bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocoagulation of Pb2+, Co2+, and Mn2+ from simulated wastewater: An algorithmic optimization using hybrid RSM–GA–PSO
Authors: Uzoh Chigozie Francolins , Nwabanne Joseph Tagbo , Ozofor Ikenna Henry
Published: June 2019

Efficiency of electrocoagulation process for the removal of heavy metals (Pb2+, Mn2+, and Co2+) from simulated wastewater was investigated using iron electrode pair at five operational variables: pH (2–10), current density (0.076–0.189 A/cm2), inter‐electrode distance (3–7 cm), solution temperature (30–70°C), and charging time (5–20 min). Experiments were conducted as per central composite design (CCD), and the data was used for model building. Algorithmic optimization via hybrid response surface methodology (RSM)–genetic algorithm (GA)–particle swarm optimization (PSO) was studied where Pb2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ removal efficiency were monitored as responses from the finding equations of the CCD. Transition to the optimum removal (≥90%) of Pb2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ ions was achieved with current density of 0.19 A/cm2, solution temperature of 70°C, mean electrode distance of 3 cm and pH of 6.6 and charging time of 25 min for PSO relative to GA and RSM. Corresponding experiments conducted with the global optimal conditions show that the actual results (98.5, 90, 99%) were in reasonable agreement with the theoretical results of RSM (94.09, 90.82, 85.08%), GA (102.08, 87.91, 101.55%), and PSO (100.58, 90.91, 101.05%) for Pb2+, Mn2+, and Co2+, respectively. The mean error indices of 6.43, 2.83, and 1.73% for RSM, GA, and PSO, respectively, indicate that PSO guarantees best convergences to true optimal.
Hydrogen sulfide removal from the waste gas of phosphoric acid plant
Authors: Lagha Arwa , Ouederni Abdelmottaleb , Ben Abdallah Hédi
Published: June 2019

The wet manufacturing process of the phosphoric acid plant generates a waste gas containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a malodorous and toxic gas. In this study, a new application, coupling the neutralization in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and the catalytic oxidation (designated as KOC), was developed to treat H2S. In fact, the waste gas of the phosphoric acid plant was neutralized in KOH solution in the presence of the air oxygen as an oxidizing agent and the activated carbon (AC) prepared from an agricultural waste, that is, the olive stone, as a catalyst. The process was efficient in both batch and cyclic configurations. The “KOC batch” process offers the retention of more than 40 mgS and allows high removal of H2S compared to absorption alone. The “KOC cyclic” process treated 800 mgS/g of AC.
Synthesis of geranyl acetate by transesterification of geraniol with ethyl acetate over Candida antarctica lipase as catalyst in solvent‐free system
Authors: Bhavsar Kalpesh V. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: June 2019

Increasing environmental awareness has forced researchers to minimize the use of organic solvents in chemical synthesis. Modern biocatalysis is a way to  develop clean catalytic technologies. A process operating in solvent‐free condition using reusable biocatalyst, will be useful for the fragrance and flavour industry, which requires stringent specifications on impurities. A direct transesterification reaction of geraniol with ethyl acetate was carried out to produce geranyl acetate in a batch reactor using different immobilized enzymes. Among these, Novozyme 435 was the best catalyst for the synthesis of geranyl acetate in a solvent‐free medium. Parametric studies were conducted to optimize the conversion and yield. Overall, 83% conversion of geraniol with 100% selectivity to geranyl acetate was obtained at a mole ratio of 1:7 of geraniol to ethyl acetate, using 12.7 g L−1 Novozyme 435 at 60 °C for 2 h. At higher concentrations of acyl donor, it was noticed that the conversion of geranyl acetate was increased. The Lineweaver–Burk plots suggested a ternary complex with inhibition by ethyl acetate. The process is green, clean, and useful to the perfume and flavour industries.
Solar Energy and New Energy Technologies for Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Pecoraino Mario , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario
Published: June 2019

The replacement of fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat to propel vehicles with solar energy, along with other new energy technologies, will bring significant economic, environmental, and social benefits to all Mediterranean countries. The transition to new energy, however, calls for a proactive and creative role of policy makers.
Response to: Comment on “Peatland carbon stocks and burn history: Blanket bog peat core evidence highlights charcoal impacts on peat physical properties and long‐term carbon storage” by Evans et al. (Geo: Geography and Environment 2019; e00075)
Authors: Heinemeyer Andreas , Burn William L. , Asena Quinn , Jones Anthony L. , Ashby Mark A.
Published: June 2019

Spheroidal Carbonaceous Particle distribution is a robust peat cohort dating tool. Charcoal impacts on carbon accumulation are context specific (i.e., controlled burns on UK blanket bog). Carbon sequestration rates need to consider topography (i.e., slope) and runoff (i.e., erosion).
Transpiration and subsurface controls of streamflow recession characteristics
Authors: Tashie Arik , Scaife Charles I. , Band Lawrence E.
Published: June 2019

