bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The entrepreneurship of survival among urban adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness
Authors: Isaak Corinne A. , Reynolds Kristin , Sareen Jitender , Distasio Jino
Published: June 2019

Aims

Using an entrepreneurship lens, this study examined the narratives of urban adults experiencing homelessness and living with mental illness, to explore strategies used for day‐to‐day survival.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 females, 30 males, and one individual identifying as “other,” living in a mid‐sized Canadian city. The average age was 39 years. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis informed by grounded theory.

Findings

Participants described creative and intentional strategies for managing life on the street without permanent shelter, including recognition of opportunities, mobilization of their own or acquired resources, and use of social connections and communication skills, and strategies that demonstrated entrepreneurial processes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that participants used survival entrepreneurship strategies and processes to navigate daily life while experiencing homelessness. Recognition and validation of the propensity for enterprise and self‐sufficiency are central for both individual recovery and ending homelessness within similar populations.
Magnetite nanoparticles enhance the bioelectrochemical treatment of municipal sewage by facilitating the syntrophic oxidation of volatile fatty acids
Authors: Cruz Viggi Carolina , Casale Stefania , Chouchane Habib , Askri Refka , Fazi Stefano , Cherif Ameur , Zeppilli Marco , Aulenta Federico
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) represent a novel platform to harvest the energy trapped in municipal wastewater. At the anode of METs, electro‐active bacteria (EAB) anaerobically oxidize wastewater constituents using the electrode as the terminal electron acceptor and, by so doing, generate an electric current. To convert complex wastewater constituents into electricity, EAB must not only establish syntrophic relationships with other members of the microbial community, but also compete with methanogens for consumption of hydrogen and acetate. Here, we examined the addition of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) (250 mg Fe L−1) as a novel strategy to manipulate such metabolic interactions and in turn maximize the efficiency of wastewater treatment and the yield of electric current generation.

RESULTS

Batch experiments carried out either in the presence of a mixture of volatile fatty acids or of a synthetic sewage demonstrated that magnetite addition accelerate the rate of electrogenic oxidation of specific compounds, particularly propionate (up to 120%), an intermediate which frequently accumulates during anaerobic treatment processes, while correspondingly enhancing electric current generation (up to 90%), and diminishing the rate of competing methane generation (up to 50%). Notably, the composition of the microbial community was not substantially affected by the presence of magnetite nanoparticles, possibly suggesting that these latter facilitated extracellular electron transfer mechanisms (among microbes and with the electrode), rather than enriching conditions for specific microorganisms.

CONCLUSION

The addition of magnetite NPs may represent a practical strategy to kick‐start a bioelectrochemical system designed for wastewater treatment and improve the effectiveness of electrogenic substrate oxidation processes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of the National Clinical Database to evaluate the association between preoperative liver function and postoperative complications among patients undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Kubota Keiichi , Aoki Taku , Kumamaru Hiraku , Shiraki Takayuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Seto Yasuyuki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: June 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to clarify the association between preoperative liver function and complications after hepatectomy.

Methods

The study included 11,686 patients registered in the National Clinical Database for 2015 for whom data on indocyanine green at 15 min (ICG15) and hepatectomy were available. The patients were divided into four groups: group A (ICG15 <10%; n = 5,661), group B (ICG15 10% to <20%; n = 4,381), group C (ICG15 20% to <30%; n = 1,173) and group D (ICG15 >30%; n = 463). Hepatectomy procedures were classified as partial resection (n = 3,934), systematic subsegmentectomy (n = 2,055), monosectionectomy (n = 2,043), bisectionectomy (n = 2,993) and trisectionectomy (n = 208). Complications were classified using the Clavien‐Dindo classification (CD) and evaluated by ICG15 category and procedure type.

Results

Complications more severe than CD III increased significantly as the operation time lengthened and the intraoperative bleeding volume increased (P < 0.001). ICG15 category was positively associated with operative death, >CD III complications, surgical site infection (SSI), liver failure, and intractable ascites for many of the major hepatectomy procedures, but not with bile leakage. More complications were observed in patients outside the Makuuchi criteria than in those within the criteria.

Conclusions

Operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume are significantly associated with severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy. ICG15 is a good indicator predictive of operative death, >CD III complications, SSI, liver failure and intractable ascites.
Deletion of the creatine transporter gene in neonatal, but not adult, mice leads to cognitive deficits
Authors: Udobi Kenea C. , Delcimmuto Nicholas , Kokenge Amanda N. , Abdulla Zuhair I. , Perna Marla K. , Skelton Matthew R.
Published: June 2019

