bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic damping flexible polyurethane foams: Effect of isocyanate index and water content on the soundproofing
Authors: Baghban Sahar Abdollahi , Khorasani Manouchehr , Sadeghi Gity Mir Mohamad
Published: December 2018

High‐efficiency sound absorbing flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) are manufactured using nonpolar polyester resin, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and other reagents by one‐shot bulk polymerization. In this study, the impact of the isocyanate index (90, 100, and 110) and water content (2.5 and 5%) on the microphase separation and soundproofing behavior of FPUFs are examined using atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscope, and an impedance tube device. The results reveal that the increase of the isocyanate index and water content leads to the increase of the cell size, cell size distribution, open‐cell content, cell wall roughness, and microphase separation. Also, maximum sound absorption coefficient (α) reaches to 0.98 and the average of α in the frequency range of 1500–4000 Hz increases from 0.7 to 0.87 by increasing the water content from 2.5 to 5% and isocyanate index from 90 to 110; therefore, acoustic damping performance enhances up to 26.24% due to the synergic effects of microphase separation on the viscose media formation, open‐cell content, cell wall roughness, cell size, and cell size distribution. In conclusion, FPUFs with an optimal amount of microphase separation and drainage flow can be a promising candidate for sound insulating materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47363.
Comb‐shaped diblock copolystyrene for anion exchange membranes
Authors: Zhu Meng , Zhang Xiaojuan , Su Yanxia , Wang Yiguang , Wu Yibo , Yang Dan , Wang Hao , Zhang Min , Zhang Min , Chen Quan , Li Nanwen
Published: December 2018

To improve the properties of diblock copolystyrene‐based anion exchange membranes (AEMs), a series of AEMs with comb‐shaped quaternary ammonium (QA) architecture (QA‐PSm‐b‐PDVPPAn‐xC where x denotes the number of carbon atoms in different alkyl tail chains and has values of 1, 4, 8, and 10 and C denotes carbon) were designed and synthesized via subsequent quaternization reactions with three different alkyl halogens (methyl iodide and N‐alkane bromines (CH3[CH2]
x‐1Br where x = 4, 8, and 10). Compared with triblock analogues quaternized with methyl iodide in our previous research, QA‐PSm‐b‐PDVPPAn‐xC (x = 4, 8, and 10) AEMs are more flexible with the introduction of a long alkyl tail chain; this probably impedes crystallization of the rigid polystyrene‐based main chain and induces sterically adjustable ionic association. An increase in the pendant alkyl tail chain length generally led to enhanced microphase separation of the obtained AEMs, and this was confirmed using small‐angle X‐ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The highest conductivity (25.5 mS cm−1) was observed for QA‐PS120‐b‐PDVPPA80‐10C (IEC = 1.94 meq g–1) at 20 °C. Furthermore, the water uptake (<30%) and swelling ratio (<13.1%) of QA‐PSm‐b‐PDVPPAn‐xC AEMs are less than half of these corresponding values for their triblock counterparts. The QA‐PS120‐b‐PDVPPA80‐10C membrane retained a maximum stability that was as high as 86.8% of its initial conductivity after a 40‐day test (10 M NaOH, 80 °C), and this was probably because of the steric shielding of the cationic domains that were surrounded by the longest alkyl tail chains. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47370.
Both farnesyl diphosphate synthase genes are involved in the production of alarm pheromone in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae
Authors: Cheng Yin‐Jie , Li Zheng‐Xi
Published: December 2018

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) catalyzes the formation of FPP, providing the precursor for the biosynthesis of (E)‐β‐farnesene (EβF) in plants, but it is unknown if FPPS supplies the precursor for the biosynthesis of EβF, the major component of aphid alarm pheromone, though our previous studies support the hypothesis that EβF is synthesized by the aphid itself. Here, we used two cohorts of the green peach aphid
Myzus persicae separately, reared on pepper plant and artificial diet to test the correlations among droplet emission, EβF quantity, and FPPS gene expression. It was found that the proportion of aphids emitting cornicle droplets and the quantity of EβF per milligram of aphid were both significantly different between the two cohorts, which were positively correlated with the expression of the two FPPS genes (
MpFPPS1/
2) in
M. persicae. These results were further confirmed by RNAi‐mediated knockdown of
MpFPPS1/
2. Specifically, knockdown of
MpFPPS1/
2 imposed no significant cost on the survival of aphid but remarkably increased the number of offspring per aphid; most importantly, knockdown of
MpFPPS1/
2 significantly reduced the proportion of aphids emitting droplets and the quantity of EβF calculated as per the weight of aphid. Our results suggest that both FPPS genes are involved in the production of EβF in
M. persicae and cornicle droplet emission is closely associated with the EβF release in the aphid.
Good and bad market research: A critical review of Net Promoter Score
Authors: Fisher Nicholas I. , Kordupleski Raymond E.
Published: December 2018

Net Promoter Score, touted as the “single customer metric you need” and calculated from customers' answer to one simple question about their loyalty, has been in use since 2003 and adopted in a wide variety of settings. However, it has not lived up to its claimed benefits. This article evaluates the NPS approach in terms of its positive and negative results.

