bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood Hazzard Assessmentand Mapping in Yeh Ho Watershed Using Geographic Information System (GIS)
Authors: Jayantari Made Widya , Yesaya Alvin , Pawana P I Gusti Ngurah Agung , Eryani Gusti Agung Putu
Published: November 2024

Flooding is an increasingly pervasive global challenge exacerbated by climate change, rapid urbanization, and
deforestation. In the Yeh Ho Watershed of Bali, Indonesia, recurrent floods have led to severe environmental,
economic, and social consequences, highlighting the urgency for effective flood risk management. This study
aims to assess flood hazards within the Yeh Ho Watershed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
spatial data analysis. By integrating morphometric analysis, hydrological data, and land-use characteristics,
the research provides a detailed flood hazard map to identify flood-prone areas and the underlying factors
contributing to flood risks. The research uses drone imagery, GIS tools, and field surveys to create a detailed
flood hazard map for the region. The Yeh Ho Watershed, covering 172.943 km², is characterized by diverse soil
types, varying topography, and fluctuating rainfall patterns. Using multiple spatial layers, including land use,
slope, soil type, and rainfall, the study generates a Flood Hazard Index (FHI) to identify flood-prone zones. The
results show that 69% of the watershed is at moderate risk of flooding, with 25% categorized as low risk and
6% at high risk. Field observations confirm the accuracy of the flood hazard map, supporting its use for flood
risk assessment and the development of mitigation strategies. This research provides valuable insights for sustainable flood management in Bali, offering a comprehensive framework to address current and future flood risks
Concepções E Teorias Do Currículo: Perspectivas E Aplicações
Authors: Nascimento Weverton Freitas , Silva Rodrigo Leite Da , Sousa Terezinha Sirley Ribeiro , Vasconcelos Welber Eustaquio De , Fávero Cristina Hill
Published: November 2024

Este artigo explora as diversas concepções e teorias do currículo, destacando sua importância no contexto
educacional e social. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica, analisamos como o currículo, longe de ser um
elemento neutro, reflete as relações de poder e os valores dominantes em uma sociedade. Discutimos as
principais teorias, desde a abordagem técnica, que vê o currículo como um conjunto de normas a serem seguidas,
até as teorias críticas, que propõem uma educação voltada para a conscientização e emancipação social. No
contexto brasileiro, a evolução do currículo é marcada pela influência de teorias internacionais, especialmente
norte-americanas, e pela adaptação a realidades locais, como evidenciado na criação da LDB de 1996 e da
BNCC de 2017. Conclui-se que a compreensão das teorias curriculares é essencial para promover uma prática pedagógica inclusiva e transformadora, capaz de responder às complexidades e desigualdades do contexto educacional brasileiro
Ribonucleotides in mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Wanrooij Paulina H. , Chabes Andrei
Published: May 2019

The incorporation of ribonucleotides (rNMPs) into DNA during genome replication has gained substantial attention in recent years and has been shown to be a significant source of genomic instability. Studies in yeast and mammals have shown that the two genomes, the nuclear DNA (nDNA) and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), differ with regard to their rNMP content. This is largely due to differences in rNMP repair – whereas rNMPs are efficiently removed from the nuclear genome, mitochondria lack robust mechanisms for removal of single rNMPs incorporated during DNA replication. In this minireview, we describe the processes that determine the frequency of rNMPs in the mitochondrial genome and summarise recent findings regarding the effect of incorporated rNMPs on mtDNA stability and function.
Expanding the mesodermal transcriptional network by genome‐wide identification of Zinc finger homeodomain 1 (Zfh1) targets
Authors: Wu Wei‐Hang , Kuo Tai‐Hong , Kao Chia‐Wei , Girardot Charles , Hung Sheng‐Jou , Liu Tsunglin , Furlong Eileen E. M. , Liu Ya‐Hsin
Published: May 2019

The Drosophila transcription factor (TF) Zfh1 has distinct roles compared to the cell lineage‐determining TFs in almost all mesoderm‐derived tissues. Here, we link Zfh1 to the well‐characterized mesodermal transcriptional network. We identify five enhancers integrating upstream regulatory inputs from mesodermal TFs and directing zfh1 expression in mesoderm. Most downstream Zfh1‐target genes are co‐bound by mesodermal TFs, suggesting that Zfh1 and mesodermal TFs act on the same sets of co‐regulated genes during the development of certain mesodermal tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Zfh1 is critical for the expression of a hemocyte marker gene peroxidasin and helps restrict the activity of a hemocyte‐specific enhancer of serpent to hemocyte‐deriving head mesoderm, suggesting a potential role of Zfh1 in hemocyte development.
Practical application of lead rubber bearings with fail‐safe mechanism
Authors: Hamaguchi Hiroki , Wake Tomotaka , Yamamoto Masashi , Kikuchi Masaru
Published: May 2019