Creatine (Cr) is a guanidino compound that provides readily available phosphate pools for the regeneration of spent adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The lack of brain Cr causes moderate to severe intellectual disability, language impairment, and epilepsy. The most prevalent cause of Cr deficiency are mutations in the X‐linked SLC6A8 (Creatine transporter; CrT) gene, known as CrT deficiency (CTD). One of the most critical areas that need to be addressed is whether Cr is necessary for brain development. To address this concern, the Slc6a8 gene was knocked out in either neonatal (postnatal day (P)5) or adult (P60) mice using a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre recombinase driven by the human ubiquitin C (UBC) promoter. Mice were tested in the Morris water maze, novel, object recognition, and conditioned fear 60 days after Slc6a8 deletion. In addition, overnight locomotor activity was analyzed. Mice that had the gene deleted on P5 showed deficits in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition, while there were no deficits in P60 knockout mice. Interestingly, the P5 knockout mice showed hyperactivity during the dark phase; however, when examining control mice, the effect was due to the administration of tamoxifen from P5 to 10. Taken together, the results of this study show that Cr is necessary during periods of brain development involved in spatial and object learning. This study also highlights the continued importance of using proper control groups for behavioral testing.
Diminished secretion and function of IL-29 is associated with impaired IFN-α response of neonatal plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Wisgrill Lukas , Wessely Isabelle , Netzl Antonia , Pummer Linda , Sadeghi Kambis , Spittler Andreas , Berger Angelika , Förster-Waldl Elisabeth
Published: June 2019

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are key players in the antiviral immune response and type III IFNs such as IL-29 appear to play a pivotal role in pDC function. Pronounced susceptibility to viral infections in neonates is partly resulting from diminished antiviral immune mechanisms. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of IL-29 in the altered immune response of neonatal pDCs. PBMCs of adult and term newborns were stimulated with CpG-ODN2216 in the presence or absence of IL-29 and assessed for IFN-α production, downstream-signaling, and activation marker expression. A significantly lower IL-29 production after TLR9-specific stimulation was demonstrated in neonatal pDCs. IL-29 enhanced the IFN-α production of pDCs in adults compared to newborns. Newborn pDCs displayed a significantly lower surface expression of IL-10 and IL-28Rα receptor resulting in diminished STAT1 and IRF7 activation. Interestingly, concomitant stimulation with CpG-ODN2216/IL-29 had no impact on the expression of surface activation and maturation markers of pDCs in neither population. The diminished antiviral immune response of neonatal pDCs is associated with reduced production and cellular responses toward IL-29. Potential therapeutic agents enhancing the IL-29 response in neonatal pDCs possibly augment viral protection in newborns.
Primary trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus infection in a kidney transplant child displaying virus‐infected decoy cells in the urine
Authors: Borgogna Cinzia , Albertini Silvia , Zavattaro Elisa , Veronese Federica , Peruzzi Licia , van der Meijden Els , Feltkamp Mariet C.W. , Tosoni Antonella , Volpe Alessandro , Boldorini Renzo , Gariglio Marisa
Published: June 2019

We report a case of primary trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) infection in a kidney transplant child and describe for the first time the presence of degenerated TS‐associated polyomavirus (TSPyV)‐infected cells in a TS patient's urine that are morphologically different from BK or JC polyomavirus‐infected decoy cells.
Spatiotemporal soil moisture variations associated with hydro‐meteorological factors over the Yarlung Zangbo River basin in Southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Xueying , Liu Liu , Li Hao , Wang Shuping , Heng Jingxia
Published: June 2019

Soil moisture (SM) is a key factor in the exchanging process of the hydrological cycle, which is rather difficult to be directly observed. In situ measurements on SM, however, are subjected to the point scales. Use of land surface models has been a promising way to explore SM variations, especially for poorly gauged high mountain regions such as the Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) basin located in Southeast Tibetan Plateau. This study made an attempt to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of SM and discuss hydro‐meteorological factors impacting SM evolution based on the Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS) outputs during the period 1970–2009. Results show that (a) GLDAS data sets have high agreement and low bias with in situ measurements and consistent spatial distribution with ERA reanalysis data sets; (b) an abrupt change of SM is detected in 1992 and a significantly decreasing trend happens during 1970–2009 and 1993–2009; (c) precipitation is the dominant climatic factor controlling SM during the period 1970–2009, whereas surface air temperature is the critical factor for the significant change of SM. Owing to the significant increasing of surface air temperature since 1992, its impact on SM increased by ∼91% than that before 1992. Evapotranspiration (ET) and snow water equivalent (SWE) are also taken into consideration, showing relatively weak influence on SM, which may be due to the dynamic process of coupled SM‐ET or low snow cover area fraction across the YZR basin. Findings in this study have important implications for SM variations in poorly gauged high mountain regions which may largely influences downstream water availability.
A Comparative Analysis of Equations to Estimate Patient Energy Requirements Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Correction of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Roebuck Natalie , Fan Chun‐Po Steve , Floh Alejandro , Harris Zena Leah , Mazwi Mjaye L.
Published: June 2019

Background

No consensus exists on the optimal method to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) in critically ill children following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study assesses the accuracy of REE estimation equations in children with congenital heart disease following CPB and tests the feasibility of using allometric scaling as an alternative energy prediction equation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a pediatric cohort following CPB (n = 107; median age 5.2 months, median weight 5.65 kg) who underwent serial measures (median 5 measurements) of REE using indirect calorimetry for 72 hours following CPB. We estimated REE using common estimation methods (Dietary Reference Intake, Harris Benedict, Schofield, World Health Organization [WHO]) as well as novel allometric equations. We compared estimated with measured REE to determine accuracy of each equation using overall discrepancy, calculated as a time‐weighted average of the absolute deviation.