This article is for people interested in NPS, still considering implementing NPS in their company, or interested in its technical underpinnings. It points out the benefits and shortcomings and explains why, and it describes what can be done to achieve the outcomes NPS theory claimed it would produce, but has not.

The article is written in two parts for quite distinct audiences: firstly, for executives and managers who need customer data and information to make marketing decisions; and secondly, for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts who are responsible for capturing and providing reliable, understandable, and meaningful customer data to the executives and managers who need the information. Consequently, the two sections are written in two different styles. The first section takes the form of a summary for managers and executives of our findings and recommendations in language aimed at business leaders; the second section provides a detailed analysis and critical review of NPS for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts. Both sections present a better solution than NPS for understanding what customers value, delivering the best value to customers, winning market share, and creating truly loyal customers.
Economic analysis of forest residues supply chain options to produce enhanced‐quality feedstocks
Authors: Sahoo Kamalakanta , Bilek Edward , Bergman Richard , Kizha Anil R. , Mani Sudhagar
Published: December 2018

Woody biomass feedstock that is both high quality and low cost has become increasingly important for the bioenergy and bioproducts industries. Logging generates forest residues – low‐quality feedstock – and additional operations that also incur additional costs, such as biomass sorting and treetops processing (BSTP), micro‐chipping, and screening, which are required to improve the feedstock's quality. Considering recent developments in technologies and BSTP to generate high‐quality feedstocks, economic models were developed in this study to estimate various forest‐residue logistics operational costs and to analyze the economics of delivering feedstocks to biomass conversion technology (BCT) sites near woods or power plants located far away in the form of chips, hog fuel, and bales. The results show that the cost of BSTP can vary between $30 and $82/ODMT (oven dry metric ton) based on the biomass sorting intensity. The most economical way to deliver forest residues was transporting processed stem‐wood from landings to near‐wood BCT sites and comminuting it into woodchips there (~$20/ODMT, assuming a one‐way (32 km) road distance and no cost of BSTP at landings). Grinding slash at the landing and transporting ground‐biomass (i.e., hog fuel) to a plant (< 22 km away) was more economical than transporting bales from landings and grinding at the plant. The economic feasibility of baling and BSTP requires a substantial productivity improvement or recognition and incorporation of benefits including reduced wildfire risk and improved forest health. High bulk density and strong shape of forest residues/slash bales compared to hog fuel may provide additional cost benefits during storage, for example through lower handling costs, which can be studied in the future. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Konzepte für die Bewertung von Brücken mit Spannungsrisskorrosionsgefahr
Authors: Schacht Gregor , Käding Max , Bolle Guido , Marx Steffen
Published: December 2018

Die Anzahl von Brücken im Netz der Straßenbauverwaltungen und der DB AG, die mit spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdetem Spannstahl hergestellt wurden, ist nach wie vor hoch. Zwar existieren Vorschriften, die eine rechnerische und materialtechnische Beurteilung weitestgehend regeln, jedoch führen diese nicht immer zweifelsfrei zu einem (gewünschten) eindeutigen Ergebnis und der endgültigen Festlegung geeigneter Maßnahmen. Die messtechnische Dauerüberwachung spielt in diesem Zusammenhang bisher eine untergeordnete Rolle, obwohl die im Bauwerk ablaufenden Degradationsprozesse und deren Folgen bei Anwendung geeigneter Messverfahren sehr gut aufgelöst werden können und durch den kontinuierlichen Informationsgewinn jederzeit Aussagen zum Bauwerkszustand möglich sind. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt zunächst einen Überblick über die existierenden Vorschriften und zeigt die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der darin empfohlenen Methoden auf. Anschließend wird je ein Beispiel für die Umsetzung einer Überwachungsaufgabe an einem Bauwerk mit und ohne rechnerischem Ankündigungsverhalten vorgestellt.
Is learning outcome after team based learning influenced by gender and academic standing?
Authors: Das Saswati , Nandi Kajal , Baruah Priyanki , Sarkar Sajib K. , Goswami Binita , Koner Bidhan C.
Published: December 2018

Team based learning (TBL) is a time tested teaching–learning (T–L) tool involving collaborative learning but has hardly been tested for teaching clinical biochemistry to undergraduate medical students. The present study was designed to (a) compare problem solving skills of first year MBBS students after attending a TBL session on ‘organ function test’ with that of the students taught the same topic by didactic lecture, (b) assess their perception towards TBL and (c) evaluate if difference in academic standing and gender influence the learning outcome of TBL.One Hundred first professional MBBS students were divided by stratified randomization into two groups. Group I was exposed to TBL to teach ‘organ function tests’, while group II was taught the same topic by traditional lecture. The outcome of the T–L sessions was assessed by a test for problem solving skills. Student perception towards TBL was assessed from students' response to a questionnaire. No significant difference between the two groups in problem solving skills could be discerned. High achievers performed better after TBL session, while the low achievers were more benefited by traditional lecture method. The female students showed better academic performance after TBL in comparison to male students. The students gave positive feedback for TBL as an instructional technique. We conclude that TBL gives satisfaction, is not inferior to lecture in effectiveness and hence should be used as a T–L method for undergraduate medical students. Moreover, being more effective for female students and high achievers, it is judicious to utilize TBL more frequently for them in an attempt to provide the best individualized teaching. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):58–66, 2018.
Use ofKluyveromyces marxianusprefermented wheat bran as a source of enzyme mixture to improve dough performance and bread biochemical properties
Authors: Zhang Binle , Wendan Yang , Wang Feng , Omedi Jacob Ojobi , Liu Ruoshi , Huang Jinxin , Zhang Luan , Zou Qibo , Huang Weining , Li Shaolei
Published: December 2018