The results of dynamic and quasi‐static loading tests for scaled and full‐scale Lead Rubber Bearing with Fail‐Safe mechanism, an alternative isolation bearing that consists of a conventional lead rubber bearing and a slider bearing in series, are discussed. The test results show that the torsional behavior of the lead rubber bearing component in bi‐directional loading does not significantly affect the limit state of the bearing. Moreover, both dynamic and static friction coefficients are estimated with high accuracy by utilizing a newly proposed effective surface pressure instead of the conventional mean surface pressure. The proposed bearing can be used in practical applications in an isolation system with a high seismic safety margin.
High‐Performance Monolayer MoS2 Films at the Wafer Scale by Two‐Step Growth
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Das Gobind , He Xin , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Fabrizio Enzo Di , Zhang Xixiang , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: May 2019

To realize multifunctional devices at the wafer scale, the growth process of monolayer (ML) 2D semiconductors must meet two key requirements: 1) growth of continuous and homogeneous ML film at the wafer scale and 2) controllable tuning of the properties of the ML film. However, there is still no growth method available that fulfills both of these criteria. Here, the first report is presented on the preparation of continuous and uniform ML MoS2 films through a two‐step process at the wafer scale. Unlike in previous ML MoS2 film growth processes, the ML MoS2 film can be uniformly modulated across the wafer in terms of material structure and composition, exciton state, and electronic transport performance. A significant result is that the high‐quality wafer‐scale ML MoS2 films realize superior electronic performance compared to reported two‐step‐grown films, and it even matches or exceeds reported ML MoS2 films prepared by other processes. The transistor performance of the optimized ML film achieves a field effect mobility of 10 to 30 cm2 V−1 s−1, an on/off current ratio of about 107, and hysteresis as low as 0.4 V.
Control of Volume‐Responsive Properties of Hydrogels through Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet Incorporation
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , An Jongyeop , Lee Byung Yang
Published: May 2019

A composite structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel is demonstrated for the selective detection of phenols. The incorporation of MoS2 with a hydrogel system enhances its adsorption and its volume‐change response to phenols. It is verified that the phenol detection range can be adjusted by controlling the adsorption and responsivity of the MBAMS–PNIPAM hydrogel through the amount of incorporated MoS2. This in situ detection system detects phenol concentrations below US health exposure limits. It is expected that it will expedite the development of hydrogel‐based monitoring of water‐soluble substances.
A DNAzyme‐Based Colorimetric Paper Sensor for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ali M. Monsur , Wolfe Michael , Tram Kha , Gu Jimmy , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Li Yingfu , Brennan John D.
Published: May 2019

The reliable detection of pathogenic bacteria in complex biological samples using simple assays or devices remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a simple colorimetric paper device capable of providing specific and sensitive detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pathogen strongly linked to gastric carcinoma, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers, in stool samples. The sensor molecule, an RNA‐cleaving DNAzyme obtained through in vitro selection, is activated by a protein biomarker from H. pylori. The colorimetric paper sensor, designed on the basis of the RNA‐cleaving property of the DNAzyme, is capable of sensitive detection of H. pylori in human stool samples with minimal sample processing and provides results in minutes. It remains fully functional under storage at ambient temperature for at least 130 days. This work lays a foundation for developing DNAzyme‐enabled paper‐based point‐of‐care diagnostic devices for monitoring pathogens in complex samples.
Salep as a biological source for the synthesis of biochar with utility for the catalysis
Authors: Sadjadi Samahe , Heravi Majid M. , Ghoreyshi Kahangi Fatemeh
Published: May 2019

Hydrothermal carbonization of salep as a domestic biosource was carried out to afford a biochar, BC, with exceptional catalytic activity. BC can be further magnetized by incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles to furnish a magnetic catalyst, BC‐Fe, with improved recovery and recyclability for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes in the absence of any precious metal. BC‐Fe was also applied as a catalyst support for the immobilization of Pd nanoparticles and development of an efficient, biocompatible and cost‐effective catalyst, Pd@BC‐Fe, with utility for the oxidation of benzyl alcohols under mild reaction condition in a selective manner to afford corresponding acids in high yields. The study of the recyclability of the catalyst confirmed high recyclability of Pd@BC‐Fe.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)–bismuth oxide composites for X‐ray and γ‐ray shielding applications
Authors: Muthamma M. V. , Bubbly S. G. , Gudennavar S. B. , Narendranath K. C. Shyama
Published: May 2019

Polymer composites, which are light in weight, cost effective, and less toxic, have potential applications in X‐ray and γ‐ray shielding and protection. In this work, we have explored the efficacy of poly(vinyl alcohol)–bismuth oxide composites as radiation shielding materials. Poly(vinyl alcohol) composites with different wt % (0–50) of bismuth were prepared by a simple solution casting technique. Structural and thermal characterization of these samples was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA revealed the enhanced thermal stability of these composites. AC conductivity measurements and optical spectroscopy were used to analyze their electrical behavior. The composites showed low conductivity, and the energy gap obtained also showed their tendency to be insulators. The radiation attenuation properties were investigated using X‐ray (5.895 and 6.490 keV) and γ‐ray (59.54 and 662 keV) transmission measurements. The shielding efficiency of the composites increased with filler wt %. The 40 wt % composites exhibited mass attenuation coefficients of 122.68 and 93.02 cm2/g at photon energies of 5.895 and 6.490 keV, respectively, while the 50 wt % composites showed 1.57 and 0.092 cm2/g at photon energies of 59.54 and 662 keV, respectively. The effective atomic number quantifies the probability of interaction of radiation with matter. The effective atomic number of the composites calculated by the direct method was in good agreement with the theoretical value obtained from Auto‐Zeff software. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47949.
Effective bacterial insecticidal proteins against coleopteran pests: A review
Authors: Wang Kui , Shu Changlong , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2019

