bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projetos culturais Guarani Mbya: o ProAC Indígena
Authors: De Arruda Campos Alzira Lobo
Published: February 2019

No âmbito das políticas públicas de inclusão e com o foco nos conceitos de interculturalidade e etnicidade, tomados como vetores necessários para que se entenda o panorama sociocultural brasileiro, analisa-se o ProAC Indígena, ESP (Programa de Ação Cultural da Secretaria Estadual de Cultura relativa aos indígenas). Para tanto, esta análise escolhe como recorte empírico os projetos culturais desenvolvidos nos doze anos de vigência do ProAC Indígena no Estado de São Paulo, os quais  revelam os sentidos mítico e profético, norteadores das experiências tradicionais, que refletem a identidade cultural e étnica de seus atores sociais.
O pensamento e a imaginação no banco dos réus: ameaças à liberdade de expressão em contexto de golpe e guerras culturais
Authors: Miguel Luis Felipe
Published: February 2019

A liberdade de expressão artística foi posta em questão no Brasil no final de 2017, no momento em que, tendo triunfado com o golpe de 2016, a direita buscava se manter na ofensiva com a produção do pânico moral. Exposições de artes plásticas e performances foram assinaladas como obscenas e nefastas ao público jovem, com exigência de que fossem proibidas. O artigo discute a natureza desta campanha da direita brasileira e o enfraquecimento, nos grupos progressistas, da defesa da liberdade de expressão.
Effect of Long‐Term Storage on Microstructure and Microhardness Stability in OFHC Copper Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Almazrouee Abdulla I. , Al‐Fadhalah Khaled J. , Alhajeri Saleh N. , Huang Yi , Langdon Terence G.
Published: February 2019

Tests are conducted to evaluate the effect of long‐term storage on the microstructure and microhardness of an oxygen‐free high conductivity (OFHC) copper after processing by high‐pressure torsion (HPT) for various numbers of revolutions at ambient temperature. Results are presented for samples subjected to storage at room temperature through periods of either 1.25 or 7 years. The results show that an increase in storage time leads to a coarsening of the ultrafine‐grained structure produced by HPT processing and a corresponding decrease in the microhardess where this is associated with the occurrence of recrystallization and grain growth. Plots of hardness against equivalent strain reveal a three‐stage behavior with much lower hardness values over a range of equivalent strains of ≈2–8. This behavior is similar after both storage periods but the hardness values are lower and the grain sizes are larger after storage for the longer time. The results demonstrate that long‐term storage has a significantly detrimental effect on the microstructure and hardness of ultrafine‐grained OFHC Cu.
MXene‐Derived Ferroelectric Crystals
Authors: Tu Shaobo , Ming Fangwang , Zhang Junwei , Zhang Xixiang , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: February 2019

This study demonstrates the first synthesis of MXene‐derived ferroelectric crystals. Specifically, high‐aspect‐ratio potassium niobate (KNbO3) ferroelectric crystals is successfully synthesized using 2D Nb2C, MXene, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the niobium and potassium source, respectively. Material analysis confirms that a KNbO3 orthorhombic phase with Amm2 symmetry is obtained. Additionally, ferroelectricity in KNbO3 is confirmed using standard ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoresponse force microscopy measurements. The KNbO3 crystals exhibit a saturated polarization of ≈21 µC cm−2, a remnant polarization of ≈17 µC cm−2, and a coercive field of ≈50 kV cm−1. This discovery illustrates that the 2D nature of MXenes can be exploited to grow ferroelectric crystals.
Domain Formations and Pattern Transitions via Instabilities in Soft Heterogeneous Materials
Authors: Li Jian , Pallicity Tarkes Dora , Slesarenko Viacheslav , Goshkoderia Artemii , Rudykh Stephan
Published: February 2019

Experimental observations of domain formations and pattern transitions in soft particulate composites under large deformations are reported herein. The system of stiff inclusions periodically distributed in a soft elastomeric matrix experiences dramatic microstructure changes upon the development of elastic instabilities. In the experiments, the formation of microstructures with antisymmetric domains and their geometrically tailored evolution into a variety of patterns of cooperative particle rearrangements are observed. Through experimental and numerical analyses, it is shown that these patterns can be tailored by tuning the initial microstructural periodicity and concentration of the inclusions. Thus, these fully determined new patterns can be achieved by fine tuning of the initial microstructure.
Dynamical Properties of Spin‐Crossover Solids Within the Kinetic Spin‐1 BEG Model in the Presence of a Time‐Dependent Magnetic Field
Authors: Ogou Saliou Bolarinwa , Oke Djidjoho Toussaint , Hontinfinde Félix , Boukheddaden Kamel
Published: February 2019

Spin‐crossover (SCO) and Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) materials are investigated in 2D with a three‐state Blume–Emery–Griffiths (BEG) model where each spin interacts with its nearest neighbors () and may be either in high‐spin (HS) or low‐spin (LS) state. The interactions through the system lattice are temperature‐dependent to account for spin‐phonon interactions. The system is also in contact with an oscillating magnetic field energy. The generated numerical results by the dynamic mean field theory (DMFT) study approach are consistent with those derived by kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations with Glauber dynamics and Arrhenius transition rates. First‐order transitions with thermally induced hysteresis phenomena have been observed. Near the hysteresis loops, the model exhibits throughout relaxation curves, some fluctuations in the LS phase, strengthened by increasing temperature where this phenomenon becomes temperature‐ and magnetic field‐dependent.
Dopant‐Dependent Increase in Seebeck Coefficient and Electrical Conductivity in Blended Polymers with Offset Carrier Energies
Authors: Li Hui , Plunkett Evan , Cai Zhengxu , Qiu Botong , Wei Tianran , Chen Hongyi , Thon Susanna M. , Reich Daniel H. , Chen Lidong , Katz Howard E.
Published: February 2019