Background and objectives

In this study,Kluyveromyces marxianuswith ability to produce β‐glucosidase was used to preferment wheat bran (WB) and release a mixture of natural enzymes for improving dough performance and bread quality. Five different enzyme activities were analyzed. The effect of the prefermented WB with enzyme mixture on stickiness and microstructure of dough, ferulic acid release in bread, and molecular weight distribution of arabinoxylan were evaluated using Texture Analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), HPLC, and high‐performance gel filtration chromatography (HPGFC).

Findings

Kluyveromyces marxianusexhibited abundant extracellular β‐glucosidase activity (up to 6.98 U/g). The main enzymes released in prefermented bran were endoglucanase and exoglucanase, β‐glucosidase, xylanase, and ferulate esterases. These enzymes were active during bread making (only prefermented bran added as improver or combined with xylanase) and affected solubility and molecular weight distribution of dietary fiber, which resulted in positive improvement of dough performance, release of phenolic acid, and overall quality of the breads. The changes observed were attributed to the extracellular enzymes fromK. marxianusand endogenous enzymes activated during prefermentation, thus enhancing the WB functionality in bread.

Conclusions

Wheat bran bioprocessing using high enzyme producing yeasts increases functional application of wheat bran in baked products.

Significance and novelty

This study added new knowledge for developing a natural enzyme‐based improver for bran‐enriched baked products in the food industry.
Synthesis of the seco‐Limonoid BCD Ring System Identifies a Hsp90 Chaperon Machinery (p23) Inhibitor
Authors: Pinkerton David M. , Chow Sharon , Eisa Nada H. , Kainth Kashish , Vanden Berg Timothy J. , Burns Jed M. , Guddat Luke W. , Savage G. Paul , Chadli Ahmed , Williams Craig M.
Published: December 2018

D‐Ring‐seco‐limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids), such as gedunin and xylogranin B display anti‐cancer activity, acting via inhibition of Hsp90 and/or associated chaperon machinery (e.g., p23). Despite this, these natural products have received relatively little attention, both in terms of an enabling synthetic approach (which would allow access to derivatives), and as a consequence their structure–activity relationship (SAR). Disclosed herein is a generally applicable synthetic route to the BCD ring system of the seco‐D‐ring double bond containing limonoids. Furthermore, cell based assays revealed the first skeletal fragment that exhibited inhibition of the p23 enzyme at a level which was equipotent to that of gedunin, despite being much less structurally complex.
An Amended Chemical Mass Balance Model for Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Typical Chinese Eastern Coastal Cities
Authors: Wang Qiaoli , Cheng Nana , Li Sujing , Dong Minli , Wang Xiangqian , Ge Linlin , Guo Tianjiao , Li Wei , Gao Xiang
Published: December 2018

An adequate air quality analysis requires interpretation regarding not only how severe pollution is but also how the pollution is formed. In this work, an amendment to the chemical mass balance (CMB) model is proposed to obtain better source apportionment of PM2.5. First, localized PM2.5 source profiles for Chinese eastern coastal cities are obtained by in situ sampling. Then, a judgment diagram is established for quick preliminary judgment. CMB models, including an original standard model and an amended two‐step model, are applied to apportion highly mixed samples. For the amended CMB model, simulation is first executed with the ratios of metal elements to Al, to apportion windowsill dust into soil dust, road dust, construction dust, and vehicle dust. Then, a virtual mixed source profile was built with the proportion ratio. The second CMB model is executed to apportion ambient dust based on the virtual mixed source profile instead of divided dusts. Finally, the proportions of soil dust, road dust, and construction dust are obtained by redistributing the virtual mixed sources within ambient dust. The modeling results show that the amended CMB method could separate different fugitive dusts and obtain reasonable results: secondary sulfate contributes the most to PM2.5 pollution in Chinese eastern coastal cities at 44.50%, followed by vehicle exhaust dust and ammonium nitrate; the fugitive dusts are more precisely apportioned and soil dust, road dust, construction dust, and windowsill dust contribute 2.24, 0.47, 0.09, and 1.84%, respectively.
A fluid future for liquid biopsies
Authors: Nelson Bryn
Published: December 2018

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. This edition explores the potential of noninvasive liquid biopsies for cancer screening and monitoring, as well as the challenges the tests must overcome before they are ready for widespread clinical use.
Unique hue judgments using saturated and desaturated Munsell samples under different light sources
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Pou , Wei Minchen , Xiao Kaida , Ou Li‐Chen
Published: December 2018

