer through knockdown of NOX4, which might be a potential theoretical target for prostate cancer treatment.
Selective etching of SiO2 nanospheres as reservoirs for pH‐sensitive release of cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II)
Authors: Hernández‐Castillo Daniela J , Alvarez‐Lemus Mayra A , de la Cruz‐Hernández Erick N , López‐González Rosendo , García Mendoza Cinthia
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Selective etching of silica nanoparticles allows the formation of mesoporosity, increasing the loading capability of nanoparticles for further drug release applications. By coating such mesoporous silica nanoparticles with biocompatible pH‐sensitive polymers, the selectivity of drug delivery systems can be enhanced and adverse side effects can be minimized. So far, selectively etched silica has been scarcely explored for drug encapsulation.

RESULTS

Spherical particles with sizes ranging from 200 to 500 nm were obtained by the Stöber method. Selective etching was performed at two different aging times, leading to the formation of uniform pores with specific surface areas of 115 and 150 m2 g−1 for 0 and 14 h of aging respectively. X‐ray analysis demonstrated the formation of ordered materials, while the hydrodynamic sizes were around 300 nm. cis‐Diamminedichloroplatinum(II) was encapsulated in etched silica nanoparticles and coated with chitosan, and the drug was released at pH 5. In vitro evaluation of the nanoparticles was performed in U‐373 cells, reaching around 40% of cell death.

CONCLUSION

Selective etching of nanoparticles allowed the obtaining of homogeneous coated hybrid nanoparticles and an efficient pH‐sensitive drug delivery hybrid system for the release of chemotherapeutic agent with enhanced activity against U‐373 human glioblastoma cells. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection of Brucella abortus by a platform functionalized with protein A and specific antibodies IgG
Authors: Baltierra‐Uribe Shantal Lizbeth , Chanona‐Pérez José Jorge , Méndez‐Méndez Juan Vicente , Perea‐Flores María de Jesús , Sánchez‐Chávez Anahí Carolina , García‐Pérez Blanca Estela , Moreno‐Lafont Martha Cecilia , López‐Santiago Rubén
Published: January 2019

Oriented immobilization of antibodies on a sensor surface is critical for enhancing both the antigen‐binding capacity and the sensitivity of immunosensors. In this study, we describe a strategy to adsorb immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti‐Brucella antibodies onto a silicon surface, oriented by protein A obtained from Staphylococcus aureus (SpA). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize topographically, morphologically, and chemical changes of the sensor functionalization. The activity of the biosensor was assessed by confocal microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, and bacteria capture assays (BCA). According to the BCA, the efficiency of Brucella abortus detection with the SpA‐IgG anti Brucella biosensor was three‐fold higher than that of the random orientated IgG anti Brucella biosensor. The limit of detection was 1 × 106 CFU/ml. These data show that the orientation of antibodies immobilization is crucial to developing immunosensors for bacterial antigen detection as Brucella spp and improve its sensibility level. Functionalization with protein A increases Brucella detection by an antibody‐coated surface. Functionalized silicon surface for Brucella detection was characterized by atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal microscopy.
Effectiveness of rhBMP‐2 association to autogenous, allogeneic, and heterologous bone grafts
Authors: Gonzaga Miliane Gonçalves , dos Santos Kotake Bruna Gabriela , de Figueiredo Fellipe Augusto Tocchini , Feldman Sara , Ervolino Edilson , dos Santos Maria Cecília Gorita , Issa João Paulo Mardegan
Published: January 2019

Proteins with osteoinductive potential, especially recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)‐2, have large effects on cell growth and their differentiation. The aim of this study was to assess repair of bone defects in rat calvaria with different types of grafts associated with rhBMP‐2, through immunohistochemistry and micro computed tomography (CT) analyses. A total of 35 male Wistar rats were selected, each weighing ~250 g, with a waiting period of 6 weeks from the creation of the defect to the sacrifice, and divided into five groups (n = 7): autograft plus 5 μg rhBMP‐2 (AuG/BMP‐2); allograft plus 5 μg rhBMP‐2 (AlG/BMP‐2); xenograft (heterologous) plus 5 μg rhBMP‐2 (XeG/BMP‐2); 5 μg rhBMP‐2 (BMP‐2) and the control group (n = 7). The micro CT reveal that all groups associating different bone grafts with BMP‐2 showed increased bone formation compared to the control. The immunostaining show that osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein were higher in groups with BMP‐2 than control group; BMP was high expressed in AuG/BMP‐2, AlG/BMP‐2, and BMP‐2; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was more expressed in groups with BMP‐2; VEGF‐R2 was low to moderate in AuG/BMP‐2, XeG/BMP‐2, and BMP‐2, predominantly moderate in AlG/BMP‐2 and low in the control; CD‐31 was predominantly moderate in AuG/BMP‐2, AlG/BMP‐2, and XeG/BMP‐2, low to moderate in BMP‐2 and low in the control. The results revealed that rhBMP‐2 improved bone repair when administered alone, or when associated with different bone grafts.
Factors predicting the time‐length variability of identically protocoled MRI exams
Authors: Avey Gregory D. , Belden Daryn S. , Zea Ryan D. , Yu John‐Paul J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Clinical variability in MRI exam durations can impede efficient MRI utilization. There is a paucity of data regarding the degree of variability of identically protocoled MRI studies and when nontechnological factors contribute to time‐length variations in MRI exams.