Results

All equations incorrectly estimated REE at all time points following CPB, with overestimation error predominating. WHO had the lowest discrepancy at 10.7 ± 8.4 kcal/kg/d. The allometric equation was inferior, with an overall discrepancy of 16.9 ± 10.4. There is a strong nonlinear relationship between body surface area and measured REE in this cohort, which is a key source of estimation error using linear equations.

Conclusion

In a cohort of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease following CPB, no currently utilized clinical estimation equation reliably estimated REE. Allometric scaling proved inferior in estimating REE in children following CPB. Indirect calorimetry remains the ideal method of determining REE after CPB until nonlinear methods can be derived due to overestimation using linear equations.
Lymphoscintigraphy for the diagnosis of extremity lymphedema: Current controversies regarding protocol, interpretation, and clinical application
Authors: Pappalardo Marco , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: June 2019

Appropriate diagnosis, staging and a further selection of the best treatment are fundamental for the management of patients with extremity lymphedema. Several clinical and imaging tools have been described for these purposes. Lymphoscintigraphy is still considered the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing lymphedema. However, protocol variability and poor image resolution can make the interpretation challenging. Here, we reviewed technical aspects of lymphoscintigraphy, interpretation of the lymphoscintigraphy findings, staging, and its clinical application.
The role of adjunct nanofibrillar collagen scaffold implantation in the surgical management of secondary lymphedema: Review of the literature and summary of initial pilot studies
Authors: Rochlin Danielle H. , Inchauste Suzanne , Zelones Justin , Nguyen Dung H.
Published: June 2019

Secondary lymphedema is a worldwide affliction that exacts a significant public health burden. This review examines the etiology, presentation, and management of secondary lymphedema. In addition, emerging adjunctive strategies are explored, specifically evidence from animal and pilot human studies regarding implantation of a collagen nanofibrillar scaffold (BioBridge™; Fibralign Corporation, Union City, CA) in promoting lymphangiogenesis, preventing and treating lymphedema, and enhancing outcomes with lymphaticovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfer.
Tribological performance of DLC coating under aqueous solutions
Authors: Guo Feifei , Dong Guangneng , Qin Liguo , Zhang Dongya , Guo Junde
Published: June 2019

In the study, the hydrogen‐free diamond‐like carbon (DLC) coating was deposited on the surface of the Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy. Pin‐on‐plate tribotests were performed for the DLC‐coated CoCrMo specimen against un‐doped CoCrMo alloy under bovine serum albumin (BSA), NaCl solution, and distilled water. Results showed that the average coefficient of friction (COF) of the mating system was 0.08 under NaCl and 0.07 under distilled water, respectively. However, the dynamic COF under BSA lubrication was prone to increasing with testing time, and the average COF got to 0.12. The wear morphology of the pin was covered by the carbon transfer layer without BSA lubrication, and the formation of the transfer layer was a dynamic evolution process as wear debris adhesion, continuous transferring, and delamination. Oppositely, the transfer layer was inhibited under BSA lubrication due to the adsorption of the protein layer on the contact interface.
A Novel SGCE Nonsense Variant Associated With Marked Intrafamilial Variability in a Turkish Family With Myoclonus‐Dystonia
Authors: Gultekin Murat , Prakash Neha , Ganos Christos , Mirza Meral , Bayramov Ruslan , Bhatia Kailash P. , Mencacci Niccolò E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Myoclonus‐Dystonia syndrome (M‐D) is an autosomal‐dominant movement disorder related to SGCE gene pathogenic variants. Although there can be observed variability in clinical findings, here we describe intrafamilial variability in a Turkish family with a novel nonsense SGCE pathogenic variant.

Methods

A family with variable clinical symptoms resembling M‐D were referred to our clinic. After preliminary diagnosis, patients were tested for mutations in the SGCE gene by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Novel pathogenic heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 3, c.272T>G; p.Leu91* (NM_003919.2) were observed in affected family members.

Conclusion

Intrafamilial clinical variability, despite the same pathogenic variant described in this work, suggests that there are regulatory factors, epigenetic or environmental modifiers, which are the subject of a matter for future studies.
Incidence, demographic characteristics, and geographic distribution of sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia births in Michigan, 1997–2014
Authors: Reeves Sarah L. , Jary Hannah K. , Gondhi Jennifer P. , Kleyn Mary , Spector‐Bagdady Kayte , Dombkowski Kevin J.
Published: June 2019

Background

This study describes the incidence, demographic characteristics, and geographic distribution of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and sickle cell trait births in Michigan.

Methods

Michigan newborn screening records and birth certificates (1997–2014) were used to identify sickle cell trait and SCA births, as well as demographic characteristics and mother's residential address. Incidence was calculated overall and by county.