Past studies investigating the unique hues only used samples with a relatively high saturation levels under standard illuminants. In this study, 10 observers selected the four samples with unique hues from 40 V6C8 (Value 6 Chroma 8) and 40 V8C4 (Value 8 Chroma 4) Munsell samples under six light sources, comprising three levels of Duv (i.e., 0, −0.02, and −0.04) and two levels of correlated color temperature (i.e., 2700 and 3500 K). Significant differences were found between the two chroma levels for unique blue and yellow, with the hue angles of unique yellow and blue judged using the desaturated samples being significantly different from those defined in CIECAM02. The iso‐lines of unique yellow, blue, and green did not always go through the origin of the a*‐b* or a′‐b′ planes in CIELAB and CAM02‐UCS. Thus, the problems of CIECAM02, CIELAB, and CAM02‐UCS identified in this study need further investigations.
GREEN SDN — An enhanced paradigm of SDN: Review, taxonomy, and future directions
Authors: Moin Sana , Karim Ahmad , Safdar Kalsoom , Iqbal Iqra , Safdar Zanab , Vijayakumar V. , Ahmed K. T. , Abid S. A.
Published: December 2018

Network architectures nowadays are not able to address the requirements of future Internet, as they are not sufficient, ossified, and are power hungry on the TCP/IP paradigm. Therefore, to promote the realizable progression toward the new paradigms and modern protocols, modern routers are required to become programmable for the flexible control and dynamic management of both power states and traffic flows. In this scenario, Software Defined Networking (SDN) is considered as an exemplary approach for providing the support of dynamic traffic flows of each node on a network. Besides the benefits that SDN brought to the networking area, there are still crucial challenges such as to design an effective, lightweight API, rich algorithms, and traffic forwarding rules for SDN layers along with the adoption of an energy efficient infrastructure that could have the least effect on the environment. The aim of this research is to drive the attention toward environment friendly adoption and implementation of SDN that could deal with the growing number of users and network equipment. For this purpose, in this research, a comprehensive review on SDN while mapping the characteristics of green computing with SDN is provided. In addition to that, the research stressed on the benefits of Green SDN through a proposed G‐SDN framework. Some well‐defined case studies are presented to highlight the need of greening an SDN infrastructure. Finally, various research directions are presented to the wide adoption of SDN technology for academia and industry alike.
Influence of the Proton Pump Inhibitor Esomeprazole on the Bioavailability of Regorafenib: A Randomized Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: de Man Femke M. , Hussaarts Koen G.A.M. , de With Mirjam , Oomen‐de Hoop Esther , de Bruijn Peter , van Halteren Henk K. , van der Burg‐de Graauw Nicole C.H.P. , Eskens Ferry A.L.M. , van Gelder Teun , van Leeuwen Roelof W.F. , Mathijssen Ron H.J.
Published: December 2018

Regorafenib exposure could potentially be influenced by an interaction with acid‐reducing drugs. In this crossover trial, patients were randomized into two sequence groups consisting of three phases: regorafenib intake alone, regorafenib with concomitant esomeprazole, and regorafenib with esomeprazole 3 hours prior. The primary end point was the relative difference (RD) in geometric means for regorafenib 0–24‐hour area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0–24h) and was analyzed by a linear mixed model in 14 patients. AUC0–24h for regorafenib alone was 55.9 μg·hour/mL (coefficient of variance (CV): 40%), and for regorafenib with concomitant esomeprazole or with esomeprazole 3 hours prior AUC0–24h was 53.7 μg·hour/mL (CV: 34%) and 53.6 μg·hour/mL (CV: 43%), respectively. No significant differences were identified when regorafenib alone was compared with regorafenib with concomitant esomeprazole (RD: −3.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI): −20.5 to 16.1%; P = 1.0) or regorafenib with esomeprazole 3 hours prior (RD: −4.1%; 95% CI: −22.8 to 19.2%; P = 1.0). These findings indicate that regorafenib and esomeprazole can be safely combined in clinical practice.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Space‐Efficient SnO2 Underlayers for BiVO4 Host–Guest Architectures for Photoassisted Water Splitting
Authors: Lamm Benjamin , Zhou Lite , Rao Pratap , Stefik Morgan
Published: December 2018

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is promising for solar‐assisted water splitting. The performance of BiVO4 is limited by charge separation for >70 nm films or by light harvesting for <700 nm films. To resolve this mismatch, host–guest architectures use thin film coatings on 3D scaffolds. Recombination, however, is exacerbated at the extended host–guest interface. Underlayers are used to limit this recombination with a host‐underlayer‐guest series. Such underlayers consume precious pore volume where typical SnO2 underlayers are optimized with 65–80 nm. In this study, conformal and ultrathin SnO2 underlayers with low defect density are produced by atomic layer deposition (ALD). This shifts the optimized thickness to just 8 nm with significantly improved space efficiency. The materials chemistry thus determines the dimension optimization. Lastly, host–guest architectures are shown to have an applied bias photon‐to‐charge efficiency of 0.71 %, a new record for a photoanode absorber prepared by ALD.
Honeycomb‐Like Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon 3D Nanoweb@Li2S Cathode Material for Use in Lithium Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kim Yoongon , Han Hyunsu , Noh Yuseong , Bae Jaejin , Ham Moon‐Ho , Kim Won Bae
Published: December 2018