Coleoptera, the order of insects commonly referred to as beetles, are able to survive in various environments, and thus, comprise the largest order in the animal kingdom. Coleopterans mainly include coprophagous and phytophagous lineages, and many species of the latter lineage are serious pests. In addition to traditional chemical methods, biocontrol measures using various bacterial insecticidal proteins have also gradually been developed to control these insect pests. In this review, we summarized the possible coleopteran‐pest‐specific bacteria and insecticidal proteins that have been reported in the literature thus far and have provided a comprehensive overview and long‐term guidance for the control of coleopteran pests in the future.
Evaluation of Neuroanatomy Web Resources for Undergraduate Education: Educators’ and Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Javaid Muhammad Asim , Schellekens Harriët , Cryan John F. , Toulouse André
Published: May 2019

Despite the development of novel teaching strategies and the abundance of adjunct teaching web resources, students and early career physicians have continuously reported difficulties in learning and clinically applying neuroanatomy. Differences in instructional design of these resources, the lack of assessment of their capacity to meet intended educational goals, and a poor understanding of the user’s perspective may have hindered their success in increasing understanding and retention of neuroanatomical knowledge. To decipher the limitations of existing web resources, an online search for neuroanatomy web resources was performed and distilled through a strict filtration rubric. A selection of resources were analyzed by a panel of educators and rated using Likert scales, focusing on the identification of features influencing their usefulness in learning the anatomy of the spinal pathways. The top three ranked web resources were subsequently evaluated by a panel of medical and neuroscience students to assess how specific features aided in their learning of the subject. This detailed analysis has identified features of neuroanatomy web resources that are valued by both educators and users with regard to instructional design. One resource was rated highest by end users and educators on a series of Likert scale questions in terms of clarity of explanation, step‐wise teaching design, summarization of information, control of instructional‐pace, integration with neurophysiology, neuroradiology and clinical correlates, deployment of a wide array of pedagogical tools, and factors for visualizing neuroanatomical inter‐relationships. These results have provided a novel user perspective on the influence of specific elements of neuroanatomy web resources to improve instructional design and enhance learner performance.
Neuropsychological model of the realization of information need
Authors: Moshfeghi Yashar , Pollick Frank E.
Published: May 2019

The main goal of information retrieval (IR) is to satisfy information need (IN). IN refers to a complex concept: at the very initial state of the phenomenon (that is, at a visceral level), even the searcher may not be aware of its existence. Thus, despite advances in the past few decades in both the IR and relevant scientific communities, we do not fully understand how an IN emerges and how it is physically manifested. In this article we aim to inform a holistic view of the realization of IN using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We collected new data of brain activity of 24 participants while they formulated and stated a realization of IN in a Question Answering task, focusing on a distributed set of brain regions associated with activities related to IN, found in our previous study. Results of a functional connectivity analysis led us to propose a neuropsychological model of the realization of IN. Our model consists of three components: (a) a successful memory retrieval component, (b) an information flow regulation component, and (c) a high‐level perception component. We believe this study constitutes an important step in unraveling the nature of IN and how to better satisfy IN.
Versatility of thermoluminescence materials and radiation dosimetry – A review
Authors: Duragkar Arati , Muley Aarti , Pawar N.R. , Chopra Vibha , Dhoble N.S. , Chimankar O.P. , Dhoble S.J.
Published: May 2019

Thermoluminescence (TL) materials exhibit a wide range of applications in different areas such as personal dosimetry, environmental dosimetry, medical research etc. Doping of different rare earth impurities in different hosts is responsible for changing the properties of materials useful for various applications in different fields. These materials can be irradiated by different types of beams such as γ‐rays, X‐rays, electrons, neutrons etc. Various radiation regimes, as well as their dose–response range, play an important role in thermoluminescence dosimetry. Several TL materials, such as glass, microcrystalline, nanostructured inorganic materials and recently developed materials, are reviewed and described in this article.
Axl and autophagy LC3 expression in tumors is strongly associated with clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after curative resection
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chang , Hsieh Pei‐Min , Chen Yaw‐Sen , Lo Gin‐Ho , Lin Hung‐Yu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chen Yao‐Li , Yu Ming‐Lung , Lin Chih‐Wen
Published: May 2019

Background

The role of Axl and LC3 as predictors of tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively included 535 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy from 2010 to 2014 in this study. Axl and the autophagy‐related marker LC3 were immunohistochemically assessed in tumors.