Results

During the study period, there were 592 SCA births and 33,404 sickle cell trait births in Michigan. The majority of SCA (86.3%) and trait (80.2%) cases were among children who were black. Children with SCA were born in 23% of Michigan counties; children with trait were born in 93%.

Conclusion

Compared to SCA, sickle cell trait births occur at 50‐fold greater incidence and have a substantially expanded geographic distribution. Further research is necessary to understand the most appropriate and impactful use of resources to increase the proportion of families and adults that are aware of their sickle cell trait status.
Expression and allele frequencies of Thymic stromal lymphopoietin are a key factor of breast cancer risk
Authors: Semlali Abdelhabib , Almutairi Mikhlid , Reddy Parine Narasimha , Al Amri Abdullah , Almeer Rafa , Alanazi Mohammad S. , Rouabhia Mahmoud
Published: June 2019

Background

Thymic stromal Lymphopoeitin (TSLP) is a key cytokine involved in inflammation and cancer progression. TSLP gene polymorphisms have been associated with increased susceptibility to cancer progression in different organs. We performed a control case study to examine the correlation of expression and polymorphisms of three nucleotides in TSLP with breast cancer (BC) risk in Saudi Arabian females.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on 116 healthy control subjects and 127 female patients with BC for the purpose of genotyping. Ten matching tissues provided data on immunohistochemistry to evaluate TSLP expression. Three SNPs (rs10043985, rs2289276, and rs3806933) were genotyped with TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The patients' ages and estrogen receptor statuses were used to investigate the potential correlations between the different variations of TSLP genotypes and BC risk.

Results

BC tissues expressed positive immuno‐staining for TSLP at a high rate compared to normal matching breast tissues. Malignant breast tumors exhibited higher TSLP expression than benign breast tumors. We also found that the rs3806933 (T) allele frequency decreased the risk of developing BC in the study population (OR = 0.356, p = 0.00027) significantly (0.356 times). Interestingly, statistical analysis revealed that the genotype mutant (AC) and the allele mutant (C) of rs10043985 within TSLP were significantly correlated with an increased BC risk (odds ratio [OR] = 4.762, confidence interval [CI] = 1.000–22.666, p = 0.03244; OR = 4.762, CI = 1.000–22.666, p = 0.03244; and OR = 4.575, CI = 0.975–21.464, p = 0.03516, respectively). In addition, the AC and AC + CC genotypes of TSLP rs10043985 were confirmed to be associated with an increased risk of BC risk in women aged above 48 years, compared with the AA genotype (AC and AC + CC vs. AA: OR = 9.468, CI = 0.493–181.768, p = 0.04537).

Conclusion

The results reveal significant correlation between SNPs in TSLP and BC progression in Saudi Arabian female patients.
Common fixed point theorems in fuzzy metric‐like spaces employing common property (E.A.)
Authors: Sumalai Phumin , Kumam Poom , Gopal Dhananjay , Hasan Mohd
Published: June 2019

The aim of this manuscript is to improve certain results established in a recent paper of Imdad et al on the existence of a common fixed point for contractive mappings in fuzzy metric spaces. Further, we generalize and extend some common fixed point theorems due to Ali and Imdad and some fixed point theorems due to Mihet to the case of fuzzy metric‐like spaces. We also furnish an illustrative example to demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses and degree of generality of our main result.
Nearness results for real tridiagonal 2‐Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Bebiano Natália , Furtado Susana
Published: June 2019

In this article, we extend the results for Toeplitz matrices obtained by Noschese, Pasquini, and Reichel. We study the distanced, measured in the Frobenius norm, of a real tridiagonal 2‐Toeplitz matrixTto the closureof the set formed by the real irreducible tridiagonal normal matrices. The matrices in, whose distance toTisd, are characterized, and the location of their eigenvalues is shown to be in a region determined by the field of values of the operator associated withT, whenTis in a certain class of matrices that contains the Toeplitz matrices. WhenThas an odd dimension, the eigenvalues of the closest matrices toTinare explicitly described. Finally, a measure of nonnormality ofTis studied for a certain class of matricesT. The theoretical results are illustrated with examples. In addition, known results in the literature for the case in whichTis a Toeplitz matrix are recovered.
Printing of µm structures with nano inks using a novel combination of high‐resolution plasma printing and subsequent rotogravure printing
Authors: Thomas Michael , Herrmann Annika , Dohse Antje , Borris Jochen , Weidlich Ernst‐Rudolf
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we investigated reel‐to‐reel area‐selective microplasma treatment of polymer films using the plasma printing technique in combination with subsequent rotogravure printing. The aim was to explore whether and how the plasma printing pretreatment could contribute to increase print resolution with conductive nano inks on flexible polymer substrates. Substrate materials tested included films of biaxially oriented polyester and polypropylene. As the plasma process gas, a nonflammable mixture of 97% N2 and 3% H
2 was used. Novel microplasma sources developed during the course of this work achieved satisfactory plasma modification effects for the control of ink‐wetting patterns at process speeds of up to 3 m/min. In the case of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, this value was six times higher than the process speeds using previous microplasma sources. The reproduction accuracy achieved with these process parameters was typically better than 1.5% for structures with widths as low as 10 µm. Organic solvent and water‐based ink systems with silver and PEDOT:PSS as conductive components were tested in the rotogravure process following the area‐selective plasma pretreatment. In the combined plasma printing and gravure printing process, a resolution as good as 50 µm, was achieved using an aqueous PEDOT:PSS‐based ink. Conductive tracks produced on BOPP with this ink also passed the tape test for adhesion.
Diaphragmatic paralysis in young children: A literature review
Authors: Gerard‐Castaing Nathalie , Perrin Thomas , Ohlmann Camille , Mainguy Catherine , Coutier Laurianne , Buchs Clelia , Reix Philippe
Published: June 2019

Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) is a rare cause of respiratory distress in young children. In the first years of life, the main cause is phrenic nerve injury after cardiothoracic surgery or obstetrical trauma. DP usually presents as respiratory distress. Asymmetrical thorax elevation, difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation, pulmonary atelectasis, and repeated pulmonary infections are other suggestive signs or complications. DP is usually suspected on chest X‐ray showing abnormal hemidiaphragm elevation. Although fluoroscopy was considered the gold standard for DP confirmation, it has gradually been replaced by ultrasound, which can be done at the bedside. Some electrophysiological tools may be useful for a better characterization of phrenic nerve injury and chance of recovery. The management of DP is mainly based on clinical severity. In mild asymptomatic cases, DP may only require close monitoring. In more severe cases, adequate ventilatory support and/or surgical diaphragmatic plication may be needed. Electrophysiological tools may help clinicians assess the ideal timing for diaphragmatic plication.
A novel method for infant multiple breath washout: First report in clinical practice
Authors: Shawcross Anna , Murray Clare S. , Pike Katy , Horsley Alex
Published: June 2019

Background

Lung clearance index (LCI), measured using multiple breath inert gas washout (MBW) is a potentially useful test in infants with respiratory disease, particularly cystic fibrosis (CF). Clinical use is limited however by the need for specialist staff and equipment. We have previously described a novel method for infant MBW suitable for use outside of specialist laboratories. This study describes its performance in vivo in infants with CF and healthy controls, including a limited comparison with the respiratory mass spectrometer.

Methods

Children aged less than 2 years with CF and controls underwent MBW testing on a single occasion. The practical applicability of the system was determined by the number of successful duplicate tests and within‐subject repeatability.

Results

Twenty‐five children (seven with CF, 18 healthy controls, all sedated with chloral hydrate) attempted MBW. Twenty patients (seven with CF) successfully underwent duplicate testing (80% success rate). Mean within‐subject coefficient of variation for functional residual capacity (FRC) was 7.2% and for LCI 5.9%. Comparison of LCI with the mass spectrometer was limited but gave very similar values for LCI and FRC in those patients who underwent technically adequate tests with both methods.

Conclusions

We have described a new MBW method that is feasible and reproducible in sedated infants. Results fall within the expected range, and well within accuracy limits set by international guidelines. This could provide a more accessible alternative to previously described systems for infant MBW, and overcomes many of the technical challenges inherent in conventional MBW.
Circulating inflammation markers and prostate cancer
Authors: Ugge Henrik , Downer Mary K. , Carlsson Jessica , Bowden Michaela , Davidsson Sabina , Mucci Lorelei A. , Fall Katja , Andersson Sven‐Olof , Andrén Ove
Published: June 2019

Background

Chronic inflammation is thought to influence the risk of prostate cancer. The purpose of this population‐based case‐control study was to evaluate the association of 48 circulating inflammation markers with prostate cancer, to identify candidate markers for further investigation.

Methods

Serum samples collected from 235 prostate cancer patients and 198 population‐based controls recruited in Örebro County, Sweden, in 1989‐1991, were assessed using a multiplex bead‐based immunoassay to determine concentrations of 48 circulating inflammation markers. Logistic regression was first used to evaluate the association between individual markers (highest vs lowest concentration quartile) and prostate cancer in unadjusted and mutually adjusted models. Second, patients with inflammatory conditions, metastatic or advanced prostate cancer, were excluded to address the possible influence of systemic disease on inflammation markers.