The strong and counterproductive interrelationship of thermoelectric parameters remains a bottleneck to improving thermoelectric performance, especially in polymer‐based materials. In this paper, a compositional range is investigated over which there is decoupling of the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, achieving increases in at least one of these two parameters while the other is maintained or slightly increased as well. This is done using an alkylthio‐substituted polythiophene (PQTS12) as additive in poly(bisdodecylquaterthiophene) (PQT12) with tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) and nitrosyl tetrafluoroborate (NOBF4) as dopants. The power factor increases two orders of magnitude with the PQTS12 additive at constant doping level. Using a second pair of polymers, poly(2,5‐bis(3‐dodecylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (PBTTTC12) and poly(2,5‐bis(3‐dodecylthiothiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, (PBTTTSC12), with higher mobilities, decoupling of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity is also observed and higher power factor is achieved. Distinguished from recently reported works, these two sets of polymers possess very closely offset carrier energy levels (0.05–0.07 eV), and the microstructure, assessed using grazing incidence X‐ray scattering, and mobility evaluated in field‐effect transistors, are not adversely affected by the blending. Experiments, calculations, and simulations are consistent with the idea that blending and doping polymers with closely spaced energy levels and compatible morphologies to promote carrier mobility favors increased power factors.
Experiment and Theoretical Calculation of the Surface Space Charge Region Effect on Photocurrent Generation of SnO2 Bilayer Photodiode Devices
Authors: Liao Ching‐Han , Lee Po‐Ming , Lin Chia‐Hua , Chen Wei‐Hao , Chou Chia‐Yuen , Wu Yen‐Ju , Liu Cheng‐Yi
Published: February 2019

In this work, a SnO2 bilayers photodiode device is designed, which consists of a thin SnO2 photocurrent generation layer and a SnO2 thick layer on the glass substrate. The SnO2 photocurrent generation layer with high oxygen vacancy concentration is intentionally prepared. With annealing in oxygen ambient, an electrical potential would be built in the surface space charge region in the thin SnO2 photocurrent generation layer, which would drive the photocarriers down to and flow in the photocarrier transportation layer, i.e., the high‐mobility SnO2 thick film on the glass substrate. The designed SnO2 bilayers photodiode device could enhance photocurrent generation and resolution for the SnO2‐based UV‐photodetectors. It is concluded that the width of surface space charge region is the key factor for the enhancement of lifetime of photocarriers and photocurrent generation of the current SnO2 bilayers photodiode. Based on the present experimental results, the width of the surface space charge region is expected to be nearly or less than 3 nm. Moreover, in this work, a theoretical model is developed to calculate the width of the surface space charge region. The calculated width of the surface space charge region (3.26 nm) is close enough to support the present experimental observation.
Seamless Fabrication and Threshold Engineering in Monolayer MoS2 Dual‐Gated Transistors via Hydrogen Silsesquioxane
Authors: Nasr Joseph R. , Das Saptarshi
Published: February 2019

From its inception, extensive work on the characterization of field effect transistors (FETs) based on 2D‐layered semiconductors has relied on a back‐gated transistor architecture. This is useful for initial assessment but lacks ultimate compatibility with integrated circuit (IC) design since the threshold voltage of individual devices cannot be controlled independently in order to achieve specific ON‐state and OFF‐state performance. Note that threshold engineering via gate electrostatics is inevitable for 2D semiconductors owing to the absence of comprehensive, reliable, and universal doping schemes. In recent years, several strategies are adopted for the gating of individual 2D‐FETs such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) of high‐k dielectrics, drop casting of ionic liquids, and deterministic transfer of insulating 2D hexagonal boron nitride. These techniques have their respective strengths and weaknesses. A facile, low‐temperature, scalable, and universally applicable fabrication scheme for dual‐gated monolayer 2D‐FETs is reported here, which is compatible with the back‐end‐of‐the‐line (BEOL) process flow of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, using hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ). HSQ is a negative tone resist that possesses dielectric properties similar to SiO2 when exposed to high electron beam irradiation and thermal curing and can produce features as small as 10 nm.
Alkaline Polymer Membrane‐Based Ultrathin, Flexible, and High‐Performance Solid‐State Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Wang Wang , Tang Meihua , Zheng Zhenying , Chen Shengli
Published: February 2019