Current lithium‐ion batteries have a low theoretical capacity that is insufficient for use in emerging electric vehicles and energy‐storage systems. The development of lithium‐sulfur batteries utilizing Li2S cathodes would be a promising option to overcome the capacity limitation. In this work, new three‐dimensional (3D) honeycomb‐like N‐doped carbon nanowebs (HCNs) have been synthesized through a facile aqueous solution route for use as a cathode material in lithium‐sulfur batteries. The Li2S@HCNs cathode delivers a high discharge capacity of approximately 815 mAh g−1 after 65 cycles at 0.1 C, along with a superior rate capacity of approximately 568 mAh g−1 even at 2 C. The outstanding electrochemical rate performance is ascribed to their unique 3D honeycomb‐like nanoweb structure, consisting of nanowires derived from polypyrrole. These properties greatly enhance the electrochemical reaction kinetics by providing efficient electron pathways and hollow channels for electrolyte transport. Nitrogen doping in the carbon nanowebs also considerably improves the chemisorption properties by tuning affinity between sulfur and oxygen functional groups on the carbon framework. The simple synthesis strategy and the resulting unique electrode structure could present a new avenue in nanostructure research for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries.
The utility of upper urinary tract urine cytology before and after application of the Paris system
Authors: Simon Caroline Talsma , Skala Stephanie L. , Magers Martin J. , Weizer Alon , Kaffenberger Samuel D. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Spratt Daniel E. , Montgomery Jeffrey , Mehra Rohit , Lew Madelyn
Published: December 2018

Background

The Paris System (TPS) introduced diagnostic criteria for urine cytology to improve reproducibility among pathologists. Thus far, most cytology studies have investigated application of TPS on lower urinary tract specimens. Also, it is unclear which cytologic features are most predictive of malignancy, particularly in the upper urinary tract. We evaluate concordance rates of preoperative upper urinary tract cytology specimens before and after application of TPS criteria with surgical resections and assess cytologic features associated with malignancy.

Design

54 resections with high‐ and low‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC, LGUC) from 2000‐2016 with available preoperative cytology (n = 61) were identified. Cytology was re‐reviewed to evaluate cytologic features and provide diagnoses before and after TPS implementation.

Results

The most common cytologic features associated with HGUC were N:C ratios ≥0.7 (88%), hyperchromasia (83%), coarse chromatin distribution (67%), and nuclear pleomorphism in cell clusters (65%). Application of TPS criteria resulted in 10 diagnostic downgrades and 6 diagnostic upgrades. After TPS criteria were applied, the sensitivity of a positive diagnosis decreased from 29% to 19%. The morphologic feature most consistently associated with a downgrade from positive to suspicious was a lack of marked nuclear contour irregularities in atypical urothelial cells.

Conclusion

Using strict TPS criteria in upper urinary tract cytology specimens may decrease the frequency of positive diagnoses with a concurrent increase in suspicious diagnoses. These findings may indicate that different morphologic features, particularly markedly irregular nuclear contours, may have different predictive values for HGUC in upper urinary tract cytology specimens compared with those from the lower urinary tract.
Trichomonicidal activity of a new anthraquinone isolated from the roots of Morinda panamensis Seem
Authors: Cáceres‐Castillo David , Pérez‐Navarro Yussel , Torres‐Romero Julio César , Mirón‐López Gumersindo , Ceballos‐Cruz Jimmy , Arana‐Argáez Victor , Vázquez‐Carrillo Laura , Fernández‐Sánchez José Manuel , Alvarez‐Sánchez María Elizbeth
Published: December 2018

Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Although drug treatment is available, unpleasant side effects and increased resistance to the nitroimidazole family have been documented. Hence, there is a need for the identification of new and safe therapeutic agents against T. vaginalis. Antimicrobial activity of anthraquinone compounds has been reported by a number of authors. The genus Morinda is well known for the diversity of anthraquinones with numerous biological activities. A new anthraquinone, lucidin‐ω‐isopropyl ether, was isolated from the roots of Morinda panamensis Seem. The structure of the compound was determined by 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses, in addition to comparison with literature reports. Using in vitro susceptibility assay, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of lucidin‐ω‐isopropyl ether for T. vaginalis (1.32 μg/mL) was found similar to that of metronidazole concentration tested (6 μM = 1.03 μg/mL). In addition, this anthraquinone was capable of inhibiting the parasite's ability to kill HeLa cells and decreased proteolytic activity of the proteinase TvMP50 from T. vaginalis. This was associated with the decreased expression of the mp50 gene. These results demonstrate the trichomonicidal potential by lucidin‐ω‐isopropyl ether. Further action‐mode studies are necessary to elucidate the antiparasitic mechanism of this new anthraquinone to develop a more potent antitrichomonal agent.
Response to “Does BaTbO3 Adopt the P1 Symmetry?”
Authors: Farid Muhammad Asim , Zhang Hao , Yang Aimei , Tian Gengfang , Wu Meimei , Li Guobao , Liao Fuhui , Lin Jianhua
Published: December 2018