Results

Axl expression was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological features, including cirrhosis, microvascular invasion, macrovascular invasion, tumor size, BCLC stage, recurrence, and mortality. HCC recurrence occurred in 245 patients, and 219 patients died. The 5‐year cumulative incidences of HCC recurrence and OS rate after HCC resection were 53.3% and 58.8%, respectively. In the Cox proportional analyses, high Axl expression and high LC3 expression were significantly associated with HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.95‐5.02, P < 0.001; and HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.26‐0.55, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, HCC recurrence (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.01‐4.01, P < 0.0001), microvascular invasion (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.08‐3.19, P = 0.026), hepatitis B virus‐related HCC (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1. 21‐2.56, P = 0.003), high Axl expression (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.41‐1.97, P < 0.0001), antiviral therapy (HR: 0.54, CI: 0.38‐0.76, P < 0.001) and LC3 expression (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.28‐0.58, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, patients with a combination of high Axl and low LC3 expression had the highest risk of HCC recurrence (HR: 6.53, 95% CI: 4.11‐10.4, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR: 6.66, 95% CI: 4.07‐10.9, P < 0.001). In patients with high Axl, low LC3, and combined high Axl and low LC3 expression, the 5‐year cumulative incidences of HCC recurrence and OS rate were 77.9%, 73.3%, and 90.0% and 28.8%, 26.7%, and 16.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

High Axl expression in tumors is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and worse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the combination of high Axl and low LC3 expression significantly predicts poorer prognosis for HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.
The job sure has changed
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: May 2019

I am not sure how often I hear it, but it is definitely something that anyone in law enforcement, even those relatively new to the field, can relate to. Sometimes the comment is associated with a discussion in the locker room or around the roll‐call room — maybe when a new policy is instituted or perhaps after a critical incident that did not go as expected. The origin could be the crafty veteran and most senior officer in the department or a newer officer. “The job sure has changed …” What does that mean though? What do you think about when you hear people say that? Is policing harder today than it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago?
Be ready to address top trends in campus safety
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2019

What campus security topics should you focus on to be ready for the future?
Domain‐Swapping Design by Polyproline Rod Insertion
Authors: Shiga Shota , Yamanaka Masaru , Fujiwara Wataru , Hirota Shun , Goda Shuichiro , Makabe Koki
Published: May 2019

During domain swapping, proteins mutually interconvert structural elements to form a di‐/oligomer. Engineering this process by design is important for creating a higher order protein assembly with minimal modification. Herein, a simple design strategy is shown for domain‐swapping formation by loop deletion and insertion of a polyproline rod. Crystal structures revealed the formation of the domain‐swapped dimers and polyproline portion formed a polyproline II (PPII) structure. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering demonstrated that an extended orientation of domain‐swapped dimer was retained in solution. It is found that a multiple of three of inserting proline residue is favored for domain swapping because of the helical nature of PPII. The rigid nature of the polyproline rod enables precise control of the interdomain distance and orientation.
Aqueous‐Phase Nitrile Hydration Catalyzed by an In Situ Generated Air‐Stable Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Ounkham Whalmany L. , Weeden Jason A. , Frost Brian J.
Published: May 2019

RuCl2(PTA)4(PTA=1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) is an active, recyclable, air‐stable, aqueous‐phase nitrile hydration catalyst. The development of an in situ generated aqueous‐phase nitrile hydration catalyst (RuCl3⋅3 H2O+6 equivalents PTA) is reported. The activity of the in situ catalyst is comparable to RuCl2(PTA)4. The effects of [PTA] on the activity of the reaction were investigated: the catalytic activity, in general, increases as the pH goes up, which shows a positive correlation with [PTA]. The pH effects were further explored for both the in situ and RuCl2(PTA)4catalyzed reaction in phosphate buffer solutions with particular attention given to pH 6.8 buffer. Increased catalytic activity was observed at pH 6.8 versus water for both systems with turnover frequency (TOF) up to 135 h−1observed for RuCl2(PTA)4and 64 h−1for the in situ catalyst. Catalyst loading down to 0.001 mol % was examined with turnover numbers as high as 22 000 reported. Similar to the preformed catalyst, RuCl2(PTA)4, the in situ catalyst could be recycled more than five times without significant loss of activity from either water or pH 6.8 buffer.
Changes in population‐level survival for advanced solid malignancies with new treatment options in the second decade of the 21st century
Authors: Pulte Dianne , Weberpals Janick , Jansen Lina , Brenner Hermann
Published: May 2019

Background

Several new treatments that improve survival in clinical trials have been developed for various solid malignancies in advanced stages. The effect of these options on survival in the general population is currently unknown.

Methods

Cancers for which 2 or more new treatment options have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration during the years 2009 through 2011 for the treatment of advanced disease were identified, including adenocarcinoma of the lung, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to compare overall survival for these conditions in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for the periods 2007 to 2008, 2009 to 2010, and 2011 to 2012. Hazard ratios derived from adjusted, shared frailty models for cancer‐specific survival were calculated as well for the years of diagnosis (2007‐2008, 2009‐2010, and 2011‐2012).

Results

Two‐year survival increased for patients with advanced‐stage lung adenocarcinoma (+3.0 percentage points), melanoma (+3.4 percentage points), and breast cancer (+2.7 percentage points). When only patients aged 15 to 64 years were included, 2‐year survival for those with melanoma increased by +6.7 percentage points. No change in survival was observed for renal cell carcinoma. Decreases in the hazard ratio for cancer‐specific mortality were observed during the period 2011 to 2012 compared with 2007 to 2008 for lung adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and breast cancer.