The increasing demand for portable and wearable electronics requires lightweight, thin, and highly flexible power sources, for example, flexible zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). The so‐far reported flexible ZAB devices mostly remain bulky, with a design consisting of two relatively thick substrates (e.g., carbon cloths and/or metal foams) and a gel electrolyte‐coated separator in between. Herein, an ultrathin (≈0.2 mm) solid‐state ZAB with high flexibility and performance is introduced by directly forming self‐standing active layers on each surface of an alkaline polymer membrane through an ink‐casting/hot‐pressing approach. A Fe/N‐doped 3D carbon with hierarchic pores and an interconnected network structure is used as cathode electrocatalyst, so that the backing gas‐diffusion layer (e.g., carbon cloth) can be abandoned. What is further, a microstructure‐modulating method to significantly increase the FeN4 active sites for oxygen reduction reaction is developed, thus significantly boosting the performance of the ZAB. The assembled solid‐state ZAB manifests remarkable peak power density of 250 mW cm−3 and high capacity of 150.4 mAh cm−3 at 8.3 mA cm−3, as well as excellent flexibility. The new design should provide valuable opportunity to the portable and wearable electronics.
Economic optimization of distributed embedded battery units for large‐scale heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications
Authors: Patel Nishith R. , Rawlings James B. , Ellis Matthew J. , Wenzel Michael J. , Turney Robert D.
Published: February 2019

Energy costs of space heating and cooling systems can be significantly decreased using energy storage to shift the load from periods of high prices to periods of low prices. In this work, an economically optimal method of controlling large systems with distributed embedded batteries units is proposed. The control system with load shifting outperforms the conventional trade‐off curve between cost and occupant comfort. Remarks are also made about the economic viability of these systems moving forward.
Factory and construction work is associated with an increased risk of severe lumbar spinal stenosis on MRI: A case control analysis within the wakayama spine study
Authors: Ishimoto Yuyu , Cooper Cyrus , Ntani Georgia , Yamada Hiroshi , Hashizume Hiroshi , Nagata Keiji , Muraki Shigeyuki , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko , Yoshida Munehito , Walker‐Bone Karen
Published: February 2019

Background

To explore the association of MRI‐diagnosed severe lumbar spinal stenosis with occupation.

Methods

Occupational data were collected by questionnaire and all participants underwent spine MRI scans using the same protocol. Central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) was graded qualitatively. Those with severe LSS (>two‐thirds narrowing) were compared with the controls with lesser degrees of stenosis or no stenosis.

Results

Data were available for 722 subjects, mean age 70.1 years. 239 (33%) cases with severe LSS were identified. Factory/construction workers had an almost four‐fold increased risk of severe LSS after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, and walking speed amongst those aged <75 years (OR 3.97, 95%CI 1.46‐10.85). Severe LSS was also associated with squatting ≥1 h/day (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.01‐3.07) but this association became non‐significant after adjustment.

Conclusion

Further research is needed but this study adds more evidence that occupational factors are associated with an increased risk and/or severity of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine.
Blood pressure variability and hemorrhagic transformation in patients with successful recanalization after endovascular recanalization therapy: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Park Hee‐Kwon , Kim Jeong‐Min , Lee Ji Sung , Park Soo‐Hyun , Jeong Hae‐Bong , Park Kwang‐Yeol , Rha Joung‐Ho , Yoon Byung‐Woo , Ko Sang‐Bae
Published: February 2019

Objective

Although blood pressure (BP) variability has been regarded as a risk factor for hemorrhagic transformation (HTF) after intravenous thrombolysis, its effect on HTF after endovascular recanalization therapy (ERT) remains to be elucidated. We aimed to study the relationship between BP variability and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after successful recanalization with ERT.

Methods

A total of 211 patients with acute ischemic stroke and successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b or 3) after ERT were included between January 2013 and May 2017. The BP data following ERT was obtained over the first 24 hours using parameters including mean, maximum, minimum, difference between maximum and minimum, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, successive variations, and time rate (TR) of BP variation for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP. sICH was defined as parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 with neurological deterioration of 4 points of more on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale.

Results

Among the included patients, 20 (9.5%) developed sICH after successful ERT. The parameters linked with BP fluctuation over time were significantly related to sICH. After adjusting for confounders, the TR of SBP (per 0.1 mmHg/min increase) variation was independently associated with sICH (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.013–2.886).

Interpretation

Time‐related BP variability in the first 24 hours following successful ERT was more correlated with sICH than other absolute BP levels. This suggests that maintaining a stable BP may be an important factor in preventing sICH after successful ERT. Ann Neurol 2019;85:574–581
Chiral Self‐Discrimination and Guest Recognition in Helicene‐Based Coordination Cages
Authors: Schulte Thorben R. , Holstein Julian J. , Clever Guido H.
Published: February 2019

Chiral nanosized confinements play a major role for enantioselective recognition and reaction control in biological systems. Supramolecular self‐assembly gives access to artificial mimics with tunable sizes and properties. Herein, a new family of [Pd2L4] coordination cages based on a chiral [6]helicene backbone is introduced. A racemic mixture of the bis‐monodentate pyridyl ligand L1 selectively assembles with PdII cations under chiral self‐discrimination to an achiral meso cage, cis‐[Pd2L1P2L1M2]. Enantiopure L1 forms homochiral cages [Pd2L1P/M4]. A longer derivative L2 forms chiral cages [Pd2L2P/M4] with larger cavities, which bind optical isomers of chiral guests with different affinities. Owing to its distinct chiroptical properties, this cage can distinguish non‐chiral guests of different lengths, as they were found to squeeze or elongate the cavity under modulation of the helical pitch of the helicenes. The CD spectroscopic results were supported by ion mobility mass spectrometry.
Diversified Cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder Reactions of 1,6‐Enynes through Bimetallic Relay Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Zheng Haifeng , Wang Yan , Xu Chaoran , Xiong Qian , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2019