Space group assignment for a Perovskite compound is a complex task when only powder X‐ray diffraction data obtained with Kα (both Kα1 and Kα2) radiation is available. Whole profile refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction data using Rietveld method is very good to check if the structural model is OK. However, it could not tell us that it is the only model to fit the data. More data are needed, such as X‐ray diffraction data obtained with single wave radiation (from Kα1 only or from synchrotron), neutron diffraction data, and/or electron diffraction data.
Azurin and HS–: Towards Implementation of a Sensor for HS– Detection
Authors: Strianese Maria , Palm Gottfried J. , Kohlhause David , Ndamba Lionel A. , Tabares Leandro C. , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: December 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological messenger, which recently joined nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) as an endogenously produced gasotransmitter. This discovery resulted in a renewed interest towards H2S and, in particular, in its reactivity with biological and bioinorganic targets. However, in the scientific literature studies exploring the reactivity of H2S/HS– with non‐heme proteins are rare. In this work, we studied the interaction of HS– with the natural metalloprotein Cu‐azurin and its cobalt variant via UV‐Vis, fluorescence, and EPR spectroscopy, as well as X‐ray diffraction. Interaction of HS– significantly enhances the fluorescence emission of fluorescently labelled copper azurin in buffered solutions and at physiological pH. In contrast, fluorescently labelled cobalt azurin undergoes a fluorescence quenching in the presence of HS– in line with the changes observed in the absorption spectrum of the construct. The results highlight the potential of azurin for implementation in a fast and simple HS– sensor.
Advancing the Zebrafish embryo test for endocrine disruptor screening using micro-injection: Ethinyl estradiol as a case study
Authors: Michiels Ellen D. G. , Vergauwen Lucia , Lai Foon Yin , Town Raewyn M. , Covaci Adrian , van Nuijs Alexander L. N. , Van Cruchten Steven J. , Knapen Dries
Published: December 2018

Fish (embryo) toxicity test guidelines are mostly based on aquatic exposures. However, in some cases, other exposure routes can be more practical and relevant. Micro-injection into the yolk of fish embryos could offer a particular advantage for administering hydrophobic compounds, such as many endocrine disruptors. Single-dose micro-injection was compared with continuous aquatic exposure in terms of compound accumulation and biological responses. 17α-Ethinyl estradiol (EE2) was used as a model compound. First, the optimal solvent and droplet size were optimized, and needle variation was assessed. Next, biological endpoints were evaluated. The accumulated internal dose of EE2 decreased over time in both exposure scenarios. Estrogen receptor activation was concentration/injected dose dependent, increased daily, and was related to esr2b transcription. Transcription of vitellogenin 1 (vtg1) and brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) was induced in both scenarios, but the cyp19a1b transcription pattern differed between routes. Injection caused an increase in cyp19a1b transcripts from 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) onward, whereas after aquatic exposure the main increase occurred between 96 and 120 hpf. Some malformations only occurred after injection, whereas others were present for both scenarios. We conclude that responses can differ between exposure routes and therefore micro-injection is not a direct substitute for, but can be complementary to aquatic exposure. Nevertheless, vtg1and cyp19a1b transcription and estrogen receptor activation are suitable biomarkers for endocrine disruptor screening in both scenarios. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:533–547. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

Overall approach of the present study to optimize and characterize the use of micro-injection of lipophilic compounds into the yolk of zebrafish embryos for endocrine disruptor screening. Injected embryo photo credit: David Mawdsley, Heath Lab, Seattle, WA, USA.
Tier‐aware joint subchannel and power allocation in uplink OFDMA heterogeneous networks
Authors: Rajabi Hamed , Rasti Mehdi , Pedram Hossein , Yousefpour Rohollah
Published: December 2018

We study the problem of tier‐aware subchannel and power allocation in the uplink of a two‐tier orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access heterogeneous network. We formulate the joint subchannel and power allocation problem in the macro‐tier as an optimization problem that is aware of the existence of the femto‐tier and aims to maximize the sum of tolerable interference caused by femto‐tier on its allocated subchannel(s) subject to the minimum data rate requirements of the macrocell user equipments (MUEs). The resource allocation problem for the macro‐tier is an NP‐hard mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. To address it, we reformulate and transform it to a tractable mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) problem, which is optimally addressed with polynomial‐time complexity. We formulate the joint subchannel and power allocation problem in the femto‐tier as an optimization problem that is aware of the existence of the macro‐tier and aims to maximize the sum rate of the femtocell user equipments subject to the maximum tolerable interference caused to the MUEs. To address this MINLP problem, we transform it to a MILP problem through a linear approximation, which is solved optimally by IBM CPLEX solver. In addition, we develop a distributed and efficient algorithm that addresses this optimization problem suboptimally with a lower computational complexity. Numerical results show that our proposed algorithms outperform the existing algorithms in terms of network sum rate.
A comparison of Nuk presentation and Nuk redistribution to treat packing
Authors: Milnes Suzanne M. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Ibañez Vivian F. , Kozisek Jennifer M.
Published: December 2018

Children with feeding disorders may pack food when they lack the oral‐motor skills, the motivation, or both to swallow. Presenting bites on the tongue with a Nuk brush, or redistribution, replacing packed food on the tongue, are two treatments whose relative efficacy is untested. In the current study, we compared the effects of (a) presenting on an upright spoon, (b) presenting on a Nuk, and (c) redistributing with a Nuk on two product measures of swallowing, which we refer to as 15‐s and 30‐s mouth clean, for three children with feeding disorders. Nuk presentation produced the highest levels of 15‐s mouth clean relative to Nuk redistribution and upright‐spoon presentation across participants. Levels of 30‐s mouth clean were higher during Nuk presentation and Nuk redistribution relative to upright‐spoon presentation for two participants. We discuss the oral‐motor skills and motivational deficits that might account for the findings.
Efficacy of three consecutive therapeutic plasma exchanges in major ABO‐incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Choi Seung Jun , Kim Hoon Seok , Kim Yonggoo , Lee Jong Wook , Lim Jihyang
Published: December 2018

Introduction

We retrospectively analyzed data of recipients who underwent three consecutive therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPEs) before major ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in our hospital from 2012 to 2017 and evaluated the efficacy of TPE for successful ABOi HSCT.