Conclusions

Small increases in 2‐year survival were observed between the periods 2007 to 2008 and 2011 to 2012 for lung adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Cancer‐specific mortality decreased for each of these cancers among patients who were diagnosed between the periods 2007 to 2008 and 2011 to 2013. These findings suggest that newer treatment options are beginning to increase survival for stage IV cancers at the population level.
GRIDHPC: A decentralized environment for high performance computing
Authors: Fakih Bilal , El Baz Didier , Kotenko Igor
Published: May 2019

This paper presents GRIDHPC, a decentralized environment dedicated to high performance computing. It relies on the reconfigurable multi network protocol RMNP to support data exchange between computing nodes on multi network systems with Ethernet, Infiniband, Myrinet, and on OpenMP for the exploitation of computing resources of multicore CPU. We report on scalability of several parallel iterative schemes of computation combined with GRIDHPC. In particular, the experimental results show that GRIDHPC scales up when combined with asynchronous iterative schemes of computation.
Electrolyte Effects on the Stability of Ni−Mo Cathodes for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wijten Jochem H. J. , Riemersma Romy L. , Gauthier Joseph , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Verhoeven M. W. G. M. (Tiny) , Hofmann Jan P. , Chan Karen , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: May 2019

Water electrolysis to form hydrogen as a solar fuel requires highly effective catalysts. In this work, theoretical and experimental studies are performed on the activity and stability of Ni−Mo cathodes for this reaction. Density functional theory studies show various Ni−Mo facets to be active for the hydrogen evolution reaction, Ni segregation to be thermodynamically favorable, and Mo vacancy formation to be favorable even without an applied potential. Electrolyte effects on the long‐term stability of Ni−Mo cathodes are determined. Ni−Mo is compared before and after up to 100 h of continuous operation. It is shown that Ni−Mo is unstable in alkaline media, owing to Mo leaching in the form of MoO42−, ultimately leading to a decrease in absolute overpotential. It is found that the electrolyte, the alkali cations, and the pH all influence Mo leaching. Changing the cation in the electrolyte from Li to Na to K influences the surface segregation of Mo and pushes the reaction towards Mo dissolution. Decreasing the pH decreases the OH− concentration and in this manner inhibits Mo leaching. Of the electrolytes studied, in terms of stability, the best to use is LiOH at pH 13. Thus, a mechanism for Mo leaching is presented alongside ways to influence the stability and make the Ni−Mo material more viable for renewable energy storage in chemical bonds.
Hyperbilirubinaemia after cardiac surgery: the point of no return
Authors: Farag Mina , Veres Gabor , Szabó Gabor , Ruhparwar Arjang , Karck Matthias , Arif Rawa
Published: May 2019

Aims

The occurrence of hyperbilirubinaemia after heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass or post‐operative heart failure is fairly common. We investigated the incidence, predictive value, and post‐operative outcome of hyperbilirubinaemia after cardiac surgery in an effort to identify potential risk factors and significance on clinical outcome.

Methods and results

Between 2006 and 2016, 1272 (10.1%) out of 12 556 patients developed hyperbilirubinaemia, defined as bilirubin concentration >3 mg/dL, during post‐operative course at our institution. All patients who were operated using cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Hepatic dysfunction was diagnosed preoperatively in 200 patients (15.7%), whereas mean model of end‐stage liver disease score was 11.22 ± 4.99. Early mortality was 17.4% with age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.019, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008–1.029; P = 0.001], diabetes (HR 1.115, CI 1.020–1.220; P = 0.017), and emergent procedures (HR 1.315, CI 1.012–1.710) as multivariate predictors. Post‐operative predictors were low‐output syndrome (HR 3.193, 95% CI 2.495–4.086; P < 0.001), blood transfusion (HR 1.0, CI 1.0–1.0; P < 0.001), and time to peak bilirubin (HR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.1; P < 0.001). We found an increased correlation with mortality at 3.5 post‐operative day as well as an optimal cut‐off value for bilirubin of 5.35 mg/dL. A maximum bilirubin of 25.5 mg/dL was associated with 99% mortality. Survival analysis showed significantly decreased survival for patients who developed late, rather than early, hyperbilirubinaemia.

Conclusions

Post‐operative hyperbilirubinaemia is a prevalent threat after cardiopulmonary bypass, associated with high early mortality. The timing and amount of peak bilirubin concentration are linked to the underlying pathology and are predictors of post‐operative outcome. Patients with late development of steep hyperbilirubinaemia warrant meticulous post‐operative care optimizing cardiac and end organ functions before reaching the point of no return.
An Assessment of Electrophilic N‐Transfer of Oxaziridine with Different 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐Carbon Donor–Acceptor Substrates to Furnish Diverse N‐Containing Heterocycles in a Single Step
Authors: Ghosh Asit , Chawla Vatan , Banerjee Prabal
Published: May 2019