We report the combination of transition‐metal‐catalyzed diversified cycloisomerization of 1,6‐enynes with chiral Lewis acid promoted asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction to realize asymmetric cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder relay reactions of 1,6‐enynes with electron‐deficient alkenes. A broad spectrum of chiral [5,6]‐bicyclic products could be acquired in high yields (up to 99 %) with excellent diastereoselectivy (>19:1 dr) and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee).
Coordination‐Induced Spin‐State Switching of an Aminyl‐Radical‐Bridged Nickel(II) Porphyrin Dimer between Doublet and Sextet States
Authors: Shimizu Daiki , Ide Yuki , Ikeue Takahisa , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: February 2019

A bis(NiII‐porphyrinyl)aminyl radical with meso‐C6F5 groups was prepared as a spin‐delocalized stable aminyl radical with a doublet spin state. Upon addition of pyridine, both NiII centers became hexacoordinated by accepting two axial pyridines, which triggered a spin‐state change of the NiII centers from diamagnetic (S=0) to paramagnetic (S=1). The resulting high‐spin NiII centers interact with the aminyl radical ferromagnetically to give rise to an overall sextet state (S=5/2). Importantly, this coordination‐induced spin‐state switching can be conducted in a reversible manner, in that washing of the high‐spin radical with aqueous hydrochloric acid regenerates the original doublet radical in good yield.
A recursive hierarchical parametric estimation algorithm for nonlinear systems described by Wiener‐Hammerstein models
Authors: Ghanmi Afef , Elloumi Mourad , Salhi Houda , Kamoun Samira
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a recursive hierarchical parametric estimation (RHPE) algorithm is proposed for stochastic nonlinear systems which can be described by Wiener‐Hammerstein (W‐H) mathematical models. The formulation of parameters estimation problem is based on the prediction error approach and the gradient techniques. The convergence analysis of the developed RHPE algorithm is derived using stochastic gradient‐based theory. Wiener‐Hammerstein hydraulic process is treated to prove the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Einfluss von Erschütterungen auf jungen Beton
Authors: Mähner Dietmar , Basler Felix , Hesselink Janik
Published: February 2019

Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit den Auswirkungen von Erschütterungen auf jungen Beton. Dabei lag der Fokus auf möglichen Veränderungen der Druckfestigkeit und Wassereindringtiefe. Hierzu wurden Betonproben entweder sechs, acht oder zehn Stunden nach der Betonage mit einer definierten Frequenz und einer gleichbleibenden Schwinggeschwindigkeit erschüttert. Insgesamt wurden im Rahmen der Untersuchung drei verschiedene Frequenzen (5 Hz, 20 Hz und 35 Hz) berücksichtigt.
Mixture and nonmixture cure fraction models assuming discrete lifetimes: Application to a pelvic sarcoma dataset
Authors: de Oliveira Ricardo Puziol , Menezes André F. B. , Mazucheli Josmar , Achcar Jorge A.
Published: February 2019

Different cure fraction models have been used in the analysis of lifetime data in presence of cured patients. This paper considers mixture and nonmixture models based on discrete Weibull distribution to model recurrent event data in presence of a cure fraction. The novelty of this study is the use of a discrete lifetime distribution in place of usual existing continuous lifetime distributions for lifetime data in presence of cured fraction, censored data, and covariates. In the verification of the fit of the proposed model it is proposed the use of randomized quantile residuals. An extensive simulation study is considered to evaluate the properties of the estimates of the parameters related to the proposed model. As an illustration of the proposed methodology, it is considered an application considering a medical dataset related to lifetimes in a retrospective cohort study conducted by Puchner et al. (2017) that consists of 147 consecutive cases with surgical treatment of a sarcoma of the pelvis between the years of 1980 and 2012.
Receptor‐guided 3D‐QSAR Study of Anilinoquinazolines as RET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Antagonists
Authors: Bhujbal Swapnil Pandurang , Balasubramanian Pavithra Kuruchi , Keretsu Seketoulie , Cho Seung Joo
Published: February 2019

A RET (Rearranged during transfection) kinase belongs to a receptor tyrosine kinase family. It plays a major role in development, maturation, survival, and maintenance of cells and tissues. Oncogenic activation of RET has been reported in numerous cancers. Thus, it is a significant therapeutic target for cancer. Present work covers docking and 3D‐QSAR techniques executed on anilinoquinazoline derivatives as RET kinase antagonists. Docking study recognized important active site amino acid residues like Leu730, Gly731, Gly733, Glu734, Ala807, Gly810, Ser811, and Asp874 which inhibits the RET kinase. In 3D‐QSAR technique, receptor‐guided CoMFA (q2 = 0.723, NOC = 5, r2 = 0.980) as well as CoMSIA (q2 = 0.767, NOC = 6, r2 = 0.967) models were produced. The stabilities of these models were evaluated using diverse validation techniques. Contour maps showed that steric and hydrogen bond donor substitutions are favored at R1 and R2 positions whereas positive and negative substitutions are favored at the R1 position to enhance the potency. In addition, the substitution of H‐bond accepting group to the region which is close to both phenyl and piperazine is favored. Hence, the outcome of this study could be beneficial to design more potent inhibitors for RET kinase.
Serum folate receptor α (sFR) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and surveillance
Authors: Farran Batoul , Albayrak Samet , Abrams Judith , Tainsky Michael A. , Levin Nancy K. , Morris Robert , Matherly Larry H. , Ratnam Manohar , Winer Ira
Published: February 2019