Materials and methods

We investigated the efficacy of TPE in 29 recipients with major ABOi HSCT based on the following: (1) requirement of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during 100 days, (2) erythrocyte engraftment by reticulocyte count at 3 months, and (3) erythropoiesis recovery by bone marrow examination at 1 month and 3 months after ABOi HSCT.

Results

IgM and IgG donor‐specific isoagglutinins (DSIs) of 31 cases of TPE were significantly decreased after three consecutive TPEs (IgM median, 1:32 to 1:2, P < .0001; IgG median, 1:256 to 1:8, P < .0001). We divided a total of 31 TPEs into two groups depending on their final DSI titers after TPE (group F, DSI > 1:16; group S, DSI ≤ 1:16). RBC transfusions were required more by group F (median, 12 units) than those by group S (median, 2 units, P = .001). Relative frequencies of erythrocyte engraftment and normal erythropoiesis after ABOi HSCT showed higher tendencies in group S than those in group F.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated that three consecutive TPEs were effective in reducing DSI titer in major ABOi HSCT. Reduction of pretransplant DSI in recipients could decrease requirement for RBC transfusion. Three consecutive TPEs are necessary for successful erythrocyte engraftment and normal erythropoiesis in this setting.
Long noncoding RNA LINC‐PINT is inhibited in gastric cancer and predicts poor survival
Authors: Feng Hua , Zhang Junyong , Shi Yongjun , Wang Lifen , Zhang Chunqing , Wu Lei
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC‐PINT expression is inhibited in many types of cancer cells, suggesting its role as a tumor suppressor. However, the functionality of LINC‐PINT in gastric cancer and the clinical values are unknown. In the present study, we found that lncRNA LINC‐PINT was downregulated, while microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) was upregulated in tumor tissues than in adjacent healthy tissues of gastric cancer patients. A significant and inverse correlation between expression levels of lncRNA LINC‐PINT and miR‐21 was found in both tumor tissues and adjacent healthy tissues. The low expression level of LINC‐PINT and high expression level of the miR‐21 tumor were correlated with poor prognosis. LINC‐PINT overexpression casued miR‐21 inhibition in cells of human gastric cancer cell lines, while miR‐21 overexpression did not alter LINC‐PINT expression. LINC‐PINT overexpression led to inhibited, while miR‐21 overexpression led to promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Effects of LINC‐PINT overexpression on cellular behaviors of gastric cancer cells were attenuated by miR‐21 overexpression. Therefore, LINC‐PINT may participate in gastric cancer through the crosstalk with miR‐21.
Inhibited CD47 gene affects the clearance of acute myelogenous leukemia stem cells
Authors: Song Guangle , Yang Leiying
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate the effect of targeted inhibition of CD47 gene expression on stem cell clearance in acute myeloid leukemia.

Methods

After the lentiviral CD47‐siRNA was transfected into acute myelogenous leukemia stem cells (LSCs), the proliferative status of acute myelogenous LSCs was detected by cell counting kit‐8, and the apoptosis of stem cells of acute myeloid leukemia was detected by annexin/propidium iodide flow assays. The expression of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl, MCL‐1, PIK3p110β, and interleukin (IL)‐3 in acute myeloid LSCs was detected by Western blot analysis and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and the protein content of CD96 and CD90 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

After transfection of the lentivirus CD47‐siRNA into acute myeloid LSCs, compared with the empty vector transfection group (control group), the cell viability of the CD47‐siRNA transfection group was decreased, and the apoptosis rate was increased. Furthermore, the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl, and MCL‐1 and the content of IL‐3 protein, CD96, and CD90 was decreased, whereas the activity of PIK3p110β and PP2A protein was increased.

Conclusion

Targeted inhibition of CD47 could inhibit the proliferation of myeloid LSCs, promote apoptosis, mobilize the cells into the cell cycle, and reduce the high expression of immune proteins on the cell surface, therefore providing a theoretical basis for the elimination and eradication of LSCs.
On the Smith normal form of a skew‐symmetric d‐optimal design of order
Authors: Greaves Gary , Suda Sho
Published: December 2018

We show that the Smith normal form of a skew‐symmetric D‐optimal design of order is determined by its order. Furthermore, we show that the Smith normal form of such a design can be written explicitly in terms of the order , thereby proving a recent conjecture of Armario. We apply our result to show that certain
D‐optimal designs of order are not equivalent to any skew‐symmetric
D‐optimal design. We also provide a correction to a result in the literature on the Smith normal form of
D‐optimal designs.
MiR‐145‐modulated SOX9‐mediated hypospadias through acting on mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Shang Yafeng , Kang Yanjie , Sun Jiantao , Wei Pengtao , Yang Jinhui , Zhang Han
Published: December 2018