In headwater catchments, streamflow recedes between periods of rainfall at a predictable rate generally defined by a power–law relationship relating streamflow decay to streamflow. Research over the last four decades has applied this relationship to predictions of water resource availability as well as estimations of basin‐wide physiographic characteristics and ecohydrologic conditions. However, the interaction of biophysical processes giving rise to the form of these power–law relationships remains poorly understood, and recent investigations into the variability of streamflow recession characteristics between discrete events have alternatively suggested evapotranspiration, water table elevation, and stream network contraction as dominant factors, without consensus. To assess potential temporal variability and interactions in the mechanism(s) driving streamflow recession, we combine long‐term observational data from a headwater stream in the southern Appalachian Mountains with state and flux conditions from a process‐based ecohydrologic model. Streamflow recession characteristics are nonunique and vary systematically with seasonal fluctuations in both rates of transpiration and watershed wetness conditions, such that transpiration dominates recession signals in the early growing season and diminishes in effect as the water table elevation progressively drops below and decouples with the root zone with topographic position. As a result of this decoupling, there exists a seasonal hysteretic relationship between streamflow decay and both evapotranspiration and watershed wetness conditions. Results indicate that for portions of the year, forest transpiration may actively compete with subsurface drainage for the same water resource that supplies streamflow, though for extended time periods, these processes exploit distinct water stores. Our analysis raises concerns about the efficacy of assessing humid headwater systems using traditional recession analysis, with recession curve parameters treated as static features of the watershed, and we provide novel alternatives for evaluating interacting biological and geophysical drivers of streamflow recession.
Biased estimates of the isotope ratios of steady‐state evaporation from the assumption of equilibrium between vapour and precipitation
Authors: Fiorella Richard P. , West Jason B. , Bowen Gabriel J.
Published: June 2019

Stable water isotope ratios are measured as a tracer of environmental processes in materials such as leaves, soils, and lakes. Water in these archives may experience evaporation, which increases the abundance of heavy isotopologues proportionally to the gradients in humidity and isotope ratio between the evaporating water and the surrounding atmosphere. The isotope ratio of the atmosphere has been difficult to measure until recently, and measurements remain scarce. As a result, several assumptions have been adopted to estimate isotope ratios of atmospheric water vapour. Perhaps the most commonly employed assumption in terrestrial environments is that water vapour is in isotopic equilibrium with precipitation. We evaluate this assumption using an eight‐member ensemble of general circulation model (GCM) simulations that include explicit calculation of isotope ratios in precipitation and vapour. We find that across the model ensemble, water vapour is typically less depleted in heavy isotopologues than expected if it were in equilibrium with annual precipitation. Atmospheric vapour likely possesses higher‐than‐expected isotope ratios because precipitation isotope ratios are determined by atmospheric conditions that favour condensation, which do not reflect atmospheric mixing and advection processes outside of precipitation events. The effect of this deviation on theoretical estimates of isotope ratios of evaporating waters scales with relative humidity. As a result, the equilibrium assumption gives relatively accurate estimates of the isotope ratios of evaporating waters in low latitudes but performs increasingly poorly at increasing latitudes. Future studies of evaporative water pools should include measurements of atmospheric isotope ratios or constrain potential bias with isotope‐enabled GCM simulations.
A genome‐wide association study of prostate cancer in Latinos
Authors: Du Zhaohui , Hopp Hannah , Ingles Sue A. , Huff Chad , Sheng Xin , Weaver Brandi , Stern Mariana , Hoffmann Thomas J. , John Esther M. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Strom Sara , Leach Robin J. , Thompson Ian M. , Witte John S. , Conti David V. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: June 2019

Latinos represent <1% of samples analyzed to date in genome‐wide association studies of cancer. The clinical value of genetic information in guiding personalized medicine in populations of non‐European ancestry will require additional discovery and risk locus characterization efforts across populations. In the present study, we performed a GWAS of prostate cancer (PrCa) in 2,820 Latino PrCa cases and 5,293 controls to search for novel PrCa risk loci and to examine the generalizability of known PrCa risk loci in Latino men. We also conducted a genetic admixture‐mapping scan to identify PrCa risk alleles associated with local ancestry. Genome‐wide significant associations were observed with 84 variants all located at the known PrCa risk regions at 8q24 (128.484–128.548) and 10q11.22 (MSMB gene). In admixture mapping, we observed genome‐wide significant associations with local African ancestry at 8q24. Of the 162 established PrCa risk variants that are common in Latino men, 135 (83.3%) had effects that were directionally consistent as previously reported, among which 55 (34.0%) were statistically significant with p < 0.05. A polygenic risk model of the known PrCa risk variants showed that, compared to men with average risk (25th–75th percentile of the polygenic risk score distribution), men in the top 10% had a 3.19‐fold (95% CI: 2.65, 3.84) increased PrCa risk. In conclusion, we found that the known PrCa risk variants can effectively stratify PrCa risk in Latino men. Larger studies in Latino populations will be required to discover and characterize genetic risk variants for PrCa and improve risk stratification for this population.
Identification of key candidate genes and pathways in multiple myeloma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yan Haimeng , Zheng Gaofeng , Qu Jianwei , Liu Yang , Huang Xi , Zhang Enfan , Cai Zhen
Published: June 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy for which the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. This study aimed to elucidate key candidate genes and pathways in MM by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Expression profiles GSE6477 and GSE47552 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with p < .05 and [logFC] > 1 were identified. Functional enrichment, protein–protein interaction network construction and survival analyses were then performed. First, 51 upregulated and 78 downregulated DEGs shared between the two GSE datasets were identified. Second, functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs are mainly involved in the B cell receptor signaling pathway, hematopoietic cell lineage, and NF‐kappa B pathway. Moreover, interrelation analysis of immune system processes showed enrichment of the downregulated DEGs mainly in B cell differentiation, positive regulation of monocyte chemotaxis and positive regulation of T cell proliferation. Finally, the correlation between DEG expression and survival in MM was evaluated using the PrognoScan database. In conclusion, we identified key candidate genes that affect the outcomes of patients with MM, and these genes might serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Highly Efficient and Diastereoselective Construction of Tricyclic Pyrrolidine‐Fused Benzo[b]thiophene 1,1‐dioxide Derivatives via 1,3‐Dipolar [3 + 2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Wang Kai‐Kai , Li Yan‐Li , Ma Guo‐Yang , Yi Meng‐Hao , Zhu Bao‐Ku
Published: June 2019