Novelty and Impact Statement: Our findings suggest that soluble folate receptor (sFR) could be used in both the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer. Our cohort constitutes one of the largest comparison groups for sFR analyzed so far. We have defined the background level of sFR using healthy volunteers. This is also the first study to prospectively follow patients in the surveillance setting to concurrently identify differential changes in tumor markers CA‐125 and sFR.
HIV‐1 infection modulates IL‐24 expression which contributes to cell apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Strumillo Scheilla Teixeira , Curcio Marli Ferreira , de Carvalho Fábio Ferreira , Sucupira MariaCecília Araripe , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Monteiro Hugo Pequeno , Janini Luiz Mário Ramos
Published: February 2019

Although interleukin‐24 (IL‐24) has been extensively explored in the immunopathologies of autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and infections, its role in HIV‐1 infection has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the gene and protein expressions of IL‐24 at the initial moments of HIV infection in PBMCs. Due to the pro‐apoptotic role of IL‐24, we evaluated the protein expression of caspase‐3, as well as Annexin V/Propidium Iodide flow cytometry and phosphorylation of ERK, which may induce an apoptotic signal block when phosphorylated. The results of this study demonstrated that HIV‐1 infection had an impact on the gene and protein expressions of IL‐24 and ERK. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide assay demonstrated decrease in the mechanisms of apoptosis in infected cells after incubation of IL‐24 neutralizing antibody. Studies on how HIV‐1 regulates IL‐24 expression may play a role in characterizing viral persistence mechanisms and designing antiretroviral strategies.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐I promotes hepatic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells
Authors: Shabani Azandaryani Zahra , Davoodian Nahid , Samiei Afshin , Rouzbehan Sahere
Published: February 2019

There are numerous studies which provide support for the use of human adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (hASCs) to generate hepatocyte‐like cells. However, the produced cells exhibit only a certain level of differentiation, mainly due to inefficient induction conditions. Therefore, based on the important role of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐I) in hepatic function and development, in the current study we evaluated the differentiation efficacy of the mentioned factor to induce hASCs into functional hepatocyte‐like cells. To investigate this, using a two‐step protocol, hASCs were treated with a combination of HGF, Dex, and OSM in the presence or absence of IGF‐I up to 21 days. Hepatic differentiation was evaluated by analyzing specific hepatocyte markers at different time points of differentiation induction. Increased expression of hepatocyte‐specific genes including ALB, AFP, CK18, and HNF4a, downregulation of bile duct cells marker (CK19), the higher number of ALB positive cells, increased urea production together with higher glycogen deposit was observed upon the treatment of hASCs with the induction medium containing IGF‐I compared to the other treatment. In conclusion, our findings suggest IGF‐I as a potent inducer of hepatic differentiation of hASCs and its potential to generate more functional hepatocyte‐like cells.
Expression of proteins related to thyroid hormone function in the uterus is down‐regulated at the day of implantation in hypothyroid pregnant rats
Authors: Salleh Naguib , Sayem Abu Sadat Md , Giribabu Nelli , Khaing Si Lay
Published: February 2019

Hypothyroidism has been linked to infertility, but the mechanisms underlying infertility‐related hypothyroidism have yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, in this study, effects of hypothyroidism on expression of the proteins related to thyroid hormone function in the uterus, which were thought to play a role implantation, including thyroid hormone receptor (TR), thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and extracellular kinase (ERK) were identified. Pregnant female rats were rendered hypothyroid by giving methimazole (MMI), orally. Following hypothyroid induction, rats were grouped into control (non‐treated) and received subcutaneous thyroxine at 20, 40, and 80 μg/kg/day for five consecutive days. At Day 6, which is the day of implantation (GD 6), rats were sacrificed and the number of embryo implantation site in the uterus was calculated. Then, uterine horns were harvested and expression of the above proteins and their mRNAs were identified by Western blotting and real‐time PCR, respectively. In non‐treated hypothyroid pregnant rats, the number of embryo implantation sites decreased as compared to euthyroid and hypothyroid rats receiving thyroxine treatment. Similarly, expression of TRα‐1, TRβ‐1, TSHR, ERK1/2 and RAR proteins and mRNA in the uterus of non‐treated hypothyroid rats also decreased (P < 0.05 when compared to euthyroid and thyroxine‐treated hypothyroid rats). In conclusion, downregulated expression of the thyroid hormone related proteins in the uterus at the day of implantation might result in infertility as reported in hypothyroid condition.
Role of allograft inflammatory factor‐1 in the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress in primary peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Zhou Yinan , Li Xin , Yuan Xueying , Hao Lirong
Published: February 2019