Results

Individual analyses first identified 21 markers associated with prostate cancer (P < .05), which after mutual adjustment were reduced to seven markers. After the exclusion of men with conditions linked with systemic inflammation, associations between prostate cancer and deviant levels of C‐X3‐C motif chemokine ligand 1, platelet‐derived growth factor subunit B homodimer, interleukin 10, C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 21, and CCL11 remained statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this explorative study, we identified candidate inflammation markers of possible importance for prostate cancer pathophysiology, for further evaluation in prospective studies.
The mechanism of mulberry leaves against renal tubular interstitial fibrosis through ERK1/2 signaling pathway was predicted by network pharmacology and validated in human tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Ji Tao , Su Shu‐lan , Zhu Yue , Guo Jian‐ming , Qian Da‐wei , Tang Yu‐ping , Duan Jin‐ao
Published: June 2019

Mulberry leaf was reported that it has antidiabetic activity, although the mechanisms underlying the function have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the results of network pharmacology suggested that mulberry leaves could regulate key biological process in development of diabetes, and the process implicates multiple signaling pathways, such as JAK‐STAT, MAPK, VEGF, PPAR, and Wnt. Then, the research in vitro indicated that mulberry leaves remarkably ameliorated high glucose‐induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition, which was characterized with significant reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels as well as downregulation of NADPH oxidase subunits NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4, and it was found to be connected with the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in human tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2). Moreover, the results of bioinformatics and the dual luciferase report showed that ZEB1 might be a target gene of miR‐302a; decreased miR‐302a and increased ZEB1 expressions could significantly promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition. However, mulberry leaves could reverse these modulations. Our results demonstrated that network pharmacology could provide a guidance role for traditional Chinese medicine research, and mulberry leaves could be of benefit in preventing high glucose‐induced EMT in HK‐2 cells, which proved that it was related to the upregulation of miR‐302a by targeting ZEB1 and the inhibition of NADPH oxidase/ROS/ERK1/2 pathway.
Studies on antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and vasculoprotective potential of Viola odorata and Wrightia tinctoria
Authors: Jamshed Humaira , Siddiqi Hasan Salman , Gilani Anwar‐ul‐Hassan , Arslan Jamshed , Qasim Muhammad , Gul Bilquees
Published: June 2019

We have reported the antidyslipidemic, antihypertensive, and Ca++ channel blocking activities of Viola odorata (VO) and Wrightia tinctoria (WT). This study extends our understanding of their therapeutic potential by exploring the effects on biomarkers of hepatic and vascular dysfunction together with phytochemical standardization and antioxidant potential. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content, and proanthocyanins of the methanolic extracts were identified using HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the in vitro assays. Two studies of 6‐week duration were conducted on a high‐fat diet rat model to test the leaves and seed extracts of VO and WT (300 and 600 mg/kg) for their effect on biomarkers for hepatic and vascular dysfunction. The HPLC analysis showed high contents of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids content, and proanthocyanins along with distinctive phenolic composition. Both extracts exhibited significant antioxidant potential in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, comparable with synthetic standard antioxidants. The in vivo studies indicated a significant reduction in the high‐fat‐diet‐induced rise in serum uric acid, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase. This study indicates the potential of VO and WT to protect from vascular and hepatic damage and an antioxidant effect, thus making these herbs strong candidates for managing cardiometabolic disorders.
Characterization and optimization of the smoothed spectral abscissa for time‐delay systems
Authors: Gomez Marco A. , Michiels Wim
Published: June 2019

We introduce a new robust stability measure for systems with multiple pointwise delays, which is called smoothed spectral abscissa, consistently with the existing measure for delay‐free systems. Its main characteristics are that it is smooth with respect to the system parameters and it provides a trade‐off between the decay rate of the system solution and the
norm of a transfer matrix related with the system. The smoothed spectral abscissa is implicitly defined in terms of the
norm of an auxiliary system, and its computation is based on the so‐called delay Lyapunov matrix. We show that these features make the smoothed spectral abscissa suitable for the design of robust controllers by using standard gradient‐based optimization techniques and exploiting a novel characterization of the derivatives of the delay Lyapunov matrix with respect to the system parameters.
Mittag‐Leffler stabilization for an unstable time‐fractional anomalous diffusion equation with boundary control matched disturbance
Authors: Zhou Hua‐Cheng , Lv Chunwan , Guo Bao‐Zhu , Chen YangQuan
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the Mittag‐Leffler stabilization for an unstable time‐fractional anomalous diffusion equation with boundary control subject to the control matched disturbance. The active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) approach is adopted for developing the control law. A state‐feedback scheme is designed to estimate the disturbance by constructing two auxiliary systems: One is to separate the disturbance from the original system to a Mittag‐Leffler stable system and the other is to estimate the disturbance finally. The proposed control law compensates the disturbance using its estimation and stabilizes system asymptotically. The closed‐loop system is shown to be Mittag‐Leffler stable and the constructed auxiliary systems in the closed loop are proved to be bounded. This is the first time for ADRC to be applied to a system described by the fractional partial differential system without using the high gain.
Appearance‐based landmark selection for visual localization
Authors: Bürki Mathias , Cadena Cesar , Gilitschenski Igor , Siegwart Roland , Nieto Juan
Published: June 2019