A rapid and highly efficient 1,3‐dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition of nonstabilized azomethine ylides generated in situ with benzo[b]thiophene 1,1‐dioxides as the dipolarophiles has been developed. The efficient method affords tricyclic pyrrolidine‐fused benzo[b]thiophene 1,1‐dioxide derivatives in high to excellent yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >25:1 dr) under mild reaction conditions. The structure of a typical product was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography.
Ultra‐orphan lysosomal storage diseases: A cross‐sectional quantitative analysis of the natural history of alpha‐mannosidosis
Authors: Zielonka Matthias , Garbade Sven F. , Kölker Stefan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Ries Markus
Published: June 2019

Alpha‐mannosidosis (OMIM 248500) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme alpha‐mannosidase. Recently, enzyme replacement therapy was approved in the European Union for the treatment of alpha‐mannosidosis, but evaluation regarding long‐term efficacy and safety is hard to assess due to missing quantitative natural history data, in particular survival. We performed a quantitative analysis of published cases (N = 111) with alpha‐mannosidosis. Main outcome measures were age of disease onset, diagnostic delay and survival (overall and by subgroup exploration). Residual alpha‐mannosidase activity and age of onset were explored as potential predictors of survival. STROBE criteria were respected. Median age of onset was 12 months. Median diagnostic delay was 6 years. At the age of 41 years 72.3% of patients were alive (N = 111). Residual alpha‐mannosidase activity (N = 34) predicted survival: Patients with a residual alpha‐mannosidase activity below or equal to 4.5% of normal in fibroblasts had a median survival of 3.5 years, whereas patients with alpha‐mannosidase activity above this threshold all survived during the observation period reported. Patients with age of onset above 7 years survived significantly longer than patients with age of onset below or equal to 7 years. Patient distribution was panethnic with hotspots in the United States and Germany. We defined age of onset, diagnostic delay, and survival characteristics in a global cohort of 111 patients with alpha‐mannosidosis by retrospective quantitative natural history modeling. These data expand the quantitative understanding of the clinical phenotype.
Synthesis and characterization of novel radiofluorinated probes for positron emission tomography imaging of monoamine oxidase B
Authors: Yoshimoto Mitsuyoshi , Hirata Masahiko , Kagawa Shinya , Magata Yasuhiro , Ohmomo Yoshiro , Temma Takashi
Published: June 2019

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B), predominantly expressed in glial cells, plays an important role in neurotransmitter regulation, and MAO‐B activity relates to several neuronal diseases. Here, we aimed to develop a radiofluorinated MAO‐B imaging probe based on the structure of a selective MAO‐B inhibitor, MD‐230254. We synthesized and evaluated a series of compounds in vitro and in vivo. A series of fluorinated analogs of MD‐230254 were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory potency and selectivity toward MAO‐B. 5‐[4‐(2‐[18F]Fluorobenzyloxy)phenyl]‐3‐(2‐cyanoethyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2(3H)‐one (2‐[18F]FBPO) was synthesized from a corresponding tributylstannyl precursor and [18F]CH3COOF. Biodistribution after intravenous injection of 2‐[18F]FBPO was evaluated in male ddY mice with or without pretreatment by inhibitors. Among the compounds synthesized and evaluated, 2‐FBPO showed high inhibitory potency and selectivity toward MAO‐B comparable with MD‐230254. 2‐[18F]FBPO was successfully synthesized by an electrophilic reaction with a high radiochemical purity of more than 99%. 2‐[18F]FBPO was efficiently taken up by the brain and showed rapid blood clearance, which provided a brain/blood radioactivity ratio of 3.7 at 90 minutes postinjection. The brain radioactivity was significantly decreased by pretreatment with an MAO‐B selective inhibitor. The great potential of 2‐[18F]FBPO as an MAO‐B imaging probe, applicable to a variety of diseases, is indicated.
Quantitative structure‐retention relationships of the chromatographic retentions of phthalic acid ester contaminants in foods
Authors: Shen Qianqian , Tao Wenwen , Guo Yujie , Wang Shijia , Wang Yanfei , Zheng Er′mei , Chen Zhongxiu , Chen Kexian
Published: June 2019