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often used to treat patients with end stage renal disease, and its long‐term complications include excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF‐1), as a cytoplasmic protein, is originally identified from infiltrating macrophages, and it was associated with inflammation in the cells other than macrophages, such as endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of AIF‐1‐modulated pathological changes in the peritoneum during PD, we first detected the AIF‐1 expression in peritoneal tissues from PD mice. Results revealed that the pro‐fibrotic stimulation caused AIF‐1 upregulation and triggered inflammation in peritoneal tissues, and that AIF‐1 co‐expressed with pan‐cytokeratin (a marker of peritoneal mesothelial cells). We next treated primary mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells (pan‐cytokeratin and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 positive cells) with 50 or 100 ng/mL recombinant AIF‐1, and evaluated the direct effects of AIF‐1 on these cells in vitro. We found that exogenous AIF‐1 treatment induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mesothelial cells. Apart from the augmented IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion, the level of ROS was upregulated and the activity of anti‐oxidative SOD was reduced in cells exposed to AIF‐1. Moreover, AIF‐1 simulation triggered the activation of NF‐κB pathway—enhanced the conversion of IκB to phosphorylated IκB and promoted the translocation of NF‐κB p65 from cytoplasm into nucleus. Additionally, AIF‐1‐evoked inflammation in peritoneal mesothelial cells was attenuated by the addition of NF‐κB inhibitor (BAY 11–7082). In brief, this study provides us novel information to understand the molecular regulation mechanisms of AIF‐1 in peritoneal fibrosis.
Polar Order, Mirror Symmetry Breaking, and Photoswitching of Chirality and Polarity in Functional Bent‐Core Mesogens
Authors: Alaasar Mohamed , Prehm Marko , Belau Sebastian , Sebastián Nerea , Kurachkina Marharyta , Eremin Alexey , Chen Changlong , Liu Feng , Tschierske Carsten
Published: February 2019

In recent years, liquid crystals (LCs) responding to light or electrical fields have gained significant importance as multifunctional materials. Herein, two new series of photoswitchable bent‐core liquid crystals (BCLCs) derived from 4‐cyanoresorcinol as the central core connected to an azobenzene based wing and a phenyl benzoate wing are reported. The self‐assembly of these molecules was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing light microscopy (POM), electro‐optical, dielectric, second harmonic generation (SHG) studies, and XRD. Depending on the direction of the COO group in the phenyl benzoate wing, core‐fluorination, temperature, and the terminal alkyl chain length, cybotactic nematic and lamellar (smectic) LC phases were observed. The coherence length of the ferroelectric fluctuations increases continuously with decreasing temperature and adopts antipolar correlation upon the condensation into superparaelectric states of the paraelectric smectic phases. Finally, long‐range polar order develops at distinct phase transitions; first leading to polarization modulated and then to nonmodulated antiferroelectric smectic phases. Conglomerates of chiral domains were observed in the high permittivity ranges of the synclinic tilted paraelectric smectic phases of these achiral molecules, indicating mirror symmetry breaking. Fine‐tuning of the molecular structure leads to photoresponsive bent‐core (BC)LCs exhibiting a fast and reversible photoinduced change of the mode of the switching between ferroelectric‐ and antiferroelectric‐like as well as a light‐induced switching between an achiral and a spontaneous mirror‐symmetry‐broken LC phase.
Altered Lipid Composition of Secretory Cells Following Exposure to Zinc Can Be Correlated to Changes in Exocytosis
Authors: Ren Lin , Dowlatshahi Pour Masoumeh , Malmberg Per , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: February 2019

A micromolar concentration of zinc has been shown to significantly change the dynamics of exocytosis as well as the vesicle contents in a model cell line, providing direct evidence that zinc regulates neurotransmitter release. To provide insight into how zinc modulates these exocytotic processes, neurotransmitter release and vesicle content were compared with single cell amperometry and intracellular impact vesicle cytometry with a range of zinc concentrations. Additionally, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) images of lipid distributions in the cell membrane after zinc treatment correlate to changes in exocytosis. By combining electrochemical techniques and mass spectrometry imaging, we proposed a mechanism by which zinc changes the fusion pore and the rate of neurotransmitter release by changing lipid distributions and results in the modulation of synaptic strength and plasticity.
The SepSELSA‐Project – How Rare Earths are Recovered from Fluorescence Lamps
Authors: Lorenz Tom , Bertau Martin
Published: February 2019

Die 17 Elemente der Seltenen Erden, mit Namen wie Neodym, Dysprosium oder Europium, sind den meisten Menschen kaum ein Begriff. Sie sind jedoch ein unentbehrlicher Bestandteil aller Smartphones, Computer, Lautsprecher, LEDs, Leuchtstofflampen und Elektromotoren. Wie diese besondere Gruppe an Metallen aus alten Leuchtstoffröhren zurückgewonnen werden kann, wurde im SepSELSA‐Projekt eingehend untersucht. Dabei kommt eine einfache, aber ungewöhnliche Methode zum Einsatz: die Feststoffchlorierung. Am Beispiel des Seltenerdrecyclings aus Leuchtstoffröhren lässt sich eindrucksvoll zeigen, wie die Entwicklung eines umweltfreundlichen Verfahrens funktioniert und welche Herausforderungen dabei bewältigt werden müssen.
Electrowinning of zinc – a model experiment for the understanding of process routes in mining and recycling
Authors: Brinkmann Jochen , Sommer Petra , Kähler Jörg
Published: February 2019

Die Technische Universität Clausthal (TUC) ist Partner des Projekts RawMattersAmbassadors@Schools, in welchem Unterrichtseinheiten zum Thema Rohstoffe entwickelt werden. Hier stellen wir ein Experiment zur Zinkelektrolyse vor; es illustriert exemplarisch den Wert von Legierungen und den hohen Energie‐, Wasser‐ und Chemikalieneinsatz zur Darstellung der Metalle. In Schulworkshops werden Prozessketten – vom Erz oder Elektronikschrott zum Metall – erläutert und an Modellexperimentierstationen erlebbar gemacht und in Projekttagen um Werksbesichtigungen (French Process, Norzinco, Goslar) ergänzt.
Warfarin and Vitamin K
Authors: SUTTlE J. W.
Published: February 2019