This study primarily explored how miR‐145, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and a downstream transcription factor (i.e., SOX9) mediated development of hypospadias. The hypospadias tissues and preputial tissues were isolated from pediatric inpatients postoperatively. Simultaneously, the rat models of hypospadias were established, and spermatogonial stem cells were separated. The expressions of proteins that symbolized cell apoptosis and oxidative stress were quantified via western blot analysis. Furthermore, the apoptosis, proliferation, and viability of cells were evaluated by means of flow cytometry, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assays. The results of microarray indicated miR‐145 as a differentially expressed biomarker between hypospadias tissues and normal tissues (p < 0.05). Moreover, rat models of hypospadias were observed with markedly lower vitamins A and E levels, reduced expressions of proteins relevant to oxidative stress (i.e., Nrf2, HO‐1, Gpx, and SOD‐1), as well as enhanced Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 expressions (
p < 0.05). Furthermore, SOX9 was found to be targeted by miR‐145, and it was also modified by phosphorylated extracellular‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK), a portion of MAPK signaling (
p < 0.05). The p‐ERK was significantly regulated after altering the expression of miR‐145 (
p < 0.05). Moreover, activation of p‐ERK and transfection of pcDNA‐SOX9 could cause higher expression of apoptins and larger apoptotic proportion of cells (
p < 0.05), yet transfection of miR‐145 mimic led to improved cell apoptosis and depressed cell viability (
p < 0.05). In conclusion, SOX9, which was regulated by both miR‐145 and miR‐145/MAPK signaling, could be involved in the pathogenesis of hypospadias.
Roles of Nrf2/HO‐1 and HIF‐1α/VEGF in lung tissue injury and repair following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Fan Jianhua , Lv Hui , Li Jie , Che Yuqin , Xu Baoning , Tao Zuo , Jiang Wenjun
Published: December 2018

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) leads to injury in distant organs, most commonly the lungs, although limited studies have examined self‐protective mechanisms during CIRI‐induced lung injury. Here, we investigated self‐protective mechanisms that attenuate stress‐related injury and promote the angiogenetic repair of epithelial function during CIRI‐induced lung injury by measuring nuclear factor erythroid‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) levels. A CIRI model was established in male Sprague–Dawley rats by blocking the middle cerebral artery. Rats were divided into five subgroups based on the reperfusion time (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr). Lung injury was assessed using a semiquantitative score and a thiobarbituric acid‐based method of determining malonaldehyde production. Lung tissue angiogenesis was detected by CD34 and CD31 immunolabeling. Changes in Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), HIF‐1α, vascular‐endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), extracellular‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and phospho‐ERK1/2 (
p‐ERK1/2) protein‐ and mRNA‐expression levels were measured by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions, respectively. Oxidative stress induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) caused lung injury. Expression of the Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidative stress pathway in lung tissues increased following CI/R, peaking after 24 hr. PI3K, ERK, and
p‐ERK1/2, which act upstream of Nrf2/HO‐1, were expressed at higher levels in the CI/R‐model group, consistent with the general trends observed for Nrf2/HO‐1. Within 72 hr post‐CI/R, HIF‐1α, and VEGF expression significantly increased versus the sham group. Thus, during CIRI‐induced lung injury, the body may upregulate antioxidative stress activities and promote angiogenesis to repair the endothelial barrier through the Nrf2/HO‐1 and HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling pathways, enabling self‐protection.
c‐Src kinase contributes on endothelial cells mechanotransduction in a heat shock protein 70‐dependent turnover manner
Authors: Pinto Thaís Silva , Fernandes Célio Junior da Costa , da Silva Rodrigo Augusto , Gomes Anderson Moreira , Vieira José Cavalcante Souza , Padilha Pedro de M. , Zambuzzi Willian F.
Published: December 2018

Shear stress changes are associated with a repertory of signaling cascade modulating vascular phenotype. As shear stress‐related tensional forces might be associated with pathophysiological susceptibility, a more comprehensive molecular map needs to be addressed. Thus, we subjected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to a circuit of different tensional forces in vitro considering the following three groups: (a) physiological blood flow shear stress condition (named Normo), (b) a hypertensive blood flow shear stress (named Hyper), and (c) these hyper‐stressed cells were returned to Normo condition (named Return). The samples were properly collected to allow different methodologies analysis. Our data showed a pivotal involvement of c‐Src on driving the mechanotransduction cascade by modulating signaling related with adhesion, survival (PI3K/Akt) and proliferative phenotype. Moreover, c‐Src seems to develop important role during extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, proteomic analysis showed strong involvement of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the hypertensive‐stressed cells; it being significantly decreased in return phenotype. This result prompted us to investigate 20S proteasome as an intracellular proteolytic alternative route to promote the turnover of those proteins. Surprisingly, our data reveled significant overexpression of sets of proteasome subunit α‐type (PSMA) and β‐type (PSMB) genes. In conjunction, our data showed c‐Src as a pivotal protein to drive mechanotransduction in endothelial cells in a HSP70‐dependent turnover scenario. Because shear patterns is associated with pathophysiological changes, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, these results paved new road to understand the molecular mechanism on driving mechanotransduction in endothelial cells and, if drugable, these targets must be considered within pharmacological treatment optimization.