The harmful health effects caused by phthalic acid esters have been supported from the increasing scientific evidence, developing the efficient methodologies to monitor the levels of phthalic acid esters in various foods become especially important from the aspects of human exposure assessment and their migration mechanistic understanding. In this study, quantitative structure‐retention relationship studies on both the gas and liquid chromatographic retention times of 23 phthalic acid esters were performed by genetic function approximation, and the optimal quantitative structure‐retention relationship models (r2 > 0.980, r2CV > 0.960, and r2pred > 0.865) passed the statistical tests of cross‐validation, randomization, external prediction, Roy′ rm2 metrics, Golbraikh‐Tropsha′ criteria and applicability domain. The established predictive models elucidate the structural requirements for the retention of phthalic acid esters over different chromatographic columns, which were finally used to predict the retention times of 11 new phthalic acid esters. Hopefully, this work could provide useful guidelines for better understanding and accurate prediction of the retention behavior of undetermined phthalic acid esters when lacking standard samples or under poor experimental conditions, and make the simultaneous identification and quantification of numerous phthalic acid esters possible.
Value of Qualitative and Quantitative Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Analysis in Preoperative Diagnosis of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Luzeng , Liu Jinghua , Wang Bin , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in assessing cervical lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to evaluate its value in the preoperative diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis from PTC.

Methods

A total of 55 lymph nodes in 46 patients were enrolled retrospectively, including 29 metastases from PTC and 26 normal/reactive ones. All lymph nodes were evaluated by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS before biopsy or surgery. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to analyze the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of US and CEUS features in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis as well as the overall diagnostic performance of US, CEUS, and a combination of the two.

Results

Significant differences were found in the enhancement direction, enhancement type, and enhancement range between metastatic and normal/reactive lymph nodes on CEUS (P < .05). Quantitative CEUS parameters were not statistically significant (P > .05). The combination of US and CEUS had the highest diagnostic accuracy (92.7%) compared with US (80.8%) and CEUS (89.1%) alone in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis from PTC.

Conclusions

The characteristics of cervical lymph node metastasis from PTC on CEUS include centripetal perfusion, peripheral or mixed enhancement, and an enlarged range on CEUS compared with US, and the first feature was the most meaningful. The combination of CEUS and US is a promising imaging tool for the preoperative diagnosis of cervical metastatic lymph nodes in patients with PTC.
Asymptotical stability analysis of Riemann‐Liouville q‐fractional neutral systems with mixed delays
Authors: Yang Wengui , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar , Fardoun Habib M.
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the asymptotical stability of Riemann‐Liouville q‐fractional neutral systems with mixed delays (constant time delay and distributed delay). By constructing some appropriate Lyapunov‐Kravsovskii functionals, some sufficient conditions on delay‐dependent and delay‐independent asymptotical stability are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Our employed method is based on the direct calculation of quantum derivatives of the Lyapunov‐Kravsovskii functionals. Finally, two examples are presented to demonstrate the availability of our obtained results.
Existence and approximation of nonlocal optimal design problems driven by parabolic equations
Authors: Andrés Fuensanta , Muñoz Julio , Rosado Jesús
Published: June 2019

This work is a follow‐up to a series of articles by the authors where the same topic for the elliptic case is analyzed. In this article, a class of nonlocal optimal design problem driven by parabolic equations is examined. After a review of results concerning existence and uniqueness for the state equation, a detailed formulation of the nonlocal optimal design is given. The state equation is of nonlocal parabolic type, and the associated cost functional belongs to a broad class of nonlocal integrals. In the first part of the work, a general result on the existence of nonlocal optimal design is proved. The second part is devoted to analyzing the convergence of nonlocal optimal design problems toward the corresponding classical problem of optimal design. After a slight modification of the problem, either on the cost functional or by considering a new set of admissibility, the G‐convergence for the state equation and, consequently, the convergence of the nonlocal optimal design problem are proved.
L∞‐solutions for the ultra‐slow reaction‐diffusion equation
Authors: Pozo Juan C. , Viana Arlúcio
Published: June 2019

The existence and uniqueness of solutions for a reaction‐diffusion ultra‐slow equation are proved. We also show that they can be extended up a maximal time and are stable as long as they exist. Symmetric and positive solutions are also proved to exist.
Millimeter‐wave microstrip patch antenna using vertically coupled split ring metaplate for gain enhancement
Authors: Jeong Min Joo , Hussain Niamat , Park Ji Woong , Park Seong Gyoon , Rhee Seung Yeop , Kim Nam
Published: June 2019