Warfarin and other 4‐hydroxycoumarins are effective antithrombotic agents. They affect four blood coagulation proteins that act sequentially to produce thrombin. Coumarin therapy decreases the biological activity of these proteins, and therefore decreases the rate at which blood clots. As the mechanism by which these drugs act has become clear, it has also been found that vitamin K will overcome the effects of coumarin anticoagulation and can be used to control bleeding side effects of coumarin therapy. Vitamin K is necessary for activity of a liver enzyme, the vitamin K‐dependent carboxylase. A second enzyme that recycles an inactive to an active form of the vitamin is inhibited by coumarins. The ability of other liver enzymes to bypass the coumarin‐sensitive step greatly enhances the safety of 4‐hydroxycoumarins.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Prophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Treatment—Lessons from Orthopedic Studies
Authors: PAIEMENT G. D. , DESAUTELS C.
Published: February 2019

Orthopedic surgery patients are at high risk of developing thromboembolic disease simply by the very nature of the procedures they undergo even if no other risk factor is present. In unprotected total hip replacement patients, the incidence of fatal pulmonary embolism is at least 2% and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis reaches 50%. Noninvasive screening methods for deep vein thrombosis such as cuff impedance phlebography and fibrinogen scanning have been proved accurate in patients with suspected symptomatic deep vein thrombosis. In asymptomatic but high‐risk total hip replacement patients, however, these methods have a combined sensitivity of only 23%. Radiological venography still remains the screening method of choice in these patients. Low‐dose warfarin prophylaxis reduces the incidence of deep vein thrombosis to 16% and lowers the risk of major bleeding complications tenfold over the traditional higher dose warfarin. It also enhances protection against proximal thormbi compared to dextran, aspirin, or external pneumatic compression. When low‐dose warfarin is used for 12 weeks after total hip replacement without routine venography, it drastically reduces fatal pulmonary embolism (no cases in 268 consecutive patients). This prophylactic regimen is also safe in terms of bleeding complications before and after patient discharge. Finally, it is very cost effective: a saving of $176,000 in treating 268 patients compared with routine venogmphy.
Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: An Overview
Authors: MOSHER D. F.
Published: February 2019

Recent advances in the understanding of blood coagulation provide strong evidence that exposure of tissue factor is the "match" which initiates blood coagulation. A novel plasma protease inhibitor, called EPI or LACI, effectively extinguishes this "match," leaving Factors IXa, VIII, X, V, and II to function as a "fuse." Activated Factors IX, X, and II are controlled by heparinenhancable protease inhibitors. Activated Factors VIII and V are destroyed by the protein CIS system. Fibrinolysis is largely cell‐based and controlled by differential secretion of plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitors.
Comparison of Electrokinetic Remediation on Lead‐Contaminated Kaolinite and Natural Soils
Authors: Li Chao , Hou Huijie , Yang Jiakuan , Liang Sha , Shi Yafei , Guan Ruonan , Hu Yong , Wu Xu , Hu Jingping , Wang Linling
Published: February 2019

Both contaminated natural soil and simulated contaminated kaolinite have been used for electrokinetic remediation (EKR) of toxic metal(s). The objectives of this study are to make a comparison on the EKR performance between lead‐contaminated natural soil (NatSoil) and simulated lead‐contaminated kaolinite (KlnSoil), and to explore the intrinsic mechanism for the discrepancy between these two cases. Results show that the EKR process on NatSoil failed to achieve effective Pb enrichment in any soil section (in total four) with either KNO3 or EDTA‐2Na as the catholyte. However, enrichment ratios (C/C0) of 2.11 and 4.45 are achieved on KlnSoil with the above two electrolytes, respectively. The speciation of Pb in different soil samples, 55.81% of Pb in reducible fraction in NatSoil and 85.06% of Pb in exchangeable and soluble fraction in KlnSoil, are attributed to the significant differences of remediation. The mineral components, cation exchange capacity, acid/base buffering capacity are more complex than that of KlnSoil, hindering the desorption and migration of Pb2+. Increasing the voltage from 2 to 4 V cm−1, pre‐saturating the soil sample with EDTA‐2Na instead of deionized water and prolonging the treatment time from 240 to 480 h successfully enhance the enrichment ratio of Pb at the third soil section to 2.44, 1.70, and 1.69, respectively. The energy consumptions of the remediation processes are also evaluated. Overall, pre‐saturating the soil samples with EDTA‐2Na is the optimal strategy for NatSoil considering the balance between the remediation efficiency and energy consumption.
Describing natural colors with Munsell and NCS color systems
Authors: Pastilha Ruben C. , Linhares João M.M. , Rodrigues Ana I.C. , Nascimento Sérgio M.C.
Published: February 2019