Visual localization in outdoor environments is subject to varying appearance conditions rendering it difficult to match current camera images against a previously recorded map. Although it is possible to extend the respective maps to allow precise localization across a wide range of differing appearance conditions, these maps quickly grow in size and become impractical to handle on a mobile robotic platform. To address this problem, we present a landmark selection algorithm that exploits appearance co‐observability for efficient visual localization in outdoor environments. Based on the appearance condition inferred from recently observed landmarks, a small fraction of landmarks useful under the current appearance condition is selected and used for localization. This allows to greatly reduce the bandwidth consumption between the mobile platform and a map backend in a shared‐map scenario, and significantly lowers the demands on the computational resources on said mobile platform. We derive a landmark ranking function that exhibits high performance under vastly changing appearance conditions and is agnostic to the distribution of landmarks across the different map sessions. Furthermore, we relate and compare our proposed appearance‐based landmark ranking function to popular ranking schemes from information retrieval, and validate our results on the challenging University of Michigan North Campus long‐term vision and LIDAR data sets (NCLT), including an evaluation of the localization accuracy using ground‐truth poses. In addition to that, we investigate the computational and bandwidth resource demands. Our results show that by selecting 20–30% of landmarks using our proposed approach, a similar localization performance as the baseline strategy using all landmarks is achieved.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Heck Reaction of Aryl Halides and Terminal Olefins Using Zinc/Triflate Ligand/DMA/TBAB
Authors: Mishra Satyendra , Halpani Chandni G , Patel Sejal
Published: June 2019

A straightforward and proficient procedure for the nickel‐catalyzed Heck C−C coupling reaction of different aryl halides and with olefins has been accomplished. The reaction, was catalyzed via combination of NiBr2(PPh3)2, zinc powder, additive (BMIM.OTf), K3PO4 as a base in the presence of solvents N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMA) and Tetra‐n‐butylammonium bromide(TBAB). The arylation of methyl acrylate and styrene with various aryl iodides under optimized catalytic systems, showed excellent yield of the products. Remarkably, base (K3PO4), additive (BMIM.OTf) and the solvent (TBAB/DMA) have shown an indispensable effects on the efficacy of the reaction and it has been found to be in most favorable condition for heck reaction.
1D Rodlike mBiVO4 Mesocrystals: Preparation, Formation Mechanism and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhao Guosheng , Zheng Xuchen , Qian Jingyi , Wang Mengyao , Cao Xinyu , Teng Honghui , Liu Wei
Published: June 2019

Mesocrystals have attracted more attention owing to their unique structures and properties. Nevertheless, facile and green synthesis of well‐defined mesocrystals still remains a significant challenge. Herein, one‐dimensional (1D) rodlike monoclinic scheelite phase BiVO4 (mBiVO4) mesocrystals having superstructures orderly assembled by mBiVO4 nanoparticle building blocks, were created via a facile solvothermal method in the glycerol (Gly)/water mixed solvent without any additives. By adjusting the dosage of Gly and pH value of the reaction system, the microstructure of BiVO4 can be accurately regulated. The obtained samples were carefully characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET, FTIR, PL and UV‐vis techniques. The lower pH value and the higher dosage of Gly were propitious to form rodlike mBiVO4 mesocrystals. Of course, the kind and concentration of reaction species in the system and the assembly force were affected by the dosage of Gly and pH value. The possible formation mechanism of the BiVO4 mesocrystals was proposed on the basis of these analyses. The optimized rodlike mBiVO4 mesocrystal prepared with 8 mL of Gly at pH 2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation activity for methylene blue (MB) under simulated sunlight irradiation, which could be attributed to its phase composition, higher surface area, stronger light absorption and 1D rodlike morphology with short L/D ratio which may increase the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Untangling Cooperative Effects of Pyridinic and Graphitic Nitrogen Sites at Metal‐Free N‐Doped Carbon Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Behan James A. , Mates‐Torres Eric , Stamatin Serban N. , Domínguez Carlota , Iannaci Alessandro , Fleischer Karsten , Hoque Md. Khairul , Perova Tatiana S. , García‐Melchor Max , Colavita Paula E.
Published: June 2019

Metal‐free carbon electrodes with well‐defined composition and smooth topography are prepared via sputter deposition followed by thermal treatment with inert and reactive gases. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy show that three carbons of similar N/C content that differ in N‐site composition are thus prepared: an electrode consisting of almost exclusively graphitic‐N (NG), an electrode with predominantly pyridinic‐N (NP), and one with ≈1:1 NG:NP composition. These materials are used as model systems to investigate the activity of N‐doped carbons in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using voltammetry. Results show that selectivity toward 4e‐reduction of O2 is strongly influenced by the NG/NP site composition, with the material possessing nearly uniform NG/NP composition being the only one yielding a 4e‐reduction. Computational studies on model graphene clusters are carried out to elucidate the effect of N‐site homogeneity on the reaction pathway. Calculations show that for pure NG‐doping or NP‐doping of model graphene clusters, adsorption of hydroperoxide and hydroperoxyl radical intermediates, respectively, is weak, thus favoring desorption prior to complete 4e‐reduction to hydroxide. Clusters with mixed NG/NP sites display synergistic effects, suggesting that co‐presence of these sites improves activity and selectivity by achieving high theoretical reduction potentials while facilitating retention of intermediates.
Contemplating social engineering studies and attack scenarios: A review study
Authors: Yasin Affan , Fatima Rubia , Liu Lin , Yasin Awaid , Wang Jianmin
Published: June 2019