This article presents a millimeter‐wave (mmWave) microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a vertically coupled split ring metaplate (VCSRM). The narrow bandwidth and low gain of MPA are improved using VCSRM by periodically arranging split rings on the front and backsides of a dielectric slab. Numerical and experimental results show that the proposed antenna attains good radiation pattern, a high gain of 11.94 dBi, and a measured fractional bandwidth covering 26.58 to 29.31 GHz (9.77%). The gain of the antenna is increased by 5.35 dBi and the bandwidth is improved by 3.87% when compared to MPA without VCSRM. Thus, the proposed antenna with a small size of 18 × 22 mm2 is suitable for mmWave applications.
NMDA‐type glutamate receptors mediate the acrosome reaction and motility initiation in newt sperm
Authors: Endo Daisuke , Kon Shinnosuke , Sato Tae , Toyama Fubito , Katsura Yohei , Nakauchi Yuni , Takayama‐Watanabe Eriko , Watanabe Akihiko
Published: June 2019

The N‐methyl d‐aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) is a ligand‐gated cation channel that causes Ca2+ influx in nerve cells. An NMDAR agonist is effective to the sperm motility in fowls, although the actual role of NMDAR in sperm function is unknown. In the present study, RNA‐seq of the spermatogenic testes suggested the presence of NMDAR in the sperm of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Glutamate of at least 0.7 ± 0.5 mM was detected in the egg‐jelly substances along with acrosome reaction‐inducing substance (ARIS) and sperm motility‐initiating substance (SMIS). In the egg‐jelly extract (JE) that included the ARIS and SMIS, the acrosome reaction was inhibited by a NMDAR antagonists, memantine and MK801. MK801 also inhibited the spontaneous acrosome reaction in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Furthermore, memantine and MK801 suppressed the progressive motility of the sperm in JE and spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane, which is the tail structure giving thrust for forward motility, in ST. The spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane was promoted when Mg2+, which blocks Ca2+ influx through gated NMDARs, was removed from the ST. In addition, the ARIS‐induced acrosome reaction was inhibited by a selective antagonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4, whose activation might result in the membrane depolarization to release Mg2+ from the NMDAR. These results suggest that NMDAR acts together with other cation channels in the induction of the acrosome reaction and motility of the sperm during the fertilization process of C. pyrrhogaster.
Differences between water‐filled and air‐charged urodynamic catheters for determining the urethral pressure profile in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction patients
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Liao Limin , Deng Han , Wang Yue
Published: June 2019

Aim

The maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCPs) and functional urethral length (FUL) obtained with water‐filled and air‐charged catheters during urethral pressure profile (UPP) determination was compared in a single, blind, randomized, and prospective trial.

Methods

Thirty‐three males with spinal cord injuries and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction underwent UPP determinations using water‐filled and air‐charged catheters in random order; the patients were unaware of the catheter sequence. The variability of the same type of catheter and the agreement between the different types of catheters were compared. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to check the correlation between the catheters and the Bland‐Altman method was used to verify the agreement.

Result

The intraclass correlation coefficients for MUCPs and FULs determined using water‐filled and air‐charged catheters were 0.89, 0.75, 0.94, and 0.78, respectively. The interclass correlation coefficients for MUCPs and FULs between the two catheters were 0.43 and 0.28, respectively. Bland‐Altman plots suggested that the values measured by air‐charged catheters were significantly higher than water‐filled catheters (mean difference, 26.0 and 2.4 cmH2O, respectively). There were wide 95% limits of agreement (−54.0 to 106.0 and −0.3 to 5.1 cmH
2O, respectively) that exceeded the clinical range for differences in MUCP and FUL.

Conclusion

Air‐charged catheters usually give higher readings than water‐filled catheters for UPP. Agreement between water‐filled and air‐charged catheters was not good. Nevertheless, the catheter type which is more relevant to the disease requires further study.
Zoonotic parasites in feline coprolites from a holocenic mortuary context from eastern Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Beltrame María Ornela , Serna Alejandro , Cañal Victoria , Prates Luciano
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, wildlife is one of the most important sources of zoonoses, and it is a major concern for public health. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of wildlife as a reservoir and source of infectious diseases in the past. South America presents a wide diversity of wildlife. In the south of the continent, Argentina shelters a large diversity of neotropical carnivores. Although the paleoparasitological studies on carnivores have been increasing in southern Argentina, most of the efforts have been focused in a handful of sites located in western Patagonia. In this paper, two coprolites of felid found in Cueva Galpón, an initial late Holocene mortuary site from northeast Patagonia (Argentina), were studied for paleoparasitological purposes. Samples were processed by rehydration and homogenization, filtered and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. The samples were assigned to Puma concolor (puma) or Panthera onca (jaguar). Microscopic observations revealed that both coprolites were positive for parasite remains. High parasite richness was observed. Six nematodes, one cestode, and one coccidian morphotypes were reported. This is the first time that Gnathostoma sp. and Spirocerca sp. were recovered from holocenic times from Patagonia. This finding implies that some diseases such as taeniasis, spirocercosis, gnathostomosis, ascariasis, and coccidiosis could be present in holocenic wildlife from Patagonia prior to the Spanish colonization and domestic animal introduction. The overall results suggest that felids could have played a role as reservoirs and source of some parasitic species, some of which are zoonotic. Therefore, this animal could have entailed a risk agent for human health in the site.
Potential unintended consequences of graphic warning labels on sugary drinks: do they promote obesity stigma?
Authors: Hayward L. E. , Vartanian L. R.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Public health interventions need to balance the benefits with any potential harms. One proposed intervention for reducing sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption involves placing graphic warning labels on products and advertisements. A recent study found that a graphic warning label that contained negative imagery of obesity reduced purchases of sugar‐sweetened beverages. However, these labels may also promote obesity stigma, which is concerning given that weight stigma is associated with harmful health consequences including weight gain and increased risk of mortality.