The Munsell Color System and the Natural Color System are widely used but they have some limitations due to the manufacturing process and sampling choices. To estimate quantitatively these limitations we compared the colors of natural scenes with the colors represented by these systems under a wide range of illuminants. Spectral data from the two systems and from natural scenes were used in the analysis. It was found that a considerable portion of natural colors are not accounted by these systems, mainly colors with low lightness levels. Under D65 the Munsell Color System color volume corresponds to 72% of the Natural Color System color volume which in turn represents only 53% of the natural scenes color volume. If individual colors are considered, less than half are contained within these systems. To obtain a complete match to the natural colors contained by the color systems thresholds of 7 and 5 CIELAB units would be required for Munsell Color System and Natural Color System, respectively. Variations with the illuminant are generally modest showing that both system work similarly across different illuminations. Although these Color Systems have limitations in describing low lightness colors they perform quite well for medium to high levels of lightness.
The risk of mortality among people with type 2 diabetes in Latin America: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of population‐based cohort studies
Authors: Carrillo‐Larco Rodrigo M. , Barengo Noël C. , Albitres‐Flores Leonardo , Bernabe‐Ortiz Antonio
Published: February 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high mortality risk, although the magnitude of this association remains unknown in Latin America (LA). We aimed to assess the strength of the association between T2DM and all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in population‐based cohort studies in LA.

Systematic review and meta‐analysis: inclusion criteria were (1) men and women 18 years old and above with T2DM; (2) study outcomes all‐cause and/or cause‐specific mortality; and (3) using people without T2DM as comparison group. Five databases (Scopus, Medline, Embase, Global Health, and LILACS) were searched. Risk of bias was evaluated with the ROBINS‐I criteria. Initially, there were 979 identified studies, of which 17 were selected for qualitative synthesis; 14 were included in the meta‐analysis (N = 416 821). Self‐reported T2DM showed a pooled relative risk (RR) of 2.49 for all‐causes mortality (I‐squared [I2] = 85.7%, p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96‐3.15). T2DM based on a composite definition was associated with a 2.26‐fold higher all‐cause mortality (I2 = 93.9%, p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.36‐3.74). The pooled risk estimates were similar between men and women, although higher at younger ages. The pooled RR for cardiovascular mortality was 2.76 (I2 = 59.2%; p < 0.061; 95% CI, 1.99‐3.82) and for renal mortality 15.85 (I2 = 0.00%; p < 0.645; 95% CI, 9.82‐25.57). Using available population‐based cohort studies, this work has identified and estimated the strength of the association between T2DM and mortality in LA. The higher mortality risk compared with high‐income countries deserves close attention from health policies makers and clinicians to improve diabetes care and control hence preventing complications and delaying death.
Half a century of multiple anthropogenic stressors has altered northern forest understory plant communities
Authors: Hedwall Per‐Ola , Gustafsson Lena , Brunet Jörg , Lindbladh Matts , Axelsson Anna‐Lena , Strengbom Joachim
Published: February 2019

Boreal forests form the largest and least disturbed forest biome in the northern hemisphere. However, anthropogenic pressure from intensified forest management, eutrophication, and climate change may alter the ecosystem functions of understory vegetation and services boreal forests provide. Swedish forests span long gradients of climate, nitrogen deposition, and management intensity. This makes them ideal to study how the species composition and functions of other, more pristine, boreal forests might change under increased anthropogenic pressure. Moreover, the National Forest Inventory (NFI) has collected systematic data on Swedish forest vegetation since the mid‐20th century. We use this data to quantify changes in vegetation types between two periods, 1953–1962 and 2003–2012. The results show changes in forest understory vegetation since the 1950s at scales not previously documented in the boreal biome. The spatial extent of most vegetation types changed significantly. Shade‐adapted and nutrient‐demanding species (those with high specific leaf area) have become more common at the expense of light‐demanding and nutrient‐conservative (low specific leaf area) species. The cover of ericaceous dwarf shrubs decreased dramatically. These effects were strongest where anthropogenic impacts were greatest, suggesting links to drivers such as nitrogen deposition and land‐use change. These changes may impact ecosystem functions and services via effects on higher trophic levels and faster plant litter decomposition in the expanding vegetation types. This, in turn, may influence nutrient dynamics, and consequently ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration.
Results of disseminating an online screen for eating disorders across the U.S.: Reach, respondent characteristics, and unmet treatment need
Authors: Fitzsimmons‐Craft Ellen E. , Balantekin Katherine N. , Graham Andrea K. , Smolar Lauren , Park Dan , Mysko Claire , Funk Burkhardt , Taylor C. Barr , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The treatment gap between those who need and those who receive care for eating disorders is wide. Scaling a validated, online screener that makes individuals aware of the significance of their symptoms/behaviors is a crucial first step for increasing access to care. The objective of the current study was to determine the reach of disseminating an online eating disorder screener in partnership with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), as well to examine the probable eating disorder diagnostic and risk breakdown of adult respondents. We also assessed receipt of any treatment.

Method

Participants completed a validated eating disorder screen on the NEDA website over 6 months in 2017.

Results

Of 71,362 respondents, 91.0% were female, 57.7% 18–24 years, 89.6% non‐Hispanic, and 84.7% White. Most (86.3%) screened positive for an eating disorder. In addition, 10.2% screened as high risk for the development of an eating disorder, and only 3.4% as not at risk. Of those screening positive for an eating disorder, 85.9% had never received treatment and only 3.0% were currently in treatment.

Discussion

The NEDA online screen may represent an important eating disorder detection tool, as it was completed by >71,000 adult respondents over just 6 months, the majority of whom screened positive for a clinical/subclinical eating disorder. The extremely high percentage of individuals screening positive for an eating disorder who reported not being in treatment suggests a wide treatment gap and the need to offer accessible, affordable, evidence‐based intervention options, directly linked with screening.