The previous year has seen an enormous increase in the studies related to social engineering. This increase is partly due to increasing number of social engineering attacks and partly due to people's inability to identify the attack. Thus, it is of great importance to find solutions which are helpful for human to understand the social engineering attacks and scenarios. To address this, we have performed a literature review of studies (on social engineering) in top‐notch journals and conferences. In this paper, we have enlisted the types of attacks, and the persuasion techniques used by social engineers as listed in the literature. We also combined different theories which researchers tried to use to explain various activities of social engineers. Furthermore, we have mentioned that a better understanding of the social engineering attack scenarios can be done using thematic and game‐based analysis techniques. Preliminary empirical evaluation of the proposed game based method shows overall neutral results. Future extension and evaluation is needed for the proposed methods.
Growth, Condition, and Trophic Relations of Stocked Trout in Southern Appalachian Mountain Streams
Authors: Fischer Jesse R. , Kwak Thomas J. , Flowers H. Jared , Cope W. Gregory , Rash Jacob M. , Besler Douglas A.
Published: June 2019

Stream trout fisheries are among the most popular and valuable in the United States, but many are dependent on hatcheries to sustain fishing and harvest. Thus, understanding the ecology of hatchery‐reared trout stocked in natural environments is fundamental to management. We evaluated the growth, condition, and trophic relations of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, Brown Trout Salmo trutta, and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss that were stocked in southern Appalachian Mountain streams in western North Carolina. Stocked and wild (naturalized) trout were sampled over time (monthly; September 2012–June 2013) to compare condition and diet composition and to evaluate temporal dynamics of trophic position with stable isotope analysis. Relative weights (Wr) of stocked trout were inversely associated with their stream residence time but were consistently higher than those of wild trout. Weight loss of harvested stocked trout was similar among species and sizes, but fish stocked earlier lost more weight. Overall, 40% of 141 stomachs from stocked trout were empty compared to 15% of wild trout stomachs (N = 26). We identified a much higher rate of piscivory in wild trout (18 times that of stocked trout), and wild trout were 4.3 times more likely to consume gastropods relative to stocked trout. Hatchery‐reared trout were isotopically similar to co‐occurring wild fish for both δ13C and δ15N values but were less variable than wild trout. Differences in sulfur isotope ratios (δ34S) between wild and hatchery‐reared trout indicated that the diets of wild fish were enriched in δ34S relative to the diets of hatchery‐reared fish. Although hatchery‐reared trout consumed prey items similar to those of wild fish, differences in consumption or behavior (e.g., reduced feeding) may have resulted in lower condition and negative growth. These findings provide critical insight on the trophic dynamics of stocked trout and may assist in developing and enhancing stream trout fisheries.
Mindfulness in the Classroom
Authors: Sedenka Anna
Published: June 2019

Voices From the Classroom essays share readers’ reflections on teaching experiences, advice for new teachers, and perspectives on current issues.
Ecosystem services of poplar at long‐term phytoremediation sites in the Midwest and Southeast, United States
Authors: Zalesny Ronald S. , Headlee William L. , Gopalakrishnan Gayathri , Bauer Edmund O. , Hall Richard B. , Hazel Dennis W. , Isebrands Jud G. , Licht Louis A. , Negri M. Cristina , Nichols Elizabeth Guthrie , Rockwood Donald L. , Wiese Adam H.
Published: June 2019

Short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) including Populus species and their hybrids (i.e., poplars) are ideal for incorporating biomass production with phytotechnologies such as phytoremediation. To integrate these applications, 15 poplar plantings from nine long‐term phytoremediation installations were sampled from 2012 to 2013 in the Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin) and Southeast (Alabama, Florida, North Carolina) United States. In this review, we report summary results of this sampling and how performance at each site compared with comparable phytoremediation systems in the literature. We review significant genotypic differences from each planting within the context of provisioning (i.e., biomass production) and regulating (i.e., carbon sequestration) ecosystem services and how they relate to the need for a cleaner environment during times of accelerated ecological degradation. Overall, the contaminated poplar sites provided these ecosystem services comparable to noncontaminated poplar sites used for bioenergy and biofuels feedstock production. For example, phytoremediation trees at the Midwestern sites had biomass values ranging from 4.4 to 15.5 Mg ha−1 y−1, which was ~20% less relative to bioenergy trees (p = .0938). Results were similar for diameter and carbon, with some genotype × environment interactions resulting in phytoremediation trees exhibiting substantially greater growth and productivity (i.e., +131% at one site). As illustrated in the current review, phytoremediation success can be increased with the identification and deployment of genotypes tailored to grow well and tolerate a broad diversity of contaminants (generalists) (i.e., ‘DN34’, ‘NM6’, ‘7300501’) versus those that significantly outperform their counterparts under unique site conditions (specialists) (i.e., ‘220‐5’, ‘51‐5’, ‘S13C20’).

This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Climate and Environment

Bioenergy > Economics and Policy

Bioenergy > Science and Materials