An assessment of the scope and limitations of electrophilic N‐transfer of oxaziridine in the presence of MgI2 has been carried out with different donor–acceptor carbon substrates. One step access to multifunctional three‐, four‐, and five‐membered N‐containing heterocycles has been demonstrated. The different donor and acceptor substituents present in the carbon substrates play a crucial role in determining the feasibility of the N‐transfer process. This study portrays the possibilities to incorporate amine functionality in the molecules required for the synthesis of useful drug or modification of drug for a particular response. In addition, the generation of new stereocenters in the N‐containing heterocycles through this single‐step process offers favorable scopes for the synthesis of valuable drug molecules.
Mindfulness meditation is associated with decreases in partner negative affect in daily life
Authors: May Christopher J. , Ostafin Brian D. , Snippe Evelien
Published: May 2019

To date, very little research has examined the extrapersonal effects of mindfulness meditation practice. In this study, we investigated whether individual meditation practice exerted an influence on friends or romantic partners. Thirty‐five dyads completed an 8‐week single‐subject protocol using an A‐B‐A‐B design to compare non‐meditation phases with meditation phases. One member of each pair was randomly assigned to meditate daily for 15 min during the B‐phases of the study; the other dyad member did not meditate in either the A or B phases. Daily diaries for each participant assessed negative affect, positive affect, and facets of mindfulness. For participants in the intermittent meditation condition, meditation was associated with decreased negative affect, increased positive affect, and higher scores on the mindfulness facets of observing, describing, and nonreactivity to inner experience. Results further demonstrated that the negative affect of non‐meditating partners decreased during the weeks that their partner meditated and was lower on days that their partner meditated. We did not find similar results for positive affect or mindfulness at the group level. Exploratory analyses suggested that the extrapersonal effects of meditation days on a partner's negative affect might be stronger in romantic couples. This study indicates that 15 min of daily meditation in novice meditators can decrease the negative affect of relationship partners.
Differential Pulse Voltammetry Determination of Ofloxacin in Human Serum and Urine Based on a Novel Tryptophan‐graphene Oxide‐carbon Nanotube Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Zhu Yuqiu , Li Chengkun , Wang Lumin , Chen Miao , Yu Jingang , Liu Qi , Chen Xiaoqing
Published: May 2019

The highly sensitive determination of ofloxacin (OFL) in human serum and urine was achieved on a novel tryptophan‐graphene oxide‐carbon nanotube (Trp‐GO‐CNT) composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Trp‐GO‐CNT/GCE). The Trp‐GO‐CNT composite was fabricated, and its morphologies and surface functional groups were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of Trp‐GO‐CNT/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The superior electrochemical behaviors of Trp‐GO‐CNT/GCE toward OFL can be mainly assigned to the excellent electrocatalytic activity of Trp, the great conductivity and high surface area of GO and CNT, and the synergistic effect between Trp, GO and CNT. Under optimum conditions, a wide and valuable linear range (0.01–100 μM), a low detection limit (0.001 μM, S/N=3), a good linear relationship (R2>0.999), good stability and repeatability were obtained for the quantitative determination of OFL. Furthermore, the Trp‐GO‐CNT electrochemical sensor was successfully applied to the determination of OFL in human serum and urine samples, and satisfactory accuracy and recovery could be obtained.
Rapid electrophoretic recovery of DNA from dried blood spots
Authors: Machado Mary C. , Vimbela Gina V. , Nilsson Michael , Dallaire Stephanie , Wu Rongcong , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: May 2019

Large‐scale genetic screening of neonatal dried blood spots for episomal DNA has a great potential to lower patient mortality and morbidity through early diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies. However, DNA extraction from the surface of dried blood spots remains one of the most time consuming, costly, and labor‐intensive parts of DNA analysis. In the present study, we developed and optimized a rapid methodology using only 50 V and heat to extract episomal DNA from dried blood spots prepared from diagnostic cord blood samples. This electric field DNA extraction is the first methodology to use an electric field to extract episomal DNA from a dried blood spot. This 25‐minute procedure has one of the lowest times for the extraction of episomal DNA found within the literature and this novel procedure not only negates the need for costly treatment and wash steps, but reduces the time of manual procedures by more than 30 min while retaining the 75–80% of the yield. Combined with real‐time PCR, this novel method of electric field extraction not only provides an effective tool for the large scale genetic analysis of neonates, but a key step forward in the simplification and standardization of diagnostic testing.
Damage‐induced permeability model of coal and its application to gas predrainage in combination of soft coal and hard coal
Authors: Lu Shouqing , Zhang Yongliang , Sa Zhanyou , Si Shufang , Shu Longyong , Wang Li
Published: May 2019