Purpose

To measure the magnitude of variation in MRI exam duration for identically protocoled MRI exams and to identify potential contributors to variations in MRI exam times.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

2705 identically protocoled MRI examinations of the cervical spine without contrast, comprehensive stroke exams, and comprehensive brain examinations performed on adult patients from June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017.

Assessment

MRI exam duration was obtained directly from the image data. Potential predictors for exam length variability were evaluated including patient age, patient gender, performing technologist, patient status (inpatient/outpatient/emergency department), MRI field strength, use of sedation, day of week, and the time of day.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression analysis was performed for each individual variable after correcting for the MRI exam type. A multivariate mixed model was generated to assess for independent associations between the predictors and exam duration.

Results

There was substantial variability in the duration of the selected clinical MRI exams, with standard deviations (SDs) ranging between 19% and 29% of the mean exam length for each individual type of exam. The performing technologist was the most significant identified factor contributing to this variation in exam length; SD = 2.645 (P < 0.001). Compared with outpatient exams, inpatient exams required 4.18 minutes longer to complete (P < 0.001), and emergency department studies 1.86 minutes longer (P = 0.005). Male gender was associated with an additional 1.36 minutes of exam time (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Nontechnical factors are associated with substantial variation in MRI exam times. These variations can be predicted based on relatively simple clinical and demographic factors, with implications for MRI exam scheduling, protocol design, staff training, and workflow design.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 6

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.
Symptoms that are associated with decreased pancreatic enzyme flow: MRCP assessment
Authors: Yamamoto Akira , Ito Katsuyoshi , Yasokawa Kazuya , Kanki Akihiko , Tanimoto Daigo , Hayashida Minoru , Tamada Tsutomu
Published: January 2019

Background

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is one of the causes of malabsorption syndrome. In many cases of malabsorption syndrome, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency can be treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Therefore, it is important to detect pancreatic endocrine insufficiency as early and accurately as possible. Recent studies have shown that cine‐dynamic MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be useful to evaluate pancreatic exocrine function

Purpose

To identify abdominal symptoms that suggest decreased flow of pancreatic enzyme secretion for which cine‐dynamic MRCP should be performed to diagnose pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 111 patients with various types of abdominal symptoms.

Field Strength/Sequence

5 T or 3 T, MRCP with spatially selective inversion recovery pulse (cine‐dynamic MRCP).

Assessment

Cine‐dynamic MRCP was performed and an 18‐question clinical questionnaire on abdominal symptoms was administered. The secretion grade derived from cine‐dynamic MRCP was compared between those answering "yes" and "no" for all 18 items

Statistical Tests

Univariate analysis and further analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The associations between the secretion grade and the items in the clinical questionnaire were analyzed by univariate analysis and further analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The following three items showed significantly negative correlations with secretion grade: Q9, Does your rectal gas smell foul? (β = –0.44, P = 0.001); Q13, Is stool quantity large? (β = –0.41, P = 0.001); and Q18, Are your stools soft? (β = –0.53, P < 0.001). No significant correlations with exocrine pancreatic function measured by cine‐dynamic MRCP were seen for the remaining 15 abdominal symptom items.

Data Conclusion

Abdominal symptoms that suggest decreased flow of pancreatic enzyme secretion were foul rectal gas, large stool, and soft stool. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency due to decreased pancreatic enzyme flow may be suspected in patients with these abdominal symptoms.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:417–423.
Isolation and characterization of high temperature tolerant mutant from the cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum
Authors: Reddy Yattapu P. , Yadav Ravindra K. , Tripathi Keshawanand , Abraham Gerard
Published: January 2019

The mutant strain of the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum able to tolerate high temperature was isolated by induced mutation techniques using ethyl methane sulphonate. This mutant strain exhibited higher temperature tolerance than the wild type. The wild type was able tolerate temperature up to 40 °C whereas the mutant was able to grow at an elevated temperature of 48 °C. This mutant exhibited higher growth rate, heterocyst frequency, and nitrogen fixation. Mutant strains exhibited comparable levels of chlorophyll, phycocyanin, PS II activity, and O2 evolution as compared to unexposed control. Results also showed that the mutant accumulated low levels of peroxides and lipid peroxidation products with enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. The FAME analysis revealed quantitative and qualitative changes in the profile of fatty acids in the mutant strain. Maximum number of saturated fatty acids was observed in the mutant strain followed by control whereas the wild type exposed to elevated temperature showed least diversity of fatty acids. Enhanced level of antioxidant enzymes coupled with efficient modulation of fatty acid profile could therefore enhance the mutant to resist the high temperature stress. The results could be exploited further to decipher molecular mechanisms underlying the temperature tolerance and enhancing the utility of A. doliolum as efficient biofertilizer for rice paddy keeping in view of the future climatic change scenario.