Methods

In Study 1 (n = 681), participants viewed a standard soda label or the graphic warning label online and then completed measures of disgust and prejudice towards people with obesity. In Study 2 (n = 506), participants who identified as having overweight or obesity viewed the graphic warning label online before or after completing measures of mood and state self‐esteem.

Results

In Study 1, participants who had viewed the graphic warning label reported higher disgust and weight bias. In Study 2, the majority of participants perceived the warning label to be stigmatizing, and participants displayed worse mood and, through this, lower self‐esteem after viewing the label.

Conclusions

Although the graphic warning label has been found to reduce sugary drink purchases, it also promotes obesity stigma and is perceived as stigmatizing by individuals with overweight and obesity. Given that weight stigma predicts harmful health and well‐being consequences, the benefits of graphic warning labels need to be balanced against the potential costs.
Relationship between R&D grants, R&D investment, and innovation performance: The moderating effect of absorptive capacity
Authors: Zhu Hailun , Zhao Shuliang , Abbas Asad
Published: June 2019

The main sources of regional innovation investment in China are government direct investment and indirect grant. The positive relationship between innovation investment and regional innovation performance has been recognized by scholars, but the relationship between direct investment, indirect grant, and innovation performance and the mechanism of their impact on innovation performance need to be clarified. This study uses 5‐year data from China regional innovation, using multiple regression analysis, found that government grant and actor's investment can facilitate performance, but the government grant for innovation investment has a crowding‐out effect, absorptive capacity positively moderated the relationship between Research and Development (R&D) and innovation performance but play a negative moderate role between government grant and innovation performance. On the basis of the empirical result, China's regional governments need to focus on institutional and environmental development in the future, pay more attention to the structural problems of innovation input, promote flow of talents orderly, and rationally build regional knowledge chain, so as to enhance efficiency of innovation more effectively.
Retrospective Analysis of Acute Rehabilitation Outcomes of Cancer Inpatients with Leptomeningeal Disease
Authors: Fu Jack B. , Molinares Diana M. , Morishita Shinichiro , Silver Julie K. , Dibaj Seyedeh S. , Guo Ying , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Objective

Evaluate Functional Independence Measure (FIM) changes and incidence of serious medical complications requiring return to the primary acute care service of acute rehabilitation cancer inpatients with leptomeningeal disease (LMD).

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral based comprehensive cancer center acute inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Participants

Thirty cancer patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation between 8 January 2014 and 8 August 2018 with pathology confirmed LMD within 6 months.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

FIM and incidence of return to the primary acute care service.

Results

Twenty five of 30 (83.3%) patients were noted to have neurologic impairments and 13/30 (43.3%) were noted to have cognitive impairments. Five of 30 patients (16.7%) received intrathecal chemotherapy and 4/30 (13.3%) received radiation during acute inpatient rehabilitation for LMD treatment. Median days in acute care prior to acute inpatient rehabilitation was 22.5. Median days from acute inpatient rehabilitation admission until death of the 23 deceased patients as of 1 January 2019 was 180.00. Twenty of 30 (66.7%) patients were discharged home, 9/30 (30%) transferred to the primary acute care service, and 1/30 (3.3%) discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Reasons for return to the primary acute care service included additional chemotherapy 3/9 (33%), neurologic decline 2/9 (22%), fever 2/9 (22%), altered mental status 1/9 (11%), and progressive polyarthritis 1/9 (11%). Of the 21 patients who completed acute inpatient rehabilitation without return to the primary acute care service, mean FIM subscore changes from admission to discharge for Activities of Daily Living, Mobility, and Motor were 5.1 (P < .001), 4.8 (P < .001) and 11.7 (P < .001), respectively (Wilcoxon signed rank test, significance P < .05).

Conclusion

LMD patients who completed acute inpatient rehabilitation made statistically significant improvements on the majority of FIM items. Most patients were discharged home. Our data suggest LMD should not be a reason for exclusion from acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

III.
Inhibiting the immunoproteasome's β5i catalytic activity affects human peripheral blood‐derived immune cell viability
Authors: Pletinckx Katrien , Vaßen Silke , Schlusche Ilka , Nordhoff Sonja , Bahrenberg Gregor , Dunkern Torsten R.
Published: June 2019