Coal permeability is a key parameter that affects the drainage of coal bed methane (CBM). Owing to the lower original permeability of coal seams in China, more attention was paid to the study of damage‐induced permeability laws. However, the theory of damage‐induced permeability still needs to be improved. In this paper, the permeability evolution experiments during the complete stress–strain process of coal were carried out firstly. The results are shown that with the increase in axial strain, the coal permeability decreases slowly at first, then increases rapidly, and finally increases slowly or even remains unchanged, and the peak stress point can be regarded as the extreme point of permeability. Then, the equivalent plastic strain was used to describe the damage of coal. Based on the above results, a new damage‐induced permeability model was developed, and the new model can match the experimental data of permeability very well. In addition, solid–gas coupling models of coal were developed based on the new permeability model, and the numerical results show that there is a region of sudden increase in permeability around the borehole where plastic failure occurs, which indicates that the damage‐induced permeability model is reasonable. Finally, the results of numerical simulation of gas predrainage in combination of soft coal and hard coal under different cases were used to optimize the borehole layout of gas predrainage in the field.
Coping strategies of cancer patients in Ukraine
Authors: Levenets Olena , Stepurko Tetiana , Polese Abel , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim
Published: May 2019

This case study explores the coping strategies of oncology patients and their family members in Ukraine. These coping strategies are seen as an individual‐level response to the organizational and financial failures of the Ukrainian health care system. Based on semistructured interviews with medical doctors, patients, representatives of charitable foundations, and policy makers, we identify a variety of coping strategies, including personal connections and informal payments. Unequal access to diagnostic and treatment services is observed: coping strategies are developed by patients and their families taking into account the available financial and social capital. Importantly, we could not identify a typical path for cancer patients as cancer patients act in an environment of great uncertainty—in terms of their prognosis and in terms of the cost of treatment. With a weak state and financial uncertainty, patients and physicians perceive coping strategies rather positively as it may contribute to the chance of life.
Development and characterization of ZnO piezoelectric thin films on polymeric substrates for tissue repair
Authors: Costa José , Peixoto Tânia , Ferreira Armando , Vaz Filipe , Lopes Maria A.
Published: May 2019

Currently available scaffolds for tissue repair have shown very limited success, so many efforts have being put in the development of novel functional materials capable of regulating cell behavior and enhance the tissue healing rate. Piezoelectric materials, as zinc oxide (ZnO), can be a very interesting solution for scaffold development, as they can deliver electrical signals to cells upon mechanical solicitation, allowing the development of suitable microenvironments for tissue repair. This way, it is reported the deposition of ZnO thin films on a polymer by direct current magnetron sputtering, under different conditions, in order to obtain a piezoelectric ZnO thin film with potential for tissue repair applications. The obtained ZnO thin films were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallography, electrical conductivity, transmittance, piezoelectricity, and adhesion quality. The deposition process resulted in uniform films, with a very good adhesion to the substrate. The different deposition conditions influenced the evolution of the crystalline domains and preferential growths and consequently, the electrical properties of the films. One of the conditions resulted in a thin film with a high piezoelectric coefficient and a conductor behavior, being considered the most promising to act as a bioactive coating.
Increased expression of miR‐146a, miR‐10b, and miR‐21 in cancer stem‐like gastro‐spheres
Authors: Bakhshi Mahdieh , Asadi Jahanbakhsh , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Moradi Abdol‐Vahab , Hajimoradi Monireh
Published: May 2019

Background

Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer‐associated mortalities globally. Accumulating evidence support the presence of gastric cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic challenges of gastric cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may be influenced by the cellular differentiative state and as critical regulators of the cellular fate in development and cancer, can modulate the behavior of CSCs too. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression relevance of three prognostic miRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐10b, and miR‐146a) in CSCs of AGS and MKN‐45 gastric cancer cell lines.

Methods

Serial sphere‐forming assay in serum‐free culture medium was used to enrich the cellular population with stem‐like properties. Gastro‐spheres were characterized by evaluating the stemness gene expression, clonogenicity, and resistance to docetaxel and cisplatin in comparison with their parental cells. The expression level of miRNAs in gastro‐spheres and their parental cells was measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Gastro‐spheres from both cell lines exhibit stem‐like properties: upregulated stemness associated genes (P < 0.05), more colonogenicity and more resistance to docetaxel (P < 0.05). MKN‐45 gastro‐spheres exhibited upregulated expression of miR‐21 (1.8‐folds), miR‐10b (1.34‐folds) and miR‐146a (4.8‐folds; P < 0.05) compared with the parental cells. AGS‐derived gastro‐spheres showed upregulation of miR‐21 (4.7‐folds; P < 0.01), miR‐10b (15.2‐folds; P < 0.001) and miR‐146a (39.3‐folds; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data exhibited upregulation of miR‐21, miR‐10b, and miR‐146a in the stem‐like gastro‐spheres; however; their function in gastric CSCs remains to be verified by further experiments.
Mononuclear vs. binuclear carboxylates of copper(II) with 2,2′‐bipyridine: Synthesis, characterization, structural description, and properties
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Sohail Manzar , Tahir Muhammad N. , Anderson Paul A.
Published: May 2019