Small molecule inhibitors selectively targeting the immunoproteasome subunit β5i are currently being developed for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. However, patients carrying loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding β5i (Psmb8) suffer from the proteasome‐associated autoinflammatory syndromes (PRAAS) emphasizing the need to study pharmacological inhibition of immunoproteasome function in human cells. Here, we characterized the immunomodulatory potential of the selective β5i inhibitor ONX 0914 and Bortezomib, a pan‐proteasome inhibitor, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Both compounds efficiently blocked pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion in human whole blood and PBMC cultures stimulated with toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists. Furthermore, the compounds inhibited T cell cytokine production induced by recall antigen CMVpp65 or by polyclonal stimulation. The viability of PBMCs, however, was rapidly decreased in the presence of ONX 0914 and Bortezomib demonstrated by decreased residual cytosolic ATP and increased Annexin V surface binding. Interestingly, HLA‐DR+ monocytes were rapidly depleted from the cultures in the presence of ONX 0914 as a β5i‐selective inhibitor and Bortezomib. In conclusion, the anti‐inflammatory potential of β5i‐selective inhibitors is correlating with a cytotoxicity increase in human PBMC subsets ex vivo. Our results provide important insights into the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of action of β5i‐inhibitors which currently hold the promise as a novel therapy for autoinflammatory diseases.
Adrenal βarrestin1 targeting for tobacco–associated cardiac dysfunction treatment: Aldosterone production as the mechanistic link
Authors: Solesio Maria E , Mitaishvili Erna , Lymperopoulos Anastasios
Published: June 2019

Tobacco kills 6 million people annually and its global health costs are continuously rising. The main addictive component of every tobacco product is nicotine. Among the mechanisms by which nicotine, and its major metabolite, cotinine, contribute to heart disease is the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) activation. This increases aldosterone production from the adrenals and circulating aldosterone levels. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone with various direct harmful effects on the myocardium, including increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which contributes significantly to cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac aging. Aldosterone is produced in the adrenocortical zona glomerulosa (AZG) cells in response to angiotensin II (AngII), activating its type 1 receptor (AT1R). The AT1R is a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) that leads to aldosterone biosynthesis and secretion, via signaling from both Gq/11proteins and the GPCR adapter protein βarrestin1, in AZG cells. Adrenal βarrestin1 is essential for AngII–dependent adrenal aldosterone production, which aggravates heart disease. Since adrenal βarrestin1 is essential for raising circulating aldosterone in the body and tobacco compounds are also known to elevate aldosterone levels in smokers, accelerating heart disease progression, our central hypothesis is that nicotine and cotinine increase aldosterone levels to induce cardiac injury by stimulating adrenal βarrestin1. In the present review, we provide an overview of the current literature of the physiology and pharmacology of adrenal aldosterone production regulation, of the effects of tobacco on this process and, finally, of the effects of tobacco and aldosterone on cardiac structure and function, with a particular focus on cardiac mitochondrial function. We conclude our literature account with a brief experimental outline, as well as with some therapeutic perspectives of our pharmacological hypothesis, that is that adrenal βarrestin1 is a novel molecular target for preventing tobacco–induced hyperaldosteronism, thereby also ameliorating tobacco–related heart disease development.
Maternal–Neonatal Raltegravir Population Pharmacokinetics Modeling: Implications for Initial Neonatal Dosing
Authors: Lommerse Jos , Clarke Diana , Kerbusch Thomas , Merdjan Henri , Witjes Han , Teppler Hedy , Mirochnick Mark , Acosta Edward P. , Wenning Larissa , Nachman Sharon , Chain Anne
Published: June 2019

Raltegravir readily crosses the placenta to the fetus with maternal use during pregnancy. After birth, neonatal raltegravir elimination is highly variable and often extremely prolonged, with some neonates demonstrating rising profiles after birth despite removal from the source of extrinsic raltegravir. To establish an appropriate dosing regimen, an integrated maternal–neonatal pharmacokinetics model was built to predict raltegravir plasma concentrations in neonates with in utero raltegravir exposure. Postnatal age and body weight were used as structural covariates. The model predicted rising or decreasing neonatal elimination profiles based on the time of maternal drug administration relative to time of birth and degree of in utero drug disposition into the central and peripheral compartments. Based on this model, it is recommended to delay the first oral dose of raltegravir until 1–2 days of age in those neonates born to mothers who received raltegravir during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Formation of a Bistable Interstitial Complex in Irradiated p‐Type Silicon
Authors: Makarenko Leonid F. , Lastovski Stanislav B. , Yakushevich Hanna S. , Gaubas Eugenijus , Pavlov Jevgenij , Kozlovski Vitali V. , Moll Michael , Pintilie Ioana
Published: June 2019

The influence of the injection of minority charge carriers on the formation of a divalent bistable defect (DBH) having two energy levels ofEv + 0.44 eV andEv + 0.53 eV in its metastable configuration is investigated. Using forward current injection, the formation temperature of this defect in p‐type silicon can be lowered by about 50 °C. The production of such bistable defect is enhanced in materials with a high ratio of boron to carbon concentrations. This allows one to conclude that the boron atom is one of the constituents of the defect under study. There is also a correlation between the behavior of the bistable hole traps and a metastable electron trap observed earlier. It is concluded that these traps are related to metastable and stable configurations of the DBH defect, which has inverse occupancy level ordering in its stable configuration.
The heavier pnictogen and chalcogen analogues of isocyanic and cyanic acids and their dimers: A high level ab initio study
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Liu Chencheng , Tian Ge , Chen Zuqing , Pu Liang , King Robert Bruce
Published: June 2019

The CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ//CCSD/cc‐pVTZ method is used to determine the geometries and energetics of the isomers HXCY vs HY─CX (XN, P, As; YO, S) and their dimers from chain dimerizations and head‐to‐head or head‐to‐tail [2 + 2] cyclodimerizations. The HO─CX structures with CX triple bonds lie at energies at least 18.5 kcal/mol above their HXCO isomers. However, the energy differences between the HXCS and HS─CX isomers are found to be particularly small, especially in the [H,P,C,S] and [H,As,C,S] systems. For (HNCY)2, the lowest energy dimers are the chain isomers, which lie ~11 kcal/mol below the lowest energy cyclic dimers aNO containing a NCNC ring and cNS containing a NCSC ring. Formation of the remaining dimers through dimerization from two monomers is predicted to be endothermic and thus thermodynamically disfavored. However, the energies of the chain isomers in the other (HXCY)2 (XP, As; YO, S) series are higher than those of the corresponding isomeric lowest energy cyclodimers. For (HXCO)2 (XP, As), the lowest energy structures are the head‐to‐head dimers hPO and hAsO containing a C─C─XX ring. For (HXCS)2 (XP, As), the lowest energy structures are the head‐to‐head dimers gPS and gAsS with a CCXS ring.
Ultrasound Promoted Fabrication of CuO‐Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Facile Synthesis of Fluorescent Coumarin Based 1,4‐disubsituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Jain Yachana , Kumari Mitlesh , Laddha Harshita , Gupta Ragini
Published: June 2019

Herein, we report a highly efficient sonochemical synthesis of CuO‐graphene oxide nanocomposite and its application as a recyclable catalyst for copper catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction of 3‐azidocoumarin derivatives and various terminal alkynes for the robust synthesis of regioselective fluorescent 1,4‐disubsituted triazoles (3 a‐o). This protocol includes water as a clean medium, effectively low copper loading, operational simplicity, good to excellent yield (up to 97%) in lesser time (60 min) and diverse substrate scope. Easy catalyst separation from reaction media and its recycling up to nine consecutive cycles without appreciable loss in the product yield are other noteworthy features of this protocol. The optimized reaction conditions were then explored successfully to get 90% yield at gram scale level.
Meronic Einstein-Yang-Mills black hole in 5D and gravitational spin from isospin effect
Authors: Canfora Fabrizio , Gomberoff Andrés , Oh Seung Hun , Rojas Francisco , Salgado-Rebolledo Patricio
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We construct an analytic black hole solution in SU(2) Einstein-Yang-Mills theory in five dimensions supporting a Meron field. The gauge field is proportional to a pure gauge and has a non-trivial topological charge. The would-be singularity at the Meron core gets shielded from the exterior by the black hole horizon. The metric has only one integration constant, namely, its ADM mass, which is shown to be finite once an appropriate boundary term is added to the action. The thermodynamics is also worked out, and a first-order phase transition, similar to the one occurring in the Reissner-Nordström case is identified. We also show that the solution produces a spin from isospin effect, i.e., even though the theory is constructed out of bosons only, the combined system of a scalar field and this background may become fermionic. More specifically, we study scalar excitations in this purely bosonic background and find that the system describes fermionic degrees of freedom at spatial infinity. Finally, for the asymptotically AdS
5 case, we study its consequences in the context of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Geographic Inequalities and Access to Higher Education: Is the Proximity to Higher Education Institution Associated with the Probability of Attendance in England?
Authors: White Peter M. , Lee David M.
Published: June 2019

The relationship between geography and the selection of university is well documented and suggests that a student’s location substantially limits their choice of institution. However, there are few studies investigating the interplay between geography and the decision to attend university, particularly in the UK. This study aims to establish if distance to university is associated with the probability of enrolling in higher education in England and forms the quantitative half of a mixed-methods study on the subject. An ordinal logistic regression analysis of HESA enrollment data, which controls for deprivation, is employed. The investigation uses average direct measures of distance between each census area and university campus in England to determine the relationship between distance and enrollment. The findings suggest that geographical distance to university has a negative association with university enrollment. Students within the 10 km measure had a significantly increased odds of enrolling at university than students in the 40 km and above category (odds ratio 10.89; 95% CI 1–2), when controlling for deprivation and population density. It is hoped that the findings of this research will help to raise awareness of geographical inequalities and inform policy on university access.
Transferring performativity from speech to writing: illocutionary acts and incantation bowls
Authors: Waller Daniel James
Published: June 2019

This article considers the interface between orality and textuality in the Aramaic incantation bowls, as well as the use of performative utterances in the texts of their spells. It demonstrates that writing and writtenness were central to bowl praxis as a whole, and argues that the bowls reflect a growing understanding of writing as performative in itself. In light of this, it suggests that the use of illocutionary acts in the bowl texts reflects the (gradual and ongoing) transfer of performativity from speech to writing in Sasanian Mesopotamia. Such acts of “word magic” in the bowls as oaths and curses are more likely to represent transitional language or a kind of “oral residue” than the verbatim representation of speech or spoken acts.