Two new copper(II) carboxylate complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and para‐nitrophenyl acetate (complex 1) and phenyl acetate (complex 2) have been synthesized; isolated in quantitative yield; and characterized using fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), electron paramagnetic resonance, absorption spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and powder and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Being mononuclear, the geometry around copper in complex 1 is a Jahn–Teller distorted octahedral, while complex 2 is binuclear with slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry around both copper ions. Powder XRD indicated several peaks in spectra of both complexes, which coincided with their theoretical spectra. FT‐IR results of the carboxylate stretching frequency were in accordance with the single crystal structure data. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of complexes 1 and 2 yielded g┴ values of 2.06161 and 2.24623 and 1.94959, respectively, indicating a localized electron in b1 (d
x2–y2‐orbital). Ultra‐violet (UV)–visible spectroscopy and electrochemistry helped in characterization, as well as in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐binding ability of the complexes, yielding DNA‐binding constant values = 1.351 × 104 and 1.361 × 104 and 1.820 × 104 and 2.426 × 104 M−1, respectively, for complexes 1 and 2. The complexes demonstrate good biological potential.
Noninvasive prenatal testing detects microdeletion abnormalities of fetal chromosome 15
Authors: Yin Lianli , Tang Yinghua , Lu Qing , Shi Mingfang , Pan Aiping , Chen Danyun
Published: May 2019

Objective

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is widely used in clinical detection of fetal autosomal duplications or deletions. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical application of NIPT for detection of chromosomal microdeletions.

Methods

Microdeletions of about 5 Mb in the long arm of chromosome 15 (q11.2‐q12) were detected by NIPT and were confirmed by karyotype analysis and copy number variation (CNV) analysis based on high‐throughput sequencing technology.

Results

The CNV results of prenatal diagnosis showed that there were approximately 4.96 Mb of microdeletions in 15q11.2‐q13.1, which was consistent with the NIPT results. The karyotype analysis showed no abnormalities.

Conclusion

In this study, the microdeletion fragment of fetal chromosome 15 was successfully detected and diagnosed using NIPT. This suggests that NIPT is an efficient method to gain genetic information about chromosomal abnormalities.
Genetic defects of thiamine transport and metabolism: A review of clinical phenotypes, genetics, and functional studies
Authors: Marcé‐Grau Anna , Martí‐Sánchez Laura , Baide‐Mairena Heidy , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan D. , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén
Published: May 2019

Thiamine is a crucial cofactor involved in the maintenance of carbohydrate metabolism and participates in multiple cellular metabolic processes within the cytosol, mitochondria, and peroxisomes. Currently, four genetic defects have been described causing impairment of thiamine transport and metabolism: SLC19A2 dysfunction leads to diabetes mellitus, megaloblastic anemia and sensory‐neural hearing loss, whereas SLC19A3, SLC25A19, and TPK1‐related disorders result in recurrent encephalopathy, basal ganglia necrosis, generalized dystonia, severe disability, and early death. In order to achieve early diagnosis and treatment, biomarkers play an important role. SLC19A3 patients present a profound decrease of free‐thiamine in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fibroblasts. TPK1 patients show decreased concentrations of thiamine pyrophosphate in blood and muscle. Thiamine supplementation has been shown to improve diabetes and anemia control in Rogers' syndrome patients due to SLC19A2 deficiency. In a significant number of patients with SLC19A3, thiamine improves clinical outcome and survival, and prevents further metabolic crisis. In SLC25A19 and TPK1 defects, thiamine has also led to clinical stabilization in single cases. Moreover, thiamine supplementation leads to normal concentrations of free‐thiamine in the CSF of SLC19A3 patients. Herein, we present a literature review of the current knowledge of the disease including related clinical phenotypes, treatment approaches, update of pathogenic variants, as well as in vitro and in vivo functional models that provide pathogenic evidence and propose mechanisms for thiamine deficiency in humans.
Feasibility of using dried blood spots for HIV viral load testing among HIV‐infected individuals in Thailand using QIAGEN QIAsymphony‐artus HIV‐1 platform
Authors: Thepbundit Viraporn , Ngo‐Giang‐Huong Nicole , Salvadori Nicolas , Laolue Auswin , Kunyanone Naowarat , Sata‐un Jaggrit , Jourdain Gonzague , Sirirungsi Wasna , Khamduang Woottichai
Published: May 2019

In settings where plasma preparation and sample centralization are not feasible or inconvenient, dried blood spots (DBS) could be used as an alternative specimen to plasma to assess antiretroviral treatment response among HIV‐infected individuals. This study was aimed to (1) validate the recent QIAsymphony‐artus assay for DBS HIV viral load (VL) and (2) assess the feasibility of measuring HIV VL on DBS using this assay in Thailand. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐blood samples from 99 HIV‐infected individuals were used to prepare paired DBS and plasma. Also, DBS samples were shipped to three distant hospitals in the northern region. After short‐term storage, DBS were returned by regular post to the AMS laboratory and were re‐tested for HIV VL using the same platform. HIV VL results were compared using Pearson's correlation and Bland‐Altman analysis. DBS HIV VL fairly correlated to plasma HIV VL (R = 0.62) with a mean difference of 0.02 log10IU/mL (SD = 1.06). A high correlation (R = 0.79) was observed between HIV VL in DBS before and after shipping (mean difference = 0.14 log10IU/mL, SD = 0.74), indicating good stability of HIV RNA in DBS. DBS can be used as an alternative specimen for HIV VL monitoring in Thailand. However, measurement of HIV VL with the QIAGEN QIAsymphony‐artus assay should be improved, especially the DBS pre‐extraction process.